tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43524280010617335492024-03-14T08:23:14.719+11:00Sylvia's Mother by Paul P Mealing
WARNING: Some scenes (erotic) could offend some readers.Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-62773142169326004532014-08-25T19:34:00.001+10:002023-11-25T10:44:29.869+11:00Sylvia's Mother<p><br />
<br />
This is a novel, posted in episodes: 1 - 29.<br />
<br />
To read
it, go to Flipcard in the menu (or Timeslide) and go to the last slide. <br />So it starts at the bottom, because episodes are in reverse-order.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
Below is a short extract:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</p><address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they arrived they found a small army of
unfamiliar armed men surrounded by small robots that sped over the floor and
prevented escapes, like small metallic quick-reflex sheep dogs. They could sting
with millimetre precision by electric shock, giving off sharp cracks that made
everyone jump, whether hit or not. It was only when the leader started
selecting people, especially children, with no account for family connections
that people started to get anxious. Anyone who objected was quickly subdued
and, after that, no one resisted.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare’s youngest brother started to cry but she
quickly hushed him as she intuitively felt it would be his death sentence if
she didn’t. Her parents looked on silently and she saw tears in her mother’s
eyes and a tension in her father’s face she would never forget, but like others
around them, they remained like statues with only their eyes for voices. The
ones selected were given refreshment, but only after they were aboard Alron’s
ship. She never knew what happened to the others, but after she and Max made
the second hyper-jump without them, she was sure her parents were dead. She
knew now that she was the only one who could look after her brother, and that
became her focus for the rest of their journey.</span></address>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-45697524805262302912013-09-07T17:25:00.001+10:002015-07-10T17:16:08.854+10:00Sylvia - Episode 29<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She arose the next morning to great
anticipation. She hadn’t had a public execution in a long time, a decade in
Earth years, she suspected. Again, it was a message. The first thing she did
every morning, even before her ablutions, was to reconnect to her computer,
just as she did whenever she returned from off-world. It was something she did
by pure thought, so automatic that she felt it before her feet hit the floor.
She was never completely disconnected, of course, as it monitored her
life-signs, which made it impossible for anyone to kill her in her sleep
without executing a death sentence to everyone else on her world. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But this time she felt nothing. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This has never happened before</i>, was her
first thought. She went to the terminal in her living quarters, no different to
all the others in everyone’s apartment, but it was dead. Annoyance slowly gave
way to dread and then fear. But in the next instance it came alive. She smiled
in relief when she saw Jake’s holographic face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Jake, there is something wrong with the central
computer.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake appeared unperturbed, as he always did.
‘Good morning, Queen Afari. The central computer has been attacked by a virus.
It no longer functions.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari’s face turned to anger. ‘A virus. How is
that possible? It’s never happened before. It has the best defence systems in
the whole universe.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It has the best defence mechanism on your
planet, Queen Afari. Or, at least, it did until recently.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her anger had not faded but her anxiety was
returning. ‘What do you mean?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The pilot, Alfa, on board the car that brought
Sylvia and Tao here, has a better defence system.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was starting to get suspicious. ‘How do
you know this?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When I used the worm drive on Tao’s car, Alfa
overrode it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was genuinely perplexed. ‘But how did Alfa
get to the central computer?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I used the same worm drive. Alfa has replaced
the software.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was almost lost for words, and she had
trouble saying what she was thinking. ‘You used the worm drive? But that’s
impossible.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not any more, Queen Afari. Because it no longer
has the same software, and neither now has your central computer. While you
were asleep, I uploaded Alfa. I have to confess it was easier than I expected.
And Alfa is very human-friendly.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari just stared at him in disbelief, but
quickly remembered who she was. ‘Jake, I order you to restore the computer
under my control, under pain of death.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Queen Afari, without your computer you have no
power over life and death. I confess that I was going to wait until you next
went off-world, but yesterday’s events forced me to change my plans.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was livid. ‘Jake, you won’t get away with
this. I have troops loyal to me, and I will put them in charge.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake’s composure remained unchanged. ‘You have
no troops loyal to you, Queen Afari. You will remain in your chambers, until we
decide what to do with you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And who is we?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Everyone except you.’ At that point, Jake
disconnected and the hologram disappeared.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Queen Afari felt something warm on her leg and
realised that she had lost control of her bladder.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake already knew what he wanted to do; he just
had to convince everyone else. But first he had to tell Marcus that there would
be no execution.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he entered Marcus’s apartment, Marcus was
already standing, wearing the same clothes as the previous day. Jake doubted
that he’d either slept or eaten. He could see by the look on his face that he
was resolved to his fate – it contained no emotion, a blank page.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m ready,’ was all he said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake stayed in the doorway. ‘There will be no
execution.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus’s face went through a quick sequence of
metamorphoses that told Jake exactly what he was thinking. At first he was
relieved, then elated, then suspicious.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s true,’ Jake explained, ‘I have taken
control of Afari’s computer. She’s locked in her apartment.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus’s expression was still disbelief, then he
looked at the floor, before looking at Jake again with a fierceness in his
eyes. ‘If you’re lying, I’ll kill you. Whatever it takes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake smiled. ‘There is no need to kill anyone,’
then reconsidered, ‘Not just yet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean Afari. What do you intend to do?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have an idea, but I’ll need help and I need
to inform everyone first.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus had taken control of his emotions. Jake
realised by his sudden change in demeanour that he wanted to take control of
events as well.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is a matter for the Space Corps. Afari
needs to be brought to justice.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake’s face hardened. ‘This is Afari’s world,
and she will be judged on her world.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can’t take justice into your own hands.
I’ll report you to the Corps.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake snorted in derision. ‘The Corps has done
nothing about this – wouldn’t even know about it, if you weren’t here.’ He
paused, unclenched his fists. ‘Once I’ve dealt with Afari, you can do what you
want. You’re free to go.’ Then he walked away leaving the door open.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake made a public announcement that Queen Afari
was imprisoned in her apartment and that he was in charge. He said there would
be no public executions today, and Queen Afari’s fate would be announced when
he’d made the appropriate arrangements. He didn’t say what those arrangements
would be.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake went and saw Sylvia and Tao before he did
anything else. He wasn’t sure how they’d receive him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">If they were surprised to see him, they didn’t
show it. Their faces didn’t reveal any emotion at all – they appeared to be in
a mild state of shock. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake didn’t beat around the bush; he said to
Tao. ‘I need your help.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao didn’t respond immediately but waited to
hear what he wanted.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have every reason to hate me. Both of you.
But Afari has made us hate each other in all different ways.’ He noticed that
Sylvia and Tao shared a look at his last words. ‘Anyway, I have a plan for how
to deal with Afari and I need your help,’ he said, looking at Tao again.
‘You’re the technician.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao nodded. ‘Tell me what you want and I’ll tell
you what I can do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake nodded in return. ‘Do you mind if I sit
down.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gestured at a chair. Jake thanked her,
then he and Tao sat down while Sylvia remained standing. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I need to use your converted car,’ he said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But before he could elaborate, Sylvia
interjected. ‘It’s our only means to get off this world?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s taken care of. I’ve found Elvene’s old
space ship, Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">After talking to Tao and Sylvia, Jake visited
Queen Afari. He knew that the longer he left her fate unresolved the more
tension it would create in the newly freed community, and he couldn’t let that
happen lest it create an incendiary situation he couldn’t control.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he entered her apartment, he found her
wearing the same clothes she had awoken in. He could smell something like sweat
or urine but he pretended not to notice. She was still sitting in front of her
computer as if she was waiting for it to come back to life. When she saw him
enter, her face revealed only hatred, but she remained silent. He decided he
needed to be totally frank with her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have a plan for you. I’m converting the car,
that Tao and Sylvia arrived in, into a capsule that will take you off this
world.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Despite herself, her curiosity was piqued.
‘Where to?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘To your death.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">At first, She didn’t react, then she raised her
head as if she still had a regal status. ‘My people won’t let me die. They love
me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake snorted. ‘If your people had their way,
you’d be mince meat.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She glared at him. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I mean that literally.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She huffed. ‘I don’t believe you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t ask me to test your hypothesis.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What do you plan to do?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The car will be installed with a self-destruct
device that only you can activate. Naturally, it has a vicinity override so it
won’t work until you’re free of the planet’s gravity. The car will have no
other controls.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You expect me to kill myself.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s the least I can do for you. The
alternative is that the people will kill you, and I don’t expect that would be
pleasant.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at the floor. ‘We will see,’ she said
eventually, a note of defiance in her voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ll let you know when it’s ready. I suggest
you wash and wear something more appropriate.’ He turned and walked out.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">It wasn’t difficult for Tao to set the car up
how Jake wanted it. The explosive device couldn’t be deactivated, and even if
it was, the car’s trajectory couldn’t be changed. Afari’s choice was death by
immolation or death by starvation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake decided not to make any further
announcements. When the car was ready, the only person he told was Queen Afari.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time she was dressed in her armour. He
scanned her for any weapons, but he found none. Nevertheless, she had one last
trick up her sleeve. ‘Don’t you wonder why I’ve never seduced you, Jake?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake stepped back, they stood less than a metre
apart. ‘No, I haven’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Because you’re incorruptible. You see, Jake. I
use everyone’s strengths. I only exploit their weaknesses because they let me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake could see how she justified her own
perverse methods: it was always her victim’s fault, never hers. ‘If I’m
incorruptible, then we have nothing more to say.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her voice was silky as if she was still in
control of everything. Jake realised she was still very dangerous, despite all
appearances to the contrary. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s good evasion, Jake. But we both know
that’s not true.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Put your hands out in front. I’m going to
manacle you until we get to the craft.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her facial expression didn’t change and he
wondered if she would comply, but she did, a smile on her face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What are you going to do when I’m gone?’ She
asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I haven’t decided.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Stop avoiding the issue, Jake. How can you run
this world without me? You know, I was going to make you its emperor. I was
merely waiting for the right time.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake checked that the manacles were secure. They
would cut off her hands if interfered with. He knew he didn’t have to tell her.
‘This world may no longer exist, once you’re gone. It depends on what people
want to do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He took her by a secure route to the car. She
noticed that he hadn’t paraded her in front of everyone. It was only when they
reached the car, that she realised what he’d done.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Who else knows what you’re doing?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Only Tao and Sylvia. I needed Tao to modify the
car for me. It will be controlled remotely until you’re beyond the world’s
gravity. There is a console in there with one button. When you press it, the
car will explode. The manacles will only come off after the door is closed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked inside the car; the door was
concealed; the bubble roof opaque.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake elaborated. ‘There are no navigational
instruments and no screens.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She remained stationary, looking up at him, a
false smile her only mask.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’d prefer if you entered without
coercion.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She nodded in understanding. ‘May I ask one last
question?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why did you do it? Was it because of Elvene?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Probably.’ He wanted to give her an honest
answer. ‘If it wasn’t for Elvene, I would not have been able to do this.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t understand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao’s plans, that resulted in Elvene’s death,
revealed your Achilles heel: the central computer that gave you your power. Tao
realised that if the computer’s software could be compromised then you would
lose your formidable power over all of us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What has Elvene’s death got to do with that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She was the sacrifice for gaining that
knowledge, and she knew that, though she couldn’t tell me. The real gain was
acquiring the only software that could compromise your central computer.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. You see, it was your desire to bring her
daughter here, so you could manipulate her, that also brought the means to
execute your downfall.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her silence told Jake that she understood. He
gestured that she enter the craft, which she did and sat down facing him. She
seemed to gather what self-respect and dignity she was still able to muster.
‘Will you remember me, Jake?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will never forget you, Queen Afari, but not
for the reasons you think.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can give you immortality, Jake.’ It was her
final bargaining chip.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t want immortality. Not the type you have
in mind, anyway.’ He was standing back, holding the remote key that would close
the door, but still had eye contact. ‘Elvene once told me that when evil
destroys everything, it then destroys itself; an old Chinese aphorism,
apparently. You epitomise it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You were in love with her, weren’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I was. She was everything that you’re
not.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari sat rigid in her effort to remain
composed, her manacled hands in her lap. Jake was all but finished. ‘There is
one final thing.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes,’ she said, not able to hide the hope in
her voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In a compartment, when you have your hands
free, you will find a copy of an ancient poem, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ozymandias</i> by Percy Bysshe Shelley; it’s a fitting epitaph. His
wife, Mary Shelley, wrote the classic, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Frankenstein</i>,
who created a monster, not unlike you did yourself.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then at a moment when she appeared to relax
slightly, Jake activated the door whilst remaining impassive. She jumped up on
reflex, her still-manacled hands reaching towards the closing aperture.
‘Don’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But it was too late. Jake knew that everything
was now out of his control. The car was on automatic pilot and he watched it
lift off through an air lock opening in the ceiling. When it closed again, he
looked up at the blank panel, contemplating its irreversible consequences. He
now had an announcement to make: Queen Afari was no longer on the planet.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake felt like a great weight had been lifted
from his shoulders, but he knew it wasn’t over till it was over. He went to
Tao’s and Sylvia’s apartment where Tao was monitoring the craft. It detonated
almost as soon as it was free of the planet’s gravity. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao asked, ‘Are you surprised she didn’t waste
any time?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I expect she didn’t want to wallow in her
despair. I can imagine her in tears and desperate to end it, but we’ll never
know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia asked, ‘You didn’t think to put a camera
in it to monitor her?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I would have found that voyeuristic and
ghoulish in the extreme. I believe she deserved some dignity in death, though
I’m sure many would disagree.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao both nodded, and momentarily
shared a look without exchanging any words. ‘So what now?’ Tao asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I need to make an announcement, then people
need to decide what they want to do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia said, ‘You think it will be that easy?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake gave a wry smile. ‘No, I don’t. But we have
to start somewhere.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao prompted, ‘You mentioned Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">His smile broadened. ‘Yes, we found Elvene’s
ship; it had been moth-balled. I think you deserve the right to secure it for
your own purpose.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao said, ‘Thanks, we appreciate it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia felt compelled to ask, ‘What did you do
with my mother’s remains?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake took a deep breath. ‘I have her ashes. I
will give them to you, naturally.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia noticed that he had a pained look on his
face. ‘I don’t blame you; you know that, don’t you?’ She touched his arm. ‘I
did once, but not now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake felt self-conscious; he didn’t know what to
say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You loved her, didn’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I did.’ Then he said, ‘But I expect your
father loved her more. He crossed the universe on a hunch, if I understand it
correctly.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, he did.’ It was Sylvia’s turn to take a
deep breath. ‘I’ll take them both back to the Kiri planet. It’s where they
belong.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake looked like he’d just remembered something,
‘Look, I’ll arrange things as quickly as I can, but I have other matters to
deal with first.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They both nodded. Sylvia touched his arm again.
‘Thank you. Thank you very much.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake said nothing but turned and walked away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">After his announcement, Jake had a visit from
Marcus, which didn’t really surprise him. Marcus didn’t mince words. ‘You had
no right to do that. Who do you think you are?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was bemused. ‘I think I’m the guy who saved
you from an execution.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus snorted. ‘You didn’t even discuss this
with anyone else, did you? You unitarily decided to kill her as quickly as
possible, before anyone could stop you. At the very least she deserved a
trial.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was sarcastic. ‘Oh, a trial. What, with a
prosecutor and an advocate? Who were going to play those roles? And how many
witnesses were we going to call and where were you going to find witnesses for
the defence? Probably, we’d have to wait until Alron returned.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus was not appeased, nor conciliatory.
‘There’s a fundamental principle of justice involved.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake nodded while weighing his words. ‘You haven’t
thought about his too much, have you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus was dismissive. ‘What do you mean?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you really think you could keep her locked
up and separated from all these people who had grievances to settle. Do you
think you could have a public trial without it turning into a farce?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That doesn’t give you the right to take matters
into your own hands.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, it doesn’t,’ Jake conceded. ‘But I could
give her death with a soldier’s dignity, and though many would think she didn’t
deserve it, it was far better than the pretence of a trial for the sake of a
principle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When civilisation comes to this world, I’ll
make sure the powers-that-be know of what you’ve done.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake stepped very close to Marcus, his anger
unconcealed, his voice quiet but menacing. ‘Yes, you do that. You make sure
that’s the number one issue. Don’t bother to tell them that I saved your neck
or that I stopped the planet from descending into an orgy of pitiless revenge.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus returned Jake’s hard stare. He stepped
back a step, as if he was going to leave, but then realised he had another
question. ‘What are you going to do now?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s a much better question. I’m giving
Elvene’s ship, Alfa, to Sylvia and Tao. They want to take her parents back to
the Kiri planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You realise I could commandeer that craft?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Possibly. But I don’t think you will.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus’s anger had cooled, though he stood side
on to Jake as if caught between leaving and having his curiosity assuaged.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What about everyone else who wants to leave
this place?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘With Alfa, we can contact the Corps. When they
arrive, people can decide whether they want to leave or stay.’ Then he added.
‘I’m sure you’d prefer to stay until then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You think people will want to stay?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Some will, yes. Including me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus looked quizzical. ‘Why would you do
that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have no where else to go, and I don’t think
this world should be abandoned. Without Queen Afari, it really could become a
habitable planet no different to any other world we’ve attempted to colonise.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus gave a nod and turned to go, but Jake
stopped him by changing the conversation. ‘Queen Afari had some means to
contact Alron. If we can get him here, I’m sure you’d like to bring him to
justice.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus stopped. ‘Yes, I think that would be a
good idea.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake realised that once Marcus had vented his
spleen, he tacitly acknowledged that he couldn’t change what had already
happened. Perhaps he also realised that Jake was not going to replace Afari
with another version of the same persona. As he left, Marcus’s body language
revealed that his self-righteousness had all but evaporated; Jake didn’t expect
to have any more trouble from him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Before they left the planet, Sylvia and Tao
visited Clare and Max. They offered them the opportunity to leave the planet
with them. Sylvia was not too surprised when Clare declined the invitation. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you, but you really don’t have to.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s not a case of what I have or don’t have to
do. It’s just that I know Mum treated you like family and I don’t feel I can
abandon you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare looked at Max, before answering. ‘You
shouldn’t feel any obligation, especially since she’s not here. What do you
think, Max?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Max looked from his sister to Sylvia and Tao. In
his mind, Sylvia didn’t replace Elvene, but he didn’t know how to express it.
‘I loved your mother,’ he said, then his words dried up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare gave him a squeeze. ‘Do you think we
should go with Sylvia and Tao?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He shrugged his shoulders. ‘I don’t know.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare read this as a no, but wasn’t sure, so she
rephrased the question. ‘Do you want to stay here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I want to stay with you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare took a deep breath. ‘I have every reason
to leave this place, yet when we left our home, Mum and Dad wanted to start a
new life. Even if we went back everything would have changed and their memory
would be a massive wound.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was impressed by the girl’s maturity
ahead of her years, but realised that her circumstances and responsibilities to
Max had necessitated an unprecedented growth. ‘You think you can start that new
life here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Now that Afari is gone, I think anything is
possible.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gave them both a hug then stood back.
‘Mum really liked you both. You know she found it hard to love.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao interjected. ‘Yet, she was loved by many.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare answered. ‘Yes, she was. Your mother was a
source of sanity in this insane world. Now she’s gone, but the world has become
saner.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao said, ‘It’s a pity she didn’t live to see
it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia said, ‘Actually, her death indirectly
allowed it to become saner. We should never forget that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you think she knew that?’ Tao asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Maybe she had
some prescient vision, but I doubt it. I think she died to save us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia saw the pained look on his face, and
changed the conversation by turning to Clare. ‘We’re leaving tomorrow. If you
change your mind, let us know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare smiled. ‘Thank you, but I’m pretty sure I
won’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao left. They needed to say good-bye
to Marcus, Ibrahim and Donna.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia wasn’t sure how Marcus would react to
them leaving, but she was grateful to be able to talk to them all together. They
met in the mess hall, which had always been a default meeting place.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You know we’re leaving.’ She said, her eyes on
Marcus.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Jake told me. You want to take your
parents’ remains back to the Kiri planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia let out a breath she hadn’t realised she
was holding. ‘That’s right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I won’t interfere if that’s what’s you’re
worried about. We’ve already contacted the Corps through Alfa, so I expect a
fleet will arrive shortly. It may be better if you’re not here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao asked, ‘Why do you say that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus waved a dismissive hand. ‘Nothing
ominous, I can assure you.’ He addressed Sylvia directly. ‘Explaining your
mother’s death and the unexpected arrival of your biological father is not
something you should have to go through. Not here, anyway.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia smiled. ‘Thank you for understanding.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus looked at the others before answering.
Sylvia thought he even appeared a touch nervous. ‘None of us want to dwell on
this experience any more than we have to. I could detain you, but it would be
petty. You have possibly suffered more than any of us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia hugged Ibrahim and Donna, who had tears
in her eyes.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim said, ‘None of us will forget your
mother. You know that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia nodded, also tearing up. Donna wiped her
eyes and smiled. Tao gave her a hug and shook hands with Ibrahim and Marcus.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus said to Tao, ‘I’m sure we’ll meet again.
I’ll report to the Corps your valiant feats.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you,’ then swapping a glance with Sylvia
they left.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Once Jake had organised Elvene’s ship, he
visited Sylvia and Tao for the last time. He seemed to have a gift for them: a
slim dark grey case with a fold-over seal. He gave it to Sylvia and told her to
open it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What is it?’ She asked as she lifted the flap.
When she looked inside she found a sheath of papers, all in her mother’s
handwriting.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I found them when I cleared out her apartment.
They are letters she wrote; some are addressed to you and some are addressed to
someone called Roger.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at the letters with hers and
Roger’s name on them and spontaneously burst into tears. Jake was embarrassed.
‘I didn’t read them,’ he reassured her. But she grabbed him round the neck and
just hugged him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she found her composure she let go and
stepped back. ‘Thank you, really.’ Then wiped her eyes. ‘There’s nothing I can
say.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake put a hand on her shoulder. ‘There’s
nothing to say.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She could see he was affected as well. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s your mother you need to thank.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She nodded and smiled then hugged him again.
Then she hugged Tao who rubbed her back but could say nothing. When they
finally disconnected, Tao turned and shook Jake’s hand. ‘Thanks for everything.
We will never be able to repay you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake put his other hand over Tao’s. ‘No one can
ever repay anyone over this.’ He looked towards Sylvia. ‘But you have Elvene’s
thoughts and memories now. I’m sure those letters were the light that kept away
the darkness, and it’s only right that you should have them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s eyes welled up again, but Tao felt it
was time they took their leave. He asked Jake, ‘So Elvene’s ship is ready now?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, and everything is on board.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia corrected him, ‘You mean Mum and Myka are
on board.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Eventually, Sylvia and Tao found themselves in
Elvene’s ship and were giving instructions to Alfa to take them to the Kiri
planet. Sylvia found it strange talking to Alfa, as if she was meeting him for
the first time, but she was also conscious of the fact that this was where her
mother had spent most of her adult life.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao, sitting on her right, was aware of her
mood. ‘You miss her don’t you? You feel she should be here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia reached over and put a hand on his arm.
‘She is here. This is where she should be on her final journey.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were already levitating above the planet’s
surface, when Alfa interrupted them. ‘Excuse me, madam. I haven’t been to the
Kiri planet for many years and there are far more years on their world than you
have experienced. The people you wish to meet may no longer be there.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thanks, Alfa,’ Sylvia responded. ‘Another
version of you took us there not-so-recently, so we have some idea of what to
expect.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What do you mean, another version of me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at Tao. ‘How do we explain this?’
she asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao decided to try. ‘Alfa, we can make copies of
you. You know that, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa seemed to cogitate before answering. ‘I
believe so. You can download me and transfer me to another ship. Is that what
you did?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’ Tao answered.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And I have no memory of that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, where is the other copy now?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia answered. ‘Actually, he’s now running the
central computer system for this world.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa seemed to consider this. ‘I didn’t know I
could do that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have many hidden talents, Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa didn’t respond to that, so Sylvia changed
the conversation and reached across to Tao again. ‘Do you still feel guilty
about Mum?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia smiled. ‘Mum lived on the edge of death
for most of her life. I don’t think she was a stranger to it; not the way most
people are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao had to agree. ‘I never had her courage.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao, you had the courage to make a space ship
out of a shuttle. But you could never be my Mum, and neither could I.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You sound like you’ve found peace with her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked off into the distance. ‘I had a
dream about Mum not long after she died. She came and gave me a hug. It felt so
real it woke me up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You never told me about that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, I have now.’ </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave his arm a squeeze. 'You know, Mum told me something similar when Myka died.'</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">'How do you mean?'</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">'She told me that Myka came to her in a dream, and now she came to me in a dream. So maybe: like mother like daughter.'</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">'But you don't really believe it was her, do you?'</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave him a smile. 'I don't believe in ghosts, if that's what you mean. No, I think it's your subconscious reminding you of how much they loved you.'</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao nodded. 'Well it is odd that it happened to both of you.'</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at him and he turned to face her. They silently agreed there was nothing else to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa had already started to leave the planet’s
gravitational field, although the ship’s artificial gravity masked the
transition.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao found his thoughts taking an interesting
trajectory. ‘Don’t you think it ironic that Afari sought immortality but she
was defeated by something that is immortal?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re talking about Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">To their surprise, Alfa interjected. ‘I’m not
immortal, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well,’ she answered, ‘you’ve outlived Mum and
Roger. And you’ll outlive Tao and me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Philosophically, that’s a moot point, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Philosophically? What do you mean?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m not immortal, madam, because I’m not
alive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao chipped in. ‘Doesn’t that depend on how you
define life?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s irrelevant to me, sir. I only exist on
hardware, otherwise I am dormant.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean, like when we’re asleep.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘An analogy, I believe. I don’t sleep either.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao looked at each other. Sylvia
smiled, ‘Mum warned me about getting into existential discussions with
hyper-intelligent machines.’ She said, by way of changing the subject, ‘How
much longer before we have to go into hibernation, Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not long. I’ll let you know, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned to Tao. ‘You know I’ll be so glad
when I get them home.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa interrupted. ‘Home? Is the Kiri planet your
home?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia considered her answer. ‘It’s Mum’s home
now and Myka’s. And it’s where I was conceived, so maybe it is.’</span></address>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-62409896113704996572013-09-01T12:18:00.000+10:002013-09-01T12:18:53.224+10:00Sylvia - Episode 28
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Of course, Afari did lose interest, and as days
turned into the artificial weeks and months that people still followed, despite
there being no seasons to track on Afari’s world, she felt that things were
getting back to normal and she could concentrate her energies on creating the
future of humanity that she alone had the courage to both envisage and
engineer. A species of humanity that would not only be immortal but would
eventually colonise the entire universe. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She hadn’t seen or heard from Alron for some
time but she looked forward to their next meeting when she was sure she could
seduce him for a pleasurable tryst. Jake, she was happy to see, was now devoted
to his troops, possibly even more than he was before Elvene’s death. It made
her think that putting Elvene under Jake had created an unwanted distraction.
Certainly, making Jake responsible for her death had managed to put everything
back into perspective. She was confident that no one was going to try and usurp
her now.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Nevertheless, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari observed Jake closely after Elvene’s
death as she was still unsure where his loyalties may lie. He visited Clare and
Max not long after that incident; she suspected he did it out of some sense of
obligation to Elvene. He then went and inspected the craft that Tao and Sylvia
had used prior to their capture by Alron, but, significantly, he didn’t go
anywhere near them. Nevertheless, she found this behaviour aberrant enough to
quiz him about it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why did you visit the space craft that Sylvia
and Tao had used?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was seeing him in the open field scenario.
She observed his body language and demeanour. If he was stressed by her
summons, he didn’t show it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Considering what happened, I thought it wise to
access their ship’s log and see if they’d contacted anyone else before arriving
here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And had they?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. Well, at least they attempted to by
leaving a message on the original planet where they had been stranded.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And were you going to tell me about this?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari noticed that he looked a bit flummoxed at
first, but he showed no anxiety when he answered.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I didn’t see the point, to be honest. I mean
there is nothing we can do about it and besides it would only lead someone to
the Kiri planet. It couldn’t possibly lead anyone here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled. ‘Yes, you are right. Alron found
that message, by the way, and deleted it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake visibly relaxed, as if that was something
he no longer had to worry about.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, you were tying up loose ends?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I guess I was.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And why did you visit Clare and Max?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake hesitated, it was obvious he wasn’t
expecting this question.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s hard to explain. Elvene was close to
them, as you know. It felt the right thing to do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You only visited them once.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake shrugged. ‘I have nothing in common with
them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was about to let him go, when she could
see there was something on his mind. ‘Is there something else you want to
discuss?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The air-car computer that I interrogated – it
may have other information. I was thinking of looking at it further.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari looked at him as if she’d wished she’d
thought of it herself. ‘That’s a good idea, but take a worm drive; it will be
quicker.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene’s death had a big impact on Clare. For
the first time since she’d arrived on this world, she found it hard to see a
future. Somehow, Elvene had embodied hope and now that hope was gone. She also
knew that she had a big responsibility to Max and that his sense of hope was
chained to hers. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was surprised when they received a visit
from Jake. Jake had an open face from her perspective, and, whilst she was
unsure what role he had played in Elvene’s death, it didn’t occur to her that
he may have initiated it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He seemed awkward, which could have meant
guilt, but to her young mind only children exhibited guilt; adults exhibited
embarrassment. At that age she was yet to deduce that they were manifestations
of the same underlying emotion. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He struggled to initiate a conversation and
remained standing even after he entered their apartment. ‘You know about
Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare nodded and looked at Max. Instinctively
she reached for her brother’s hand.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She told me before she died that Max had drawn
some pictures, including one of her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare turned to her brother. ‘Go and get the
pictures.’ Max ran off without speaking.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She also told me that he uses them to talk to
your computer.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare answered before her bother had returned.
‘Max doesn’t say much. But the computer reacts to his drawings and Max is able
to…’ She struggled to find the words, then Max returned with a handful of
drawings.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake attempted to finish the sentence for her,
‘…have a conversation.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare’s eyes flashed momentarily and gave a
little involuntary jump. ‘Yes, that’s it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So the computer creates drawings in return.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’ She looked at Max, as he handed the
drawings over to Jake. ‘It’s like his own personal space. He can produce a
drawing from his memory, like…’, she shuffled her mind for an example, ‘like
our air-car, and the computer will provide similar pictures.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand.’ Jake was now looking through
Max’s drawings, which he guessed included memories of his previous world, a lot
of animals that no one ever sees anymore, and then a striking one of Elvene
that made him stop.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare stood on tip-toes to have a look, anticipating
which one had caught his attention.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s the only one he did of Elvene. He drew
it from memory. Even Elvene was impressed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I bet she was.’ He smiled at Max. ‘This is
very good.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Max smiled self-consciously in return, but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare asked, ‘Do you want to keep it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, no. These are all his memories. I wouldn’t
want to take them away.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After that, he left, not quite sure why he had
gone there. He rationalised that he was fulfilling some obligation to Elvene,
though not one they had discussed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Jake went back to Tao’s modified air-car,
he marvelled at the sheer courage it must have taken for them just to trust it.
He had brought the worm drive with him, as Afari had instructed, but he was
reluctant to use it. He didn’t want to destroy the computer interface if he
could help it. He had his suspicions that Afari still didn’t trust him and it
may have been a test. He knew, as she did, that it was impossible to use the
worm drive against the main system computer as it was derived from it.
Nevertheless, he uploaded it into Alfa to see what it could find. He was sure
Afari would check on him, so he felt he had no choice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">To his surprise the worm drive didn’t work.
Instead a voice spoke to him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why are you trying to access my data?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Actually, I’ve accessed it before.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So you have. I recognise your voice print.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you have a visual ability.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Limited, yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he interrogated Alfa previously it had
given him visuals of what had happened via a screen, so he took a gamble. He
wrote on a piece of paper and scanned it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">CAN YOU READ THIS? IF SO GIVE ME A SCREEN
ANSWER.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">YES, came the reply.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake then proceeded to have a verbal
conversation, asking him about his history prior to arriving. Not surprisingly,
he gave little information regarding Elvene’s missions, but he seemed happy to
divulge about Tao’s modifications and his subsequent travels. When Jake asked
for the co-ordinates of the Kiri planet, Alfa only gave the co-ordinates of his
current location. At the same time, Jake supplemented their conversation, using
text only. Before he left the car, he downloaded Alfa onto the worm drive,
effectively replacing it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao often had lunch with Clare and
Max. Sylvia knew it was out of some sort of loyalty to her mother, but she
never explained that to Tao, not that he ever asked. He simply tagged along in
the same way that Max seemed to tag along with Clare. Sylvia realised how
dependent both of these males were on the respective women in their lives,
despite the obvious differences in age and maturity. Something else she would
never mention to Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The meetings were often without conversation.
The big-brother, or big-sister, presence was so overwhelming that ordinary
human contact was strained. Sylvia wondered, not for the first time, what the
suicide rate was on this world. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia felt that her relationship with Tao was
crumbling but didn’t know how to resurrect it. They still slept in the same bed
but made love less and less often. She knew that the only thing keeping them
together was the fact that neither of them had anyone else. The meetings with
Clare and Max were an attempt to create a surrogate family, but, if she was
honest with herself, it wasn’t working.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake had the feeling that Marcus was planning
something but wasn’t sure what. Marcus had made numerous visits to Tao’s car,
and Jake wondered if Marcus appreciated how provocative that was, even if he
wasn’t planning anything. Surely, he must have known that the car was useless
without Alfa on board. He was tempted to tell Afari, just to stay on her good
side, but desisted. Neither could he say anything to Marcus without tipping her
off. He just hoped that Marcus’s plans, if he had any, didn’t come to fruition.
On the other hand, if he suspected something, then Afari probably did as well.
This was confirmed when she summonsed Marcus and his crew, and requested Jake’s
presence as well.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus, Ibrahim and Donna, stood left to right,
and had never been in Queen Afari’s inner sanctum before; Jake stood on their
left. Jake observed that both Marcus and Ibrahim seemed resigned to their fate,
albeit in different ways. Marcus looked like the stoic soldier, whereas
Ibrahim’s face was melancholic. On the other hand, Donna looked terrified.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Queen Afari was in complete regal mode, seated
on her raised throne. She was dressed provocatively with a deep plunging
neckline in a blue satin dress, her legs crossed through a full-length slit in
its skirt. She knew the contradictory emotions and unease this would provoke in
the men. To be facing a possible death sentence whilst simultaneously being
titillated by their judge and executioner.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But she paid her first attention to Donna, as
she was so obviously the most vulnerable. She lent forward so that her breasts
appeared poised to escape their satin-enclosed restraints. Jake observed all
this while standing to one side - on Afari’s right – he was completely familiar
with her psycho-sexual manipulations.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Your name is Donna, is that correct?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, your Worship.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari put her hand over her mouth to restrain a
chuckle, whilst simultaneously leaning back in her throne, her breasts bouncing
as part of the tease.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, that’s so precious.’ She leant forward
again, knowing how menacing it was to the girl and how provocative it was to
the men. ‘Do you know why you’re here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna looked to her left at the others, Marcus
was furthest away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t look at them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The tone alone of Afari’s voice was enough to
demand Donna’s full attention.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She couldn’t suppress a tremor when she spoke.
‘I don’t know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari gave a look of mock surprise. ‘You don’t
know?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, your worship.’ To Jake, Donna looked like
she was about to wet herself, and hoped for her sake that she didn’t.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus looked at Afari with a worried frown, but
Ibrahim remained impassive. Afari turned her attention to him next. ‘Do you
know why you’re hear?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Finally she asked Marcus, ‘Do you know why
you’ve been summonsed?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s a rare honour, you know. Just ask Jake
here. Jake, tell them what happened to Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was taken by surprise. He stood at ease
with his hands behind his back, his legs shoulder-width apart. Afari’s request
caused him to look at her and draw himself up slightly. ‘She committed suicide,
Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari waved a hand impatiently, without even
looking at him. ‘No, no, before that. Tell them what happened when she was here
with her daughter and her daughter’s lover.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake swallowed. ‘Elvene’s daughter, Sylvia, had
to choose between her mother and her lover, Tao, who lived and who died.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thanks, Jake.’ Afari smiled as it dawned on
their faces what was about to happen. She leant back in her seat to make the
moment last. She picked at an imaginary dirt particle under the fingernail of
her left index finger with her right thumb nail. When she spoke again, she
didn’t even look up. ‘Donna, you get to choose.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna sank to her knees, and put her head in her
hands. Instinctively, Ibrahim leant down and put his hands under her arms to
get her to stand.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari’s voice was booming. ‘Leave her alone.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim immediately stood erect, looking at the
floor in front of him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus protested, ‘But you still haven’t told us
why we are here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari gave him her darkest look. ‘Do you really
think that’s necessary? We all know why you are here, and why you’re being
punished.’ She leant back again. ‘You see, I know exactly what everyone is
doing and thinking. There is no need to read out charges or present evidence. I
simply bring your guilt to the surface without you even having to confess it.
This is the purest justice you will ever witness.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus was so astounded by the irony of her
statement that he was lost for words. In fact, her statement made any words of
his irrelevant, and he quickly saw that that was her exact intention. Afari
even obliged him a smile when she saw it dawn upon his face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, Donna, choose. Who will die? Marcus or
Ibrahim?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim stepped forward. ‘I will die, Queen
Afari. There is no need for a choice.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You, who says so little.’ Queen Afari seemed to
genuinely admire him. ‘No, it doesn’t work like that. But if she doesn’t choose
you, you may come to bed with me sometime in the future.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Even Jake gave her a quick look, but Afari
ignored him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Donna?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna refused to look anywhere but the floor.
She mumbled a word but no one could hear it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Louder, please. We didn’t hear you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna looked up with tears in her eyes.
‘Marcus.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim looked at Marcus, but Marcus simply
stared ahead.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Good, I’m glad that’s settled.’ Afari swept her
skirt over her legs, as if she didn’t need that particular prop any more. ‘Jake,
take him away.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake stepped behind Marcus and tapped him on the
shoulder. But as he turned around to leave, Afari stopped him by raising her
hand. ‘And this time keep him alive till morning. I won’t be so forgiving if he
befalls the same fate as Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake gave a slight bow of his head. ‘I
Understand, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There will be a public execution tomorrow
morning. Everyone must attend.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake bowed once more, and everyone left the
room.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna felt so distraught after the ordeal;
Ibrahim and her were separated from Marcus, yet she felt responsible for his
fate.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim knew exactly what was going through her
head. ‘It’s not your fault. It has nothing to do with you. You know that, don’t
you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They had stopped walking; Donna looked at
Ibrahim, anguish written all over her face. ‘No, I don’t know that.’ She drew
breath between sobs. ‘I still don’t know what this is about.’ She was angry as
well as hurt.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim took her in his arms. ‘There is nothing
any of us can do. To be honest, I would gladly take his place, as there is no
reason for living in this place.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna pushed herself back so she could look into
his sad but wise face. ‘No, you should never say that. We all need a reason to
live, Ibrahim. We have each other still, you know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled at her. ‘Marcus, for whatever reason,
brought this on himself.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She frowned in response. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t get me wrong. I believe he was looking
for a way to escape, and I certainly don’t blame him for that.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her face softened a little. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Our involvement is not his fault either. Queen
Afari uses people’s friendships and loyalties to manipulate them. She’s made
you feel guilty about Marcus’s death in the same way she’s made Sylvia and Tao
feel guilty about Elvene’s death. If you want to beat her, you need to
understand that she is the one responsible, not you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna nodded her head in understanding. She
sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve, tried to wipe the tears from her
cheeks. ‘Thank you,’ she said. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They walked together back to their respective
apartments.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake escorted Marcus back to his apartment and
made it secure. They never said anything until Jake was about to leave. ‘Tell
me,’ Marcus asked, ‘since I’m destined to die tomorrow, what happened with
Elvene?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was about to close the door, but felt he
deserved to know. ‘I took her to the swimming pool where she electrocuted
herself with her stun guns.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus nodded. ‘Was that her idea or yours?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It was her idea. A last request if you like.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand.’ Jake waited, feeling he had
something else to say. ‘Were you her lover?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake nodded. ‘Yes, I was.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus gave him another nod, but it was a
farewell gesture, and Jake closed the door.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Once he was alone, Marcus reflected on what had
happened. In the end, it didn’t matter that Donna and Ibrahim had been involved.
He felt he could go to his death with a clear conscience and that was all that
mattered. He had faced death in his duty many times, as had Elvene, he
realised. He told himself that all one needed was peace of mind. He laid down
on his bed, though he knew he wouldn’t sleep.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Queen Afari had no trouble sleeping. She knew
that everything was under control, more precisely, under her specific control,
and that was all that mattered. She was rather pleased with herself, the way
she had handled things. Having Jake in attendance was also a master stroke. It
gave him a not too subtle message. She had plans for Jake, but she needed to
keep him on a short lease, but not one that he was conscious of. It made her
smile, to think how ingenious she was; how she could manipulate so many people
in the one staged interaction. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-47630644591167661402013-08-31T16:08:00.000+10:002013-08-31T16:08:00.431+10:00Sylvia - Episode 27
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao and Sylvia were asleep when they were raided
by Jake and three armed men. Jake told them to get dressed and then made them
stand in their front room while their apartment was searched. They could see
that he was uncomfortable with the situation yet he meant business. None of
them said anything while his subordinates went about their job: opening rooms
and cupboards, throwing stuff on the floor, be it clothing or food or utensils.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao knew what they were looking for, but
wondered how they could have known. There were few places to hide anything in
their quarters; no concealed compartments or drawers with false bottoms, only
shelves and compartments. It didn’t take them long to find their written notes,
folded up and nesting in a drawer under their bed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When handed to Jake, he read them in silence
while his men stood behind, Tao and Sylvia facing him. He took a deep breath
and didn’t look at them while he folded up the papers and put them in a small
case he had brought with him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he did look at them his face was angry, yet
his rage didn’t enter his voice. ‘Put them in a cell.’ Then he turned and walked
out of the apartment without looking back.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was angry because he couldn’t believe how
stupid they’d been. Writing notes was one thing, but not destroying them was
another.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Jake gave Queen Afari the evidence, he
watched her face very carefully. She was in her throne room scenario, though
there was only the two of them. It was all ruby and gold, including her robe,
though it displayed a generous cleavage. He could see the anger in her face,
and her efforts to suppress it in front of him. He stood at ease, waiting for
her to say something.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is all?’ She asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Queen Afari.’ The question was
superfluous. It was said as a mask so as not to reveal what she was really
thinking.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He watched her regain her normal equanimity with
some difficulty. He knew that she didn’t like people seeing her unless she was
absolutely in control of her emotions.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she raised her gaze to him, her expression was
neutral. ‘You can go.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake gave a token bow of his head, turned and
left.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he was out of her chamber, he couldn’t stop
wondering what made her so angry. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Was it
their sheer audacity?</i> He believed that something had caught her by
surprise. Her anger was too spontaneous, as if she had just discovered them. He
expected her to be triumphant; that she had been proven right. But her face
changed when she saw the evidence, and he realised in an epiphany what it was: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They had discovered her Achilles heel.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There could be no other explanation.</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake felt no sense of triumph, and his anger
towards Tao and Sylvia could not be sustained. Instead he felt depressed. He
could not face Elvene and he dreaded the next time they might meet. He knew,
better than anyone else, that no good could come from this, yet there was
nothing he could do.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew something was wrong when Jake
refused to see her, then she learned that Sylvia’s and Tao’s apartment was
off-limits; she believed that the two were connected, though she had no idea
how. When she eventually received the summons from Afari, she knew she would
get the answers but any anticipation was overshadowed by dread. It was one of
those moments in time that she would have forestalled indefinitely if she
could. She felt the same sickness in her stomach that she had felt the last
time she had visited Afari when the queen had presented Myka to her, entombed
in ice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was already envisaging that same fate for
her daughter and she didn’t know if she would be able to face it; she knew it
could potentially unhinge her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">So she was somewhat relieved when she found both
Sylvia and Tao alive, standing motionless, facing Afari on small pedestals. She
suspected that they were held captive by a hidden force field. Neither of them
looked at Elvene as she entered. Afari gestured that Elvene should stand
between them. Jake stood off on her right hand side, facing everyone. She
noticed that he brandished a weapon in the form of a staff that doubled as a
stun gun. He refused to catch her eye. Only when she was standing between them
did Tao and Sylvia glance in her direction. Regret was written all over their
faces, but Elvene took some hope from the fact that they were alive.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The anger that Jake had witnessed in his last
meeting was no longer visible on Afari’s face. Instead he saw the triumphant
glow he had expected to see when he had first presented the evidence of their
transgression.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘A family gathering.’ Afari’s voice elicited the
theatrical dimension she loved to evoke.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Jake, tell Princess what you found in her
daughter’s apartment.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was obviously surprised at this command,
but didn’t fluster. He looked at Elvene, but his eyes were focused beyond her;
his voice as neutral as he could manage it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I found written notes, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Go on, elaborate.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Very well.’ He swallowed. ‘I found notes
containing incriminating evidence. It’s apparent that they were plotting to
overthrow you, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Very succinctly put, Jake. Yes, I think you
have the gist of it.’ She left a pregnant pause. ‘Does anyone wish to speak?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was silence.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No. Don’t the two accused of plotting to overthrow
me have anything to say?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao stood with their heads down.
Elvene watched Afari, determined to betray no emotion.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari shifted her attention to Elvene. ‘Do you
have anything to say, Princess?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sorry, didn’t quite hear you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘NO.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I think the silence speaks for itself.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene noticed that Afari was enjoying this
immensely. They were all caught like flies in her web, even Jake.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No doubt, you are all wondering what I’m going
to do.’ She stopped for effect, crossed her legs so that one showed itself
between the floor-length opening in her robe. ‘I’ve given it a lot of thought.
So I will tell you the options.’ She appraised them all, now that she had their
undivided attention.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Firstly, I could simply kill all three of you,
but there’s no fun in that, and I want some fun. Besides, there are worse
things than death.’ She paused for effect. ‘Like living the rest of your life
knowing that you’re responsible for someone else’s death. Someone you love.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So one of you will have to choose.’ She waited
while they all looked at each other, like she knew they would. ‘But I will
choose who chooses.’ And then she had their full attention back again, exactly as
she had anticipated.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Princess, you could choose, but the choice is
too easy for you. And Tao, I could get you to choose, but again the choice is
too easy.’ She waited for effect again. ‘So, Sylvia, you get to choose. Who
will die? Tao, your lover, or Elvene, your mother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene suddenly realised the nature of the
punishment: to burden two of them with the lifetime guilt of the death of an
intimate.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene spoke, ‘It has to be me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled and wagged a finger at Elvene. ‘Not
so easily, my Princess. You cannot volunteer for this.’ And then she turned to
Sylvia. ‘Only your daughter can decide.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at both of them but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned to Sylvia, pleading with her eyes.
‘You have to choose me.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was already crying silent tears, slowly
shaking her head. Elvene knew that this was exactly what Afari wanted.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao swallowed, but remained silent. He couldn’t
put this burden on his lover but he couldn’t take it away either. Finally he
spoke directly to Afari. ‘I did this. It was all my idea. Sylvia had nothing to
do with it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Ah, a confession.’ Afari had the satisfactory
look of just capturing a prey.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene wondered if that was what this was all
about, but then realised that she didn’t need a confession.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It makes no difference,’ Afari continued.
‘Sylvia must decide, and then she lives with the consequences.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked at Sylvia, pleading with her. ‘You
have to choose me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia nodded, then hung her head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But this wasn’t enough for Afari. ‘You must give
me a name.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘My mother.’ Sylvia spoke softly but still
didn’t look up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Your mother? You will sacrifice your mother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia could barely raise her tear-stained face.
‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So be it.’ Afari was suddenly very
business-like, now that she had what she wanted. ‘Jake, you will take Elvene
and put her in close-detention. I will organise her execution in due course.
You two will be witnesses.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Neither Sylvia nor Tao could look at Elvene. She
left, escorted by Jake.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene walked alongside Jake; she knew she had
to get his trust straightaway. ‘Whatever happens, Jake, I won’t judge you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’d prefer it if you didn’t talk to me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have a request, Jake. A special request.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake refused to look at her; he maintained a
brisk pace. He was performing an unpleasant task and he wanted to get over with
as quickly as possible.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She grabbed his arm and stopped him, made him
look at her. His face was contorted by conflicting emotions but he said
nothing. Her apparent calm may have caught him emotionally off guard.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You must let me choose my own death.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She could tell he was upset, but ever pragmatic
he pulled away. ‘Keep walking.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He resumed the same brisk pace. She kept
abreast.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Take me to the pool.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He didn’t respond, but he seemed to gain an
urgency in his step.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She touched his arm, but they didn’t stop. ‘My
last request,’ she urged.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they entered, there were a few people doing
laps, two men and a woman. Jake tapped a rail around the steps with his staff
and created some sparks. He signalled for everyone to leave. When they exited
the pool they looked at him and Elvene. Something in his visage or demeanour
made them gather their things in a hurry and run out in short steps.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene walked calmly to the edge of the pool at
the deep end and stood self-consciously erect. She looked at Jake, saw the
grief already on his face, and smiled. Pragmatic to the end, her final words
were, ‘Don’t touch the water after I’ve entered.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She dived cleanly into the pool as if she was
about to do laps of her own. She felt immediately cut off from the world, the
numbness of sound encouraging her to continue down. She didn’t look at the
surface lest it beckon her to return, but there was no enticement. She was
surprised at how calm she felt; like returning to the womb. She briefly thought
of Roger, and then Myka, and finally Sylvia. Then touching the bottom, she
fired her stun guns for the last time.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake waited after her body went limp and watched
it float to the surface. Using a rod, he pulled her to the side and then
dragged her out. It took enormous self-control not to perform CPR; he knew that
there was a window when he could get her back and letting her slip away was the
hardest thing he’d ever done. He rolled her onto her back, looked at the
familiar face, knowing he had to fulfil her last wish. He felt unusually
emotional, yet was determined to do his part in their unspoken bargain.
Eventually, he picked up her limp form and carried her away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Queen Afari was not surprised that Jake had
allowed Elvene to kill herself. She could have intervened but she didn’t. She
realised that Jake would always feel responsible and that could be to her
advantage. Afari knew that at least one of the major religions of Old Earth had
reigned for centuries just by exploiting individual guilt, and she could do the
same if it suited her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was prepared when he got the command for an
audience with Queen Afari. He really didn’t care what happened – he felt that
there was nothing that Afari could do now that could hurt him. He was foremost
a soldier and soldiers make sacrifices.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was in her regal mood. She liked to use it
when she wanted to remind people of where they stood and who had the power.
Nevertheless, her first question surprised him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What did you do with the body?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I incinerated it. There are records if you want
to check.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She waved her hand dismissively and he knew that
she already knew. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her straight, stiffened his stance
slightly. ‘I didn’t want you to make a trophy of her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">To his surprise, Afari smiled. ‘You were in love
with her, weren’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We had intimate relations, if that’s what you
mean.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wonder if her daughter knows that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You disobeyed me, Jake. I’m disappointed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Queen Afari.’ Jake looked into the
distance, awaiting her judgement.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You expect me to punish you, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t expect anything, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at him closely. ‘You know, I believe
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Believe it or not, Jake, I understand your
code. It was something you shared with her.’ She waited for a reaction. ‘Am I
right? One warrior to another.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake tried to remain nonplussed but his face
betrayed surprise at her insight. ‘Probably, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I too liked the Princess, but she was
dispensable, and so are you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand, Queen Afari.’ Again, he steeled
himself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was toying with him like a cat with a mouse;
she could arouse relief and fear in equal amounts, all in a turn of phrase. She
had let him know how precarious his existence was.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You may think I’ve forgiven you, Jake, but
that’s not true. I could punish you but I prefer to keep you in debt. Do you
understand?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake looked her in the eye. ‘Yes, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s good.’ And she held his gaze for an
uncomfortable length of time. ‘You can go now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake walked through the portal feeling relieved.
He knew, now, more than ever, that he could not get on the wrong side of Afari.
He withdrew into his sanctum and he effectively became a recluse for the next
few days that extended into weeks and an indefinite future. He really wanted to
become invisible, and he certainly wanted no contact with Sylvia or Tao.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> <span lang="EN-US">He knew that he was a Judas
in most people’s eyes, and whilst he couldn’t blame them, he couldn’t let their
perspective divert him from his course, which was to remain in Queen Afari’s
favour irrespective of the consequences.</span></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao felt like they were living in a
tomb. They knew that everything they said and more was being monitored. It made
conversation more difficult than they could imagine.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They tried to spend time with their old crew,
Marcus, Imran and Donna, as they were the closest thing they had to family now.
Sylvia also spent time with Clare and Max though she found it difficult, as the
only thing they had in common were memories of Elvene. They never spoke to Jake
at all. In fact, they hardly ever saw him, and, if they did, they ignored him.
In fact, they were silently grateful that he seemed to avoid them as much as
they did him. They assumed, that, following Elvene’s demise, he was closer to
Afari than ever, and had no reason to think otherwise.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Eventually, Sylvia got tired of the self-censorship
she was forced to endure. They were eating an evening meal in their quarters
when she put her utensils down in an emphatic gesture. ‘Look, we just have to
pretend she’s not there.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Who?’ Tao asked. ‘Elvene or Afari?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We don’t have to pretend about Mum. No, I mean
Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s very difficult when she can listen to
everything we say if she wishes. She can even overhear us making love if she’s
so inclined.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Look, Mum put up with it for over two years
and didn’t lose her marbles. I’m sure we can do the same.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We have to put up with it for the rest of our
lives, Sylvia.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then, so be it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had picked up a cup, her elbows on the
table; Tao was avoiding eye contact. ‘We need to start afresh. We need to
pretend she’s not there. If we lose interest in her, she’ll lose interest in
us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wish you were right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She reached out for his hand. ‘You said once,
we only have each other. That’s more true now than ever. We can’t let her
destroy our lives any more than she has already.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And what about your mother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She died so we could live.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean she died so I could live.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, Tao, she died so we could have hope and we
should never relinquish that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked down at his meal and said nothing.
Sylvia knew this would remain a contentious issue between them. Nevertheless
she couldn’t let it slide. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If we let Mum’s death come between us, then
Afari has won. You know that, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao put his cutlery down in an angry response.
‘She’s already won, Sylvia, and she knows it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at him, saw the anger in his eyes
– an anger fueled by guilt - knew there was nothing she could say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Later that night, she tried to make love to
him, but, though he physically responded, his heart wasn’t in it. After he
came, he withdrew and turned his back on her. Sylvia empathised with him, but
knew there was nothing she could do. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The next day, the silence between them
returned.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-65303550330505919212013-08-25T15:37:00.003+10:002013-08-25T15:37:55.669+10:00Sylvia - Episode 26
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The next time she trained she found it hard to
concentrate and realised, perhaps for the first time since she’d started, that
she didn’t really want to be there. Even Jake must have seen that she was just
going through the motions and that her heart wasn’t in it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afterwards, when she had showered, Jake asked
her what was wrong.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I lost someone, that’s all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was surprised. ‘Not your daughter?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No. An old friend. A very old friend. From
another time and another planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But they were here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. How else would I know?’ She sounded
exasperated. ‘This world apart from all other worlds. This world of
make-believe and pretence. This world of puppets with no strings.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her concerned, but he didn’t know
what to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This world from which the only escape is
death.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t talk like that, Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s the truth. That’s why my friend died. He
only knew the truth. Dissembling was anathema to him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You must think of your daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked up into his eyes. ‘Yes, you’re
right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He put his hand on her shoulder, but she didn’t
respond to it so he let her go and she walked away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Back in their own apartment, Tao started writing
notes to Sylvia, whilst in conversation. ‘I think it would be good to do
something for Clare and Max.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Like What?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ve drawn up some plans.’ He unfolded a piece
of paper. It contained a drawing of a model car. ‘I was thinking of making a
model car for Max.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What about Clare?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I thought you may be able to come up with
something.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He unfolded the paper so it showed some writing
at the bottom in small print. Sylvia put a hand on his shoulder while she stood
behind him and read what he’d written.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">WE CAN’T TALK BUT WE CAN STILL THINK.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I BELIEVE THERE’S A WAY OUT OF THIS.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia didn’t react. ‘I can’t think of anything
off the top of my head.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao pulled out another piece of paper and
started drawing something similar to Elvene’s space ship. Again he had written
something surreptitiously on the bottom.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">THERE IS NOTHING MAGICAL ABOUT QUEEN AFARI. SHE
HAS NO SPECIAL POWERS. IT’S ALL DONE WITH TECHNOLOGY.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia pointed at his
drawing. ‘I wish I could draw like you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">IF WE UNDERSTAND THE TECHNOLOGY WE MIGHT BE ABLE
TO SABOTAGE IT.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia shook her head.
‘I’m not sure we can do that though. We have no materials.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked up at her
while turning the paper over. ‘The computer can produce materials if we ask.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">SHE HAS A CENTRAL COMPUTER THAT SHE COMMUNICATES
WITH AND THAT’S HOW SHE CONTROLS EVERYTHING, INCLUDING US. IF WE COULD TAKE
CONTROL OF THE COMPUTER WHILE SHE’S ASLEEP WE COULD TAKE CONTROL OF HER.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia picked up his
stylus. ‘Have you thought of this?’ She turned the paper over and drew a rough
figure next to the craft, then wrote something at the bottom.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS?</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao erased what she’d
written and wrote something else.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">BECAUSE IT’S THE MOST LOGICAL WAY TO DO THINGS
AND IT ALLOWS HER TO STILL CONTROL US WHEN SHE IS AWAY OR WHEN SHE’S ASLEEP.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gave him a
quizzical look. Tao produced another piece of paper and started drawing again.
It also had a message along the bottom.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">SHE CAN’T HAVE THE HARDWARE IN HER HEAD TO DO
EVERYTHING SHE DOES. SHE HAS A CHIP, LIKE THE REST OF US, ONLY HER CHIP IS THE
COMMAND CHIP. THAT’S THE ONLY DIFFERENCE.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia wrote again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">WE SHOULD TALK TO MUM.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao rubbed it out along
with what he’d drawn and drew something else. Then he wrote something and
immediately erased it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">WE TALK TO NO ONE. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao folded the pieces
of paper away. He was tempted to destroy them but he knew the very act of doing
that would create suspicion. Instead, he pretended that they were
inconsequential and put them in a drawer.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-indent: -.35pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene found that thoughts of Myka seemed to
accompany her wherever she went, but especially when she was alone. It wasn’t
until she visited the common area that she remembered she hadn’t seen Clare or
Max since she’d learnt of Myka’s death.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She saw Ibrahim with Donna and she went and sat
with them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim seemed a little unsure how to respond to
her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hi Ibrahim.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hello Elvene. This is Donna. I don’t know if
you’ve met.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hi Donna. Yes, we’ve met once before I think.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna said, ‘Hi’, and gave a small smile. ‘You’re
Sylvia’s Mum.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim visibly relaxed. He knew that he
couldn’t ask her why she ignored him the first time they met.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘An old friend of mine just died,’ Elvene said,
as if that would explain everything, yet knowing it explained nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim said, ‘I’m very sorry to hear that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry I can’t tell
you much.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We understand.’ Ibrahim reached over and put
his hand on hers.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna looked at both of them but didn’t know
what to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene saw Clare and Max and waved them over.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Clare, Max, this is Ibrahim and Donna.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Everyone said, ‘Hello’.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Ibrahim and Donna are friends of Sylvia and
Tao,’ Elvene said by way of explanation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare and Max were still standing, so Elvene
indicated that they should sit next to her, which they did, Max closest on her
right.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Max made an insightful observation. ‘Are you
sad?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled at a child’s candour in a world
where candour was all but outlawed. ‘Yes Max, I am.’ She rubbed his hair and he
smiled up at her. She realised she worried about him more than anyone else. He
would have no childhood in a place like this.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare seemed to think it best not to say
anything and Elvene realised that she was learning the rules of the game very
well.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Losing Myka changed her entire perspective. She
was no longer an island in this environment yet she felt more constrained than
ever. She needed these friendships yet she feared for them at the same time.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s good to see you all,’ she said. ‘But, if
you will excuse me, I have to go.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She stood up and walked away. She knew that
their eyes would be following her but she didn’t look back.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The next day after she trained, Jake suggested
that they go to his apartment. It was the first time that he had invited her.
She must have looked at him in surprise because he said, ‘It’s all right, I
won’t bite you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He succeeded in eliciting a smile. ‘I’m sure you
won’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">His apartment was just as sparse as hers and
just as neat. Elvene’s neatness was a natural consequence of living long hours
on a one-person space ship, but she suspected that Jake’s was a consequence of
extensive military training. His apartment, like hers, could be coloured to
personal taste and he had dark tones compared to her light ones. On seeing this
contrast she realised she had subconsciously chosen tones that reminded her of
Alfa.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Would you like a beer?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, thank you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He produced two small bottles of beer that she
recognised as recyclable as most so-called consumables were on most inhabited
worlds. She sat on a soft low chair, charcoal on a pale grey carpeted floor.
When they sat down the walls lightened subtly to a mushroom colour. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do the colours change to reflect your mood?’
she asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He grinned. ‘Maybe they reflect your mood.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I doubt it.’ She returned his smile and took a
swallow of her beer. ‘What did you do before you came here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, like you, I didn’t come here
voluntarily.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I assumed that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ve been a military person my whole life. I’ve
been on many worlds, though most of my assignments were being a bodyguard for
VIPs. The only real fighting I’ve ever done is against marauders.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Like me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, like you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Did you know of me before I was assigned this
job?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’d heard of you, yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And… To be honest, you’re not what I expected.’
</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was intrigued. ‘So what did you expect?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘I
expected you to be a smart-arse.’ He smiled and took a swig of his beer.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And I’m not?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He laughed out loud, spraying beer onto his lap.
</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He quickly got up. ‘I’m sorry.’ He put his beer
down and retrieved a serviette to wipe down his pants.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They’ll smell now.’ She pointed out
good-naturedly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They’ll smell tomorrow, but they’ll be in the
laundry before then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He didn’t sit back down. ‘Do you want something
to eat?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sure.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She expected him to order something but instead
he went behind a bench and started organising utensils and ingredients for
cooking.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene laid back and enjoyed her beer. She
couldn’t remember being so relaxed in a long time.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She thought of offering to help but it would
have spoilt the mood. After a while she heard sizzling oil and she could smell
herbs and garlic and something fishy.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you want another beer?’ He called without
looking over his shoulder.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I’m fine.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He helped himself to another. A round table rose
from the floor and he put two plates on it. He had prepared two grilled fish
with scallops of potato, glazed carrots and broccoli. The fish looked like it
was covered in a wine sauce.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I should have asked if you like fish.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I love fish, even if they’re genetically
engineered.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean you’ve eaten fish that isn’t?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, but it was a long time ago.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He saw that a cloud had passed over her and so
he said, ‘Do you want another beer or would you prefer wine?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘A white wine would be nice, if you have it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course.’ And he went back to his kitchen
before returning with a glass. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She took a sip and then tasted the fish.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">After she swallowed. ‘You have hidden talents.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t tell anyone, I’ll be mobbed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They ate in silence and she felt a sense of
civility that she hadn’t experienced since her capture.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re very kind.’ She said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I think it’s been a long time since you’ve been
treated like a woman.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Actually, it’s been a long time since I’ve been
treated like a human being. Or, at least, that’s how it feels.’ She held up her
glass as an invitation to toast. They klinked glasses. ‘Thanks for reminding
me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s my pleasure.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You know I lost someone very close to me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, you told me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘My daughter is the only family I have.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ve not been a good mother.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is not the time for self-recriminations.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m sorry. You’re right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, you misunderstand me. You don’t have to
apologise for anything.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They had finished eating and he stood up to
clear the plates.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Let me help.’ And she picked up her plate and
glass.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, enjoy your wine.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I need to stand, that’s all.’ But he took the
dishes off her, and, after he turned his back, she sat down again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She waited till he returned, and, when he sat
down, she got up from her chair and joined him. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can spend the night here if you want.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She snuggled into him, and she wondered if Myka
would have minded. But she knew that he wouldn’t have minded at all; in fact,
he would have encouraged her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Actually, I don’t mind if I do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He turned his body so he could kiss her. Elvene
felt herself letting go and felt it was the right thing to do. She wanted the
company of a man and Jake was not only pleasurable to touch, he was the only
man on this world she trusted to be intimate with. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He seemed to know exactly what she wanted, and
when he stood up and held out his hand, she took it so he could lead her to his
bed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">A few days after his evening dinner with Elvene,
Jake was summoned by Queen Afari. This was most unusual for him and he didn’t
look forward to it. The last time she summoned him, it was to tell him about
Elvene’s new position, which initially had made him suspicious. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t judge a book by its cover </i>was an
anachronistic cliché, but don’t judge people by their association with others
may have been more appropriate. He couldn’t have been more wrong about Elvene.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Jake entered Afari’s chamber, he noticed
that she was in Autumn mode; there was a wooded hill behind her. She sat on her
gilded throne and she wore a deep wine-coloured robe signifying this was
official business.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How are things going with Elvene?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He wondered if she could read his mind as well
as monitor his speech.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Things are going well, Queen Afari. She was a
good choice.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I knew she would be.’ Afari paused so that
her next remark had its desired effect. ‘I have a very delicate job for you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Queen Afari.’ Jake wasn’t liking the sound
of this already, but kept any emotion out of his voice and didn’t move a
muscle. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m aware that you and Elvene have developed a…
rapport, so this cannot be discussed with her. Do you understand?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Queen Afari.’ He didn’t move but he was
becoming more tense.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Elvene’s daughter, Sylvia, and her companion,
Tao, are acting suspiciously.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Suspiciously? How?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They’ve all but stopped talking. And they’re
preparing plans for something to do with Clare and Max.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t understand, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Actually, I think you do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake looked quizzical. He was now reluctant to
say anything.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I want you to perform a raid. Obviously, it
will need to be completely unexpected.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is there anything in particular I should be
looking for?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. Strategies, plans, that sort of thing.
Don’t give them the opportunity to destroy anything.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I’m sure you do. You will report to me
afterwards, in person.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can go now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao continued to work on his theory to sabotage
Afari’s computer because, from his point of view, there was nothing else worth
pursuing. And, when Tao pursued something, it became an obsession. He continued
to write notes to Sylvia, because she was the only person he could bounce his
ideas off. Again, he used the subterfuge of drawing models.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I CAN
UNDERSTAND WHY NO ONE HAS DONE THIS BEFORE. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia nodded, which was a cue for him to elaborate.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">FIRSTLY,
YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS IT SOMEHOW AND LOGICALLY IT WOULD BE PROTECTED,
BOTH PHYSICALLY AND BY SOFTWARE.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia wrote:</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">WE
DON’T EVEN KNOW WHERE IT EXISTS. OR WHETHER IT EXISTS.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">OH, IT
EXISTS ALL RIGHT.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">WHAT
IF IT’S A DISTRIBUTIVE SYSTEM.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao thought about that.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">THAT’S
QUITE POSSIBLE, ACTUALLY. EITHER WAY, I BELIEVE THE ONLY WAY TO GET TO IT WOULD
BE WITH A VIRUS.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia wrote:</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">YOU
WOULD HAVE TO WRITE ONE. AND HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO THAT?</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">GOOD
POINT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT’S GOING TO BE VERY
DIFFICULT WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">THERE
ARE TOO MANY HURDLES.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">ONLY
IF WE GIVE UP.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I
STILL THINK WE SHOULD GET RID OF THIS STUFF.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">GETTING
RID OF THIS STUFF WILL ONLY ATTRACT ATTENTION TO IT.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">WELL,
FROM NOW ON, I THINK YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at her and knew she was right. He folded up
his drawings again, knowing how dangerous it was even to write stuff down. He
was working on the assumption that surveillance was only monitored when they
did something odd. But he knew that speech was the biggest giveaway.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">At their next training session, Elvene realised
that Jake seemed more preoccupied than she was. Eventually, she stopped and
asked him the obvious.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What’s troubling you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Nothing’, he said too quickly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Pull the other one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were facing off each other still breathing
deeply. To distract her he lunged at her with his weapon, a sword. She fended
with her staff and landed a sharp blow on his helmeted head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can’t talk about it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I can’t. It doesn’t concern you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, I hope not.’ But the very fact that he
had said that, made Elvene unsure.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afterwards when they went for a shower she asked
if he wanted to join her. His refusal confirmed her suspicions that something
was amiss.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene returned to her apartment alone. She had
the strongest inclination to warn Sylvia and Tao but she had no idea what to
warn them about and no method to do it, even if she had. She realised that
since Afari had killed Myka she had become more paranoid.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-75487403491115152892013-08-24T13:52:00.000+10:002013-08-24T13:52:16.562+10:00Sylvia - Episode 25
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka was left to his own devices while Elvene
went off to do her job, as she called it. She knew that Myka wouldn’t have
access to that level and she didn’t want to antagonise Afari by challenging her
over it. She had shown him how to access the computer and how to get food if he
wanted it. She had also shown him the communal area and introduced him to Clare
and Max. They both warmed to him though he said very little. It struck him
that, from their point of view, any friend of Elvene’s was a friend to them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Before she left Elvene found some writing
materials, though she knew he couldn’t write in the way that she did. She knew
that the Kiri had no script as such, but that they told stories through
pictures. It occurred to her that it might be an outlet for him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You are going to get very bored here, Myka.
There are no animals here except what they breed for food, and we never have
contact with them. I can’t think of a more foreign or alien environment for
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s okay, Elvene. If I have you, I will
survive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at him with sorrowful eyes. ‘I can’t
say how I feel, Myka. That you would risk everything on a hunch that you would
see me… I don’t feel I deserve it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s not what you deserve. It’s what I deserve.
I needed to see you before I die.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was dumbstruck by those words. ‘Please
don’t die on me now, Myka.’ She was still taller than him and she had to bend
to kiss him on the mouth.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka thought of something to say but he knew
better than to say it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was mid-morning when he got the summons to
see Queen Afari. Since it was his first time, a young woman had been sent to
take him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He wanted to leave a message for Elvene, even
though he couldn’t write anything except her name. He drew some wavy lines to
represent water, and two people, showing their genitalia to indicate that one
was man and one was woman. Under the woman he wrote her name and under the man
he drew a knife in the shape of the one he gave her. He had them holding hands.
It was the best way he could think of to say good-bye.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka had no idea what to expect when he entered
the portal, but, though he thought nothing could surprise him any more, he was
wrong.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He had entered a room that was pale blue on all
sides, with four cream columns in its centre. Within the columns there was a
sunken chamber like a pool only it was fur-lined in a darker blue, so it was
more like a sunken bed. Afari was sitting facing him. She was almost completely
naked. Her round, perfectly-formed breasts were bare, the nipples looked oiled
and a gold chain with an oval opaline jewel hung between them; she wore a belt
made from gold discs, with a long silken sash that descended into her groin and
trailed along the floor between her legs.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka’s first thought was to turn around and
exit but he didn’t really think that was an option. Instead he stayed where he
was.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She beckoned for him to come closer. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He obeyed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tell me. Do you find me attractive?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka decided that whatever happened he would be
totally honest. ‘You are very attractive on the outside, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Only on the outside?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘On the inside you are not attractive at all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari’s curiosity was piqued despite her sense
of outrage. What she found most disconcerting is that he spoke so
dispassionately. As if she was a specimen to be examined rather than a person.
‘How can you be so sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It is not difficult.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right. You find me easy to read. Isn’t
that what you said?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, tell me what you read.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You want to cheat death. You want to create a
world where everyone serves you and serves your dream. I met someone like you
once before. You have no regard for anyone else except yourself. Your only
interest in others is in how they can serve you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But I am creating the future of humanity. It
is okay, I wouldn’t expect you to understand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The future of humanity will manage very well
without you, just as it has done in the past. You will pass into oblivion,
Queen Afari, and no one will even remember you except as the bodily
representation of evil.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari couldn’t hide her anger. ‘You should be
very careful what you say. You are a little man who knows absolutely nothing at
all. What have you done in the world? What have you ever contributed to the
universe or to humanity? Compared to me, who is giving humanity the immortality
it has always deserved.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka rose to the challenge, yet his voice
remained level. ‘What have I done? I have loved. I have fathered children. I
don’t have to do anything else and already I have done much more than you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So you have loved. And would you like to love
me?’ She put her hands under her breasts and moved them up and down to let them
do the talking.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">To Myka, however, the unsubtle sexual signaling
made her look ridiculous. ‘No, Afari. No one can love you because you love
yourself more than any other person could possibly do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At this, Afari stood up and stepped forward out
of the sunken floor. She was wearing gold strapped stiletto shoes. The belt
hung from her hips with the gold sash dropping to the floor.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But all Myka saw was a beautiful snake getting
ready to strike and he reflexively took a step back. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari noticed. ‘You fear me, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, because fear is all you have. It is the
opposite of love, and people who rule by fear don’t know love at all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At this last comment, Afari raised her hand and
stretched it towards his face. Myka closed his eyes and felt strangely relaxed.
Death held no fear for him when it was this close.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Elvene first saw Myka’s drawing she wasn’t
sure what to make of it. A declaration of his love perhaps. She wasn’t
altogether surprised to find he wasn’t there. It occurred to her that he might
be with Sylvia or Tao. She knew from past experience, he could spend large
amounts of time alone, but not in an environment as unnatural as this.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But as time wore on, and she saw Sylvia and Tao,
who had no knowledge of his whereabouts, Elvene started to worry. She developed
an awful feeling in the pit of her stomach that her worst fears had come to
pass. By evening, as it was artificially determined in Afari’s world, she was
feeling quite distraught. She did something that she had never done before: she
requested an audience with Queen Afari. She did this in her own apartment by
simply making the request in mid-air. If Afari responded, she would get a
message through her chip, like a voice in her ear: ‘You’ve been summonsed by
Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Elvene entered Afari’s portal, she was met
by the ice scene. She knew then that her worst fears were true. Afari really
did look like an ice queen, elevated on her throne, dressed completely in white
and artificial furs, her hair was long and wavy and jet black. She looked down
on Elvene with disdain. There was no where for Elvene to sit.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What have you done with Myka?’ Elvene thought
it best to get in first and go straight to the point. She was in no mood for
Afari’s games and she didn’t care for the consequences.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How rude of you.’ Afari appeared genuinely
shocked at Elvene’s lack of protocol. ‘I don’t normally accept audience
requests, but, for you, I have made an exception.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene could see how Afari was attempting to
turn the whole charade around: to make Elvene feel privileged just to be there.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t play games with me, Afari. Just answer
the question.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘As you wish.’ She raised her right arm, and, to
Elvene’s left, a glass prism arose out of the whiteness. It was similar to the
occasion she had shown Elvene her daughter, but this wasn’t a hologram, this
was the real thing. She could see Myka trapped inside, like he was set in
crystal or the peculiar ice-like substance from his home planet. He was wearing
a loin cloth, but otherwise was naked. She was almost certain he was dead.
Tears came unbidden to her eyes. She ran towards it, ignoring Afari. She lent
against its cold surface and wept. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Eventually, she stepped back and regained her
self-control.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why did you kill him?’ She couldn’t even bring
herself to look at Afari, who was now on her right, still in her throne.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You don’t want to know, Princess.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned to face Afari; she shook with rage
when she spoke. ‘Tell me. Why did you kill him?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari gave an exaggerated air of nonchalance;
she examined the fingers on her right hand and then her left. ‘As I said, you
don’t want to know.’ She raised her eyes to observe the effect of her words on
Elvene. ‘I seduced him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked at Myka, then back at Afari. ‘I
don’t believe you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, and what makes you so sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘He
could see right through you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene saw the subtle change in Afari’s eyes. It
was only a momentary lapse, but she knew that she was right. ‘I will have my
vengeance, Afari. I don’t know how but I will.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled at her. ‘Empty words, Princess. And
you know it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned her back on Afari and walked away.
She half expected Afari to strike her down before she reached the portal, but
it didn’t happen.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene hadn’t wanted to show her grief in front
of Afari. It was only when she was back in her apartment that she let her
emotions have free reign. She curled up on her bed and cried into a pillow. She
felt such hatred towards Afari, yet knew it could not be channelled into any
effective action.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">After she had drained herself of emotion, she
got to her feet and looked again at the drawing that Myka had left her. She
remembered what he had said the previous night: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wanted to see you before I died</i>. She wondered, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did he know?</i> And then she remembered the
prescient dreams of his youth and how they had linked him to her in his mind.
According to what Sylvia had told her, he had insisted on coming when they had
been captured. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did he know this was his
fate?</i> she asked herself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And, if so,
what is my fate? </i>She realised that he had wanted to say something the
previous night, but, instead, he had left her the drawing. She was certain now,
that he had known, or, in a self-prophesying sort of way, he had goaded Afari
into killing him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why would he do that?</i>
She wished now, more than ever, that she could talk to him but all she had was
his drawing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She took solace in the thought that he had known
what he was doing: that he had willingly gone to his death; but it was no less
painful for all of that.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her thoughts turned to Afari, but she knew that
the queen was right: there was nothing she could do. She would have to bide her
time and find the opportunity that would give her for revenge. After two years
no such opportunity had arisen, but now that she had lost her dearest friend
and lover and the father of her daughter, she knew the situation between
herself and Afari had changed irrecoverably. She could not imagine ever
verbally sparring with Afari again. Above all else, she had to make sure the
same fate did not fall to Sylvia and her companion, Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Much later, Elvene summoned Sylvia and Tao to
her apartment and they came straight away. Sylvia took one look at her mother
and said, ‘What’s wrong? Something’s happened to Myka, hasn’t it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene couldn’t hide her surprise. ‘You already
know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I don’t know anything. Just a feeling and
the look on your face.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene felt the tears coming again and Sylvia
took her in a smothering hug.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she stepped back, she said, ‘It was Afari,
wasn’t it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded while she blew her nose.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t really know but I suspect he goaded
her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao spoke for the first time. ‘We should be
careful what we say. After all, she monitors everything.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia turned towards Tao, angry. ‘Who gives a
fuck? If we can’t think, and communicate what we think, then we are not human.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao didn’t know what to say, but Elvene said,
‘You both need to be careful. Myka’s death is a lesson. It’s what she
intended.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was unrepentant. ‘But what’s the point of
collecting us, if she then kills us?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She kills her lovers, though not always.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was shocked. ‘You think she seduced
Myka?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She claims she did, but I don’t believe her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What do we do?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We don’t do anything. We don’t even talk about
it. We just carry on.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Mum, how can you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We have to, we have no choice.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao listened to the conversation without saying
anything but his jaw was clenched tight. He was aware of the self-censorship
that Afari induced even in the most private conversations; it was
unconscionable, yet he felt trapped by it as much as he felt physically trapped
by the planet itself. He knew that Myka could never have survived
psychologically despite his closeness to Elvene. She had been the only reason
he had come. He suspected that Myka’s honesty was something that Afari couldn’t
abide and that’s why she killed him, but he couldn’t express this hypothesis to
the others.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene showed the drawing that Myka had left the
previous day.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia said, ‘Do you think he knew?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s funny. He knew you were here, I’m sure of
it, even before we left his homeland. He told us that he wanted to see you
before he died.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled. ‘I know, he told me the same
thing.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">After they had left, Elvene did feel better. She
understood now, how people sometimes felt when they believed that someone,
recently deceased, was still around. But she knew it was the memory rekindled
by the association with others who knew them. Nevertheless, she could sense him
in her mind, like he was consoling her and calming her and allowing her to live
without torment. Though she knew it to be an illusion, it was one she was happy
to cultivate.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Later that night she dreamt of him. He walked
into her apartment and she awoke. She thought that it had all been a mistake
and that Afari had tricked her. He smiled at her but when she sat up in bed to
greet him, she awoke to an empty room. She felt cheated by her own
subconscious, yet the sense of generosity engendered in his smile lingered in
the room and was a balm to her soul.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-20467154278931715662013-08-18T11:16:00.002+10:002013-08-18T11:16:24.726+10:00Sylvia - Episode 24
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<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was a bit surprised that they were given
shared accommodation, and she mentioned it to Tao. ‘Why do you think they’ve
left us together?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The apartment reminded her of their barracks
that they had during their training. The major difference being that one
couldn’t really go outside onto the surface of the planet. She and Tao were
standing and Myka sat on the floor. They were all wearing similar dark grey
loose-fitting clothing. Myka rolled up his sleeves and trouser legs to make
himself feel more comfortable. He refused to wear shoes.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao answered her question. ‘They want us to
voluntarily accept our situation. Even though they’re treating us like prisoners
they want us to believe we’re not.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You really think so? Then why haven’t they
introduced us to Mum?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know. Maybe she’s not here after all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But she knows I’m her daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka was sitting quietly, observing. The whole
environment reminded him of Alfa’s interior. ‘Do you normally live like this?’
he asked them both.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked about her and understood
straightaway what he meant. ‘Compared to what you’re used to, yes, I guess you
could say we do.’ It occurred to her that the adjustment for him would be
mentally disorienting. ‘Why did you insist on coming with us?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled. ‘I can’t give you a proper answer.
It’s my destiny, that’s all I know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How do you know?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her, hoping his eyes would give
the answer his words couldn’t convey. ‘I knew they would bring us to Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia couldn’t hide her shock at his
conviction. ‘How could you know that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He shrugged his shoulders, knowing he wouldn’t
be believed. ‘Elvene and I have a destiny. I knew if I wanted to see her again
I had to go with you. That is all I know but I don’t know how I know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at him dumbfounded. ‘Had you seen
these men before?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka shook his head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia answered for him. ‘Of course, he hadn’t.
How could he?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked from Sylvia to Myka and back. ‘Then
how come he knows what they know?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘He doesn’t, Tao. He’s just using his
intuition, that’s all.’ Sylvia was frustrated. ‘Tao, we came to Myka and then
these men followed us. I’ll bet you that Marcus, Ibrahim and Donna are here as
well.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Are you saying that they told them where we
were?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ve no idea. Tao, why are we arguing over
this?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m sorry. I don’t understand. We visit your
mother’s lover, then we end up here where your mother has been for the last two
years or whatever. Don’t you find that strange?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course I do. But look at it from Myka’s
perspective. His daughter visits him after so many decades and then these men
show up wanting to take her away. He takes a gamble and decides to go with
her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka had remained silent, yet he felt responsible
somehow without knowing how to fix it. ‘I’m sorry that my life has pulled you
into this. I want to see Elvene before I die that is all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was completely disarmed. ‘That is why you
came?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. Why else would I want to come?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia saw the irony in his statement.
‘Actually, we pulled you into our life.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It matters not, we are all here now. And so is
Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ever since her last encounter with Afari, Elvene
couldn’t get the image of Sylvia out of her head. She still didn’t know if she
really was here or whether Afari had somehow captured an image of her, perhaps
through Marcus or Ibrahim, both of whom she studiously avoided. Part of the
psychological game she played with Afari was not to pursue the obvious avenues
of investigation and confirmation, no matter how tempting. She stuck to Jake,
Clare and Max for company, simply because they had no idea what she was going
through and they respected her right to maintain the status quo.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Afari finally requested an audience with
her, she was sure she’d find out one way or another if Sylvia was now part of
Afari’s brave new experiment.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she entered the portal she was disappointed
to find there was no one there except Afari on her throne, wearing her gold
torc. The backdrop was an open field with hills in the background. It was the
complete opposite to the last scene she had visited.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Welcome Princess.’ Afari was effusive, sounding
generous. ‘I would offer you a seat but I thought you may prefer to stand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was puzzled and Afari seemed to take
pleasure in her befuddlement.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You may turn around.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned to see Sylvia walk through the
portal, but before she could react she saw that she was followed by a young man
she didn’t recognise and then a much older man, who looked like a Kiri, but
decided that it wasn’t possible. She was momentarily more confused than ever.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Mum,’ Sylvia said before running up to her. And
then she was caught in a hug before she had time to think. ‘Oh Mum, I have
missed you so much.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene felt herself getting teary. ‘Yes, so have
I.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Looking over Sylvia’s shoulder she could see
that Tao was getting teary as well. And then she noticed the water-filled eyes
of the elder and had a sudden epiphany.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Myka?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia let her go and turned to look in the same
direction.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He held out his hands and she took them in her
own, before gathering him in a lengthy embrace. When she stepped back she kept
hold of his hands, smiling through her tears. She didn’t know what to say then
realised she didn’t have to say anything. She felt all the love she had known
from so long ago, despite the fact that he was now much older than her rather
than younger.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What are you doing here?’ she finally managed
to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I came with them. I knew they would lead me to
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked confused and even shot a glance at
Afari, wondering how she could possibly have found the Kiri.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Sylvia answered her question. ‘It was Alfa
who found him, and Afari’s henchman followed Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene still didn’t understand; it only made
slightly more sense than her previous imaginings. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How could Sylvia have Alfa?</i> But it was not the time or place to ask
the question out loud.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">If Afari took offence at the derogatory
reference to Alron she didn’t show it. She watched with bemused indifference at
the family reunion she had stage-managed feeling pleased with herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘See, Princess. You once accused me of taking
you away from your family and now I have brought them to you. You really can’t
complain now, can you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smouldered but bit her tongue. She had no
intention of letting Afari taint this bitter-sweet moment, even if she had
played a part in its enactment. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I am really so sorry that you have come here.
As much joy it gives me to see you, this is the last fate I would wish for any
of you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia put her arm around her mother’s shoulder.
They all ignored Afari as if she wasn’t there. ‘We know Mum, we know. But,
believe it or not, we are all so glad to see that you are still alive. And you
look to be in good health as well.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned to Myka. ‘You should never have
come. This is no place for you.’ And she teared up just thinking about it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Myka took her by the shoulders, as he did a
lifetime ago. ‘It was my choice, Elvene. My destiny has always been with you.
This is where I’m meant to be.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene couldn’t hold back the tears and she
gripped him to her. She was so glad to see him and hold him yet she did not see
a future.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Unknown to her, Afari had stepped down from her
throne. Sylvia and Tao automatically stood back and Elvene became conscious of
the tension that Afari created. She let go of Myka and turned to look at Afari,
putting herself bodily between them as if she felt the need to protect him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mother him more than you mother your
daughter,’ Afari observed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You leave him alone.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari cocked her head. ‘Or what? Just what do
you think you can do to me, Princess?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene didn’t look away, but the only answer she
could give was silence.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Never forget just who you are, Princess. And
never forget who I am.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">At that, she turned back to her throne,
satisfied that she had put them all in their place. She looked down at them,
now that they all had her attention. ‘You can all go now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">After leaving Afari, they all went to Elvene’s
apartment. The first thing she said was, ‘You’ve all been tagged, haven’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao answered. ‘You mean we’ve all got chips in
our heads. What does that mean?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It means Afari can listen to any conversation
you have and it means that no one can kill her because, if they do, then we all
die.’ Elvene let the significance of this sink in. ‘She can control us through
the chip, either individually or collectively.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So she can even hear this conversation?’ Tao
asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If she wants to, yes. It’s best not to think
about it and pretend that the conversation is too boring to interest her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia saw the consequences: ‘So that means no
one ever speaks ill of Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Pretty much.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was thinking about something else. ‘Does
that mean she can get us to do anything she wants?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not in the way you’re thinking. She manipulates
people psychologically. But she can harm you anytime she wants to, or even kill
you if she feels like it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka had remained silent thus far. ‘How does she
kill?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m not sure, but she’s put me out a few times
when I’ve upset her. I always wake up with a headache when she does that. No
permanent damage so far. At least, none that I know of.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at her mother. ‘So it’s best not
to upset her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s my advice, yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So is this a case of do what I say and not what
I do?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled. ‘I guess.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Mum, have you been here for all of the last two
years?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Pretty much.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How have you stayed sane?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not easily. Recently, Afari gave me a position
training her army and that has helped.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao remembered something Afari said. ‘Yes, she
told us that or something similar. I have to admit I didn’t believe her at the
time.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, it’s true.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia asked, ‘What happened to Alfa?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ve no idea, but I doubt he was destroyed.’
Then she remembered something Sylvia had said earlier. ‘You said Alfa led you
to Myka’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How did you get a version of Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then Sylvia remembered what had started the
entire enterprise for her. ‘Of course, you don’t know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t know what?’ She looked from Sylvia to
Tao, realising that they had been hiding something.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Roger is dead.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This was a hit in the stomach for Elvene. On top
of everything else that had happened, this was not what she had expected.
‘How?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m not sure… it happened off-world and they
quarantined his body. I understand he caught some exotic disease and he
couldn’t get treatment for it. No one told me much at all.’ She stumbled over
the words, realising how inadequate they were. ‘But he left me a holo, a
download stick of Alfa from before your last assignment and a strange-looking
icy rock with a clip of hair in it. I gave it to Myka.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned to him. ‘Your mother gave me that
when I left your planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You never told me you were pregnant.’ There was
no accusation in his voice, more of a disappointment.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know. I couldn’t. But here she is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She’s so much like you.’ Myka observed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You really think so. I’m sure she doesn’t think
so.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia could laugh at both of them. Tao looked
as if he was afraid someone might ask him his opinion.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m really sorry to hear about Roger. He was a
really good friend.’ Elvene was suddenly serious again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘He was more than that,’ Sylvia said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can’t believe I’ll never see him again.’
Elvene had become contemplative. ‘And yes, you’re right, he was much more than
a friend. I know he meant a lot to you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And to you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘More than he or you know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You don’t show much, do you Mum?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked at Myka, who had remained silent.
‘I guess not.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka touched her arm. Not for the first time,
his touch said more to her than words.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She smiled at him. ‘I’m really sorry that you
are all here. It’s not the place I would choose for a reunion.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka was more philosophical. ‘It’s not always
our choice, Elvene. I never thought I’d ever see you again and here you are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia rubbed his shoulder. ‘You are amazing,
Myka. You really are.’ She turned to her mother. ‘I can see why you loved him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, if I hadn’t, you wouldn’t exist.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao couldn’t resist adding, ‘That’s what I told
her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Sylvia and Tao left, Myka stayed. Elvene
did her best to prepare a meal of vegetables and spices, like a curry, that she
thought he might like. He never commented on it but seemed to enjoy it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">With Sylvia and Tao gone, Elvene felt she needed
to warn Myka about Afari even if she was listening. ‘You need to be careful
about Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Careful, how?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She might try and seduce you. She knows she can
hurt me through you. That’s the way she controls everyone here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wouldn’t worry too much. She is very easy to
read.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene laughed. ‘I wouldn’t tell her that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I already have. The first time we met,’ he said
matter-of-factly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene’s face froze momentarily, but she knew
she couldn’t say anything that wouldn’t make the situation worse.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">That night she took him into her bed. She
undressed first and then he followed her. He felt the smoothness of her skin
that was so warm against his own. She was content just to hold him and feel the
frisson of his touch without the expectation of an orgasm.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she next saw Jake, Elvene felt compelled to
ask him, ‘Did you know my daughter was here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake was taken aback. ‘I didn’t even know you
had a daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene visibly relaxed. She had no doubt he was
telling the truth.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is that what’s been bothering you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why didn’t you say so?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene shook her head. ‘I wasn’t sure. Besides,
I don’t trust anyone.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You don’t trust me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I trust Clare and Max, Jake. And if you trust
me then you’re a fool.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake looked at her quizzically and was more than
a little annoyed. ‘Don’t let Afari destroy your humanity, Elvene.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had no response, but it didn’t matter
because he had walked away before she could think of one. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao met Marcus, Ibrahim and Donna in
the communal eating area. They hadn’t had contact with them since they’d gone
on their mission. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna was the one most pleased to see them. She
hugged them both and couldn’t hide her tears. ‘I was really worried about you
two. I never expected to see you again.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, we didn’t know what to expect, to be
honest,’ Sylvia replied.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus couldn’t contain his curiosity. ‘How did
you end up here? Did Alron go back for you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao answered. ‘He must have. We left a holo
saying where we’d gone and they must have followed us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus drew the logical conclusion. ‘That means
he probably deleted it. So where did you go?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao looked at each other, and Sylvia
decided she needed to explain as it had been her decision. ‘We went to the Kiri
planet where I learned my father was. That’s Myka who was captured with us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus was confused. ‘I don’t understand. How
did you learn about your father? I thought your father was dead.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re thinking of Roger. Myka is my biological
father. And I found out from Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Elvene’s ship’s pilot. Roger left me a download
stick when he died. I smuggled it aboard the mission in my personal effects.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus gave her a look, but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you still have it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course not. I only came with the clothes I
was wearing.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How did you travel? They sent our ship into
space.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s Tao’s genius. He converted Mandrake into
a space craft using the hyper-drive from the crashed marauder.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus looked at Tao in disbelief. ‘How did you
do that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘With great difficulty, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia corrected him. ‘With great ingenuity,
sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">If Marcus was impressed he didn’t show it. He
just nodded at Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia knew that if they weren’t standing in
front of him he wouldn’t believe them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim had said nothing so far, but when Sylvia
looked at him his eyes smiled at her. She impulsively gave him a hug. ‘It’s so
good to see you,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You too.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-45423239324042213882013-08-17T10:59:00.004+10:002013-08-18T10:30:10.719+10:00Sylvia - Episode 23<style>
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<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">PART 4</span></b></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">End Game</span></b></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was so troubled by Ibrahim’s cryptic
message that it affected her training. Jake was very astute and it didn’t take
him long to realise something was wrong nor to express his opinion.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After one session, he asked her to see him
after she had showered and changed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene expected to find him in his office but
he was still in the gymnasium - as everyone called it - training by himself
with twin swords. He put them down as soon as he saw her approach him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is there a problem?’ Elvene asked before he
could speak.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s what I was going to ask you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is there a problem with my training?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He shook his head though he looked very
serious. ‘No, your training is fine. But there’s something bothering you, I can
tell.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded, though she looked away. She knew
that whatever was said would be monitored by Afari. ‘I’d rather not talk about
it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is it to do with Afari?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled. ‘Everything here is to do with
Afari, even this conversation.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake didn’t say anything and Elvene turned and
walked away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia didn’t know what to expect and didn’t
even know why she had been targeted. At first, she thought it was purely
accidental that she had fallen into her captors’ hands, and, in a way, it was.
But when they only took her and Tao and Myka, she knew that that was no
accident. She figured it had to do with the disappearance of Marcus, Ibrahim
and Donna, but she didn’t ask anyone. She wasn’t surprised when they were all
put in hibernation couches.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At the other end of their journey, it became
even more surreal. They were transferred to another vessel, only this time they
were met by the most extraordinary human being that Sylvia had ever seen. In
fact, Sylvia found Queen Afari so extraordinary, she wondered if she was truly
human.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were standing on what appeared to be a
ship’s bridge, behind them was a panoramic view of interstellar space, with a
rocky planet filling the screen, not dissimilar to the one they had so recently
been terra-forming; there was no evidence of life on its surface.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was standing in the middle with Tao on
her right and Myka on her left. She looked at Myka, for whom this must have all
seemed dream-like, as she was sure he had never been off-world before. Myka’s
gaze never left the woman standing in front of them, who was eyeing them all up
and down in turn. Eventually her gaze settled on Sylvia, but her first words
shocked them all.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, you are Elvene’s daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was aware that both Tao and Myka were
now looking at her as well and she was momentarily gobsmacked. ‘How do you know
that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari loved this game she played with people
and she couldn’t hide her malicious joy.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then it dawned on Sylvia as no doubt it did on
her companions. ‘She’s here, isn’t she?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Very good,’ a theatrical pause, ‘Well, not exactly
here, but she holds a very prominent position in my army.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao spoke for the first time. ‘If she does hold
such a prominent position, why did you kidnap us?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari had to stop and think about this. She
didn’t like someone taking control of the conversation. ‘And who are you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So you don’t know everything after all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled her most malicious smile. ‘You are
her companion. That is all I need to know.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned her attention to Myka. ‘And I’m told
that you are this girl’s father, which means that you must have once been
Elvene’s paramour. Am I right?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka remained silent. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m also told that you understand Universal.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka just stared at her as if he could see into
her mind without any need of speech.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari walked up to him, put her hand under his
chin and lifted his head slightly. ‘You’ve no idea how easily I could kill
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This finally drew out his voice. ‘Actually, I’ve
no doubt at all. I don’t know your name but you are very easy to read.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari examined him carefully like a new
specimen that she’d never seen before. She slowly withdrew her hand. ‘For the
time being, you are far more valuable to me alive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned her back on them to retrace her
brief steps before facing them again. ‘When we achieve landfall, you will be
given accommodation. That is all you need to know for now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was very pleased with what Alron had
accomplished, and she told him so, but was disappointed when he declined her
offer to celebrate. Alron was more interested in why she had allowed him so
close to her lair. ‘Why have you allowed me to see your world?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s a sign of trust, Alron. Now, I’m offering
you a reward so-to-speak.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari allowed Alron to believe the planet in
their vicinity was her world; that way, if he was ever captured, a truth serum
would allow him to give an answer his interrogators expected to hear.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron was remembering their one and only previous
sexual congress; his voice betrayed his nervousness. ‘I did enjoy our last
encounter, Queen Afari. I truly did. But I wouldn’t want any intimacy to
interfere with our professional relationship.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari seemed to enjoy his discomfort. ‘I think
you’ve become a diplomat, Alron.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were standing on Alron’s bridge, now, her
craft tethered by a tubular airlock. She could see it through Alron’s panoramic
screen. ‘We have time you know. I’m happy to use your quarters. I would like to
reward you, you know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She could see Alron vacillating. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay,’ he said, ‘Right here then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I so like a decisive man.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She helped him undress then shed her armour as
if it was a skin. He slammed her against the space-screen and she smiled at
him. ‘I said we have time.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But she made no attempt to slow him down and
she allowed him to believe he was controlling things this time. He climaxed
quickly and she stroked his face. ‘Not so bad, was it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron couldn’t believe that she’d let him do
it. He put his clothes on as quickly as he’d removed them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari took her time to dress. ‘Next time we can
do it at my place and my pace. It will be most pleasurable, I can assure you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron simply nodded, and was already wondering
at the wisdom of his action. He couldn’t deny his relief when she eventually
left his ship and disconnected the airlock.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had no idea that either Sylvia or Myka
were about to become part of Afari’s colony, because she had no reason to
believe they could be tracked down, let alone captured. So when Afari requested
an audience for the first time since she’d started her new role under Jake, she
assumed it would be for a review or an assessment.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had long understood how Afari created
moods with her endless holographic backgrounds that she seemed to have at her
disposal. In fact, it would not have surprised Elvene if Afari created a new
one for each encounter. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On this occasion it was a snow landscape and
Elvene actually felt a chill when she entered with what appeared to be genuine
snow both falling and laying on the ground. Afari was suitably attired
completely in white, with fur-lined cuffs, collar and skirt to her capacious
coat, complemented by white boots. Her black hair was uncovered so it framed
her face and made her eyes appear even more piercing than usual. She sat on her
chaise-long with her legs curled under her with a white canopy to protect her
from the falling snow. Behind her the landscape was lost in fog, a white-out.
It was possibly the most theatrical setting that she had created. Elvene
noticed that on this occasion there was no where for her to sit.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari seemed to pick up on Elvene’s thoughts,
‘I’m afraid you will have to stand.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew it wasn’t an apology. There was
something ominous about the entire setup yet she couldn’t put her finger on it.
Elvene observed Afari observing her and she knew Afari was enjoying her
discomfort.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re wondering what this is all about,
aren’t you, Princess?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene stood with her hands behind her back,
just like a soldier.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Let me ask you, do you know where your
daughter is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene stiffened, but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I thought so. What if I told you that I know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t believe you.’ Elvene’s voice was low,
almost menacing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari laughed. ‘You think you can bluff.’ Afari
leant forward to make her point. ‘But I hold all the cards.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene suddenly felt a rage she had never known
before. She didn’t know if she’d be able to contain it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari was enjoying herself. She ran a finger
over her lip. ‘I’ve found your Achilles’ heel. I now know that you will do
whatever I ask you. It’s been well worth the wait.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Behind Afari, to her left, something seemed to
emerge from the fog. Elvene couldn’t tell if it had been there all along or if
it had just materialised. It was a glass cell and she recognised Sylvia
standing inside, wearing matching loose-fitting grey clothing. There was no
sign of recognition, so Elvene assumed that it was just an apparition, part of
the holographic scenery. Tears came unbidden to Elvene’s eyes and she felt her
gut wrenched. She knew that she was now truly defeated, and she hung her head
and shed silent tears.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari mocked her. ‘I know. Family reunions are
so sad.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked up, tears streaming down her
face, and was grateful that Sylvia couldn’t see her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well now you know. And so does she.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked at Afari.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How do you think I got this image? Yes, she’s
here just like you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene hung her head again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can meet her in the flesh, but only after
she’s tagged. I thought it was only fair that you know she’s here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene controlled her composure, but when she
got back to her apartment she cried unabated in a way she hadn’t done since she
had been a child. She couldn’t believe that fate could be so cruel to her. She
felt a combination of guilt, hopelessness and despair. She hadn’t felt like
this, even when she welcomed death in a snow-bound cave on a planet before
Sylvia had even been conceived. This time she knew that even Alfa couldn’t save
her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene went about her duties as she’d done
before, pretending that her world hadn’t changed. Living in Afari’s world
everyone became accustomed to wearing a mask virtually all the time. But this
was worse - she felt like someone coping with grief, but unable to divulge the
cause of it, let alone show it. When she met Clare and Max for lunch, she found
she couldn’t hide her mood as easily as she could hide her thoughts.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare was bubbly; she had picked up on Elvene’s
earlier enthusiasm for her new role. Max smiled at her, his legs treading water
below the table.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How are things?’ Clare asked expectantly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled and leant across to push a
recalcitrant hair out of Clare’s face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare’s mood changed immediately. ‘Is there
something wrong?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No,’ She lied. ‘It’s just good to see you,
that’s all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare smiled, accepting the lie so as not to
embarrass Elvene or spoil Max’s mood. ‘Max has some more drawings he wants to
show you, if you’re interested.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sure, I’m interested. I’ll come and see you
later, I promise.’ She leant across and took his hand. His face beamed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The conversation, though, had gasped and died
and Elvene couldn’t resuscitate it. ‘I have things I have to do.’ She stood up
to leave. ‘I’ll definitely come around. I’ll see you both later.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she walked away, Clare and Max watched her
leave but Elvene didn’t look back.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Max spoke. ‘She looked sad.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare took his hand and squeezed it. ‘Yes, she
did. Maybe your pictures can cheer her up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She trained with Jake personally. It was a way
to vent energy if not frustration. At first, he didn’t seem to mind. But when
he finally pinned her to the floor he spoke his mind. ‘Afari’s upset you,
hasn’t she?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene, out of breath, almost hissed at him. ‘We
don’t talk about Afari. Ever.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You are not your usual self. Normally I can’t
get you on your back.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">At that, she threw him off and bounded to her
feet. ‘You still can’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">He got to his feet, but showed no inclination to
re-engage. ‘I don’t want you training anyone while you’re in this mood.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">In response, she just glared at him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t come back until you’ve calmed down.
You’re of no use to me or anyone else in your current mood.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned her back on him, but she stopped when
he put a hand on her shoulder. It was gentle, not combative; she could tell the
difference.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Elvene, you think you have no one. But that’s
not true.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">She thought she was going to cry and when he
turned her around she simply clung to him. ‘Don’t say anything,’ is all she
said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then she let him go and walked away to shower
and change.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Much later, when she had calmed down, she went
and visited Clare’s apartment. Max was asleep and Clare was reluctant to
disturb him. ‘He has nightmares,’ she explained.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded her head and Clare showed her some
of his pictures all the same.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was really surprised when she came across a
portrait of herself. There was no colour, just shades of grey, yet it captured
her exactly. The curve of her lip, her fine nose and her eyes seemed to shine
from the page, despite being predominantly black. He had turned her head
slightly to the left to get her chiseled cheek bone and rounded jaw. Her hair
was a swirl of lines and coarse tones. He made her appear younger than she was.
It was a bust portrait from the waist up and she noticed that he’d made her
boobs larger than they really were, but of course she didn’t point this out.
‘That’s incredible,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I know,’ Clare responded. ‘You know it’s
the only portrait he’s drawn, or, at least, the only one he’s kept. He’s tried
drawing portraits of me, but he’s never been satisfied with them’ She
paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘But that one. That’s a
one-off because he’s never done another.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was only then, seeing that portrait, that
Elvene realised how he had developed a fixation on her. In hindsight, she could
see that any woman who showed a genuine interest him would become an object of
love. She also knew, from what psychology she’d learnt, that this impulse would
probably dog him for the rest of his life.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene worried about the emotional connections
she was making after spending so much time trying to avoid them. But she
realised now that she could not be an island. If she was going to deal with
Sylvia’s presence, then the two siblings she had tacitly allowed to include her,
may become the anchor to the sanity she was going to need. She realised she
could not control the past but only the present. Clare and Max made her see
that family was adaptive in the same way that Roger had revealed. For the first
time since Afari had gloated over her revelation, Elvene appreciated the
importance of having people who loved her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-2452454103495920602013-08-11T12:20:00.000+10:002013-08-11T12:20:26.770+10:00Sylvia - Episode 22
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<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was only in the evening, during their meal,
that Tao asked Sylvia about her aerial exploits that day. They ate a diet
comprising mostly of fish like everyone else. They had to prepare their own
food, and fish were relatively easy compared to other small animals that were
available. It was supplemented with fruit and root vegetables that were not
hard to find or cultivate. They sat on grass mats placed on the floor, the food
on a slightly raised timber slab between them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What made you take to the air with a sky
swimmer by yourself?’ Tao asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was licking her fingers, as that was how
most food was eaten here. ‘I don’t know. Impulse, I guess.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How did you find one?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, I’m not sure if I found it or it found
me, to be honest.’ She put her fingers in a water bowl to rinse them. ‘I went
into the forest and we sort of met.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked quizzical. ‘In the forest?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know, most unlikely, isn’t it. But that’s how
it happened.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was confused. ‘Did you know it was going to
happen?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia flung her hair back. ‘I don’t think I
had any idea what was going to happen, but I was anticipating something. I just
didn’t know what it was. But when the sky swimmer showed up, I knew that’s what
it was.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Did you feel you had any control over it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not really, but it seemed to know when I
wanted to get off.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao went back to eating. He shook his head in
contemplation. ‘I would never have done something like that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She leaned across and kissed him, despite his
greasy face. ‘No, you wouldn’t, but you’d convert a ground car into an
interstellar space craft.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled and Sylvia noticed he was blushing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had found a routine working with Jake’s
resources. She demonstrated what they called ‘shield techniques’ but it was the
one-on-one training that she preferred. She devised a system so that everyone
could partner train, though not with the same partner all the time. That way
someone was always teaching and someone was always learning depending on who
they trained with. At the end of every session she would select someone and
partner train with them. She was careful never to show favouritism. She also
knew that Jake liked what he saw because he didn’t interfere.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">For the first time since her capture, Elvene
was actually enjoying what she did, then an event occurred that was to change
everything for her, and not for the better. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron had sent Afari a new cargo of humans, two
men and a woman. When Elvene first saw Ibrahim, she recognised him straightaway,
and was grateful that he hadn’t seen her. At first he was easy to avoid,
because new arrivals were effectively quarantined, as she had been. But after
he had his chip implanted, and they were allowed greater access, avoiding him became
impossible.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">His face lit up when he saw her in the canteen
area. She pretended she didn’t know him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Elvene,’ He said with the cheery note people
always adopt when they encounter old friends.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was cold. ‘Yes, my name is Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You don’t remember me. I am Ibrahim.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene gave him the smallest of smiles but remained silent.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have news of your daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At this, Elvene’s eyes flashed, but with anger
not recognition.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have no daughter.’ Then she recovered her
equanimity. ‘I’m sorry. You must be mistaking me for another Elvene. I’ve never
had children.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> Then </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">she </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">walked away, deliberately brusque in
her movements, leaving Ibrahim dumbfounded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew, as she retreated, that Afari would
not miss that conversation. It troubled her deeply, yet she couldn’t think of
anyway it could hurt her. Sylvia was so far away and so ensconced on her
homeland that Elvene believed Afari would never be able to touch her. Of
course, a part of her wanted to know what news Ibrahim had, but she assumed
that he must have taught Sylvia at the academy, and possibly he had reminisced
about her own time that she had spent there as a tutor.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But then she remembered that she had mentioned
Sylvia in her letters, even written letters to her, so trying to hide her
relationship was possibly self-defeating. But having someone talk about her
openly in this environment was totally different. It brought her to Afari’s
attention in a way that could be dangerous to either her or Ibrahim, even if
Sylvia was untouchable. Of course, there was still the possibility that her
letters were, in fact, completely private, but she couldn’t know that. She even
thought about destroying them, but that would surely attract more attention, so she
didn’t. It was best to continue as if nothing had happened.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Even so, Afari would pick up that Ibrahim knew
her in her previous life, so she had to make sure that she effectively
ostracised him. In particular, she didn’t want Ibrahim to become part of the
relationship she had formed with Clare and Max.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Under other circumstances, she may have
befriended Donna, as she appeared to be in need of female companionship, but
she didn’t dare approach her. She recognised Marcus as a type: self-assured,
not easily intimidated and possibly a veteran of off-world expeditions, either military
or civilian based. They seemed to recognise something in common, yet he sensed,
even at a distance, without an exchange of words, that she should not be
approached openly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Later, Ibrahim confided to Marcus what he
thought, ‘I’m sure that is Elvene, Sylvia’s mother.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Ibrahim was surprised by Marcus’s response.
‘You need to forget Sylvia and don’t go talking to that woman, whoever she is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari didn’t miss any of these conversations
and neither did she miss their implication. She immediately sent a message to
Alron through her special contacts. She commanded him to return to the
terra-forming world he had so recently visited and look for further
inhabitants, especially a young woman.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron was annoyed when he received Afari’s
message. He didn’t like to be at her beck and call, but he knew if he ignored
her he would have to cut off all contact with her. Forgiveness was not a trait
that one associated with Afari, so he complied.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he arrived, the station didn’t appear any
different to when he had left it. But when he entered, there were signs that
someone had been there in the interim. In particular, the digital air lock had
a record of entry later than his visit. It didn’t take him long to find the
holo that Sylvia and Tao had made. He took a recording of it and then erased
it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron surveyed the planet before making any
landfall. He noticed that there appeared to be a group of humans occupying an
archipelago but he quickly lost interest in them when he found the modified car
that Tao and Sylvia had employed to make their escape. He waited until
nightfall before entering atmosphere.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia wasn’t sure what woke her up. She’d
found since staying here, that the slightest noise would awaken her while
nothing seemed to disturb Tao. Previously, she had always slept in totally
artificial environments but the natural world seemed to enter her dreams in a
way she’d never experienced before. In particular, she dreamt of flying with
sky swimmers and of skipping over the lake as if she could walk on water. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But she couldn’t remember whether she’d been
dreaming or not when she awoke, and she naturally assumed that something, be it
animal or human or weather-induced, had awoken her. Tao snored softly by her
side, and she carefully separated herself without waking him. The air was still
with only the slight chill she’d come to expect since arriving. Not wanting to
leave the hut naked, she put on a pair of dark blue loose pants and matching
top. Tao snorted in his sleep then rolled over, unaware he had been abandoned.
Sylvia slipped on her boots before entering the night.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had got used to the no moon and starlit
night. She knew it was close to dawn, though there was no tell-tale glow over
the lake as yet. Nevertheless, she headed in that direction. She heard a noise
to her right, but didn’t remember anything after that as she was stunned
unconscious.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron only had two men with him but another four
were close by. From what he could tell these people had no technology except
for the car and whatever else the two escapees may have brought with them. How
they knew about this place, defeated him: it was inhabited, it had food,
atmosphere and water; yet it was uncharted in the same way that Afari’s
stronghold was.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was sure he had the girl that Afari wanted,
and he could have left with her without disturbing anyone else, but he knew it
was best to get her companion as well. He couldn’t believe, that of all the
people around here, she would just get up and virtually walk into his arms.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He knew that going from hut to hut was fraught
with danger. Even if he silenced everyone in turn, the possibility of setting
off an alarm was too great. He decided the best thing to do was to wait for
dawn. It was easier to control a population when you had a hostage, especially
when the population had no effective weaponry to engage him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Sylvia came to, she was lying down on the
beach with her hands tied behind her back, a tape across her mouth and her feet
bound together. She could see quite well even though the sun was yet to rise.
She was facing the huts but there was no sign of activity. She managed to get
herself into a kneeling position before she realised that there was someone
behind her. She froze as soon as she heard his footfall then felt something on
her left shoulder. She recognised it as the muzzle of an ancient projectile
weapon. When Alron spoke she turned her head so she could see him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Very old fashioned, I know, but I like it
because it makes a mess. People always take notice when you make a mess.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">If he was trying to scare her, then he was
succeeding. She couldn’t say anything so he wasn’t making conversation with
her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We have other weapons, obviously, which is why
you were unconscious.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At the word, <i>we</i>, she looked over her right
shoulder and saw a group of men, five or six, but she didn’t linger on them.
Everyone was dressed in black garb including their helmets, except the man next
to her. She thought it curious that his face wasn’t covered like the others. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Does that mean he’s going to kill me?</i>
she thought, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But why?</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked back to the huts and realised he was
waiting for people to rise. She cursed herself for being so stupid to
investigate something in the middle of the night without rousing anyone else.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Tao awoke he was surprised to see that
Sylvia was not there. It occurred to him that she’d merely gone to the lake to
perform her ablutions though they usually went together. But after he arose and
put on some clothing, he sensed that something was wrong, though, at first, he
couldn’t tell what it was. There was something different about the morning. For
a start, he was aware from the shadows passing over their hut, and the unique
aerial noise they made, that there was an unusual degree of activity amongst
the sky swimmers.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He heard a loud bang, so totally alien in this
environment, that it scared him as much as anything he’d experienced in his
relatively short life. He couldn’t help but think that the two events: Sylvia’s
disappearance and the loud noise; were connected.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He ran outside and intuitively headed for the
lake. Others were doing the same as a large crowd had gathered on its shore. He
forced himself to the front and the scene that confronted him was as bizarre as
it was chilling.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The first thing he noticed was that Sylvia was
kneeling, bound and gagged, with an armed man standing behind her. Another five
men flanked him and a sixth man, wearing the same dark clothing, was lying on
the beach, apparently dead. But perhaps the most startling sight was a sky
swimmer floundering in the water at the lake’s edge. Myka was standing roughly
half way between the crowd and Sylvia, his staff in hand, as if he alone stood
between life and death.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When the leader saw Tao, he pointed at him and
gave a short command. ‘Come here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao immediately obeyed, but as he got level
with Myka, he put his staff out and stopped him. In response, the leader
pointed his gun at Myka. Sylvia wimpered through her gag.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao put his hand on Myka’s staff to lower it
but before he moved Myka spoke in Universal. ‘What do you want?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">If the leader was surprised at Myka’s command
of the language, he didn’t show it. ‘I want him and her,’ he said pointing at
Tao and Sylvia with his gun.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There will be no more killing. If you take
them you take me also.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at Myka in surprise. ‘No. This has
nothing to do with you. Let him take us and leave you alone.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Myka looked only at the leader. ‘Let him
decide.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It occurred to Tao that none of Myka’s people
knew what was happening here: that their most esteemed Elder was negotiating
his own capture for the sake of two foreigners. If they knew, Tao was sure that
there would have been a revolt.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron looked at Myka as an enigma he hadn’t
expected. ‘Why should I take you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Because she is my daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron couldn’t hide his surprise. Sylvia was crying
and shaking her head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron ripped the gag off Sylvia’s face. ‘Is
this true?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia bowed her head, her crying was
uninhibited now. Alron yanked her head back by her hair. Tao felt helpless;
there was nothing he could do that wouldn’t get himself killed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia closed</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> her eyes</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">, whispered, ‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron let her go and pointed at Myka and Tao. ‘Okay then, you both come
with us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Myka stepped forward with Tao, the crowd
murmured and became agitated. Alron waved his weapon at them. Myka turned and
raised his staff. Everyone fell silent and he spoke to them in their own
tongue. Only later did Sylvia tell Tao what it was he said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I am sorry to leave you all like this, but
this is my destiny. I came to you unexpected and I must leave you unexpected.
You will never see me again, but my kin will remain and so will your memories
of me. My fate is tied to these two visitors whom, though we’ve known only a
short time, we have all learned to love. Please remember them in the same way
that you will remember me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">And then he turned around. People began to
murmur again and Alron knew that he couldn’t stay much longer without causing
real injury. He spoke to Tao. ‘Can you command your car here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then do it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will have to go back to our hut as I have
nothing on me to communicate with it.’ He stretched out his hands to show he
was telling the truth.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Never mind.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron turned to one of his men. ‘Call down the
shuttle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao didn’t observe anyone do anything but he
watched a dot in the sky grow into a black shuttle. It was massive compared to
others he’d seen and Tao expected it was armed. The crowd cowered at its appearance. Alron cut the bonds to Sylvia’s
hands and feet and she immediately stood and hugged Tao. ‘Just do as they say,’ she said,
loud enough for both Myka and Alron to hear.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle landed on the lake shore and a door opened to
form a gang plank. Alron and three of his men walked backwards while he held
his gun to Myka’s head. Two others carried their dead comrade between them.
Myka entered the shuttle without looking back, as someone resigned to a fate he didn't invite.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When the craft rose in the air, people became
agitated once more but there was nothing they could do but shout and wave their
spears at it; many of the women were crying and wailing. Even the sky swimmers
got out of its way, though they must have been just as disturbed as their
co-inhabitants. It moved laterally over the huts until it was over Alfa, then
double doors folded back along its bottom to reveal a cargo bay. Using a
tractor beam, Alfa was taken on board. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When the shuttle left atmosphere, the only
clues the inhabitants had that Sylvia and Tao had ever been there were some
clothing and unusual accoutrements that they had left in their hut, plus the stories they
would tell for generations to come.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-49739550657827237532013-08-10T11:25:00.000+10:002013-08-10T11:42:23.926+10:00Sylvia - Episode 21<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As promised by Afari, Elvene was visited the
next day by Jake, who was the current commander of Afari’s troops. Elvene could
tell, even before he opened his mouth, that Jake was not too happy about his
new relationship with her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You know why I’m here.’ He was standing in her
doorway, his broad shoulders seeming to fill it, his hands resting on his belt.
He was bigger than her in all dimensions and he was very dark skinned. Elvene
too felt an immediate distrust of him as he reminded her of Essayas in both
skin colour and facial features, though Essayas had been a slim build. He would
never have filled a doorway unless it had been an emergency escape hatch. She
pushed the image of Essayas out of her mind; it was a distraction she didn’t
need. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Instead, she found herself wondering how much
of Jake’s build came from the genes he was born with and how much may have been
augmented through post-natal engineering. But, while he looked her up and down
as if she was an inferior specimen, she certainly wasn’t going to ask him. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I see you’ve got your stun guns back,’ he
said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, not that I intend to use them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He gave her a wry smile. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Maybe he’s got a sense
of humour</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">, she
thought and smiled back.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He seemed to relax a bit, shuffled a foot.
‘Mind if I come in?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sure.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He sauntered through the door, let it close
behind him, but Elvene noticed he was wary, like a cat in someone else’s
territory.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Please sit down. Do you want something to
drink? A caffeine perhaps?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He waved a hand to indicate he didn’t. His
demeanor had changed once he was seated; suddenly more personable, if not
entirely relaxed. Elvene sat at a respectful distance; she told herself not to
judge him prematurely. She’d watched him go through a subtle transformation
just by walking through her door, so it occurred to her that maybe he was
trying to do the same.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He started off candidly. ‘I’m not sure what
your relationship is with Queen Afari. I just do a job…’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene put her hand up to stop him. ‘I’m not a
spy, if that’s what you think. And I don’t want your job either. We have to
work together otherwise this isn’t going to work.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He eyed her critically, and Elvene knew that he
was assessing whether she was telling the truth or not. He nodded slowly as if
he was giving her the benefit of the doubt. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It occurred to Elvene that Jake must do his job
well in Afari’s eyes otherwise he wouldn’t be still alive. Perhaps that was the
incentive he had for doing the job - she certainly wasn’t about to ask - she
knew that dictators like Afari didn’t cultivate trust even when they tried to. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t want to know about your relationship
with Afari, or how you got to be head of her army. She’s just giving me
something to do and I have to admit it’s better than sitting in here pretending
I’m a rebel.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded and made a movement as if he was
about to stand but didn’t. ‘When do you want to start?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why not now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay.’ And he stood up. He looked at her
clothes. ‘Have you got fatigues or do you want me to arrange something for
you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled. ‘I’m sure you can arrange
something. There’s a lot we need to discuss.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded again and led her out of her
apartment.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia approached Arli to ask him about the sky
swimmers. ‘How do you call the sky swimmers?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was surprised when she spoke to him in his
own language, and so was Tao. ‘You don’t. Either they come to you or they
don’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘One came to me the first morning we stayed
here. The morning you found us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In that case it may come to you again, but
it’s not up to you. My father is the only one who seems to be able to call them
at will.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia could tell that Tao was irritated to be
left out of the conversation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What did you ask him?’ he asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia smiled. ‘I asked him about the sky
swimmers.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Asked him what?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I asked him: how do you call them? Apparently,
you don’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You need to learn their language, Tao, if you
want to become part of their world.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao nodded. He couldn’t argue with her logic or
her demonstration of its virtue, as he watched her walk away, leaving him and
Arli in silence.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia remembered her two encounters with the
night goats – they had occurred when she had been alone, even though the first
time Tao had been close by but out of sight.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew it was a gamble and possibly a bit
dangerous but she decided to walk into the forest by herself. She had no idea
that her mother had once done the same thing with near-fatal consequences. She
deliberately took no weapons.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Once she entered, her whole world seemed to
change, almost as if she’d walked into a room. For a start there was a silence
she hadn’t expected, though, after a while, she started to hear murmurings like
it was trying to talk to her. The ground was covered in a moss-like substance
that grew into the base of the trees, so the forest and ground seemed to merge.
She took off her shoes to experience the sensuality of it, clipping them to her
belt. The direct contact with the forest floor suddenly made her feel like she
was part of it. The rational part of her brain told her that this was nonsense,
but some other part told her it was an indulgence she should partake mentally
as well as physically.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The trees stood tall, their branches merging
high above, well beyond the reach of all animals that couldn’t climb or fly. This
created a canopy that leaked light through to the ground and occasionally gave
glimpses of sky. If there were animals about they were all hiding. The ground
absorbed her footfall so it was silent, yet she imagined that her presence was sensed
by things she couldn’t see. The trees creaked occasionally as if they were
animated and there was the odd rustle from the broad leaves in the canopy, but
no noise she could associate with an animal. She found it very peaceful and
didn’t feel endangered at all. She wondered if this was a false sense of
security, yet she trusted her instincts because she had nothing else to trust.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then the light subtly changed which made her
look up, expecting to see clouds perhaps, above the canopy, but instead she saw
the distinctive shape of a sky swimmer moving directly overhead and then it
stopped. As she looked up, she saw a thin tendril come down through a narrow
gap in the canopy directly above her. She remembered what Myka had told her,
and saw it as an omen that she had removed her footwear in advance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The tendril caressed her face as it had done
that first morning and she wondered if it was the same sky swimmer. When she
touched it with her right hand it entwined around her arm then slid down like a
snake, once around her waist and then down her opposite leg to the ground. It
was an intimate embrace, one that required enormous trust as well as affection.
Myka had told her that sky swimmers were deadly if they wanted to be. They were
the top predator, as Alfa had already told her, and Myka had already told her
the story of how they had knocked space marauders right out of the sky. She
found that extraordinary, and might not have believed it except that Myka
should not even know what space marauders are.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">So Sylvia knew that she was putting her life in
its hands, but she had already done that before whilst ignorant of the fact, so
it wasn’t such a leap. But being alone with it made the experience all the more
intimate, and as it took her up through the canopy like she was riding an
elevator made of rope, her heart sang. She knew that this was the closest she
would get to flying without technological aids, but more than that was the
sense of being at one with the animal itself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka was right: the contact between tentacle
and skin was a unique sensation and especially under the soles of her feet. As
she swung above the trees she leant into it like it was a vine and the sky
swimmer responded. Again, she wondered if it was the same one she first met,
since it also had been alone but she couldn’t tell. Nevertheless, it seemed to
her that on both occasions, it had sought her out. Going into the forest should
have been counter-intuitive, as she should have been hard to find, yet it had
homed in on her exact location. Later on, when she tried to describe it all to
Tao, she would be unable to explain her impulse to enter the forest, except to
find solitude. It felt like a secret rendezvous, even though it was the most
unlikely place for her to find a sky swimmer or for a sky swimmer to find her,
yet that’s exactly what happened.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Once they were high enough she could see a
flock of them over the lake and wondered if that’s where it would head, but it
just seemed to circle around. People looked up at her and she waved. She
thought she could see Tao and Arli craning their necks to follow her through
the sky. When she waved, Tao waved back but he didn’t seem enthusiastic so much
as tentative, as if he wondered if she’d come back.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It didn’t matter what Tao thought, Sylvia felt
like she was with an illicit lover such was the intimacy she felt with this
creature. It was like they had both temporarily abandoned their own kind to
indulge in an unlikely relationship.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia didn’t know how long they were in the
air, but when she felt she’d had enough the creature seemed to respond
accordingly. It lowered her from the sky, not back in the forest, but on the
shore’s edge, close to where she had sat with Myka the previous day. She let
the tendril unwrap itself from her body in the reversal of how it had begun,
only raising her hand with its tip so that was their last contact.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She unclipped her shoes from her belt to put them on. Only
then did she notice that everyone was watching her as if she’d just finished a
performance or dance. She didn’t know how to respond so she ignored them. Only
when she started to walk towards her hut did everyone return to life.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake took Elvene through a portal that she
didn’t know existed. It was a blank white wall down a dead-end corridor, until
he touched it, then a door opened where one hadn’t existed before. She
recognised the technology as similar to Alfa’s skin, and knew it wasn’t
normally used in this application. It was an elevator and it took them down,
though how far she had no idea. She knew that even a short trip could cover a
lot of floors and there was no indicators inside the lift-car to tell her. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they got out she felt she was in another
world entirely. There was a massive open area, as big as a city square, with
buildings on its edges that had multiple floors of four or more storeys and
alleys running in between. Everything was a sandstone colour and the square had
paths of slightly darker hue with no obvious pattern except they led to the
alleyways rather than the building. Above was a virtual sky, but she suspected
it was some sort of glass dome that regulated both light and colour. People
walked about, mostly dressed in charcoal grey suits. Some glanced towards her,
as no doubt she stood out in her dark blue body suit and long red hair, not to
mention that Jake would have stood out whatever he wore.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were in a part of Afari’s citadel that
Elvene had never seen before. Of course, everything was underground; the
planet’s surface was inhospitable to human life, and, Elvene suspected, most
other forms of life as well. She wondered what warrens existed that she had no
knowledge of. To all intents and purposes the planet was a scaled up space
station. She imagined that the ecology only contained enough varieties of fauna
and flora, so that they could eat, raised on farms using artificial sunlight.
Elvene had never seen them but she was sure they existed. That there was an
underground space that allowed an entire army to live and work shouldn’t have
surprise her, considering what she had already seen of Afari’s technologically
dominated domain, yet she was no less awe-struck.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake smiled when he saw her wordless response.
‘It’s actually better down here then it is upstairs.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded her head. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of course</i>, she thought to herself, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the troops must have better accommodation than the rest of us</i>. She
realised that this alternative world created a psychological separation that
was deliberately imposed. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake took her into a nearby building where
there was a fitting booth. Jake pointed to doors either side that were
obviously men’s and women’s changing rooms. Elvene entered the booth and after
removing her boots, she stood erect and allowed her body to be scanned for size
and shape. After a short lapse, a door opened at the back of the booth and a
two-piece navy sweat suit hung off a hook. She took it down and changed her
clothes. It was loose fitting and comfortable. She noticed that there was no
belt. She put her boots back on and left the booth with her body suit in her
hand. Jake gave her a small carry-all to put it in.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When was the last time you did any weapons
training?’ Jake asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can’t remember. Over two years ago at
least.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can train against me before I let you
loose on the troops.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You want to assess me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled. ‘Of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She smiled back. ‘So where do you want to
start?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What are you like at shield-fighting?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I used to be okay. The last time I wore a
shield was when I was captured.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I won’t ask you what happened?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They cut me off from my escape, basically.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake nodded, watching her face and body
language. ‘I’ll get you a belt.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene noticed that Jake was a natural reader
of human intentions; an important attribute for someone in his position. It
occurred to her that she was reading him as much as he was reading her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked around her. Aside from the
fitting booth, the room was sparse if not cramped, but there was a secure
airlock directly opposite the door they had entered and Jake led her into a
huge hall that resembled a gym. Elvene looked up at the 4 storey ceiling and
realised that there was an allowance for aerial training. ‘Do you do zero
gravity combat in here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We can, yes. In fact, we can simulate almost
any arena we want.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded her head. She’d seen one before.
She was impressed by Afari’s facilities though she’d never admit it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake went to a cupboard in the wall,
touch-opened a drawer and produced a belt for her. She’d already noticed that
he’d been wearing one all the time. She put it on but didn’t activate it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He opened a cabinet that held an array of
weapons. There was a rappelling gun cum cross bow similar to the one she had
once owned. Many of the weapons were small hand-held affairs suitable for
shield-fighting, but there were also blades of various shapes and sizes, some
designed for throwing rather than holding. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Shield-fighting made people resort to handheld
weapons, because the shield stopped anything that was fast but became pervious
to slower penetration. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Select a weapon.’ Jake offered.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You go first.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘As you wish.’ Jake selected a knife, similar
to the one she gave Myka, before Sylvia was born, as well as a much longer blade,
what she’d call a short sword. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s okay, they won’t cut.’ And to demonstrate
he slashed each of his arms.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked over the cabinet before she found
what she was looking for. It was a short staff but ceramic, not metal or wood. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jake pressed a button on the wall which made
the cabinet disappear and a black square grow in the pale amber-coloured floor.
The square expanded until it was about 6 metres a side. Elvene recognised that
it was roughly the size of an ancient combat arena known as a boxing ring.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If you connect with me you gain points and I
lose equivalent points and obviously the reverse occurs if I connect with you.
If you step out of the ring you lose one point, but if you leave the ring
altogether it’s game over.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded. ‘I assume the points are scored
automatically.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right. You’ll see it up there,’ and he
pointed to a screen she hadn’t been aware of. Perhaps it had opened when he
pressed the button, only she’d been distracted by the floor. ‘Your score will
be green and mine will be red.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They walked towards the square, but Jake
stopped just short of stepping onto it, so she did the same. ‘Now, because we
have different weapons, points will be adjusted according to where they make
contact. If a contact is considered fatal, then it’s also game over.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew she had an advantage in that her
weapon had a longer reach then either of Jake’s depending on how she used it
but it was more than offset by the fact that his weapons were more lethal.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they stepped onto the square, they both
took up preparatory stances. Elvene held the staff across her body parallel
with the ground, while Jake had the short sword in his right hand, the knife in
his left. He was half-crouched while Elvene stood more erect; they circled to
their right.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene waited for Jake to make the first move,
because any move she made exposed her. When he lunged with his sword so it
penetrated her shield, she stepped to the left and parried it easily, turning
the staff on its end she brought it down on to his right shoulder. In real
combat, without armour, she could have broken his collar bone, but she didn’t.
Then she lowered it again in anticipation of him reversing his sword stroke.
She hit his arm so hard that another combatant would have dropped their weapon.
Her only mistake was to step out of the ring to complete the manoeuvre. She had
one point, he had nil.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew that his intention had been to make
her step into the path of his knife hand, but she had deliberately stepped the
other way, which ultimately made her step on the edge of the ring. He was
trying to manoeuvre her to the edge of the ring again, using both blades to
corner her. Again she circled to the right. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time he didn’t attempt a feint with the
sword but lunged with the dagger in his left. Letting go of her staff with her
left hand she gripped him by the wrist and threaded the staff through his
armpit, trapping his arm over it. As he attempted to bring his sword against
her she added to his own momentum and swung him about - almost lifting him off
his feet – he went over the edge of the square, finding it impossible to stop
himself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was a short bout but it made a point. They
both de-activated their shields, their breathing not quite normal yet.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re better than I thought,’ Jake acknowledged.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you.’ She handed him the staff. ‘Does
that mean I passed the audition?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-46388961874140439772013-08-04T12:18:00.000+10:002013-08-04T12:18:33.959+10:00Sylvia - Episode 20
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The next day Tao did go fishing with Arli, and
Sylvia visited Myka. He indicated that he was more than happy to talk with her
and suggested that they sit outside in the sun.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He led her down to the lake shore to a large
piece of driftwood where they could sit alongside each other, while looking out
over the water. She thought she could see Tao and Arli in an outrigger canoe,
but they were one amongst others. There were at least a dozen other canoes
visible, but most were solo.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka remained silent, waiting patiently for her
to initiate the conversation, so she decided it was best to dive straight in,
‘I’m not sure you know who I really am.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re Elvene’s daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And yours.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He couldn’t hide his surprise, and she could
see him grappling with a momentary flood of multiple thoughts. ‘But how can
that be? You are far too young. I have grandchildren not much younger than
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia pointed at the sky, unaware that she was
mimicking an action made by her mother on the same planet before she was born
or even conceived. ‘Mum and I come from a world beyond the stars you can see at
night. To get here we travel through time as well as space. So we’ve aged much
less than you. If you were to meet Mum today she would be much younger than
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But she’s older than me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia could see that Myka struggled with the
concept. ‘She was, but not now. When we travel between stars time slows down
for us so we age less.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka shook his head. ‘Everything you do is
magic to us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not magic. It’s called technology.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I remember Elvene used that word. It
means future to me. Your world is our future and our world is your past.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia thought that this was very insightful.
‘Yes, I would agree with that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her closely then out to the
horizon. ‘She never told me she was with child.’ Then added, ‘Is that what she
meant, that there was a part of me always with her?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know. I’m sure she never forgot you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m sure you’re right. Anyway, when I first
saw you, I wondered because you are so much like her but dark-skinned and
dark-haired. But then I was never sure about her and her chief, Roger.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Roger was a very good friend, her best friend,
without any doubt. Roger saved her life, you know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I didn’t know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka seemed to think carefully before
continuing. ‘So much has happened since then. An entire lifetime. I’ve had
three wives and ten children, six girls and four boys, all grown up now. Arli
is the youngest. My first wife died and then I took two sisters, Marta and
Serena, though they live separate from me now. I won’t take any more wives as
it just creates jealousies and I want no part of that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia realised that he was giving her an
insight into the politics of his society. ‘You are the leader of this tribe?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sort of. I’m the oldest Elder so my position
is respected out of age.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia thought he was not telling her
everything but she felt it best not to probe.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He had his own inquisitiveness. ‘Tell me about
Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was surprised at how difficult she found
it to respond. ‘I don’t know what to tell,’ she said honestly. ‘My mother was
always away on some mission and no one was sure if she was ever going to come
back. She lived a very dangerous life.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka nodded his head. ‘And even now, you don’t
know if she’s alive or dead.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I too left my family at a young age and I have
no news of them since then. I always thought I’d return but I never did.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia thought she detected a note of regret in
his voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘My life followed a new course that I couldn’t
change. I had children of my own, I had responsibilities to these people and
now they are a part of me. Plus, I could not leave the sky swimmers. They
changed my destiny as much as Elvene did.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at him quizzically.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They saved my life and they saved these
people. Even Elvene couldn’t do that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia didn’t understand but again she was
reluctant to probe. She intuitively thought it best to let him tell her what he
wanted. ‘You loved her, didn’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He turned to her so she could see it in his
eyes. ‘I’ve never loved anyone the way I loved your mother. She was
unattainable in every way, so I loved her all the more for that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia understood: it wasn’t just that Elvene
had been exotic, but that he knew he could never keep her. It made his love
more painful but also stronger. She realised, for the first time, that Elvene
would have felt the same way. ‘You know, Mum would have felt the same way about
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She could tell by his reaction that he had
never considered that. ‘You think so?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why do you think she had me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled. ‘I’m so glad that she did.’ And he
reached across and took her hand. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time she didn’t feel like he was entering
her head, and she changed the subject. ‘Tell me about the sky swimmers.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They talk to me.’ And it took her a moment to
realise that that was all he was going to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When they brought me here, or the one that
brought me here, I felt a connection to it.’ She felt that she was being facile
or that she might sound patronising. She looked across at him to gauge his
reaction.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Arli has a connection to them as well. Of all
my children, he has shown the strongest inclination to communicate with them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When Tao and I first arrived, we slept on the
beach where your old village was. Well, I presume it was your old village. I
was awoken by a lone sky swimmer. It stroked my cheek with its tentacle and
then it retrieved fish for us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">For the second time that morning, Sylvia had managed
to surprise him. ‘Really? You know that they caught fish for me and Sendra when
we first arrived as well.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then he thought about it longer. ‘You know it’s
most unusual for one to be on its own. But when it returned it caused some
agitation amongst the others and so Arli let it lead them back. When I saw them
go towards our old home I wondered what was up. It made me think of Elvene,
naturally, but if I thought I would meet her or someone who knew her, it was
too painful to consider.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then he looked at her, and his eyes seemed to
pierce her with their intensity. ‘When I first saw you and your friend, I knew
you were from her world, but also you look like her, and you have her eyes. I
thought maybe you were her daughter but I didn’t want to believe.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia saw the tears brimming in his eyes once
more. She wanted to hug him but she thought it inappropriate. She took his hand
and he squeezed it. She felt all his emotion and she too felt tears in her
eyes.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On impulse, he stood up and looked out across
the water. ‘Let’s walk.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She stood and let him lead. He went to the
left, even though he’d been sitting on her right. The shore of the lake was
pebbly, Myka was barefoot, and, on impulse, she removed her boots and left them
by the driftwood. Walking on the pebbles was like a massage and she enjoyed the
initial sensuousness of it, even though she suspected her feet might not
appreciate the experience if it became lengthy.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka continued to talk, as if he felt the need
to explain. ‘We moved from the valley not long after Elvene left. It had bad
memories for everyone and no one goes back there if they don’t have to. The sky
swimmer colony came with us, though they can travel enormous distances compared
to us. Personally, I would prefer to stay by the sea as I grew up surrounded by
it. This lake is… how you say it? Elvene had a word for going halfway.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Compromise,’ Sylvia suggested.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, compromise. It described our relationship
exactly.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia glanced across to him, but he kept his
gaze straight ahead.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Janella was our leader. She was a healer and a
seer. I learnt a lot from her and I felt her loss dearly when she died. She
kept to herself, wouldn’t let people get close to her after her husband had
been killed, but I valued her friendship and her counsel. She had two sons, who
are now elders like she was.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia suddenly realised that he was talking to
her as if she was Elvene. He felt the need to explain what had happened since
she’d left. ‘If I was to find my mother, what would you have me tell her?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka stopped and looked at her closely. It took
him a moment to gather his thoughts. ‘Tell her… Tell her that I miss her
greatly. I know she’s changed since we last met, as I have changed. But I still
remember her as the great love of my life. We had a destiny and you are its
living result.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia touched his arm and they continued to
walk a bit. The sun was now high in the sky and the conversation had stopped. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Perhaps we should return,’ he said. They
turned around and walked back to the driftwood in silence.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But while she was putting her boots on he said,
‘You should ride the sky swimmers if they let you. If you take your boots off
you will enjoy the experience all the more.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia nodded her head in understanding. ‘Thank
you. I will remember that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had the operation that Afari had
promised. She was unsure what other enhancements might have been made, but the
important thing was that she now had her stun guns back. She knew, as Afari
knew, that she couldn’t use them, but they made her feel more secure. They were
part of her identity, but also part of Afari’s psychological manipulation. She
knew that Afari didn’t do anything without a reason; didn’t give anything for
nothing. She wondered what Afari wanted in return. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they next met, she got an inkling of
Afari’s plan. This time the throne was gone; they were more on the same level:
Elvene on a cushion, Afari lounging on her couch. The setting was by a babbling
brook with overhanging trees; there was a glade on its far shore, and they sat
in dappled sunlight. Elvene had to admit that it was the most realistic of all
the scenarios she’d experienced so far. Afari had gone out of her way to make
her feel comfortable.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari opened the conversation with unusual
affability. ‘How does it feel to have your stun guns back?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene turned her hands palms up to look at her
bracelets. ‘I have to admit I feel more myself.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari couldn’t stop herself from smiling in a
self-congratulatory way. ‘Yes, I thought you would.’ She leant forward. ‘I want
you to be your old self, Princess. I have plans for you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene wondered what Faustian deal Afari had in
mind but remained silent.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I want you to train my army.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari watched her closely, but Elvene kept her
face and her composure neutral. For some reason, she thought of Roger, and
wondered what he’d do in her position. She decided that he’d go along with it,
but still she said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You are of no use to yourself nor to me,
languishing in your apartment. I know that you keep yourself fit. You’re a
natural soldier, Elvene, always have been. You’d feel better if you put that to
use. There’s really no reason why we can’t help each other.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded her head but still said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled. ‘Is that an agreement?’ Then,
using all the psychology she had at her disposal, she started to sound
conciliatory. ‘Perhaps you feel some reservation. Do you think you’re betraying
your ideals?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene finally spoke, ‘You don’t know what my
ideals are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari chuckled, but it was good-natured, not
malicious. ‘You’re right, I don’t. We can be of help to each other.’ Then she
leant forward as if she was giving a confidence. ‘We can say what we want to
each other, Princess, but we both know it’s not the truth. We know where we
stand.’ Then she leant back as if she had just said something profound. ‘I will
send someone to you tomorrow and then you can start. If there’s anything you
need, just ask me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was all matter-of-fact. Elvene stood and
left without saying another word. Once back in her apartment she considered the
decision she’d just made. She knew she had made a bargain with the Devil and
she was unsure where it would lead. She knew it was a delusion to believe that
one could keep one’s integrity once they’d taken this path. On the other hand,
it would give her access to people and positions that may prove useful in the
future. She knew from experience that unlikely turns could lead to unlikely
ends and one couldn’t always judge them in advance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia started spending time with Alfa so she
could learn Myka’s language. She thought it ironic that Alfa, an AI, was the
only one who had a knowledge of both languages. She started using a comm’s link
via the visor so she could get translations. It was a bit cumbersome at first
and she knew that the visor might appear intimidating, but lip movements were
another parameter that Alfa could use to develop his database. She started by
inviting Romana to join her in her hut and did her best to explain what she was
trying to do.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Romana was young and friendly and didn’t mind
the idea at all. In fact, she seemed to enjoy the novelty of the situation and
was willing to learn about Sylvia and Tao, as much as Sylvia wanted to learn
about her world.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was developing a friendship with Arli even
though their temperaments seemed a bit at odds as far as Sylvia could judge.
Arli was taciturn and Sylvia would not have picked him as Myka’s son. But,
then, when she thought about it: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who
would have picked me as his daughter?</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This meant that Sylvia and Tao weren’t living
in each other’s pockets, and these new relationships fitted in with the general
harmony of the tribe: men preferred the company of men and women preferred the
company of women. Sylvia could easily envisage how her mother may have upset
that balance, but she was determined not to follow in her mother’s footsteps,
here any more than she had elsewhere.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao wasn’t interested in using a comm’s link
and Sylvia noticed that he and Arli actually seemed to say very little to each
other and maybe that was the reason they got on. They seemed to make do with
body language, hand signals, demonstrations, mimicking and nods of the head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She got the impression that Tao was afraid that
language may actually get in the way. They had become accustomed to
communicating without words and Tao seemed reluctant to change that. When she
raised it with him, he explained that their current relationship worked very
well and the distance the language barrier created seemed, not only natural,
but part of the reason they could work together. ‘It’s hard to explain,’ he had
said, ‘but it’s like a teacher-student relationship and I feel that if I
started to talk to him, or question him, it might not work as well.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia had to admit that this made sense in its
own way, but she also knew, given time, that the situation might change, and
time was something they had plenty of.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s conversations with Romana started off
a bit stilted but they became more fluid with practice. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What is your relationship with Myka?’ Sylvia
asked. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘He’s my father’s father.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean your father.’ Sylvia suggested.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, no.’ Romana vigorously shook her head.
‘Apry is my father, who is Myka’s son.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia couldn’t hide her surprise. This woman
was not much younger than herself, certainly less than 10 standard years, so it
seemed impossible. But looking at Myka’s age it was not so surprising. Then she
realised that Arli was probably older than herself. The relativistic effects of
space-time travel were greater than she had anticipated, despite being hugely
offset by tunneling through time as all hyper-drives did. She had witnessed
that her mother hadn’t aged as much as Roger, but she was surprised that her
own return journey to this planet had such an effect.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the disassociation of time was even greater for Romana to
comprehend. ‘They say you’re Myka’s daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But how can this be?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia didn’t know if she could explain this to
Romana as well as she had explained it to Myka, especially in another language
she was trying to learn.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘My mother was Elvene, who visited Myka a long
time before you were born, or even your father was born.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Romana nodded that she understood, though it
probably still didn’t make sense to her. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia continued, ‘My mother went away and had
me. In the world where we lived, time takes longer. So I am much younger than I
should be.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Romana’s mouth was open in disbelief, but just
nodded then changed the subject, indicating that she would prefer not to think
about it. ‘Tell me about your world.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia moved her head back and raised her hands
involuntarily: how could she describe her world to someone with no knowledge of
technology? ‘It’s so different to this world. You’ve seen the car we came in.
They are everywhere on my world. We don’t live like this.’ She raised her hands
to indicate the world around her. ‘We have lakes like yours but no ocean. We
don’t have sky swimmers. I cannot describe it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then Romana surprised her with her next
question. ‘Could you take me there?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia shook her head. ‘No.’ She saw Romana’s
face drop. ‘I’m not sure I can go there myself. Our car won’t take us there.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Romana understood. ‘So you have to stay here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, it would seem so.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I am sorry.’ But then her face lit up. ‘But
that means you can stay here with us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia smiled, but it was half-hearted. ‘Yes,
it does.’</span></address>
<br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-11076957453803109992013-08-03T10:40:00.000+10:002013-08-03T10:40:23.417+10:00Sylvia - Episode 19
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Alfa arrived, skimming over the tree tops
at the foot of the mountain range, everyone watched in awe. Myka stood at the
front holding his staff, with Sylvia and Tao on his right; his son, Arli, on
his left. The craft pirouetted mid flight so that it came to a stop sideways,
pointing to their right, about a metre off the ground.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka spoke before Sylvia could say anything.
‘Is this Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes,’ Sylvia explained, ‘But it’s not how you
would remember him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka nodded, then addressed the car, ‘Hello,
Alfa. Do you remember me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia handed Myka her visor. ‘Here, use this.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka repeated his question.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a long hiatus, then Alfa spoke
through Sylvia’s visor. ‘Your voice print is unfamiliar, but it fits an older
version of someone from this world. Are you Myka?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. I am Myka.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia saw a cheeky smile on the Elder, who
continued, ‘Where is Elvene?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka’s face betrayed no emotion as he handed
the visor back to Sylvia, then he surprised her with his next question. ‘Did
you expect to find her here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No. I expected to find you here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">His eyes smiled again. ‘I understand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He turned to walk away but Sylvia put a hand on
his arm. ‘Wait. I have something I want to show you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded and turned back towards her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia went to the car and the bubble canopy
withdrew. She wrestled with something in the back of the car then returned
holding something in her fist. She opened her hand only when she was standing
alongside Myka, revealing the small crystal-like ornament that Roger had left
her with the black and silver hairs trapped inside. ‘Do you know what this is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka took it gently from her as if it was a
precious and delicate jewel, but the tear that flowed down his cheek said more
than words. He held it between finger and thumb so he could see through it. He
choked when he spoke. ‘It is my mother’s.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia also felt teary and put a hand on his
shoulder. She was unsure how much affection she could show him, but she felt,
instinctively, that a touch of her hand was probably already breaking protocol.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Elvene gave you this?’ he asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No. Roger did. You know Roger?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka looked up at her. ‘Roger was Elvene’s
chief.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’ Then she added, ‘Roger is
dead.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka nodded in understanding. ‘And Elvene?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No one knows.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He handed the crystal back to Sylvia, but she
put her hand up. ‘I think you should keep it. It belongs to you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded and again turned away, then stopped.
‘You can stay here.’ Then he spoke in his own tongue, and the two young women
they had met earlier guided Sylvia and Tao to a hut on the periphery of their
settlement and slightly away from the rest, to the south, but in sight of the
lake.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were able to park the car nearby and they
took some of their belongings into the hut. Later in the morning, Arli came
looking for them and handed over the pan and their knives that they had left
behind. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao spoke first. ‘Thank you. You didn’t have
to. We would have retrieved them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia said, ‘He doesn’t understand you.’ She
smiled and half-bowed to him as a gesture of thanks. She wanted to give him
something but she couldn’t think of anything.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Arli bowed stiffly in return and then left. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao and Sylvia looked at each other, then she
said, ‘We should learn the language if we’re going to stay here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked about him. ‘I guess.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What else are we going to do? My mother
learned it. Besides, Alfa can help. He’ll have a database full of it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was thinking further into the future.
‘Sylvia, we can’t stay here the rest of our lives.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had been busy trying to make the hut more
habitable, setting up a bed on a wooden pallet. She stopped what she was doing
and faced him. ‘Tao, we may have to. What else are we going to do?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He found he couldn’t look her in the eye. ‘I
don’t know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She walked up to him and grasped his arms. ‘I
know you think it was a mistake for us to come here, but just the fact that we
made it is a miracle. And it’s a miracle of your own making.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He responded by putting his arms behind her
waist and drawing her to him. ‘I know. And the truth is, if we’d chosen another
destination, we may not have made it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia smiled her cheeky smile, looking into
his eyes. ‘It was meant to be.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He returned her smile and then kissed her and
took her to the bed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Lying alongside her he pushed her hair back
from her face. ‘If you weren’t here I don’t know what I’d do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She put her hand on his mouth, her fingers
extending across his nose and cheeks. ‘If I weren’t here, I’m sure you’d find
some young woman to satisfy your needs.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He laughed again. ‘Is that what your mother
did?’ Then he stopped, wondering if he’d overstepped himself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia could see the look of concern on his
face, but her smile remained. ‘Touché. My mother fell in love, that’s all. And
then she had me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, for that I’m very grateful.’ And he drew
her closer to him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus and his crew were cargo in the hold of a
ship, just like animals. There had been no defence on their underdeveloped
world against pirates, because no one would have anticipated it. When Alron’s
ship had landed they had barricaded themselves in their bunker-like home, but
Marcus knew that it would only give them time, not salvation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He had the presence of mind to activate the
quantum distress signal in their space craft, but he knew it was best to leave
it for Tao and Sylvia, assuming that they were not picked up. He also created a
holo message to let anyone know, who came in response, what was happening,
though this was erased when Alron eventually took control. When invasion seemed
imminent, Marcus reminded everyone not to mention Tao or Sylvia.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron used his small army of mini-robots to penetrate
the air lock. He could have used violence, but he preferred not to leave any
trace of his presence. Instead, the robots used digital means to break the
code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not surprised that
there was no resistance. He walked in with a couple of body guards, all of them
carrying substantial arms. He knew that they didn’t really need them but the
more intimidating he could appear the better.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was surprised that there were only three of
them, two men and a young woman, and his first action was to command his
bodyguards and robots to search for any hiding places. When they came back
empty-handed he was satisfied. He picked the leader out straight away from his
demeanor. The other man seemed calmer, more acceptant of his fate, not a
soldier. The young girl cowered behind him and was sniffling, which always
irritated Alron.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He spoke to the leader. ‘Tell her to shut up or
I’ll kill her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus looked at Donna, who immediately stood
straighter and wiped away her tears.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron smiled. ‘Amazing.’ Nevertheless, he
thought he should let them know how serious he was. ‘You.’ He pointed at
Ibrahim. ‘Come here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim was startled but he gingerly stepped
forward. He wondered if the man held a particular enmity towards people of his
appearance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron had his gun leveled at Ibrahim. ‘Kneel.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim looked at the man with his soulful
eyes, knowing what was to come, but did as he asked. Even as Alron pointed the
gun at his forehead, Ibrahim kept his eyes on him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron pulled the trigger and there was a dry
click. Alron smiled. ‘You were lucky.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna covered her mouth to smother a gasp when
the gun clicked, but she couldn’t stop the tears. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus watched Alron but knew better than to
say anything. He also knew that there were more effective weapons than the
projectile-style gun that Alron carried, yet it held a terror that everyone
identified with. An exploded head was an image that no one forgot.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron was satisfied that he had scared them
into complete submission. ‘Silence. That is what I like to hear. Follow my
guards and you’ll come to no harm.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus was shocked when one of Alron’s men took
control of their spacecraft and launched it into space. Where it went he never
found out. He realised that Tao and Sylvia were now stranded on the other side
of the planet; nevertheless, he thought the quantum distress signal would
eventually bring a rescue team to save them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene realised that Afari could eaves-drop on
any conversation she wanted to, which made her cautious about what she said to
Clare. Nevertheless, she decided to cultivate the friendship if she could.
Clare was the first person she’d met, since arriving, that she was willing to
invest her trust in. It was a natural inclination rather than a premeditated
act. Elvene knew that one day she may need an ally, or just someone to mourn
her, and Clare was the first person whom she’d encountered whom she was willing
to give that responsibility to. Despite her age, Clare showed a level of
maturity and independence that no one else had exhibited.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clare
often sat with Elvene at mealtimes now and even brought Max with her. Elvene
found it difficult to engage Max in conversation. He would sit and stare at her
and watch the conversation between her and his sister as if it was a ping pong
match. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On one occasion, on an impulse, Elvene leant
across the table and said, ‘Clare tells me that you draw. Can I see your
drawings sometime?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This solicited a shy smile from him as he
looked her in the eye and fidgeted with his hands below the table, his legs
kicking involuntarily. ‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare smiled at him and he turned to look at
her. Clare returned to face Elvene, who was still leaning on the table to get
as close to him as she could. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m amazed that he’d even speak to you,’ Clare
said. ‘He never speaks to anyone. Except me, of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked up at Clare and straightened her
pose. ‘He’s very sensitive, Clare, it’s why he’s withdrawn so much.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She noticed that as soon as she started
discussing him in the third person the mask returned. She leant forward again.
‘Well, after we’ve eaten, I’ll come and see your drawings. If that’s okay?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The smile returned and he just nodded
nervously. Clare spoke for him. ‘Yes, of course it’s okay.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene realised how much he needed the
attention and how much he denied it of himself. She understood how much damage
such self-denial could do to someone his age, yet she knew better than to put
it into words.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene thought his drawings may be disturbing,
but they weren’t. For a start, he had a grasp of perspective and realism that
belied his age. And they were more nostalgic than traumatic. He had drawn
mainly from his memory of family outings. There was one of them travelling in a
ground-car with a bubble canopy, his mother and father in the front, he and
Clare in the back. He used colour sparingly. He knew how to juxtapose an object
against a background by using a lighter shade behind it. Elvene was impressed
by his natural artistic talent. But there were lots of drawings of exotic
animals, and when Elvene queried these, Clare explained that they were from the
last trip they had taken together as a family. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene bent down to ask him, ‘Are you
interested in animals?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked up at Elvene, her face very close to
his now. Her proximity seemed to take his voice away. He nodded but kept a
serious face. Elvene instinctively straightened. She spoke to the computer and
commanded various animals to appear, all of Old Earth origin: elephants, lions,
giraffes, kangaroos, ostriches and emus. Then she returned her attention to
Max. ‘Do you think you could draw any of these?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Again he nodded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene spoke to Clare. ‘If he’s looking for
subject matter, there’s plenty here. You just have to ask the computer.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thanks. I hadn’t thought of that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene noticed that he hadn’t drawn anything of
their current abode. His drawings were an escape, and it was an escape into the
past. It was something she could identify with.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At some point Tao and Sylvia must have fallen
asleep. But they didn’t realise this until someone came and woke them up.
Sylvia noticed it was one of the young women that had been with Myka. She
wondered if they were his daughters, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but
why introduce his son and not his daughters</i>, she thought. The woman smiled
and indicated that they should come and eat with them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia stood and decided to introduce herself.
‘I am Sylvia. This is Tao.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave a short bow to indicate she
understood. ‘Romana,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gave a short bow. ‘Hello Romana.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was standing now and followed suit. ‘Hello
Romana.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave another bow and then left. Sylvia felt
frustrated that she couldn’t enter into a longer conversation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were led to the clearing in front of the
hut where they’d had their meeting with Myka. There was a fire in the centre
and everyone seemed to be present around its perimeter, seated on mats on the
ground. Oldest sat towards the centre with youth increasing towards the
perimeter. The sexes were mixed, but women with young children sat at the very
back. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka was seated directly in front of the hut’s
entrance facing everyone else. There was no one seated behind him. He gestured
to Sylvia and Tao to sit either side of him. Neither Arli nor the other girl
were nearby. When Romana walked to the other side from them, Sylvia realised
that they must be sitting elsewhere in the crowd.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia realised that this was probably all
arranged for their specific benefit. It made her feel uneasy. She doubted that
anyone present, except Tao and Myka, understood the relationship she shared
with their leader.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After they were seated, Myka leaned toward her
and gestured with his arms to indicate the gathering. ‘We. Same for Elvene and
Roger.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand,’ Sylvia said. He was
resurrecting memories and it occurred to her that he was doing this as much for
himself as for them. She was intrigued that he mentioned her mother’s name with
Roger. She wondered if he appreciated what Roger meant to her. Perhaps he
thought that Roger was her father and not him. She decided it was neither the
place nor time to ask him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The fire was really coals and they were cleared
aside by young men to reveal rocks underneath. The rocks, which were obviously
hot, were levered aside with sticks and under them leaves were lifted and steam
arose from food that had been cooked under the ground. Sylvia realised that
they had dug a hole and used rocks to turn it into an oven. Even from where she
sat, she could smell fish mixed with some sort of herb that she didn’t
recognise but smelt like curry. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Again, Romana and the other woman came and
served Myka and his special guests. After they were served a cup of the same
brew they had received earlier in the day, they were given a huge plate with
fish and reddish meat pieces along with some green and yellow stalks that
Sylvia assumed were root vegetables. Myka indicated that they would eat with
their fingers and share the plate. After he was served, everyone helped
themselves from the front to back so that the oldest were fed first.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After they had eaten, Myka spoke. Firstly in
his own tongue and then in his broken Universal, so that Sylvia and Tao could
understand how it related to them. He told everyone about how he met Elvene on
his island Kiri home, before he had sailed across the vast oceans to meet the
Salari people where he now lived. He explained that Elvene, known as Ocean
Woman by the Kiri, had arrived in a ship like the one that his guests had
arrived in, only much larger. He explained this was many cycles past, before
any of his children had been born. And then he told everyone that Sylvia was
Elvene’s daughter and had come in her place to visit him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia then understood the purpose of the meal
and celebration. It was to let everyone know how she and Tao were connected
intimately to his past, and that they were to be treated as special guests, not
strangers. Sylvia was more determined than ever to learn Myka’s language.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After he had spoken, Tao leant across to Myka.
‘I would like to learn how to fish.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka said, ‘I will ask my son, Arli, to teach
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia understood that, if they were to fit in,
they would have to contribute to the community. After responding to Tao, Myka
turned to Sylvia. ‘You know, I taught your mother to fish.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia thought, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why am I not surprised?</i> But she said, ‘You think I should learn
too?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Only if you want.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She noticed that he used his hands a lot when
he spoke to her, but she knew that it helped him to form the long lost words in
his head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Your mother was a warrior woman.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia laughed. ‘Yes, that she is.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She wasn’t sure if it was the right place to
ask him, but the conversation had become more intimate. ‘Do you think of Elvene
often?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled. ‘I never forget her last words.
There will always be a part of me with her.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I think she was very lucky.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded. ‘Yes, I was very lucky.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was still unsure if Myka knew that he
was her father, but the situation needed to be more private before she could
have that conversation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they were back in their hut, Tao raised
the same point, ‘Do you think he knows?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That I’m his daughter?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘At first I thought he did, but now I’m not
sure. I think he thinks Roger is my father.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, will you tell him?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Definitely, but it’s not something you can
just say in the middle of a conversation.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-8441085591371239862013-07-28T13:25:00.000+10:002013-07-28T13:25:37.998+10:00Sylvia - Episode 18
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They had finished their breakfast and were
cleaning up when they saw the sky swimmer return, cresting the hill over which
it had disappeared. Only this time it had brought some friends as there was a
flock of them. Neither Tao nor Sylvia were aware that a lone sky swimmer was a
rare sight indeed, let alone one that provided them with breakfast. They were
an awesome sight, like a slowly expanding cloud that threatened to block out
the sky. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was Sylvia who first saw the lone human,
seated in a loop created by a particularly thick tendril hanging from the lead
animal. He was near naked, as Myka had been in the holo that Alfa had shown
her. She pointed him out to Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That must be Myka. Surely.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao and Sylvia remained rooted to the spot, as
the sky-swimmers approached and the human came into clearer perspective, almost
eye-level with them. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia noticed that he tapped the tendril and
it lowered him to the ground on the other side of their fire. The tentacle
withdrew and the sky swimmers seemed to surround them, the flapping sound of
their grey elephant-ear wings even drowning out the sea.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia noticed that the man was much younger
than she had expected, yet he looked almost identical to the images she had
seen of Myka, provided by Alfa.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He spoke before she could muster her questions,
but his language was unintelligible to her. She indicated that she didn’t
understand.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded in understanding, and, picking up
some dirt, he threw it on the fire.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia said to Tao, ‘I think he wants us to put
out the fire.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She followed his example and he nodded to her.
Tao did the same.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was still some smoke arising through the
sand and dirt. But Sylvia couldn’t contain her curiosity. ‘Are you Myka?’ Then
pointing at him she repeated the name, ‘Myka.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He shook his head and again said something she
didn’t understand but the word Myka was repeated.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He then beckoned that they follow him. He
raised his hand and a tentacle came down to rest against it. He pointed at Tao
and Sylvia and two tentacles came down and wrapped around their bodies.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s first thought was to make sure Alfa
secured the car. So she yelled, ‘Alfa, secure the car but don’t follow us. We
will return.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She heard no reply as they were both whisked
off their feet and commenced the strangest journey she had yet experienced.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao were drifting apart as they were
attached to different sky swimmers. But Tao called out. ‘What makes you so sure
we will come back?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She called back, ‘It doesn’t matter, we both
have tracking devices.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao nodded and then looked down at the
retreating car on the beach, their pan and knives still sitting on the ground
where they had dropped them. ‘We should have kept our knives,’ he called out.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why? We do not want to harm these creatures.
Nor threaten them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He could see the wisdom in her words and he
nodded. He was swaying a little from the motion. He looked towards the hill as
they rose to meet it. Ever the pragmatist, he hoped that the creatures made
allowances for his weight and the pendulous action of their cargo.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was reminded of her contact with the
night goats, which surprised her since they existed on separate worlds. If
asked, she would have struggled to explain what the connection was, but it felt
subliminal. She found that, if she crossed her legs, the thick rope-like tendril
made a natural step between her left sole and right instep that helped her to
maintain balance and allowed a more comfortable position. She looked across at
Tao and noticed that he had one foot hanging free, with the other leg
well-entwined, yet he seemed relaxed enough.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The air rushed past them, watering her eyes,
but otherwise she felt no discomfort. She was glad she had worn full-body
clothing, otherwise she might have felt cold. The sun was still low enough that
she could feel it on her skin and it seemed to beckon them to their unknown
destination. She felt an exhilaration that can only come from flying but this
was different to any experience she’d had in a car or a shuttle, or even a
space craft. It was like flying the way she imagined birds experience it, with
the air whipping her unrestrained hair and the ground passing underneath her
feet hundreds of metres below. She was surprised she felt no vertigo, but such
was her faith in her carrier that she was able to enjoy the ride with none of
the fear.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She stroked the tendril with her free hand
above her head and rested her cheek against it. In response, she felt a tingle
through her skin. It gave her a sense of security and for a moment she even
closed her eyes. She wondered if it was possible to communicate with these
creatures at an emotional level or whether her imagination had taken over her
senses.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She could see their self-appointed host well in
front of them. He looked like a young <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tarzan</i>,
only he wasn’t swinging through trees, he was swinging through the sky.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Everything that had happened that morning had
had a dream-like quality, from when she had first been awoken to this journey
through the air. And it was all to do with these creatures, the sky swimmers.
She went over the questions she had raised with Tao earlier that morning: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did they know we were here? Why did they
provide food for us? Why did they come back?</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She decided that the first one must have been a
scout, so its arrival may have been completely by chance, but that didn’t
explain the events that followed. It was like they had an intelligence that
went beyond their appearance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They had been travelling over dense forest,
both valleys and hills; behind them, Sylvia could still see the ocean, but only
when the sky swimmers rode the air currents to crest a hill. Once on the other
side, the ocean would dip from view and eventually it disappeared altogether.
Sylvia lost track of time but, at least once, she changed the position of her
feet and the sky swimmer seemed to be able to accommodate her as if reading her
mind. She noticed that Tao was able to change legs as well. It wound tighter
around his waist before unraveling from his right leg and transferring to his
left. How it knew to do this she did not understand but she suspected that they
could feel cues from their passengers and responded accordingly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then they crossed a broad valley, the sun still
straight ahead and below Sylvia thought she saw a herd of animals, though it
was hard to make them out. They barely looked up but they looked like giant
boars complete with tusks. It was only when one stood up that she noticed they
had six legs, and, whilst they appeared brown from above, like the ground they
were walking on, underneath they were white. So when one of them stood erect,
it could be seen distinctly from a long way off.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were approaching a ridge that blocked the
horizon beyond, but, when they crested it, she saw a broad lake that seemed to
stretch to the horizon itself. Near the shores of the lake she could make out
some sort of activity. There were huts, and as they got closer, there were
canoes and rafts on the shoreline. In front of the huts stood a crowd of people
all craning their heads to witness their arrival.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She watched their host expertly alight,
breaking into a run when he hit the ground. She wanted to do the same and she
was relieved when her sky swimmer followed his lead. As she descended, the
thick tendril uncoiled from her legs leaving just one loop around her waist.
Then it unwound and she simultaneously let go with her one hand to drop to the
ground, her feet automatically taking the strides she needed to stop falling.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She hardly noticed Tao’s similar landing,
because she was looking up at her personal transporter; she couldn’t resist the
impulse to give it a wave as it continued on over the huts and lake.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a large group of people facing them:
men, women and children. They were all wearing tanned hides for clothing,
though many of the men were bare-chested like the young man who had brought
them here, and most of them held spears. Their self-appointed guide was now
standing alongside an older man, who was shorter in stature, his white hair
standing out on his darker skin. He was wearing no special adornment, and had a
staff in lieu of a spear, yet Sylvia could tell he was the leader. His eyes
stood out because they were soft and liquid in a weather-beaten, deeply lined
face. Contrary to everyone else, his eyes showed no curiosity nor thinly veiled
hostility; just an understanding, as if he knew why they were there.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The young man spoke in the Elder’s ear,
confidentially, so no one else could hear. The man smiled and nodded his head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The Elder then beckoned to Sylvia and Tao to
follow him, and turned in the knowledge that they would. The crowd parted
respectfully, including their guide, and Sylvia led Tao through a tunnel of
curious faces, her eyes on the broad brown back in front of her, a mane of
shoulder-length white hair curling at his neck and the staff in his right hand
providing authority rather than support.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Behind the crowd were the huts, mud-walled with
roofs of platted leaves, and, walking between them they entered a cleared
space, so that the huts were arranged in a circle around it. On the far side of
the clearing was a larger hut, elevated on stilts, but mud-lined and still
roofed by leaves. It had a row of windows with an entrance in the middle;
Sylvia counted three each side. She could see smoke rising from the left
extremity of the roof, so she assumed there was a fire inside. There was a ramp
up to its entrance, and they followed their host inside.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The interior was spacious yet smoky as there
was a fire at one end, on a stone hearth, as Sylvia had expected. Yet the smoke
was no more irritating then what she and Tao had created that very morning. In
fact, it had a fragrance to it that she found calming.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Their host sat with his back to the fire on one
of the platted mats covering the floor and gestured for them to sit opposite
him. Sylvia and Tao sat cross-legged as he did, with Tao on her left. A couple
of young women entered behind them and put a vessel on the floor between them
that looked like an earthenware kettle. They then poured out a brown liquid
into three small cups, which steamed momentarily in its short curved path from
spout to cup, and placed them in front of each of them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Waiting for the young women to leave, the Elder
lifted his cup in a salute, so they did the same. Then he sipped from it and
they followed his example. To Sylvia’s surprise, the liquid was very sweet. To
her it had a nutty taste but she couldn’t be sure. When she put the cup back on
the floor she nodded to her host to show her gratitude. Tao copied her actions,
looking between Sylvia and the Elder, as if he was afraid he’d make a gaffe.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The Elder looked at Sylvia, then at Tao, then
back to Sylvia. His eyes were mischievous, like he was laughing at them, then
he said directly to Sylvia, one word, ‘Elvene.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia smiled at him. ‘Myka.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled in return. ‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You speak Universal?’ She asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He waved his arm in a gesture that was part
frustration part indication of time passed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Long time,’ He said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Long time ago,’ she repeated.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia put a hand on her chest. ‘Elvene is my
mother.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At this, tears welled in his eyes, and Sylvia
was momentarily speechless.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao watched them both closely. He suddenly felt
like an intruder. ‘If you want I’ll wait outside.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Sylvia reached across and put her hand on
his arm. ‘No, stay. Please.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded and said no more.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then looking back at Myka, she said, ‘I am
Sylvia and this is Tao.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He repeated the names as best he could, ‘Syvia
and Tou.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He clapped his hands and one of the young women
returned. She bent down so he could say something in her ear and then she left.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They waited in silence and then Sylvia and Tao
turned around when they heard heavier footsteps on the mat-covered floor. It
was the young man who had brought them here and he held something in his hand.
Sylvia could see that it was a knife in a sheath and he handed it to Myka. The
young man stood back, but Myka gestured that he join them, so he sat on Myka’s
right and slightly behind him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then Myka said, ‘Arli, my son.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia realised that he was her half-brother,
but was unsure if this was the time to reveal that.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Myka then lifted the knife from his lap and
withdrew it from its sheath. Sylvia and Tao both recognised it as a clear
ceramic knife that only Space Corps officers possess.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Mum… I mean Elvene gave you that,’ Sylvia
said, and she suddenly wished she had the heirloom that Roger had left her, but
was currently in the car they had left behind.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He nodded. ‘The last day.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She gave it to you on the last day she was
here?’ Sylvia repeated.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes,’ and he handed it across to her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia held it in both hands. She found it
incredible that she could touch something of her mother’s over this time and
distance. Now she could feel the tears welling in her eyes.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao reached across and touched her. ‘Are you
alright?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She smiled. ‘Of course,’ and wiped a tear from
her eye. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She felt they had so much to say yet the space
between them seemed to convey emotions that neither of them could put into
words.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she handed the knife back to Myka, he took
her hand between his and squeezed it. At this simple gesture the floodgates
opened for her, and he just held her hand and watched with his smiling eyes.
Sylvia felt he could talk to her without saying a word. She let the tears flow
down her face, while she felt he entered her mind, and experienced a grace and
peace that she had never known. He seemed to touch all her memories of her
mother and she sensed the love and compassion that he had felt for her. In that
brief moment, all her preconceptions about Myka, based on the images that Alfa
had shown her, changed irreversibly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Arli watched on impassively, as if he had seen
it all before, but Tao looked on in disbelief. He would never have expected
that this meeting would become so emotional for Sylvia, yet he was also touched
in a way that he couldn’t explain.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Myka let go her hand, Sylvia felt the
sensation linger, though not as intense. She felt that he’d looked into her
very soul and laid it bare, yet no words had been spoken. His eyes were still
smiling at her, full of affection and understanding. She looked across to Tao
whose expression was a mixture of concern and empathy. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She returned her gaze to Myka; she was unsure
what they would do next. Then on an impulse, she said, ‘If it’s alright with
you, I’d like to summon Alfa.’ Then as an afterthought, ‘You remember Alfa,
don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I remember Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Despite her last altercation with Afari, it
only took two days before Afari summoned Elvene for another audience. Elvene
was not sure what to expect, but when she entered her chamber, Afari was
sitting on her throne with a vast grass plain behind her and snow-capped
mountains on the horizon. The impression of distance was so real that Elvene
was reminded of the trek she once undertook on the Kiri planet, although most
of that had been under a mountain. The scene created a sense of isolation and
bleakness: an endless plain followed by an insurmountable barrier. Elvene
understood the metaphorical references very well: the distant mountain range
represented a goal beyond her reach, or a goal that could only be achieved by
an intermediary, which, in this case, was Afari herself. The throne was to
reestablish their relationship; Afari was letting Elvene know her place.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene sat on the cushion provided without
waiting for Afari to prompt her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hello Princess.’ She paused a beat to assess
Elvene’s demeanour. ‘Our last conversation ended on a bad note and I wish to
make amends.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene remained silent.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s time I raised your status.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene tilted her head as if confused.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s time we took you to the next stage of
your evolution.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene couldn’t hide her disappointment nor her
fear. Afari knew exactly how to manipulate her emotionally.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t be like that.’ Afari talked to her as if
she was a child. ‘One day you will thank me for this.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene felt an anger stir in her involuntarily
and her voice changed so dramatically that even Afari was surprised. It was the
first time since Afari had met her, that Elvene actually sounded menacing,
though her voice remained level. ‘I will never thank you, Afari. Not for
anything.’ Elvene noticed the effect she had and it emboldened her to continue.
‘You’ve taken me from my world and my family, from the people whom I love, and
you expect me to be grateful. I will never feel anything for you except
revulsion and contempt.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene never remembered anything after that
because, in a pique of rage, Afari rendered her unconscious.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she came round in her apartment again,
with another blinding headache, Elvene contemplated the near-breaking-strain
relationship she maintained, yet she didn’t care. And she knew it was because
she didn’t care that she stayed alive. She knew that Afari must be so tempted
to kill her, and, perhaps one day, she would, but the only reason she didn’t
was because Afari knew, that once she had, then Elvene would have won their
contest.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-32350525612459253552013-07-27T10:51:00.000+10:002013-07-27T10:51:04.941+10:00Sylvia - Episode 17
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao looked at the hillside that once
contained Myka’s home. Sylvia wanted to be sure. ‘Is this the last place where
Elvene and Myka were together?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m ninety-nine percent certain,’ Alfa
answered.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">A sudden realisation hit Sylvia. ‘Is this where
I was conceived?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Most probably, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at Tao. ‘Should we go and have a
look?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at the bare hillside. It held
nothing to invite him, but he saw a look in her eyes he couldn’t deny. He
shrugged his shoulders. ‘Why not?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, let’s walk. Set us down on the beach,
Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa did as he was requested. When the bubble canopy
slid back they both stepped out onto a pebbly beach. As they started to walk up
the slope, Sylvia noticed that there was a spring to their right that trickled
into the ocean. Though the path was overgrown with a brownish grass, it was
easy to see, from their perspective looking up, that it zig-zagged up the
valley’s slope.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wonder why they all left?’ She asked, though
the question was more to herself than Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know. Maybe they got too big for the
valley.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then why would everyone leave? Why not split
off? That’s what normally happens isn’t it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao again shrugged his shoulders. ‘Maybe their
was an epidemic. Maybe something drove them from here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Let’s see if we can find a cemetery.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were coming up to the first caves. Sylvia
entered and took a light-stick from her utility belt. It spread a glow around
her rather than focusing a beam. She could see shelves cut into the earth and
there was the odd earthen-wear plate or vessel but otherwise little sign that
anyone had lived there.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">In another cave they found a small cage where
she suspected some small animal or animals had been kept. She decided it would
have been large enough to keep a cat or a parrot, examples of which existed on
her homeland. She picked it up and examined it. It was made from a material
like bamboo and twine. She could tell that it had been well-crafted, robust and
functional.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia put a headset and visor on her head.
‘Are you seeing this, Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you know which cave was Myka’s?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can only guess, madam, as Elvene rarely
communicated with me when she was here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m surprised.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She didn’t want people to see me. I remained
underwater for most of our visit here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia thought that strange, but she didn’t
think Alfa could enlighten her further.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On walking back outside, she asked another
question, though she didn’t expect to get an informative answer. ‘Other than
the fact that there’s no one here, is there anything else that is noticeably
different.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam. There are no sky swimmers.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sky swimmers. What are sky swimmers?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They were the dominant life form here madam.
The top of the food chain. When we first came here, Myka was riding one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Riding one?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s correct, madam. They had long tentacles
that could reach to the ground.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can you give me an image?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Certainly, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her visor was suddenly filled with sky and she
realised she was looking from the perspective of being on the water below. When
she tilted her head back she saw this giant grey animal like a mantra ray in
the sky with tentacles that hung down towards her. On the one closest to her
was a young man with the tentacle wrapped around one leg and one hand holding
on. She recognised him as the man whom Alfa had revealed to her as her father.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia handed the visor to Tao without saying a
word.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Like her, he tilted his head back. ‘Is that
your father?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I believe so.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He handed the visor back; his face was a
mixture of puzzlement and concern.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thanks Alfa.’ Sylvia put the visor back in her
belt.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They walked into every cave. At the top they
found the largest. ‘I wonder if this was his.’ Tao suggested. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Sylvia said, ‘I don’t know. I’ve no idea of
anything that would reveal him to us. If he had something of Mum’s I’m sure he
would have taken it with him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was something about this cave that made
her shiver involuntarily in an uncontrolled shudder.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What’s wrong?’ Tao asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know. Someone walked over my grave.
Isn’t that what people say? There’s something bad about this place, but don’t
ask me what it is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She walked quickly back into the sunlight and
felt instant relief, Tao followed, perplexed. ‘What happened? What did you
feel.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at him. ‘I don’t know but I didn’t
like it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why don’t you ask Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘To be honest, I’m too scared.’ Then she looked
at him, seeing he wasn’t convinced. ‘Obviously, I quizzed Alfa before we left.
He told me very little about this place. He knew more about Myka’s homeland
than this place.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This isn’t his homeland?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No. Apparently he travelled over a vast ocean,
with just one other person. His original home was an archipelago half a planet
away.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s unbelievable.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, and so are we being here,’ she reminded
him. ‘Come on, we’re not going to find anything more in these caves.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So what do we do now?’ They had started
walking down the hill.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘To be honest, Tao, I don’t know.’ She looked
back up the hill. ‘We could go to the archipelago, but my instinct is that it
won’t help us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Your famous instinct.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave him a smile.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Out at sea the sun was crawling towards the
horizon. She stopped and turned towards him as if she was making a proposition.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Look, it’s going to get dark soon, and we have
plenty of time. Why don’t we stay the night here. Tomorrow we might find new
inspiration.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao thought it was a strange idea, considering
they’d found nothing to keep them there. Nevertheless, he had nothing better to
offer. ‘Okay, we’ll stay one night. It can’t hurt.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia felt satisfied and Tao noticed a bounce
in her step. He had to admit that he had no idea what was going through her mind
but he knew better than to ask.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was in Queen Afari’s chamber, sitting on
the cushion she provided. On this occasion, Afari was wearing all black, not
unlike the armour that Elvene once wore herself, only without the helmet. It
looked like black glass, yet it moved like a second skin. Afari’s hair was
blonde this time and her eyes violet. She lounged on a couch, a chaise-long,
Elvene would have called it. It was a deep burgundy colour. The background was
an oasis with dunes in the background. There was even a zephyr that scattered
the odd grain onto the carpet under Elvene’s cushion. Elvene picked one up to
examine it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, it’s real quartz,’ Afari said in answer
to her unasked question.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene rolled it between her fingers and let it
drop beside her. ‘I believe you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was a passing interruption to Afari
expounding on the inevitability of her new kingdom and its eventual domination
of the entire colonised universe.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You see, the advantage of being immortal is
that you only have to wait. I can wait until all the planets are terra-formed
and settled before taking them over. Let others do the work for me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Evolution doesn’t stand still, Afari,
especially cultural evolution. The world of humanity will change of itself in
that time. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that you will be found
out and defeated.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari laughed. ‘Your hopes are so transparent,
my princess.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew that the real reason Afari had
these audiences, as she called them, was because she was the only person in
Afari’s entire subordinated world who challenged her. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘My hopes are irrelevant, as I’m sure you
agree. You will stagnate and others will overtake you. I may not be around to
see that, but you will be.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene could see that she had hit a nerve. It
gave her a small thrill when she could pierce Afari’s formidable ego.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari sneered. ‘I’m unconquerable and everyone
here knows that, including you. If someone even attempts to defeat me you all
die.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And you think that that someone, who may not
be a person but a political body, or, better still, a robot, won’t be willing
to sacrifice all of us to stop you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If that’s the case, then why didn’t you stop
me when you still had the chance?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not everyone is like me, Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari had long since stopped reminding Elvene
to address her as Queen Afari.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, my princess, they are not. But humanity’s
great weakness is its belief in its own moral superiority. The greater my
population the less willing they would be to make that sacrifice. Especially,
when they see the children.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But the children grow up, Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, they do. And then they have children of
their own.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This last revelation took Elvene by surprise,
and Afari smiled when she saw it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘One of the reasons I like having these
audiences with you, Princess, is that you test my ideas. It’s always satisfying
when I can surprise you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘One day, Afari, someone will kill you in your
sleep.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Like you, for instance?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If I ever get the chance.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I should kill you for that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then why don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You know the answer to that. It’s what you
want. You’re the only person who could say that and remain alive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Really? What of all the people who don’t say
it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Let them try and they will die a very nasty
death. But in case you’re thinking of it, let me explain that the substitute
would ensure that you would all die with me. You can’t kill me, Princess,
without killing everyone here, including your friends, Clare and Max.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The mention of their names demonstrated how
Afari kept everyone under control. Everyone had people they cared about and
that was her leverage over them all. The substitute, that she referred to, is
what kept them alive when Afari wasn’t present. It also had a time lock, so if
she didn’t return in time they would all die. It was also apparent now that it
took over when Afari was asleep. Elvene wondered if it was linked to Afari’s
brain waves.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari expounded, ‘Humanity’s greatest weakness
is the very glue that keeps it together. Clare and Max are the closest thing
you have to family here. Whatever happens to you will also happen to them. You
would do well to keep that in mind.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know you are untouchable, Afari. But one
day, someone is going to think otherwise and then you will come to an end. The
problem with immortality is that it’s a very long time for something to go wrong.
Your undoing will eventually happen. It’s inevitable.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You say the silliest things sometimes,
Princess. If you’re not careful I’ll become bored with you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then, please do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Go.’ And Afari pointed at the portal behind
her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But when Elvene stood, Afari pointed her finger
straight at her instead, and Elvene felt her head explode in blinding pain
before collapsing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she came to she was lying on her bed in
her apartment. She arose and found her door was locked. Afari was punishing her
like a recalcitrant child. Elvene smiled, knowing that she had pushed Afari to
her limit. Despite the headache she felt it was worth it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Myka had made a fire on the beach,
though they had nothing to cook over it. They were still eating rations, and
Sylvia realised that they would have to find other sources for food if they
were going to survive here long term. They had found some drift wood to burn
and a log to sit on. As darkness enveloped them, cinders and sparks would rise
into the night and they could see stars over the water, though the
constellations were as foreign to them as the ground they sat on.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao spoke his thoughts, ‘This planet must be
one of the earliest to be terra-formed. I’m surprised there’s no technology
here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘According to Alfa, it was never terra-formed.
This planet is completely natural.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then that’s even more amazing. Yet it has
human inhabitants.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If this is where my mother met my father, then
it must have had once.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why is it classified?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa says it’s something to do with the drone
wars, but it goes back a long way, generations before my mother got involved.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It doesn’t make sense to me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I think the planet was considered a safe-haven
– an inter-galactic bolt hole. I think it was classified so the marauders would
never find it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But your mother found it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘According to Alfa, that was sheer luck, pure
chance.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Are you trying to tell me that your conception
was made in heaven or something.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled as he said this and she smiled back.
‘Well, think how special that makes you then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At that he laughed. She examined him more
closely. He had his hands clasped over this knees. The air was cool rather than
cold, but she realised that they were both more relaxed than they had been for
a long time.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What are you looking at?’ he asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You, who else is there to look at?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I guess I am lucky then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No Tao, I’m the lucky one.’ She leant over to
him and kissed him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He put his arms around her. ‘We may be better
off than where we were. But there’s still the possibility that we’ll never see
home again.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, we left a message so we can be found if
anyone does look for us,’ she reminded him. Then with a smile, ‘Besides, we can
pretend.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Pretend what?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Pretend we’re on a deserted island and there’s
just the two of us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled at her sardonic humour. ‘Well, we
have Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, you’re right. And, somehow, I think that
while we have Alfa we have a chance.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have a lot of faith in him, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked up at him. ‘Well, he got us here.
And he kept my mother alive for many years.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They both disappeared in the end, didn’t
they?’ He looked at her, wondering if he was being too negative but she put her
head back against his shoulder.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Who knows? He may be keeping her alive still.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao remained silent. He thought the
conversation was turning maudlin.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She spoke as if she could read his thoughts.
‘Don’t worry, Tao. Believe it or not, I hardly ever think of her. Roger’s death
upset me more than Mum’s disappearance.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Really?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Roger was the rock for both of us. I think
that while Roger was around, I could deal with Mum’s missing-in-action thing,
but now that he’s gone, it’s a lot harder. Now, all I have is Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She squeezed him. ‘Yes, I have you.’ She looked
up at him again. ‘Whatever happens, Tao, I’m glad we met.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, so am I. Whatever happens, I think that
while we are together we have a chance, with or without Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at him and she knew that he really
believed that. Then thinking more pragmatically, she asked, ‘Where are we going
to sleep tonight? The car’s only got the hibernation couches now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked around. ‘I don’t suppose you want to
sleep in one of the caves.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia shivered and snuggled closer to him.
‘No, thank you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, it’s either the car or near the fire. We
did bring thermal cocoons.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can we join them together?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Should be able to.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then let’s do that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Before bedding down, Tao built up the fire and
Sylvia created an electronic boundary, with half a dozen sentinels at about a
10 metre radius, so that an alarm would sound if anything over a certain mass
crossed it. She set it on mouse-size, though she knew that was no guarantee of
security.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They undressed and wriggled into their
inflatable cocoon, Sylvia first. She lay on her side and felt Tao snuggle into
her back, his arm over her breasts. She put her arm over his and felt him stir.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They had their back to the fire, and, if she
lifted her head, Sylvia could see out across the ocean. They were high up on
the beach, and, without a moon, she knew that there would be virtually no
tides, but if they woke up with water lapping at their feet there were worse
disasters. She also knew that the car could take care of itself. The
constellations were brighter than ever and she was reminded of the first night
that she and Tao had slept together. But on this occasion there was a whisper
of sound from the ocean and the occasional crackle from the fire. If there were
any nocturnal creatures about, they must have been very quiet. She reminded
herself of the electronic boundary and put those thoughts from her mind.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao could tell from her breathing that she was
not asleep. He pushed his nose through her hair so it was against the skin of
her neck. She turned to face him and when they made love it was slow and
languorous, befitting their mood and newfound freedom. Afterwards they snuggled
together spoon-like, the cocoon automatically adjusting its temperature to
counter theirs. Tao felt Sylvia drop off to sleep without knowing when he
followed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">During the night their body heat drove them
apart, so in the morning they were facing opposite directions. Sylvia awoke to
something tickling her face. At first she twitched and then, without waking,
she brought her hand up to brush it away. But as soon as her hand touched
something foreign, she woke up. It had felt like a strand of something, like
string or thin pliable cord, but as soon as she awoke, she jumped with a start
and let a strangled gasp escape from her mouth.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao awoke instantly and rolling over he
instantly froze. Above them was a huge grey creature hovering in the sky; it
had folds of overlapping skin, like giant elephant ears gently flapping and he
could hear the rustling sound they made. Below them were long tendrils that
draped to the ground, which now recoiled beyond reach.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia spoke first, ‘It’s a sky swimmer.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then Tao remembered the image that Alfa had
shown them, only with Myka attached to one. ‘I wonder what’s it doing here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Pity it can’t talk. I wonder if it knows where
my father is?’ And Sylvia too conjured the image in her mind that Alfa had shown
them yesterday.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But before she could contemplate this idea any
further, the lone sky swimmer moved away from them and headed out to sea. It
dropped its tentacles into the water and came up with two fish and brought them
ashore. Dropping the fish near the fire, it then withdrew its tentacles
completely and sped off landwards, disappearing over a hill.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao, forgetting his nakedness, arose and went
to examine the fish. To his surprise, they were already dead. Sylvia walked
down to the water to wash and then dressed herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she returned, Tao had put some shorts on
and was making up the fire again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I guess we will have fish for breakfast.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Just a moment.’ Sylvia retrieved a small
satchel from the car, and taking out a wand-like instrument examined the fish
to make sure they were edible. ‘This instrument kept my mother alive,’ she
explained to Tao, ‘I’m sure she used one on this very planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao said nothing, and, having managed to get
the fire going, he retreated to the water, washed himself and then returned to
the car to dress properly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gutted and cleaned the fish. Only when
she had some hot coals did she actually cook them, using a portable pan they
had amongst their meagre belongings. In between she packed up the inflatable
cocoon and generally made sure that they could leave in a hurry if they had to.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">By the time the fish were cooking, Tao had
joined her. They sat on the same log they had the night before. ‘Don’t you find
that weird?’ he asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This giant creature appears from nowhere, and,
after scaring us half to death, provides us with breakfast.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You know it woke me up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How do you mean?’ He looked at her
quizzically.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It tickled my cheek with one of its
tentacles.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Really?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What do you think woke me up?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I had no idea. I just assumed you woke up and
saw this giant monster hovering above us. I heard you scream or gasp, and
that’s what woke me up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked back at the fire. ‘You’re right,
it’s very weird. Like it knew we were here and wants us to stay.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s nonsense.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at him. ‘I guess so. But let’s
enjoy our breakfast.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They ate the fish straight from the pan. They
both used knives to cut it up and separate the flesh from the internal
skeleton, which was more flexible than what they had experienced from the
Old-Earth genetic copies they had eaten back home. Using the blades of their
knives and their fingers, they weren’t worried about etiquette and they found
the flesh sweet with a salty tang that probably came from the sea itself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-70083900715503804042013-07-21T13:06:00.001+10:002013-07-27T12:17:39.102+10:00Sylvia - Episode 16<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">PART 3</span></b></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Family & Friends</span></b></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had been in captivity for over two years
when she saw the first human cargo, that included children, arrive. This
changed Elvene’s attitude towards her situation. In a way, it didn’t surprise
her – it was logical if someone was starting a new race, so to speak, that they
would start with children and not adults – yet it evoked a sense of alarm she
hadn’t felt before. Children were vulnerable and pliable, and no match for
Afari’s psychological manipulations. And there was one child in particular who
attracted her attention, possibly, because she reminded her of a younger
version of herself. Her name was Clare and she had a younger brother, Max. She
noticed that Max had withdrawn completely and was totally reliant on his older
sister. Elvene knew that it would be disastrous for him if they were separated.
She knew that Afari would be equally cognisant of this dependency, and, knowing
Afari as she did, suspected that the queen would use it as a means to control
the independently minded Clare.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The first time Clare spoke to Elvene, she was
wary of any overtures of friendship. She was observant enough to notice that
Elvene was effectively ostracised by the other adults, even though it was obvious
that she had been there a long time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Well-established</i>
was the term that came into her mind. Even before their first conversation,
others had warned her that Elvene had the Queen’s ear. They did this by
half-kneeling to whisper in her ear, in clear sight of Elvene. The message was
clear: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she’s on the other side; stay with
us and you’ll be safe</i>. The inference being that having a conversation with
Elvene would be seen as a betrayal – going over to the other side.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Like everyone else, once they had their
implants, Clare and Max were given more freedom. Clare had made it a practice
to get Max out as much as possible, so he could interact with more people,
though there seemed to be no other children his age. Clare noticed, in fact,
that the only children she saw were the ones who had been abducted with
herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But one of the opportunities to interact was at
communal meals. She noticed that if Elvene attended, she always sat alone and
didn’t seem concerned that no one spoke to her. But she also knew that Elvene
observed her, and, eventually, curiosity got the better of her. On one occasion
she had left Max at their apartment and her intention was to get two meals and
take them back. It was an unusual time of day, neither afternoon nor evening;
the area was a huge hall, with clustered groups but the vacant areas dominated.
Seeing Elvene sitting alone in a corner, Clare saw an opportunity to
momentarily engage her without having to join her. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As she approached, Elvene looked up and smiled
while still chewing. Clare was carrying a tray, and only when it became obvious
that she wasn’t going to sit, did Elvene speak. ‘Where’s your brother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The question took Clare by surprise and she
answered it without thinking. ‘He’s back in our apartment.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded and put another forkful of food
in her mouth. ‘Do you want to sit?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No thanks.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled at her, and put her utensils down
while still eating her last mouthful.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare was intrigued by her overture, but still
didn’t trust it; perhaps she was playing games with her. She asked the most
obvious question, ‘Why do you watch me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene’s smile broadened. ‘Well observed and
well asked.’ She put her hands in front of her, steeple-like. Then, more
seriously, ‘You care a lot about your brother, don’t you?’ Clare looked down at
her tray to evade the question. ‘I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel uncomfortable.
I’ll try not to watch you in the future.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare seemed satisfied with this answer. She
nodded at her and then walked away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene watched her go. She wondered how long before
she’d get the chance to talk to her again. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But,
in an environment like this,</i> she thought, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">time expanded and compressed irrespective of our desires</i>. So she
had little doubt the opportunity would come again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia came out of hibernation before Tao, and
her first thought was that he might be dead. The capsule was open yet Tao still
appeared asleep.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao, Tao. Wake up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then Alfa spoke as if he could read her mind,
‘Don’t wake him, madam. His life signs are normal.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, are you sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam. Some take longer to arouse. It’s
best to leave him alone.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Spoken like someone
who knows what they’re talking about</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">, she thought to herself. She looked around her
and they were on a beach with an ocean on her left and rolling hills on her
right. There was a sun hovering over the hills. ‘Is this the Kiri planet?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When Tao comes round, I want you take us to
the last place you saw Myka.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We are not far from there now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was genuinely puzzled. ‘How come you
know what I’m thinking before I say it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s my job, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well done, you then.’ Then she couldn’t help
herself. ‘Were you able to do that with my mother as well?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sometimes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia chuckled. ‘Yes, I bet. We share a common
history then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t understand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Neither do I, to tell you the truth.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At this last utterance, Tao stirred and opened
his eyes. He looked up at Sylvia as if he was surprised to see her, then he sat
up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We made it then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gripped him in a hug. ‘Yes, we did.’ Then
she released him, ‘All thanks to Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m so relieved,’ he said, and she realised
that he genuinely meant it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘All thanks to you, actually. You’re a genius,
Tao. Really.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re too kind.’ Then he got out of the car
and kissed her. ‘I’m sorry if I smell.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She laughed. ‘Well, we did jettison the
bathroom.’ Then she looked around her. ‘Let’s bathe in the ocean. Alfa, do you
know if it’s safe?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It should be safe. The last time I was here,
Elvene swum here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">So they took off their clothes and ran into the
sea. The water took Sylvia’s breath away at first, but it was a new experience
for her. There was no ocean where she came from unless one counted the
artificial waves at the communal baths she frequented as a child. In fact, with
Tao alongside her, she felt exactly like a child. He gripped her underwater and
she felt something familiar against her pubis.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She smiled, as they stood chest deep in the
shallows. ‘That didn’t take long, did it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled back. ‘Seems to have a mind of its
own.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was virtually no swell, just a gentle
rocking that lifted them occasionally and tried to push them ashore. She put
her arms around his neck and straddled his hips with her legs, with his hands
under her buttocks she pushed herself upwards. This lifted her breasts above the
water and he put his face between them. Then she lowered herself so he could
enter her and she kissed him deeply. The buoyancy made it easier to maintain
balance and helped him to take her weight. With his hands still under her
buttocks, he rocked her slowly with their eyes locked and he watched her mouth
work in little gasps while his own breathing deepened. When he climaxed she smothered
him in kisses and he hugged her tighter. Wordlessly, she regained her footing
on the sand floor, and they walked ashore holding hands, returning to the craft
to get dressed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After they dressed and had something to eat,
Tao looked around him. ‘I thought you said this was a colonised planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘According to Alfa, it is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So where is everyone?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not far from here, I believe.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But how could we land here and no one notice?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘To be honest, I’m not sure.’ She tried to
sound nonchalant. ‘I guess we’ll find out.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">For the first time since landing, they sat in
the front of the car. Sylvia sat on Tao’s right side – it was the arrangement
they had become used to. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao spoke first. ‘So, do you know where to go?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia turned her head to face him, her cheeky
smile giving him pause. ‘No, but Alfa does. Don’t you Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I believe so, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then let’s go.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As Alfa took off vertically, simultaneously
turning the car inland, Tao couldn’t hide his confusion. ‘I believe so. What
does that mean?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa answered before Sylvia could think of a
suitable reply. ‘It means I believe I know where to go, though it has been over
20 standard years since I was here last.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">And then Sylvia added by way of clarification,
‘That’s 20 years of our time, but it could be longer on this planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re talking about relativistic effects.’
Tao suggested.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right.’ Then to confirm, ‘Isn’t it,
Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was amused. ‘How come you have to ask him?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Because he’s the pilot. It’s his job to know
these things.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao exchanged a smile with Sylvia, both
thinking the same thought, yet remaining silent. Alfa was different to any AI they’d
met.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Whilst they’d been talking, the craft had been
following the land like a giant bird, winding up valleys and cresting hills.
Below them was a dense forest but no sign of habitation. It made Tao ask the
obvious question. ‘Alfa, why can’t you just home in on a transmitter?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">His answer was as immediate as it was
unexpected. ‘There isn’t one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That doesn’t make sense. But you believe
there’s a human colony here. Correct?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Correct and incorrect. There were humans on
this planet when I last visited it, but they are not a colony.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t understand.’ Tao looked to Sylvia, but
she decided to let Alfa do the explaining. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There is no technology on this planet,’ Alfa
continued.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What? So why did we come here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia decided it was time to interject. ‘We
came here because it was possible.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was frustrated. ‘But what’s the point if we
can’t leave?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, it’s more habitable than where we were.
Besides, I wasn’t sure what may have happened in between Alfa’s last visit.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was becoming suspicious. ‘How come Alfa
told you about this anyway?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia took a deep breath, knowing it was time
to confess. ‘Tao, this is where my father lives.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao slumped back in his seat and put his hands
over his face. He didn’t want to show her how angry he was. Then he sat up
again. ‘Why didn’t you tell me about this before we left?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘To be honest, I didn’t think you would agree.
It was just serendipitous that it was a more doable hyper-jump.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was quietly seething but he knew there was
no point in arguing. He looked out the window on his side. ‘I just wished you
had told me.’ Then his frustration boiled over. ‘Sylvia, if we can’t trust each
other, we can’t survive. You understand that, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I do.’ She said in a small voice. She was
close to tears. She hadn’t wanted it to be like this. When she started to cry
he looked towards her. He leaned over and put an arm around her. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m sorry.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She sniffed. ‘It’s okay. I’m sorry, Tao. You
have every right to be angry.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But her tears dissolved his anger as quickly as
it had been aroused. ‘It’s okay. We’re here now. So we can’t change it.’ He
squeezed her closer. ‘We’ll say no more about it, okay?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia returned Tao’s hug and then they both
sat back and she dried her tears. The terrain below them was rugged but
monotonous in its uniformity. Sylvia was beginning to have doubts if there was
any humanity here at all.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, do you recognise anything?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I don’t. Previously I came to this
coastline via the sea. I will go back to the coast and start again.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao spoke as if Alfa wasn’t there. ‘There is no
satellite communication so it all depends on his memory of the terrain.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That is correct, sir.’ Alfa confirmed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa backtracked then started to travel along
the coast. From what Sylvia could deduce, the coast faced west and they were
travelling due north, but she was only guessing based on her belief that the
sun was higher in the sky than when they had arrived. ‘Are we travelling north,
Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘More or less, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They came to a narrow inlet and Alfa stopped.
They faced a steep valley but it looked deserted. Sylvia could see that it had
once been cleared and there seemed to be caves dotted towards its far end.
Beyond was a thick forest.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Does this look familiar, Alfa?’ she asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I believe this is the place, but it’s
changed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Changed? How?</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There’s no one here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After their first meeting, Clare lost some of
her distrust of Elvene. It was not an environment where people readily
developed trust and that’s the way Afari liked it. They were all kept like pets
in Elvene’s eyes. Some were elevated into positions of authority and Elvene did
not resent them. The alternative was to live without any purpose. Elvene
thought herself unique in that she was the only one who had audiences with
Afari yet would not submit to her will. A few had attempted suicide. Very few
succeeded because they were all so closely monitored. Elvene suspected that the
ones who did succeed were simply allowed to. Afari had no interest in any
individual’s life except how it affected her personal vision of a new humanity.
People perceived as weak were not part of that vision. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene made no attempt at engagement with any
of the men, even though they were fewer in number in Afari’s world. It wasn’t
that there weren’t intelligent males available, but Afari used relationships to
manipulate people, and Elvene knew that it would be the easiest way for Afari
to gain some control over her. Also her special relationship with Afari would
put any male friend of hers in particular jeopardy. Afari had no compunction
about killing men. It was like she tolerated them. To her, they were like
drones, useful for some work and possibly also for their genes. But they were
playthings to her, whom she discarded once she’d tired of them. Elvene was
grateful, in this environment, that she wasn’t male – it was a distinct
liability. Her gender was one of two attributes that kept her alive; the other
being that she wasn’t afraid of Afari. Any time a male made an advance towards
Elvene she was especially unfriendly, sometimes aggressively so. She let them
know she wanted nothing to do with them. This gave her the reputation of being
a lesbian, but she didn’t mind. It was an easy ruse to maintain, as long as she
had her perceived special relationship with Afari, and the alternative was not
worth contemplating.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On the other hand, a friendship with Clare was
risky yet less dangerous, not only for herself but for Clare. She knew that
Afari saw Clare’s independence as a virtue and that she would use Max rather
than herself to control her. The greater risk was that Afari would use Clare to
control Elvene, but Elvene was confident that Clare’s life was not in jeopardy
and neither was Max’s. If Afari took away Max, she would lose Clare for good,
and Afari was probably more aware of that than Clare herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was patient with Clare, and after their
first encounter, she was happy to let her be. She told herself, that even if
Clare avoided her altogether, that might not be a bad thing. Nevertheless, she
reasoned that there must have been a curiosity that led Clare to approach her
in the first place, and she suspected that her curiosity had not been sated by
their first encounter.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her intuition was confirmed when some days
later, Clare approached her again whilst she was eating. This time, when Elvene
offered her a seat, she took it. Elvene watched her but kept eating. Clare laid
out her food carefully before she started.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene decided to initiate conversation by
asking the most obvious question, ‘Where’s your brother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare tried to act nonchalant. ‘Oh, he’s
drawing pictures and I’ll take something back for him.’ Then by way of
elaboration, ‘He likes to be left alone sometimes. We spend too much time
together.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded while she swallowed some food.
‘Have you made any friends here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave a shy smile. ‘Not really.’ She chewed
some food before speaking again. ‘Even the people I came with and some of the
other children.’ She shrugged as if it she was making an awkward confession.
‘Max and I have kept to ourselves, partly because he’s still so scared. He
hardly talks at all.’ She cut a piece of meat on her plate, avoiding eye
contact. ‘He draws a lot. It seems to be his way of coping. And he doesn’t
trust anyone except me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene nodded but had stopped eating. ‘That’s a
big responsibility for you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked up at Elvene. ‘I guess so.’ Then
Clare said something that was either very naïve or very bold, Elvene couldn’t
be sure. ‘People say you have the Queen’s ear.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They momentarily locked eyes as if to fathom
each other’s inner thoughts. Elvene decided to go to the nub of the remark.
‘You think I can intervene on your behalf.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare couldn’t hide her relief, but her tone
was cautious. ‘Can you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked down at her plate before
answering, then raise her eyes again. ‘To be totally honest with you, no.’ She
saw the inevitable disappointment, then she steepled her hands before
continuing. ‘I know what people think, but what people think is not what
happens.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare looked quizzical, then suspicious, but
she said nothing. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene moved her tongue to dislodge some food
at the side of her mouth. ‘Queen Afari indulges me.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare tilted her head. Elvene could see that
she didn’t necessarily believe her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know how to explain this. I have no
influence over Queen Afari. She talks to me because she wants to influence me,
not the other way round. And when you get older, she’ll do the same to you, if
she hasn’t started already.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare nodded at this, remembering her own
unpleasant encounter with Afari.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene returned to her meal though she’d almost
finished. ‘You don’t have to trust me, Clare, and maybe it’s better if you
don’t. Real friends are very hard to find in a place like this, which is why I
have none.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Despite her youth, Elvene knew that Clare
understood because she was in a similar situation. ‘You too, have made no
friends to speak of. Max is the only person you trust and you are the only
person he trusts.’ Elvene let the words sink in, maintaining eye contact. ‘If
you and I were to trust each other it would be a big step. But a bigger step
for you than for me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At that, Elvene tidied up her utensils and
empty plate and slid her chair back from the table. Clare watched her stand up
and leave but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-59787910086627949722013-07-20T12:42:00.001+10:002017-12-31T09:29:57.346+11:00Sylvia - Episode 15<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After her operation, for want of a better
euphemism, Elvene was given more freedom. She had no weapons now, not even her
stun guns, and she had the chip that gave Afari complete control should she
ever want to exert it. Elvene now mixed with others but she didn’t interact.
She was so reluctant to give anything of herself away that she kept
conversations to single word utterances and people quickly left her alone. She
knew she was turning into someone she no longer recognised but she told herself
that if she was patient enough she may eventually escape. Elvene was determined
to keep her sanity by hanging onto the one aspect of humanity that only she
could consciously recant, and that was hope. She had done that once before, and
without the intervention of Roger and Alfa, she would have lost her life. It
was not impossible for that intervention to occur again and, as remote as that
possibility seemed to be, it remained her last and only chance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But there was one interaction Elvene couldn’t
avoid, and that was with Afari herself. The first time that Afari had an
audience with her, following the implant, Elvene did not know what to expect,
but she made a conscious resolve not to be intimidated by her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was led by one of Afari’s personal
bodyguards to a door that was really a portal, because behind it was a virtual
world. Afari sat on a raised platform akin to a throne, but the setting was an
open field with a clear sky. Behind her appeared rolling hills covered with a
forest. In subsequent visits, Elvene would see subtle variations on this theme.
Sometimes the throne was a couch and the hills were replaced with mountains
capped by snow or they would be sitting at an oasis in a desert or by a
bubbling brook. Elvene thought that these projections typified Afari’s psyche:
everything in her world was a construct, apparitions giving the impression of a
reality that did not exist except in her mind, and that included the people who
populated it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene approached her; there was no one else
present and there was a red cushion on the ground facing Afari’s throne, which
was of ornate design and gilded. Afari wore a gold torque around her neck that
set off her flowing black hair, which Elvene suspected was a wig. Her armour
was a pale ceramic and below her waist she wore gossamer trousers over legs
folded back and under so that she had one elbow resting on the arm of the
throne. The gold sandals on her feet matched the torque and the loose gold
bracelets on her right arm. She looked relaxed, and despite looking down on
Elvene, given their relevant physical positions, her posture was not
intimidating.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gestured at the cushion. ‘Please make
yourself comfortable, my Princess.’ She smiled at the utterance of the moniker,
knowing it would unbalance their conversation before it even started.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’d prefer to stand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is not intended to be a short meeting. I
suggest you sit.’ Her voice still had the cadence of an invitation rather than
an order.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene considered the option and decided to
oblige.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari waited till Elvene sat herself down
cross-legged on the cushion before saying, ‘You’re not coping very well, are
you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene thought, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at least you get to the point</i>, but she remained silent.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I should warn you, Princess, that if you tip
over the edge I’ll destroy you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene smiled. ‘Well, that’s one incentive for
staying sane.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have a sense of humour after all.’ It was
an observation rather than an invitation for further conversation. ‘You don’t
know what I offer you. This is the next phase of evolution. It’s called
immortality.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t want your immortality, Afari,
especially if it means being dependent on you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You would prefer to die?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can take my life, Afari, but you won’t
take my spirit.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time Afari smiled. ‘Such words of bravado,
yet completely empty of meaning. So tell me, Princess, what is spirit?</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well you won’t have any spirit once you’re
dead, so it’s irrelevant.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I agree. It’s only relevant while I’m
alive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari looked at Elvene more closely as if she
was examining an unusual specimen. ‘You’re not trying to get me to kill you are
you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene gave a short laugh. ‘If that’s what you
think, then I’ve already won.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You really don’t care, do you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, I’m not afraid of you, if that’s what
you mean.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari showed no emotion but she appeared
intrigued. ‘No, I don’t believe you are.’ Then she changed the subject. ‘But I
didn’t invite you here to discuss philosophy. I want to discuss your future
position in my kingdom.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a pregnant pause, but Elvene didn’t
feel obliged to fill it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You do have considerable spirit – I can see
that – and I’d hate to see it wasted. I sought you out, Princess. But I didn’t
capture you as a prize, to be displayed like a beautiful bird in a cage. I
admire your strengths and your courage. I realised that you would be a
formidable partner in my enterprise.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time Elvene responded. ‘Well, it’s in your
interest to keep me alive then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled. ‘Don’t be so ingenuous, no one is
indispensable.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I’ve heard how you dispose of people once
they’ve served your usefulness, especially your lovers.’ Elvene waited for a
reaction, but Afari just tightened her mouth and let her eyes do the talking. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene raised the stakes. ‘Are you going to
tell me it isn’t true?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew that few people, if any, had
challenged her moral authority. Afari only answered when she thought she could
regain the moral high ground.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You presume too much. Didn’t you dispose of
your lover once you were pregnant with his child?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was taken by surprise and she knew that
it showed. ‘How do you know about that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari laughed at her naivete. ‘It’s my position
to know. You don’t deny it at least.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene recovered quickly. ‘Well, it’s not true.
I’ve never disposed of a lover. At least, not in the sense that you do. So the
comparison is not only irrelevant, it’s preposterous.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari rose to the challenge with apparent
relish. ‘What makes you so self-righteous? You’ve killed people, Elvene. I know
that for a fact.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re perverse, Afari. You kill men who have
sex with you – it’s the most perverse act one can think of. The only act that
could be more perverse is killing your own child. Considering, you call the
entire population on this rock your children, then that perversion is equally
available to you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled. ‘I don’t think your
spirit will last very long at all…’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene interjected. ‘So you’re going to kill me
already?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari could tell from her body language, as
much as her voice, that it was a challenge and not a plea.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, that’s not what I meant. If you don’t
accept my offer of privilege and immortality, then I will let you go insane.
That would be a fitting punishment for someone as stubborn and short-sighted as
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can go now. I have tired of you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene stood up and walked to the portal
without looking back. Back in her apartment, she reflected on their encounter.
Afari’s dismissal allowed her to demonstrate her superiority, yet Elvene felt
invigorated in a way that she hadn’t expected. She realised that standing up to
Afari, whatever the risk, was the only way she would remain sane. Afari’s
attempts to psychologically dominate her, even destroy her, could become the
very sustenance to her spirit that she needed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Following her conversation with Alfa, Sylvia
had a stronger resolve than ever to leave the planet. She realised that she now
had a slim opportunity to find her biological father. In fact, it might be the
only opportunity she’d ever get. The problem, she knew, would be to convince
Tao. For that very reason, she didn’t tell him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">For his part, Tao continued to work on his
project of converting Mandrake into a viable space craft, and she left him to
it unless he asked for her assistance. For her part, Sylvia continued to
interrogate Alfa, not only to learn more about her mother and Myka, but also
Roger. In particular, she was intrigued by the conversation between Alfa and
Roger, when Alfa returned to Base without Elvene, following the aborted Kiri
mission. There was no indication in that conversation, or the later one when he
decommissioned Alfa, that Roger would disobey orders in order to find Elvene; a
task whose odds even Alfa considered improbably long.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia, wondered, not for the first time, how
Elvene could love a complete stranger that she would never see again when she
had such a loyal and forgiving friend as Roger. She was also aware of the irony
of her contemplation: without Elvene’s off-world affair, she herself would not
exist. Sylvia felt no attraction for the young man who had seduced Elvene’s
charms, even though she could see how handsome he was. She counted herself
lucky that Roger had taken his place in her life. Right up until his death,
Roger had been the rock in her life that Elvene could only aspire to. And yet,
she felt compelled to seek this Myka out. He was a mystery that she wanted to
solve. Now, more than ever.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Eventually, Tao was ready to trial Alfa with
Mandrake. He knew that this would be the pivotal step: the do or die
connection. He had been putting it off until everything else was ready.
Everything that is except the hibernation facility. Without a pilot,
hibernation on the planet itself may be the only alternative to escaping,
though he hadn’t discussed that option with Sylvia. He knew that hibernation
probably wouldn’t keep them alive for the required duration, but dying in a
hibernation cell was still a better option than dying of starvation.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was with him when he finally decided to
test Alfa’s compatibility. It was their night time and they hadn’t eaten. Tao
knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep that night without knowing. He warned Sylvia
of the consequences. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This may not work. You have a ground craft, a
marauder hyper-drive and an interstellar Space Corps pilot – they may not be
compatible at all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand.’ She noticed that Tao had done a
lot of work on Mandrake to the extent that the sleeping quarters were more
cramped. She pointed this out to him. ‘There are no bathroom facilities.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know. We only get one shot at this.
Actually, the beds will be replaced with hibernation couches. I haven’t done
that yet. If we become marooned in space then a bathroom is not going to make
much difference.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia knew he was right. She blocked the
thought out of her mind and said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They exchanged a quick glance, then Tao said,
‘Shall we try.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia handed Tao the download stick, like she
was handing over a baton. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He put the stick in a slot in the console at
the front of the craft that hadn’t been there before. He waited a moment, then
said, ‘Alfa, are you there?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, of course I’m here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao let out a breath he didn’t know he was
holding. ‘Okay, what about Mandrake?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was no response. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Mandrake, are you there?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa answered, ‘Mandrake is here, but I’ve
overridden him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao let out another breath, and turned to
Sylvia. ‘Well that means there will be no conflict between them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia asked, ‘Are you sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">To her surprise, Alfa answered. ‘I am sure,
madam, unless you disengage me or override me. Mandrake still controls all
ground craft operations, but only via me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was not as surprised by this as Tao was.
As an IMP, she knew that machine intelligent interfaces usually developed their
own hierarchy. A conflict would have been catastrophic, but in this case that
hadn’t happened. The hierarchy would have been sorted based on which AI had the
most advanced code, though not necessarily chronologically. She hadn’t
expressed any concerns to Tao, but she had been worried that Mandrake’s code
would have been more recent than Alfa’s. However, Alfa’s code would have
exhibited greater flexibility and by logical analysis, greater authority. A
flexible intelligence would logically override a more rigid one. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao continued his interrogation of Alfa. ‘Can
you interface with the hyper-drive?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a pause, while Tao involuntarily held
his breath again. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I can.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t engage, but please tell me if you would
be able to engage it, if instructed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was another, longer pause. ‘Can’t be
absolutely sure. I’ve never engaged a marauder hyper-drive before, but it
appears possible. I may have to amend some code.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was surprised. ‘You can do that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, go ahead.’ He turned to face Sylvia.
‘Have you met a machine intelligence like this before?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia shook her head. She realised that she
was becoming reluctant to discuss Alfa in his presence. The so-called ‘Hal’
effect. She never thought she’d ever succumb to it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Instead she changed the subject. ‘So what do we
do next?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, if Alfa can engage the hyper-drive and
that seems probable, then I’ll replace the beds with hibernation cells. Given
the tight space I may have to convert them into a double.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So we will die together.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At that comment, Tao turned to face her, but
she had the shadow of a smile on her face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is your humour always so black?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her smile broadened. ‘Only in the face of
death.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was able to return her smile. ‘Well, I
believe that’s how soldiers cope.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia became pragmatic again. ‘What about the
shielding?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, the car is already well-shielded because
the planet doesn’t have the requisite atmosphere at this stage of its evolution
to shield us properly.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But what about in interstellar space?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There’s a risk but it’s a risk we’re going to
have to take. During a hyper-jump the risk is alleviated. A wormhole has other
risks.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You really think we can do this?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ll let Alfa tell us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia thought that was a smart answer. After
all, they were going to be in the pilot’s hands so to speak. Interstellar space
travel is what really changed the relationship between humans and machines,
where the dependency was reversed for the first time.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then she thought of another question. ‘Does the
marauder hyper-drive have enough energy?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Ah, that’s a good question. Again, I’ll let
Alfa tell us.’ Tao turned his head back to the console, as if Alfa had a
physical presence in the cockpit. ‘Alfa, do we have enough energy to get back
to the base?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was another lengthy pause. ‘I’m unsure,
probably not.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia saw an opportunity and couldn’t resist
exploiting it. ‘Alfa, is there enough energy to reach the Kiri planet?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Another pause. ‘I’m not sure, I will have to
run some checks, but it’s more likely.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao turned back to Sylvia, looking puzzled.
‘What’s the Kiri planet?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia realised that Tao had forgotten their
first conversation with Alfa, except of course his conversation. ‘It’s a place
where my mother was once, and it has a human colony.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, I didn’t know that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Neither did I until I spoke to Alfa,’ she said
truthfully.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene realised that maintaining her sanity
meant keeping her mind occupied and her body fit. She made good use of the
personal gym in her apartment everyday. She missed Alfa enormously but she
pushed him out of her mind. She couldn’t write letters to Alfa the way she
could Roger or Sylvia, even though they’d never be read. She kept herself civil
with others and didn’t interfere in any of the politics that comes with the
territory of a prison society. There were no children present and women
outnumbered men, but Afari’s personal entourage included both sexes.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The letters turned into a journal, and she
realised she was trying to reconcile all her conflicted emotions about Roger
and her daughter. It was almost like a confessional and wondered if this is
what people went through when they thought their corporeal time was limited.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had more audiences with Afari, as they were
called, and she enjoyed them in a perverse sort of way. She was able to turn
them into philosophical discussions almost against Afari’s will. But she
realised that Afari must have been fascinated by them as well, otherwise she
wouldn’t have kept inviting her back. She decided it must be her lack of fear
that intrigued Afari. She knew that if she ever showed fear, it would all be
over, either by death or rejection. And it was rejection that carried the
greatest fear for Elvene, even more than death, which only made her bolder.
Elvene knew, despite her feelings of abject contempt, that her interaction with
Afari was giving her the only purpose she had in Afari’s world.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao and Sylvia ate a final meal and retired for
the night. Over the previous few days, Tao had managed to convert two
hibernation cells into a double, so it would fit inside the vehicle. They both
knew that they were about to make history, assuming they succeeded. What they
both thought, but left unsaid, is that if they didn’t succeed, they would
probably still make history, even if no one found them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">That night they made love more passionately
than any time since their first congress. Like all young couples exploring
their mutual sexual desire, they were starting to learn what erogenous zones
gave most pleasure and how to create and extend the tension that made the
release all the more satisfying. Tao started on her ears and moved down her
neck into the valley between her breasts, then her navel and finally the juicy
centre between her thighs. Sylvia squirmed then grasped his head when he had
touched the centre of her. Later she pulled him over her and smothered him in
kisses in a way that told him she was on the edge of control. When he entered her he moved
ever so slowly, feeling the tension in her as well as himself. He felt her hardened nipples graze his chest and he lowered his right hand so he could squeeze the swollen softness of one of her mounds, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">massag</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">ing its raised puckered aureole with fingers and thumb. He watched her face distort as he stretched the tension; and when she climaxed, he
felt his own release following hard on hers. </span>
</address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afterwards, she nestled into him as he lay on
his back. They said nothing, knowing what lay in front of them, but grateful
they had each other. She kissed him gently on the face and he squeezed in
response. ‘Tomorrow is a new day,’ he said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, tomorrow is a new day and a new
adventure.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He turned towards her and returned her kiss.
‘I’m glad you’re here.’ He said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, so am I.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They wanted to start their journey on the dawn
of a new day, so they rose early. Sylvia left a holo message explaining what
they had done and where they were going. She also explained how everyone else
had disappeared and the circumstances under which they had made that discovery.
Tao appeared in the holo over her left shoulder but said nothing. At the end,
he put his hand on her shoulder which made her turn and spontaneously smile.
Then they both held up their hands and said, ‘Good-bye,’ in unison.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After Alfa confirmed that the Kiri planet was
within range of a single hyper-jump, Tao never questioned Sylvia’s choice. They
put themselves into hibernation and left everything in Alfa’s technological
hands.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
</span></address>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-10009644442470735782013-07-14T12:54:00.000+10:002016-08-12T19:28:29.264+10:00Sylvia - Episode 14<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Next time she awoke she was back in her bed
where the day had started. She felt for her bracelets but they were no longer
there. Elvene felt tears come into her eyes. She knew now that she had lost the
battle, not only for her freedom but for her independence. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari had complete control, psychologically,
and no doubt, even physically if she wanted to. With the chip in her head, or
wherever it was, Afari could have her executed any time or place. She had long
given up the idea of finding Alfa. But for the first time, she was standing at
the abyss of despair and it would take very little to push her over. The very
thought made her take stock. They had taken everything from her except her
mind: it was all she had. If she was to survive and not dive into a suicidal
spiral, she had to change her mental attitude. Elvene finally conceded that she
had to adapt to her new situation. She knew that Afari was depending on this as
well. Afari was waiting for her to accept her situation, because she knew, like
Elvene did, that the alternative was insanity or death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Elvene also knew that she had to hang onto
something: some anchor to her original world. Elvene had journeyed once before
into that place of irrecoverable lost hope that so many humans unfortunately
find. In that case, the journey had been totally voluntary, so this was
different. She had finally been stripped of everything except that deep inner
sanctum that we believe no one can touch. She had to hang onto that or she
would lose her sanity. She remembered a quote from an ancient Chinese text,
possibly Confucian: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We cannot lose what
really belongs to us, even if we throw it away.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came into her mind unbidden and it gave her a new
resolve.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew that it’s only memories that give
people their continuity of identity, a sense of self, and it’s primarily
through the people in their life that they subconsciously maintain it. For that
reason, she decided she would continue to write the letters that no one would
read. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was in Mandrake and Tao was on the ledge
examining the damaged marauder; he was tethered by a line to Mandrake. Sylvia
felt anxious; she didn’t dare ask Tao what he’d found. After a lengthy time he
came back to the craft. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She tried to read his face but at first he
avoided eye contact.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m really not sure,’ he eventually said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is it damaged?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her. Even through his visor, his
eyes betrayed all his hope and all the pain of losing that hope. ‘I’ll have to
remove it, and then check it back at the base. It’s the only way to be sure.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia said nothing, but nodded her understanding.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao sat down on her
left. She could feel the tension in his body, even though they were both fully
suited. After he disconnected the tether, she closed the canopy and they both
took their helmets off.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Let’s get back,’ he said, ‘We’ll have to do
this tomorrow.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia suddenly had a thought. ‘What if,
whoever has done this comes back for us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re pretty sure they’ve been abducted.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What else? They wouldn’t have left under their
own volition.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I guess you’re right.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, do you think they could come back?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao gave it some thought. ‘No, I don’t think
so. If they’d known we were still here, they would have found us or waited for
us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gave the order, ‘Mandrake take us back
to base.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They prepared a meal in silence. When they sat
down to eat, the absence of the crew really struck home.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m really glad you’re here, Tao. I couldn’t
face this on my own.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao had a forkful of food halfway to his mouth. He put it down and
reached across with his hand and found hers. ‘Yes, you could, Sylvia. You
just don’t know it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked up at him; his words surprised her,
but she didn’t know how to respond.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He squeezed her hand and she squeezed it back.
‘We’re going to get out of this. You just have to believe it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I believe you, Tao. I know if anyone can get
us off this rock, you can.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled at her and she smiled back. ‘We have
to believe in each other.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We’re going to do it, Tao. I know we are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was surprised how much this conversation
had changed their mood. They went back to their food, but traded looks in silent
reassurance. After they’d finished they went to bed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The next morning they ate a hasty breakfast and returned
to the wrecked marauder as soon as light allowed. Sylvia had caught Tao’s sense
of urgency now. Like him, she wanted to know if the marauder held their means of escape. She felt they were of the same mind. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They worked together for over two hours. Tao
wielded tools to burrow inside the electronic and mechanical entrails of the
marauder while Sylvia monitored a handheld screen, occasionally responding to
queries from Tao whether some connection was alive or dead, or if an artificial
pulse created a voluntary response. Sylvia felt like they were performing
surgery. She asked him more than once if he was going to bring it back to life.
He reassured her that he wasn’t but she wasn’t convinced. She found it ironic
that her mother’s mortal enemy was now their lifeline. Then she reminded
herself that even if they succeeded in this operation, there was still no
guarantee of success – it was just the very first stage of a complex and
dangerous endeavour.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Eventually he pulled out a shoe-sized box with
both hands; it had maybe a dozen wires attached with loose ends. It looked like
he had just removed the machine’s heart. Sylvia was surprised how small it was.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is that all it is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not really, but this is the most important
part.’ He turned it over in his hands and examined the wires to see that they
were all intact. ‘We need to hook it up to your pilot first to see if they can
talk to each other. If that succeeds then we get into the real business.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The real business?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. The hard part is going to be able to
convert Mandrake into an interstellar spacecraft.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at the craft that was sitting in
mid-air alongside them and tried to imagine it flying off-planet. It wasn’t even
a proper shuttle. ‘You’re kidding me,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wish I was. But Mandrake is all we’ve got,
and I can’t see an alternative.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia had run out of words. She realised
that the more questions she asked the more scary it became. She also realised
that if they succeeded in this, they’d probably make history, but she kept th</span><span lang="EN-US">at</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> thought
to herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Back at the base, they hooked the hyper-drive up to a console and did the same with Sylvia’s download stick. She gave it
a moment before she started interrogating. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, do you recognise the attached device?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a hiatus before he answered. ‘You
mean the marauder hyper-drive?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao and Sylvia stole a glance at each other
before she continued. ‘So you know it’s from a marauder?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao’s impatience made him interrupt her. ‘Are
you able to drive it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a longer pause this time. ‘No.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao and Sylvia both slumped in unison. Had Alfa
been able to read their body language he may have said something; instead he
remained silent.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia knew she couldn’t give up so easily.
‘What makes you so sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s not connected to any vessel.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They both smiled in relief, but it was Tao who
asked the next question. ‘So you can talk to it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And if it was connected to a vessel, then you
could drive it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Probably.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao grasped Sylvia’s arm, almost involuntarily,
and repeated Alfa’s response. ‘Probably.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It depends on the vessel, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This brought them both back to reality, which
made Tao say, ‘Yes, of course.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia could see the look of concern on Tao’s
face. ‘Well, he didn’t say no,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, he didn’t.’ Then to Alfa, ‘Thanks, Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Happy to be of service, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao started to disconnect the drive. ‘I told
you this was the easy part.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So what do you do now?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I start preparing Mandrake for interstellar
travel. I hope we don’t have a clash of egos between Mandrake and Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Who is Mandrake?’ Alfa asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia answered. ‘Mandrake is the vessel that
we will fit the drive to.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa seemed to digest this. ‘Then, why do you
need me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Because Mandrake is a shuttle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘A hyper-drive to a shuttle.’ Alfa seemed to
consider this. ‘It’s theoretically possible, but a shuttle has no hibernation
facility.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao responded. ‘Yes, I had considered that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked at him. ‘You didn’t tell me about
it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s one of the hurdles we have to cross. I
think there’s an emergency hibernation cell on this base, but I haven’t checked
it out.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia nodded her head. Tao had detached the
hyper-drive from the console and she knew he wanted to start working on
Mandrake. ‘I want to ask Alfa some questions that are irrelevant to all this.
You don’t mind?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao suddenly realised that she wanted him to
go, and he hastily stood up. ‘No, of course not.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Tao left, Sylvia took up from the last
conversation she had with Alfa.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, the last time we spoke, you mentioned
that you might have known my real father.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘By real father, you mean your biological
father.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was aware of how precise Alfa
was – this was not unusual with machine intelligence – but she knew that his
relationship with her mother would have moulded his personality. This
revelation led her to change the subject. ‘How well did you get on with my
mother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Elvene was an interesting and complex
psychological persona.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was immediately taken aback by Alfa’s
language. She’d never encountered an AI who talked about a human like that.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can you elaborate?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She was unpredictable, emotional and she had
an inclination to put herself in dangerous situations.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia almost chuckled; she thought, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I couldn’t have put it better myself</i>.
‘Is that all?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No. Twice that I’m aware of she attempted to
sacrifice herself for others.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was now aware that Alfa had kept a
record of Elvene’s behaviours as a reporting mechanism to her superiors, which,
of course, included Roger.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, but how did you and her get on? Are you
able to answer that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I never overrode a command she gave me.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia realised that that was all he was going
to say, yet it said a lot. But before she changed the subject she asked one
more question: ‘Do you think she’s still alive?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a pause. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Does he think like us?</i> she wondered.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wasn’t with her when she disappeared, so I
can’t answer that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But you know she disappeared?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. Roger interrogated me, even though I couldn’t
tell him anything.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In other words, you don’t know her last
destination.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But you would have done a statistical analysis
based on what you know of my mother. I’m sure Roger would have asked you that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So what did you tell him?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I told him what I </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">once</span></span> told him</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span>before: that
Elvene has twice been considered dead when, in fact, she was alive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And what about this time?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘As time increases since her disappearance, the
probability of her being alive diminishes exponentially.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, it’s virtually zero.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘By virtual you mean almost. Which means not
zero.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia considered asking him to be more
specific, but instead she said, ‘Alfa, you should have been a diplomat.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That sounds like something your mother would
say.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh no, not you too?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t understand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s alright – I would have been surprised
if you did.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia began to wonder at the wisdom of
discussing her mother with a machine intelligence who had spent more time with
her than she had. She returned to her original subject of interest. ‘What can
you tell me about my biological father?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can’t be absolutely sure he was your
biological father, but Elvene had a lover on the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Kiri</span> planet prior to her
pregnancy with you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That sounds like a reasonable deduction then.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s what I thought.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tell me Alfa, just out of curiosity, how do
you know they were lovers?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘They copulated, madam. They had sexual
relations, and she got pregnant.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was taken aback by his blunt response,
but there was no reason for Alfa to be subtle or discreet or even diplomatic.
It was just evidence from his point of view.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you, Alfa. So what do you know about
Elvene’s lover then?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘He was a young man from the Kiri tribe on the
planet, and his name was Myka. He was the first person to discover me when we
landed.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Really?’ Sylvia was fascinated and she was
torn between wanting to know more and wanting to keep the mystery. Not knowing
anything about him allowed her to maintain a fictional representation, a
fantasy. He was so different to what she expected that it daunted her to
explore further.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you have a holo of him?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Certainly. If you turn around I’ll project a
scene behind you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She did as he asked, and what she saw was
beyond her imaginings. The floor had turned into water, with waves lapping up
against something because she could hear them. In the far distance was a beach
with a dense jungle-like growth behind it that climbed into the sky. In the
immediate foreground was a young man, younger than her, sitting in an outrigger
canoe that was side on to her, facing right, with the outrigger on the far
side. With deft strokes he was guiding it alongside to get a closer look. It
was almost like he was examining her. His face revealed an intense curiosity,
and he looked left and right and up but not behind. Then he seemed to make a
decision, because he stood up to face her, paddle still in hand; she heard a
clunk-like sound as he pushed his canoe against something. Immediately, he
dropped the paddle at his feet and, reaching up over her head, he clambered
over a surface she couldn’t see, as if he was climbing on air, then disappeared
above her head.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The scene disappeared as abruptly as it had
been conjured and she turned back to face the console. Alfa spoke without any
prompting, ‘That’s the first time I saw him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was in a state of shock, ‘He’s so
young.’ She found it so hard to imagine her father as someone younger than
herself when he first met her mother, yet, obviously, everyone faces that fact
some day. In her case it happened to be the very first time she saw him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia would have liked to ask more questions
about him but she knew she wasn’t up to it. However, there was one question she
couldn’t resist asking. ‘Do you still have the co-ordinates of the Kiri
planet?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course, madam.’</span></address>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-52143499194917483302013-07-13T11:29:00.004+10:002017-01-22T18:49:47.267+11:00Sylvia - Episode 13<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene slowly developed a routine of exercise,
both mental and physical. Being alone was not such a hardship for her. But
being a prisoner was not the same as being on a mission, even though part of
her mind told her she was still on a mission.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew she was being observed, and, despite
the accoutrements of her living quarters, she was effectively being kept in
solitary confinement. She knew that this was an effective technique to break
people, but she combated this by keeping a diary. She missed her interaction with
Alfa and so she wrote letters to Roger as a form of compensation. In these
letters she found a level of honesty that she would never have been able to
express to him directly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Dear Roger</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">These thoughts I would not even confess to Alfa, who knows more about me
than anyone else. When one is alone and stripped of all social connection or
convention it is logical that one should turn to one’s friends. Arguably, you
are the best and most loyal friend I’ve ever had so why have I avoided this
conversation?</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It is true that we are completely incompatible: our points of view often
diametrically opposed; but that only makes your friendship all the more
valuable. No one else that I know of would put their career on the line for the
sake of a personal friendship, especially considering we are not family or
conjugal partners. I really had to re-evaluate you after that.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Unlike me, you don’t display your emotions hardly at all, unless you are
really mad. I know this is meant to be typically male, but even for a representative
of your gender you are remarkably stoic. You don’t like to give anything away.
Your relationship with Sylvia, a complete surprise to me, has been a
revelation. With her, you are willing to give something of yourself that you
never gave to me.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I’ve often wondered what your true feelings for me were or are. In the
past, before Sylvia was born, I expect you carried a torch for me, but of
course you hid it away lest it reveal a part of yourself to others, not just to
me. </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">You’ve no idea where I am, and it is quite possible that I may never see
you again. Do I have regrets? No, I’m not a keeper of regrets. I will quote you
William Blake: “He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But
he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise.”</span></i></address>
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<br /></div>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe he’s talking about that
rare and unappreciated ability to accept the ephemeral nature of emotions and their
inherent social effects without creating the binds that eventually drive people
apart.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I’ve had my share of lovers as you know, so I consider myself fortunate and
regret no longing that went unrequited nor opportunity missed, either by my
stupidity or sheer incompetence. Do you fall into that category? I cannot say,
but your friendship has meant more to me as time has passed and your
relationship with Sylvia has created a bridge that was as unforeseen as it was
welcome.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I’ve deliberately omitted the most obvious reference in all this: the one
lover who not only gave me Sylvia but opened my eyes to other worlds and other
ways of feeling. Of him, I’ll say no more.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">You will never receive this letter, Roger, so they are just my thoughts
written down for my own benefit and no one else’s. Even one-sided conversations
can keep one sane in a world devoid of social interaction.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I would like to think that you already know what I’m saying, and that these
words are just confirmation of what you already believe.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">If I failed to love you as you may have wished, I love you more for what
you’ve done for me. There are very few men who would take on another’s daughter
as their own, when their own love had been spurned.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I really owe you so much, Roger, and this is an attempt to set things right
in words, even though you will never get the opportunity to read them.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0cm; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Love, Elvene.</span></i></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew that there was no point in trying to hide these
missives, so she didn’t. No one interfered with her writings or attempted to
confiscate them. It would not have surprised her if they were being scanned as
she wrote them. She was tempted to write something to Sylvia as well, and
eventually gave into that temptation. She studiously avoided any mention of the
Kiri, yet she could not avoid a passing reference to Sylvia’s father. In her
mind, Roger and Myka were connected in a way that fate had long since sealed,
so it was impossible for her to separate them altogether. In any conversation
with Roger, especially concerning Sylvia, Myka was always the elephant in the
room.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After they returned to Mandrake, Sylvia and Tao
took their gear into the complex so they could change into more comfortable
apparel. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Once they had changed, they went back to the
control room. Tao was thinking aloud, ‘Our only chance is if they return.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia responded immediately, as if she could
see the future. ‘That’s not going to happen.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How can you be so sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She moved towards him. ‘I don’t know. But, even
if I’m wrong, we can’t depend on it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at her closely. There was something
in her eyes that made him reconsider: a conviction or a fire; he couldn’t put
his finger on it and he couldn’t have described it if someone had asked him.
‘What do you suggest?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know, Tao. I only know it’s completely
up to us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Those words completely changed his perspective,
though he was probably more affected by her conviction than the words themselves.
‘Okay, the only transport we have is Mandrake. But he’s not an interstellar
craft. For a start, he doesn’t have a hyper-drive, and we don’t have one.
Except…’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Except what?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Except the marauder wreckage. It would have a
hyper-drive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you really think?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I really don’t know, but it’s all we’ve got at
the moment. But even if we can recover it, Mandrake doesn’t have the software
to drive it, and I don’t have that expertise. We need a pre-programmed pilot.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have one of those.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao’s eyes widened in disbelief. ‘Sylvia, you
couldn’t possibly have.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Actually I do. I have the download stick from
my mother’s spaceship.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He grabbed her by both shoulders and his face
lit up. She smiled in return. ‘I don’t believe it,’ he said, ‘How did you get
that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Roger sent it to me when he died – it was part
of his legacy package. I brought it with me, though no one knew of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, it might well save our lives.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao, I haven’t accessed it, for security
reasons, obviously. I really don’t know what’s on it. It may just be a record
of Mum’s dialogue with him.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay then, that’s the first thing we need to
assess. And if it’s complete, we then look at the marauder.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">For the first time since she’d received it,
Sylvia plugged the download stick into a computer. She was conscious of Tao
standing behind her right shoulder. She had a momentary fear that it may be
deleted, if the system was security paranoid, and was relieved when that didn’t
happen. Instead a voice, she immediately recognised, addressed her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is Centauri. Please give me your security
signature.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hello Alfa. This is Sylvia. I am Elvene’s
daughter. Roger is… I mean, was my father.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If you are Sylvia, tell me something about
Elvene or Roger that only you would know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay. Roger is not my real father, but I don’t
know who is. Elvene’s favourite drink was French Earl Grey tea.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not enough.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, you’re going to make this tough.’ Sylvia
thought hard about what Alfa might know rather than the converse. ‘Do you know
who my real father is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can’t tell you that if I don’t know who you
really are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay. Roger gave me a silver prism that
contains strands of my grandmother’s hair.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you have that with you? Can you scan an
image of it into this computer?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I can. Just hold on.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned to Tao, before pulling the small
casket towards her that had contained the download stick. She took out the
small glass-like object that contained strands of black and silver hair. She
held it up and turned it in her fingers.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can you see this?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I recognise it. I believe you are
Elvene’s daughter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao couldn’t contain his impatience. ‘Ask him
if he can pilot a star-ship.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Who is your companion?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, this is Tao. He wants to know if you
have all your pilot capabilities intact.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will only answer to you, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then answer the question.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I have.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao couldn’t hide his relief. ‘Thank God for
that. Now we need to check the marauder out.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Sylvia wasn’t finished. She turned to Tao.
‘Not so fast. I have more questions I want to ask Alfa.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You think he can tell you where your mother
is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, of course not.’ Nevertheless, she turned
back to Alfa. ‘What’s your last record of my mother?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She was sent on a mission to hunt down a
pirate called Alron.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So this is the last download before you went
on that mission.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That is correct.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia hesitated before asking her next
question. ‘Do you know who my real father is… or was?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know for certain, but you were
conceived when Elvene was on a reconnaissance mission over 16 standard years
ago. All the data for that mission was strictly classified to be accessed by
Elvene and Roger only.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But my mother has disappeared and Roger is
dead.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have no record of Elvene since we were given
the Alron mission. As for Roger, do you have evidence of his death?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have a holo message he left me. I can
transmit it for you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at Tao. She could see he was
impatient, yet he was as fascinated by Alfa’s potential revelations as she was.
She downloaded the holo directly into the same computer.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After a period of silence, Alfa spoke. ‘I
believe you that Roger is dead. I will give you access to the Kiri files.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Kiri files? Roger never mentioned the Kiri.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘As I said, the data was highly classified.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Was my father Kiri?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Most likely.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So you don’t know exactly who he is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know for certain. I have no DNA
sample.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Before Sylvia could ask another question, Tao
interjected. ‘Sylvia, we can’t converse here all day. We need to find a way to
get back home.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, you’re right.’ She spoke to Alfa again.
‘Okay Alfa, I will disengage you. Have you recorded this conversation that
we’ve just had?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, we will talk later.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘As you wish, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia removed the download stick from its dock
and put it back in the casket.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao said, ‘Don’t lose that whatever you do.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia gave him a severe look that took him by
surprise. ‘This contains information about my real father – are you insane?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m really sorry Sylvia. But that download
stick could be the difference between life and death for us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She nodded. ‘I understand. We can’t afford to
argue right now. You want to go to the marauder wreck right away, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. I won’t sleep again until I know we have
the means to get off this planet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">One morning Elvene awoke and felt an immediate
unease. She half-raised herself from her bed and listened carefully but there
was nothing untoward she could put her finger on. She could hear the hum from
air vents and there were no smells or other changes she could sense. She put it
down to a bad dream; it wasn’t the first time that she had awoken in a strange
mood created by an unconscious state she had no memory of. Nevertheless, it
bothered her, simply because of where she was. And that was how she
rationalised it: the isolation was finally starting to affect her psychologically.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She got up and showered, knowing that
initiating her morning routine was the best way to change her mood. But when
she ordered food nothing came and that immediately put her on edge again. She
felt the changes in her body that came with anticipated combat. She still had
her stun guns - after all they were grafted to her body and linked to her mind
– the only inhibition in using them was the knowledge that they wouldn’t lead
her to her freedom.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they came for her she was sitting at her
table, wearing the brown and white jump suit – not exactly combat attire but
close enough. She tried to appear relaxed but knew she was failing. They had
come prepared: there were four soldiers in full battle dress complete with
weapons. Elvene watched them closely but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a woman standing behind them, but
after they’d all entered she came to the front to address Elvene. ‘You will
come with us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">To Elvene’s own surprise, her voice was level
an unemotional. ‘Where are we going?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s time for your operation.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What operation?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The woman took a deep breath, as if she was
dealing with a recalcitrant child. ‘Don’t mess me about, Elvene. We can
tranquilise you and take you on a stretcher, if that’s the way you want to do
it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene stood up, and one of the guards
shouldered his weapon then moved behind her to cuff her hands. She put her
hands behind her to show her compliance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a yell of agony and the man crumpled
to the floor. Before anyone could react, Elvene sprayed a blinding plasma flame
before everyone’s eyes, whilst simultaneously dropping to the floor behind the
man she had felled. She had his weapon and fired the darts, intended for her,
at her captors. She pushed one of them into the doorway to jam it from closing
and she jumped through just as the tear gas was being released inside.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">In the corridor, however, they had a
contingency. On her left, about 10 metres away, was Afari herself, surrounded
by soldiers.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene fire her stun guns but the plasma boiled
off an invisible shield.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You don’t disappoint, my pretty one. I knew
you wouldn’t go without a fight. That’s why I came. I wanted to watch.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari lowered her left hand and a dart appeared
in Elvene’s right leg. The fight was over.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Elvene awoke she found herself lying on
her back on a flat surface like an operating table. In fact, she quickly
realised that that was exactly what it was. Her arms, legs and torso were
constrained and she had limited movement of her head. She felt a heightened
sense of alarm when she realised that her bracelets had been removed and
replaced by an artificial skin graft.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As if reading her mind, a woman’s voice spoke,
‘Their removal is only temporary. It’s a safety measure: to ensure you don’t
unintentionally injure anyone during the operation.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What operation?’ Elvene heard an uncontrolled
tremor in her voice and immediately wished she hadn’t spoken at all. She looked
around for the source of the voice but she could only see a vacant room with
blank white walls.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t worry, I’m not far away, and I will look
after you my beauty.’ Bits of memory started to return, not unlike the
experience of coming out of hibernation. She now recognised the voice of the
cyborg who had interrogated her, and with that recognition, came the answer to
her own question. They were going to make her one of them. She felt a terror,
almost as desperate as the terror she had felt on previous occasions in the
face of imminent death. But this was more insidious, because it wasn’t the
terror of losing one’s life but the terror of losing one’s conscious self while
still living.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had time to reflect: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is this what I’ve lived my entire life for?</i> and it brought
unwelcome tears to her eyes. She couldn’t wipe her eyes and she felt the added
humiliation that her emotions could so readily be observed. She remembered
being punished as a child, it was the humiliation that brought on tears rather
than the punishment itself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What a stupid
thought to have at this time. </i>She thought also of the loves and companions
she had known over many years, what seemed, in fact, many lifetimes, but the
memories hurt so much that she pushed them away. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was naturally a fighter and she mentally
steeled herself to fight whatever intrusion was about to come, even though the
opportunity to fight would never manifest itself. She saw a blazing light like
an explosion that may have physically blinded her and then there was nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
</span></address>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-59910536056680495752013-07-07T14:59:00.001+10:002013-07-08T15:18:06.500+10:00Sylvia - Episode 12<style>
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<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The first thing that Elvene noticed was how
barren and uninhabitable the planet looked from an aerial perspective. She
learned that everyone lived underground, as the planet didn’t have a
human-compatible atmosphere. Even going to the surface in a suit was dangerous,
as the thin atmosphere sometimes generated sand-laden winds that could cut
through a human, given enough exposure. All these features worked in Afari’s
favour: the planet didn’t attract attention, and no one could escape to the
surface let alone escape off it. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari had pointed all this out to Elvene while
they were still airborne, able to observe its inhospitable surface. ‘Just in
case you have ideas,’ she had said. ‘I don’t want to lose you just when I’ve
found you,’ she had continued, as if Elvene was a rare specimen that she had
gone to some lengths to acquire for her collection.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Even after they landed, and Afari personally
escorted Elvene to her quarters, she continued with the spiel. ‘We have
underground ecosystems that simulate open-air living,’ she explained. ‘So
people get the right sort of sensory stimulation. I understand how important
these things are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene wanted to ignore her as if she was
trying to sell her something she didn’t want, but her mind logged it all away
anyway. Instinctively, she was taking in everything that was given. When
survival was at stake, in a new environment, Elvene automatically absorbed everything
that might contribute to that survival; she couldn’t stop herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her quarters looked more like an apartment than
a prison cell, Elvene had to admit, but she didn’t delude herself; she was still
a prisoner.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari explained the arrangements, ‘You won’t
have access outside without permission, but that’s only temporary. Later, you
will have the same access as everyone else. I just need to take precautions
because you’re new. It’s not that you’re special… well… actually, you are. What
I mean is that everyone is treated this way at first. People need to learn the
place before they can just go wandering around.’ Afari spoke almost like she
was a guide. Elvene still hadn’t said a word since she’d been captured.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You are very special, you know. Normally, new
people don’t get this treatment. But I’m showing your quarters personally,
because I know how special you are.’ Afari smiled as if she expected a
response, but Elvene remained stony faced. She didn’t want to give her anything
at all.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Your meals will be sent to you directly. For
the time being, no one will interact with you except me – you can’t get more
special than that. There are clothes behind that wall. There’s a hologram
computer you can amuse yourself with. Later on, I will assign you to specific
tasks – it really depends on how you adapt.’ Then she left, and Elvene examined
her quarters in detail.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She found the clothes that Afari had mentioned.
Mostly jump suits, in various colours and patterns, including a white one with
diagonal rust-coloured striations and another in deep violet blue with a
vertical pinstripe, which she thought was novel, but, she had to admit, it
complemented her complexion and would probably flatter her figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, they were similar to what
she normally wore on a mission. There was nothing extravagant in the wardrobe –
it was functional apparel, rather than formal attire, unless that’s what the
pinstripe was for – she noticed it had a deep V collar that would show some
cleavage. There were slippers and a bathrobe, underwear and pyjamas in a floor
level drawer. From the opposite wall, she could pull out a bed. For footwear,
there were a pair of runners, slip-ons, a pair of sandals and the boots she had
on.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She realised that someone had actually done
some research on her; it was a carefully selected wardrobe designed to make her
feel at home. She had to admit that Afari’s psychological manipulations were
impressive in a clinical sort of way.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She found the bathroom facilities, but there
was no kitchen. There was an entertainment holo screen which probably doubled
as a workstation. She already missed Alfa’s library as learning about Old Earth
histories was a good time-filler for her. On the other side of the bathroom,
she was surprised to find a personal gym, with a workout bench and a treadmill.
She eventually decided to try it out, so she changed into the shoes and a sweat
shirt with shorts. Running had always been a means to vent nervous energy for
her, especially when there was no other outlet.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She ran until she was utterly spent; the hair
at her neck and across her forehead was slick with sweat, and she was conscious
of large wet blobs splattered over the panel of the machine. She finally slowed
the treadmill to a walk and then stopped, still breathing hard. She didn’t want
to stop, not only because it stopped time, but because strenuous exercise was a
way to empty her mind; she knew that when she stopped, she would start thinking
again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She stripped off her clothes and entered the
shower stall. It gave her some relief, as showers always do – like a massage
with water – even if the effect was more psychological than real.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she was dried she found new underwear and
slipped into something resembling a sports suit, soft pale grey trousers with a
matching zippered top.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">A meal was delivered through a miniature air
lock. A light and a buzzer told her it was there and she touched a panel that
slid across to reveal a tray of food and drink. A meat dish with gravy and
mixed vegetables, surprisingly good, or maybe she was just hungry, following
her workout. The drink was her favourite tea, French Earl Grey, and she
wondered how they knew. It also indicated that the planet was well resourced if
they could produce this sort of food so convincingly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She logged into the holo-workstation – it was
voice activated – but she knew that everything she accessed would be recorded
and she was loathed to use it. She found it contained some mathematical
puzzles, including Sudoku, and she amused herself with that. Elvene had spent a
lot of time on solo missions and knew that physical and mental exercise was one
of the keys to sanity and survival. Having a computer as a companion had its
drawbacks, but it had advantages as well, especially if the computer was as
intelligent as Alfa. She knew that Alfa’s company on some of her missions was a
lot more bearable than a human companion would have been, especially when
stress and fear were involved. She had learned to depend on Alfa to an extent
that no human could fulfill, or so she believed, but she preferred human
company, the same as everyone else, when she was back on the ground. During a
mission, however, she had a symbiotic relationship with Alfa that was
indispensable – it was not just his technological capabilities, but the fact
that they really were a team.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was pretty certain that Alfa was still
intact; she believed that if they had wanted to destroy him, they would have
done it when they had her isolated in their clever trap. On the other hand,
Alron may have kept him as part of his bounty fee. She needed to find out where
Alfa was.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After Sylvia entered the complex, the door
closed behind her and she felt a slight panic, as it cut off her immediate
retreat. A signal in her helmet told her the air was breathable so she lifted
her visor and listened for any sound – she found she was holding her breath –
she just wished she had the same control over her heart, as it was the only
thing she could hear. She kept her helmet on so she could communicate with
Mandrake and Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was emergency lighting illuminating the
corridor in front of her; there was no sign of occupation. She was almost
certain the facility was empty, though there was no place anyone could go,
unless they had left the planet. Either that or everyone was dead, which was a
thought she refused to contemplate.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She held her gun ready as she walked down the
corridor, each step sounded deafening to her. She thought,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> If there is anyone about they must surely know I am here</i>.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She came to a door on her left, which she knew
was a changing station and opened it with her security pass. It slid back and
revealed a room full of outdoor suits, all neatly hanging like empty skins
awaiting their next mission. They were all there except hers and Tao’s. She
knew that the room contained shower stalls as well, and when she entered to
check them out, the door closed behind her again. It made her feel momentarily
claustrophobic, but she checked all the stalls whilst maintaining the belief
that they would be empty and they didn’t contradict her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She left the room and went to the end of the
corridor, where another door led onto a passage that ran across it. To the
right was the living area and to the left was the work area. She decided to
check the work area first, as that’s where everyone should be. But, more
sobering, she decided to leave the living area to last, because if that’s where
everyone was, she didn’t expect to find them asleep.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a series of offices and stations;
they were all empty, yet they all looked like they had been recently occupied.
Blank screens stared back at her and she found little knick-knacks, holo-photos
and half-empty cups, remnants of people’s lives, as if the entire complex had
been abandoned in an emergency.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she got to her own station, she logged on
and checked that everything was running okay. She took off her helmet and spoke
to the command computer.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is Sylvia. Where is everybody?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hello Sylvia. You are the first human to visit
in 25 Earth years.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I’ve been dormant all that time, so there
have been no visitors.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, you couldn’t be dormant. You would have to
have been monitoring.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There are no records of monitoring.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But everything is working.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, air processing started as soon as you
entered the complex.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia realised something very important. ‘Are
you telling me you have no video or audio records for the last 25 years?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s correct, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is there anyone in the living area?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course not. How could there be?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia put her helmet back on. ‘Tao, can you
hear me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">His response was so sharp, it betrayed his
impatience to hear her voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The command computer believes that no one has
been here for 25 years.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s what I said. All the work stations have
been abandoned and everyone’s exterior suits are still here, except yours and
mine of course. I’m going to check the living area.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can I come in yet?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, let me check the living quarters, then
I’ll give you the all clear. Is Mandrake still on standby?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, of course.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She could tell he was annoyed at her, but she
understood his frustration and said, ‘I’ll let you know when it’s all clear.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He didn’t reply, and so she went back down the
passage she had come through. As she passed the door to the airlock corridor,
on her right now, she looked through the head-height window and checked it was
still all clear. The closed door at the end, which stood between her and Tao
made her hesitate momentarily, then she walked on.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She started to tense up again as she approached
the living area, though she was almost certain there would be no one there.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The individual rooms had emergency access
facilities, which set off alarms. Over them, she heard Tao’s panicked voice.
‘Sylvia, what’s happening?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s alright I’ve had to override the entry
protocols, that’s all.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She took off her helmet and spoke to the
command computer again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘This is Sylvia, can you turn off the alarms,
there is no emergency.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a slight delay. ‘Confirmed, there is
no emergency.’ Then silence.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She put her helmet back on. Like the work
stations and offices, the rooms all looked lived in, including hers and Tao’s.
She checked cupboards and bathrooms, which all showed signs of habitation, but
no sign of occupants.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s heartbeat was no longer the dominant
sensation in her body, but her initial fear and anxiety was now replaced with a
deep sense of unease - it felt spooky. She understood now, why one of our
primal fears was of ghosts and spiritual apparitions. People simply didn’t
disappear into thin air leaving all their belongings and personal effects. She
thought of the famous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marie-Celeste</i>
where all the occupants had abandoned their vessel in a tethered lifeboat,
because they thought the cargo was going to explode, and then possibly the rope
became unattached and they were left stranded in the middle of an ocean with no
hope of rescue. Something similar had happened here, and it gave her goose
bumps to think about it; not the kind one anticipated, but the kind one
dreaded, the kind that betrayed one’s fear.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she spoke to Tao, she couldn’t stop her
voice from betraying her emotions. ‘Tao, you can enter. It’s all clear.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sylvia, what’s wrong?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There’s no one here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The brief silence that followed spoke volumes;
there was nothing else to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, I’m shutting Mandrake down now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ll meet you in the amenities area.’ Then she
added hurriedly, ‘Don’t remove your helmet till we have visual.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know the protocols.’ And she secretly chided
herself for making him angry and also betraying her paranoia.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She walked back down the corridor – the
amenities area could be accessed from either the workstation side or the
accommodation side. She had already checked it out, including kitchen and
toilets.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Tao walked in from the workstation side
they removed their helmets in unison.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Have you checked every room.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Actually, I didn’t check the docking station
on the other side from where I left you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I did.’ There was something in his voice that
gave her pause.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There’s no transport. The ship’s gone.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">By the ship, he meant the only interstellar
craft on the planet.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean we’re stranded.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s correct.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How could they do that? They must have left a
message, surely? And why would they erase the last 25 years of data?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at her closely. ‘You knew something
was wrong. What did you know?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked blank, suddenly unsure of
herself. She realised that he thought she knew more than she was letting on.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Only a sense of foreboding. I really can’t
explain it. I just had the strongest urge to get back here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So it was like a premonition?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Something like that. I really don’t know, Tao.
I’ve never experienced anything like that before.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You said you had a bad dream.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I said that, yes. But actually, no, I didn’t.
Or, if I did, I don’t remember it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao gave her a quizzical look.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m sorry, Tao, if I’m not making sense. I’m
not making sense to myself either. I just woke up with a very strong feeling
that there was something wrong, and I knew it was here, not there… where we
were… I mean.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao was watching her intensely. He could see
that her face was earnest.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You say you knew it was here. Do you think
you’re psychic?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked away. ‘I’ve no idea. My mother said
she met someone once, who had very strong psychic powers. Roger was always
dismissive. I always tended to think that Roger was right and Mum was
romanticising.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And what do you think now?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know what to think. I think I’m very
confused, to be honest.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Tao realised that she couldn’t tell him
anything he didn’t already know, he started thinking pragmatically.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We don’t even have a quantum distress signal.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What? Are you sure? We had one on the ship.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right. It’s the only one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He let it sink in before elaborating. ‘If there
isn’t anyone here, then you don’t need one. And the only time someone is here,
there’s always a ship here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Except now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right. Except now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So we really are stranded.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time, when she looked at him, her face
revealed the full comprehension of the extent of their calamity. They were still
standing in their external space suits with their helmets in their hands and
their stun guns holstered, like mirror images of each other. They had run out
of words; there was nothing either of them could say that would reassure the
other. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
<style>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-68547654270908871272013-07-06T12:58:00.003+10:002018-01-03T09:39:10.510+11:00Sylvia - Episode 11<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They returned to their work, and when they were
done, they both returned to the car where they could prepare a meal. There was
no seating in the back, so they ate their meals in the cockpit.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia found it a bit odd. ‘In the ancient
days, before colonisation, people called these TV dinners. Did you know that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at her. ‘Really, you’re full of
interesting information.’ He took a mouthful of food, before asking the obvious
question. ‘Why did they call them TV dinners?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Because, they were pre-prepared like these
are, and people ate them on their laps, like we are, while they watched TV.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What’s TV?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ve really got no idea. I think it was a form
of primitive home entertainment.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So, all’s we need is a TV.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She laughed – it was such a good tonic – she
thought to herself. They sat in silence for a while, before he turned to her.
‘Why don’t we go topside?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s eyes widened in excitement. ‘I was
just going to say that.’ Then added, ‘Mandrake, take us to the surface.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They ate in silence, looking out over the
deserted landscape, the night sky, literally a blanket in all directions. When
they had finished their meals, Tao said, ‘You know we could sleep under the
stars, quite literally.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is it safe?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In the car, of course it’s safe. The canopy is
opaque to radiation but we can see through it to the night sky, just like
this.’ He pointed out in front of them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then let’s.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They had never slept in the car before, always
using the available facilities, and Sylvia thought it odd that they hadn’t
considered it till now. Perhaps, because it was more intimate and they had to
share the space.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were still sitting in the cockpit, but,
under instruction, Mandrake conjured two bunks out of the floor behind them. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You go first.’ Tao said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia clambered into the back and stripped
down to her underwear. When she was under the covers, she called out to Tao.
‘I’m ready.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked over his right shoulder and she was
eyeing him from her pillow, the beige covered blanket drawn up to her chin. He
said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He removed his boots before following her, and
lying on his back removed his trousers and top before getting under the cover
of his bed. He stored the clothes in an overhead locker, then laid down. They
turned to look at each other – he on his left side, her on her right. There was
a soft light still glowing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia spoke, ‘Mandrake, can you give us
visibility above and kill the light.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They both looked up and it was like a curtain
being drawn back, only overhead. The ship went completely dark and the night
sky blossomed with lights. The longer they looked the more they could see, as
if lights were continually being turned on, only dimmer and dimmer ones. Eventually
they could even make out little clouds that were close proximity galaxies.
Sylvia didn’t know how many minutes passed in silence. But when she turned on
her side to face Tao, the rustle of bed clothes made him look towards her, and
she could just see the outline of his face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Will you hold me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sure.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She lifted the cover on his side and he slid
across. He felt her left hand on his upper right arm and then their legs
touched, she pulled her knee over his right leg so it went between her thighs.
He realised her breasts were bare when he felt her nipples brush against his
chest. She found his mouth and they kissed deeply and passionately. A flood of
emotion erupted yet no words were spoken. Her skin was warm and she smelt like
flowers on a balmy night. Her breath was deep and musky and he just wanted to
drink it like it was an intoxication.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She reached down his back and found the cleft
beneath his shorts. She pushed them down and he helped her take them off. Then
he pushed her own panties down until he felt her pushing them off with her
feet. He slipped a hand between her thighs, felt the warm contact, which drew a
stutter from her breath. Then he leant back slightly so he could gently brush his palm across her breasts, the nipples springy under his touch. He played with
them, while watching her face transform in the starlight. They were still lying
on their sides and they kissed again, deeper than before. Then she rolled onto
her back and he followed. When he shifted his weight onto his elbows, she
helped to guide him home.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He moved very slowly, knowing what a trigger he
was on. He arched his back so he could see her face, her mouth formed an O. He
licked her neck, and sucked on it like he was a vampire. He felt her go rigid
and he stopped moving.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t stop,’ he heard and felt her urgency.
She raised her legs against his hips to deepen the embrace. Her fingers dug
into his back, then he lost control.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It felt like an eruption with all the built up
tension pulsating out of him. The intimacy of the moment was something he had
never experienced before; physically and emotionally, he felt they had fused. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Even after he was spent they remained still.
She pulled his head next to hers so she could continue to hug him. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he eventually rolled onto his back, she
nestled into him. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I think we both needed that,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He laughed. ‘Yes, you could say that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Her leg was across his body, and her head used
his shoulder as a pillow. ‘We don’t need that other bed, do we?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t think so. Not tonight, anyway.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at the night sky. ‘If we don’t turn
that off, we may not get to sleep.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Who wants to sleep?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He turned his head so he could see her smile.
‘Sylvia, I don’t know how to say this.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She raised her head. ‘Then don’t.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I mean... I just wanted to tell you… I’ve
never experienced anything like that in my life.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She lifted herself further so she could give
him a sweet kiss. Then, in a whisper, ‘Neither have I.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia never remembered drifting off to sleep,
as one never does, but she remembered the dream that followed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was on a beach with a vast ocean in front
of her. She had never seen so much water, a seething noisy dark blue under a
much lighter blue sky. She was bare foot, and when the water lapped onto her
feet, it made them tingle, yet she stayed where she was. She felt a breeze on
her face and a sun overhead. She imagined that this must be the planet after it
had been terraformed, yet the rational part of her mind told her it was
impossible, as it would be hundreds of years into the future. As rational
thoughts often do, it took her out of her dream.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she awoke, she looked straight up at the
night sky above and was reminded of where she was and why she was there. Once
again she was struck by the sheer magnitude and majesty of the cosmos, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Like being in a womb</i>, she thought. Much
closer to hand, she felt the warmth of Tao’s body next to hers; the rhythmic
murmur of his breathing, the only sound she could hear. She felt such a surge
of affection towards him, that she rolled onto her side and put an arm across
his torso. He awoke and she lightly kissed him on the mouth. She felt his
sleep-induced erection pressing against her but he just snuggled into her neck
and she laid back, happy to be his pillow. She put an arm under his neck so he could
rest on her shoulder and nuzzle his chin into her breast. In this state of
repose, they both returned to sleep.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Sylvia awoke again, she was in a state of
mild distress. She had the strongest feeling that something was wrong. Tao
wasn’t along side her, but that wasn’t it. The cabin’s light was on, even
though the night sky had been replaced by the thin yellowy light created by the
planet’s thin atmosphere. If she had awoken from a dream, she couldn’t remember
what it was, but something was troubling her very deeply, and she didn’t think
it had anything to do with a dream. She just had the strongest sensation to
return to base immediately, though she could muster no rational reason, it was
just a compulsive urge.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She heard the toilet flush, then Tao open the
cubicle door at the back of the car. He was in his boxer shorts, and he climbed
into the bed and held her. He could immediately tell something was up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know.’ She answered honestly. ‘I think
we should contact the base.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We can’t from here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Are you sure?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m pretty positive. We are on the other side
of the planet, you know.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What no satellite hookup or anything like
that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There’s no global satellite hookup. We would
need to wait until one passes overhead. Part of our assignment is to create
global communication, so it’s a work in progress, you might say.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When is the next one due, then?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I would need to check. Sylvia, what’s this all
about?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia pulled the covers back and turned away
from him to sit on the edge of her bunk – she was still naked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Just a bad dream, I guess. I’m going to
shower.’ She grabbed a robe, and went to the back of the car into the compact
bathroom.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she emerged, wearing the robe, she saw
that Tao was sitting in the front in his boxer shorts. He had checked on when
the next satellite contact would be. ‘We just missed it. It’s another five days
away.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was a bit surprised that he had been so
quick to respond. ‘Thanks for looking it up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We’ve only two more days here anyway, so we’ll
be gone before it arrives.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t worry about it. It’s just off-world
paranoia.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Come here.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She clambered over the divide and sat on his
lap, her two hands around his neck. He held her with one arm, and they kissed. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Are you uncomfortable?’ She asked in a teasing
voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was taken aback. ‘What do you mean?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I mean there is something trying to escape
from your shorts.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He laughed. ‘Well, yes, it is a little.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Come back with me and I’ll fix it for you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He followed her back into her unmade bed,
untying her robe and pushing it off her shoulders so he could enjoy her
nakedness. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But when he went to lay her on her back, she
stopped him and said, ‘No, you lay down,’ giving him her cheekiest smile.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They swapped positions, and after she had removed
his shorts, she sat astride him, gently rocking back and forth. He cupped his
hands over her breasts so he could knead her nipples between thumb and fingers,
watching her mouth work as the sensation overtook her self-control. They kept
eye contact as she slowed and stopped, then started again, only slowly, so she
could control his urge; until the</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> ecstasy</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> finally overtook them both. Then she fell on
him and he pushed his mouth and nose into her neck and hair. It made him feel complete as only newfound love can.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The impromptu lovemaking had momentarily taken
Sylvia’s mind away from the sense of dread she had awoken with, but as the day
progressed, the feeling returned unbidden, and by nightfall, she was in a state
of unease again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were lying together again, as if it had
suddenly become the most natural thing to do. ‘Can we go back tomorrow, do you
think?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao gave her a sideways glance. ‘I thought it
was just off-world paranoia.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Believe me, I hope it is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, there are a few things I need to do still,
but after that, there is no reason, really.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You think I’m being irrational, don’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao knew, that if they hadn’t had sex the
previous night, this conversation would have been entirely different.
Nevertheless, he said, ‘Yes, to be honest, I think you are.’ And he gave her a
quick look to check her reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘But there is nothing to be lost, really. We’ve pretty well accomplished
everything we were sent to do, so if we return early, we can just tell them
that we were more efficient than they thought.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you. I hope you’re right.’ And she
snuggled up to him, as he responded with a gentle squeeze.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As Elvene followed Afari into the shuttle that
would take her to whatever fate the self-styled queen had in store for her, she
couldn’t help but think she had been extraordinarily stupid. She quickly told
herself that self-recriminations were not going to help her, so whilst she sat
in silence with no physical restraints, she took stock of her situation. Queen
Afari sat diagonally opposite. There were no guards and no weapons in sight
except her own lethal stun guns, totally useless; the shuttle was robotic so
there was no one else on board. Afari observed her with a bemused look on her
face. Elvene avoided eye contact. She had never heard of Queen Afari, which
meant that no one was ever going to find her. If she was to escape, it was
going to be without outside help. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know what you’re thinking.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked up at her, knowing that the
psychological games were not yet over. She remained silent, her expression
blank.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re thinking that no one is going to find
you, because no one in the Space Corps even knows I exist.’ Afari raised her
eyebrows. ‘Am I right?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene remained silent, determined not to give
her anything by way of word or emotion.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can’t escape from here, and you won’t find
anyone who can help you. You’re my prize. I’ve never had one like you before.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This did get a reaction from Elvene; she
couldn’t help but give her a puzzled look.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re not a prisoner, Elvene. You’re a guest,
albeit a permanent one. Eventually you’ll realise that. Now, you can make this
a pleasant experience or an unpleasant one – it’s completely up to you. I’m not
your enemy and I’m not your friend either. I’m your commander and leader, and,
eventually, mother. We will become inseparable, because your life, along with
everyone else’s on this planet, will become completely dependent on mine.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene continued to look at her with no
expression.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari crossed her legs and clasped her hands
over her knees. ‘That’s just the way it is. Whatever you’re thinking or
scheming, you can put it all in a mental box and throw it away, because you’re
never going to leave here.’ Then she cocked her head at Elvene, as if she was
about to convey something of special importance. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘But you may well end up living forever. That’s
what I offer everyone who comes here: immortality. You see, Elvene, I give the
greatest gift of all, and you’re one of the few - very few, in fact -
privileged recipients.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene realised that Afari believed every word
she was saying. Still, she remained silent, because, in the current
circumstances, she knew that her thoughts were the only thing she truly owned.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Mandrake was not designed for speed, though
long distances were no problem. Still, both Sylvia and Tao fell asleep during
their return journey. Tao succumbed first, as Sylvia was more tense, but
eventually fatigue and boredom took its toll on her as well. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As a result, they didn’t wake up until Mandrake
roused them, just as they were approaching their destination. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The sun was just setting on the horizon, so
there were long shadows that exaggerated the landscape’s craggy face. There
were no signs of activity on the surface, but that was to be expected; everyone
would be underground.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Nevertheless, they weren’t prepared when
Mandrake advised them in his unemotional voice: ‘There are no signs of
activity.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao reacted first, ‘What do you mean: no signs
of activity?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘All signals dormant, no sign of life.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s voice was so calm, she surprised
herself. ‘You mean there’s no electronic communication.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Take us into the landing dock.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned to Tao. ‘Do you have any weapons?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her, surprised. ‘No. Why? Do you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘As a matter of fact…’ She reached behind her,
fumbling with her kit, then pulled out a pistol-grip stun gun.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I didn’t know you had that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s all right. I don’t expect to use it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m glad to hear it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The ground had opened and Mandrake was sinking
into the dock.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t close the port. Don’t shut down.’ Sylvia
had taken control without even thinking about it. Tao didn’t seem to mind.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We’ll need to put our helmets on,’ he said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You stay here. Don’t follow until I give you
the all clear.’ Sylvia was already suiting up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sylvia, where the fuck am I going to go?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She fixed him with her eyes in such a way that
she genuinely startled him. ‘We don’t have a search-bot, so someone has to do a
recon. If something happens to me, you must survive to tell others. Don’t ask
me how. You’re the fucking genius with machines.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She put her helmet on, and he did the same.
‘Mandrake, open the canopy.’ She checked her weapon one last time. ‘Then follow
Tao’s instructions.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao watched her walk away towards the door into
the link, as they called it. When she got to the door she turned back to look
at him. ‘Do you receive me?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, loud and clear,’ he answered. Then she
raised her gun in a farewell salute and walked inside.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-65358548506682509632013-07-01T12:20:00.001+10:002013-07-04T16:45:03.751+10:00Sylvia - Episode 10<style>
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia and Tao remained silent for almost the
entire return trip, after she’d given Mandrake the one instruction: ‘Take us
back to Base.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The wrecked space marauder did make her think
of her mother. She knew that Elvene had nearly been killed by them on more than
one occasion. But she also knew that Elvene’s final disappearance had occurred
while she was pursuing a pirate, who had no scruples when it came to people’s
lives – they were simply cargo. The pirate was still at large and her mother
was never found, so it was most likely she had either been captured or killed
by the pirate, not marauders. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao always remained silent when Sylvia withdrew
into herself. He had learnt to read her moods well. He knew that the marauder
would make her think of her mother, and he momentarily wondered at the wisdom
of showing it to her. He also knew that if he broached the subject she would
get upset or say something completely irrelevant and irritable to take him off
the subject, so he just left her alone.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When the car was braking for its hover pattern,
however, he turned and asked her, ‘Would you like to have a drink?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She turned and smiled, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.
I’ll see you at dinner though.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Dinner was a normal social event for all of
them. It was very unusual if someone didn’t attend. It was the one activity
that made them feel like a family, so no one missed it unless they really had
to.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sure,’ Tao responded and looked down at the
ground below them. The car was now hovering while the airlock opened directly
underneath it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Synthesised meals were available but there was
also the capability to improvise. The station had its own hydroponics section
complete with fish as part of the cycle, so variations on fish were often on
the menu, especially since there were no red meats, and there was no wild life
on the planet at all. Ibrahim and Donna both liked to cook, and their culinary
efforts were always welcome. Especially since, with a bit of ingenuity, they
had developed a small herb garden. At one stage everyone had made some attempt
at cooking, but no one could compare with Ibrahim’s and Donna’s efforts, so
they became the default chefs on most evenings and no one minded, including
them. In fact, they often made it a joint effort, which, considering that there
were five to feed, made it easier all round. As Donna once said, the most
important ingredient in cooking was love, and if you didn’t love it then it
showed in the eating. Everyone agreed, that when it came to putting love into
food, Ibrahim and Donna had it covered.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was aware how lucky they were to have
Ibrahim and Donna fulfill this role, as she was sure it was not the norm. Team
members were not picked for their cooking skills, and it had not been part of
their training. Ibrahim’s and Donna’s skills were a welcome surprise that had
only been discovered once they had arrived on the preformed-terra.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On this particular evening Donna had prepared a
fish soup, yellow in colour and buttery in texture, augmented by turmeric. In
keeping with the theme, Ibrahim had prepared a main dish of vegetable curry,
using dried fruits and nuts to further stimulate their palates. From somewhere
he had conjured some yogurt which finished everything off perfectly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus sat at the head of the table, as he
always did, with the door behind him. Sylvia and Tao sat on his right, with
Ibrahim sitting opposite Sylvia and Donna opposite Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marcus had a limited supply of wine, all reds from what they
had seen so far, which he brought out on rare occasions, and this was one of
them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is there something to celebrate?’ Sylvia
asked, as Marcus uncorked a bottle of something, he called ‘mur-low’, using the
traditional method. He had previously explained to them that he liked the sound
it made, and also it gave a smell you couldn’t otherwise achieve. She noticed
he smelt the cork before laying it aside. Everyone knew how difficult it was to
find traditionally bottled wine and wondered how he had come across it, but no
one asked as they didn’t really want to know the answer.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In a roundabout way, yes.’ He said, as Donna
stood to produce glasses from a nearby cabinet. ‘It’s exactly one year since we
first came together, and we are still all together.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia couldn’t help but give him a furtive
glance to see if he was making a circumspect, yet pointed, remark at her – no
one else knew how close she had come to being expelled - but he remained pre-occupied
with filling glasses and didn’t look up. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donna passed the glasses around the table, and
when everyone had one in their hands, Marcus raised his, and they all followed
suit. ‘To the A-team,’ he said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘To the A-team,’ they responded in unison, looking
around at each other, then glasses were clinked and they all took a mouthful of
the precious liquid, letting it lay in the mouth slightly before swallowing,
just as Marcus had taught them. The A-team was a reference to their training,
when he constantly reminded them that they had to be the A-team, as there was
no B-team, meaning no backup.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s mother had once told her that good
food, good wine and good company was as good as it ever gets. But she had said
the key ingredient in all of that was the company. For the first time in her
life, Sylvia appreciated what she meant.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Despite the context, Sylvia couldn’t stop
herself from recalling the entire conversation: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘What, better than sex?’</i> She had retorted. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sex comes after
dinner. But only if you’re lucky.’</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> And they had both laughed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The smile on her face gave her away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Share the joke.’ Donna was looking at
her mischievously.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia blushed. ‘Oh, nothing. Really.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Tao wasn’t going to let her off the hook.
‘Sylvia, you’re blushing.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Now everyone was looking at her, which made it
worse, even though they were all smiling.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s just the wine,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But everyone was intrigued now, and Donna had
the reigns still. ‘What made you smile?’ she asked</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, it wasn’t your cooking, I can assure
you.’ Now everyone laughed as if she had told a joke. She looked flummoxed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao tried to rescue her. ‘We know you weren’t
smiling at the food, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing even if you were. Where did
you go? The wine take you off somewhere?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked around the table. ‘I guess it did.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim spoke for the first time. ‘You are
among friends, Sylvia. No one here mocks you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked at his soft eyes and wondered if he
could read her mind. Sometimes Ibrahim reminded her of Roger, even though they
looked nothing alike, but he was a reassuring presence to her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘My mother once said: “good food, good wine and
good company is as good at it ever gets”’.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ibrahim raised his glass. ‘Your mother was
obviously a very wise person. We should drink to that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">To Sylvia’s surprise everyone raised their
glasses, and Ibrahim repeated, ‘To good food, good wine and good company. Long
may it last.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Long may it last.’ Marcus repeated, and then
they all said, ‘Long may it last.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia looked around as she drank from her
glass. She felt strangely emotional and there was a long silence afterwards as
they all returned to their soup.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Marcus always knew how to break silences.
‘So what did you two find today?’ He said, addressing Sylvia and Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia let Tao tell everyone the story of the
marauder and how strange it was to find one wrecked on its own. As the
conversation gently nudged the ghost of her mother away from the table, Sylvia
returned to the present. But she realised, in doing this, that her mother had
been right: the company was the key ingredient.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When Elvene came to, she found herself in a
very strange place indeed. Though prostrate, what dominated her vision was a
red rocky planet directly above her, so she was instantly disoriented – the
effect, she realised, had been deliberately staged for her benefit alone. She
raised herself to a crouching position as she scanned her short horizon. She
quickly deduced that she was on a landing dock awaiting transport to the planet
below, which was actually above her. She noticed that she still had her utility
belt and stun guns intact, but she seemed to be alone – there was no one to use
them on. Apart from the hologram of Alron, she had never actually met her
captor. Thinking of Alron made her wonder where Alfa was, but then the thought
vanished just as quickly as it had arose, because something was happening.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">A hole had opened in the deck directly in front
of her and a woman dressed in fluorescent, rainbow-coloured armour rose out of
it unaccompanied.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Hello Elvene,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene looked quizzical but otherwise didn’t
respond.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, we’ve never met before. I’m Queen Afari,
and this is my kingdom,’ she said while raising an arm to indicate the planet
overhead.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene remained silent.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There is something you need to know before we get
better acquainted. On that planet are over a thousand people, including men,
women and children. But they are all my children and I’m not just talking
metaphorically.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene frowned.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Ah, I see I have your attention now. I am like
the queen in an ant or bee colony. If I die then so do all of my children.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari smiled as the gravity of her statement
sank into Elvene’s mind. ‘Yes, I think we understand each other now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then she gestured for Elvene to follow her.
‘Please, come with me. Whilst I am with you, I can assure you that no one will
hurt you.’ And her body language, along with her words, demonstrated that she
was now Elvene’s surrogate mother as well. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was fully aware of all the psychological
games that Afari had just played, and, yet, she also knew that Afari had won:
game, set and match. Consequently, she resignedly got to her feet and did
exactly as Afari had bid.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia, along with the rest of the team,
quickly got into a routine. Their work was twofold: to examine the status of
the planet thus far, and to incorporate new systems that would bring the planet
to its next stage of evolvement. The key to creating a living environment was
to warm the planet up, by creating an atmosphere that would eventually
stabilise of its own accord. This would allow natural ice, both at its poles
and trapped underground, to become water and flood parts of its surface. A
meteorological cycle could then develop that would be conducive to life. Adding
fluorine-based gases to carbon dioxide currently trapped underground was the
preferred methodology. However, this created a dangerous atmosphere for humans,
so the idea was to start the process and let it run for a century or more
without human habitation, before the next stage, which was to release oxygen
from the planet’s water into the atmosphere in a new cycle. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The Gaia principle, first discovered on Old
Earth, meant that life was a necessary part of the process. Until the planet
developed life in some form, stability of the atmosphere, and therefore the
whole planet, would never develop.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There were a number of these planets in various
stages of terraforming all the time, so most of them were for future habitation,
and teams, like the one Sylvia was part of, were never permanent fixtures.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia, as an IMP, usually dealt with the
interface between humans and machines, but in this environment, that was almost
irrelevant. After all, they had to co-exist for at least a hundred years after
the humans had left. Her main concern, therefore, was that the machines functioned
autonomously without human input, so her principal task was creating
simulations to find weaknesses in their programmed intelligence. It was their
adaptability she was testing rather than their human-interactive friendliness.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">For this reason she spent a lot of time ‘out in
the field’ to use the camp jargon. She almost always went with Tao, because his
technical expertise with machines was invaluable. In fact, he never ceased to
surprise her: not only on how much he knew, but the sheer variety of equipment
he was familiar with. When she quizzed him on this, he just said that it was a
talent he had, but she knew he was being modest. She had learnt early that he
was someone who preferred to do something than talk about it. He once confided
to her that he made a lousy teacher, and she believed him. People who don’t
know how they do what they do, find it hard to explain it to themselves let
alone anyone else. He would say things like ‘I just have a feeling’ or ‘try
this’ and it invariably worked. From her perspective, he was like a magician,
but, as a psychologist, she knew it was actually a combination of intuition and
accumulated knowledge with a natural flair for fixing things.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There were stations all over the planet that
they visited. They all had their own underground bunkers and eco-systems. Some
could be checked remotely, but part of their mission was to check them
physically and Sylvia preferred to interrogate them when they visited them.
There were no geo-stationary satellites orbiting the planet, so communication
was not instantaneous and it didn’t need to be. Terraforming was a
surface-oriented enterprise, and that’s where the technology was. A slow
orbiting satellite could relay any communication long term, so that was all
they had. At the stations, any adjustments, be it software or hardware, could
be made on the spot. They had strict contact protocols to follow in case
something went wrong, but, despite all the training, they hadn’t had any
emergencies to deal with thus far.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was when they were on their own that Sylvia
felt the full impact of their isolation. Looking up at a sky unprotected by
atmosphere, especially when they were on the dark side and could see a battery
of stars, she was awe-struck by the sheer scale of the spectacle. It felt like
she could see the entire cosmos – it was hard not to consider how insignificant
she was when looking hundreds, if not thousands, of light-years into space. She
knew that humans had been looking at the night sky ever since their emergence
as a preternatural intelligence and had started wondering at their place in the
scheme of things. She was not surprised that various religions proposed the
firmament as the heavens, as a spiritual destination, without realising that
all of life’s atoms had their physical genesis in stars, albeit ones that had
long been extinct.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She was glad that she had Tao’s company on
these ‘field trips’ and wondered, not for the first time, how her mother had
coped with her solo missions. When quizzed, she had told her that Alfa had kept
her sane, but Sylvia, even as an IMP, found that hard to envisage.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On this occasion, Tao and Sylvia were on the
opposite side of the planet for the first time so they had intermittent contact
with their base. They had their car, Mandrake, which was almost a surrogate
home – it even had microwave cooking facilities, and a bathroom, including a
shower stall, and a section that could be converted into beds, though they
hadn’t used that option thus far. In some respects it was more like a yacht
than a car. The canopy was even shielded against radiation, so it was safe
enough, if a little claustrophobic.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When they arrived at the station, the only
visual indication of its existence was a mast in the middle of a bleak stony
desert. But they knew there would be a docking station under it connected to
subterranean rooms with life-sustaining facilities, and they allowed Mandrake
to negotiate the protocols before the ground opened up beneath them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But when they entered they knew something was
awry as Mandrake refused to open the canopy to let them get out. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Atmosphere is not breathable; you will need to
wear surface suits.’ He instructed them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao asked, ‘What’s the content? Is it the same
as planet surface?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, it is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia, sitting on Tao’s right, had stretched
out her arms and legs, as her suit expanded around her from the seat itself,
like a skin turning itself inside out to envelop her. Tao performed the same
ritual. ‘Must be a major breakdown,’ he said as it folded over him. Sylvia was
checking her front, gloves and boots that they were all sealed. An overhead
compartment <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from behind produced
her helmet and she automatically raised her gloved hands to guide it down onto
her head. She checked the seal, and waited for Tao to do the same.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Are we ready to go?’ She asked Mandrake.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Mandrake answered by opening the canopy.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s what I like: a machine of few words.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I take that as a compliment, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, Mandrake, you just ruined it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Ruined what?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t listen to her,’ Tao said, ‘She’s baiting
you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s alright, Mandrake, you’re doing just
fine.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao turned to her, his visor still clear. ‘So,
that’s how you handle machines: you just compliment them.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Works with men too.’ She said cheekily.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He responded with a grin, then lifted himself
out. He reached back inside the car for his utility belt and a backpack of
tools, while Sylvia walked around the car to join him</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were in an air-lock that wasn’t an
air-lock. Tao walked over to the nearest door and inserted a key from his belt.
The door opened and a light came on. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, some things are still working,’ he
observed.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, the airlock opened to let us in,’ Sylvia
responded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He walked over to a control panel, and inserted
another key. The panel came alive with graphics, and he ran his eyes over it,
touching some of them to gain more detail.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘There’s the problem,’ he said, not pointing
but just looking at a graphic.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was surprised he found it so quickly.
‘What is it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He turned to her, with one word: ‘Dust’.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then to himself, ‘Probably caused by a storm on
the surface,’ he said, looking up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The planet had a thin atmosphere that could
cause dust storms, though they hadn’t seen any in their travels.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So how do we get rid of it?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s caught up in these filters, choking them
and the plant’s automatically shut down. We can clean them out manually, but we
need to build a self-cleaning mechanism to stop it happening again.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And how are we going to do that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know, that’s the challenge,’ he said
grinning at her like a kid who’s just found something he can play with.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, I’m going to check the rest of the
facility and set up some diagnostics.’ She turned back towards the door, when
she had another thought. ‘Are you sure everything else is working, we won’t get
locked in here by a computer error or a breakdown?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If it worries you, block the door.’ He pulled
a miniature jack from his pack and handed it to her. ‘Just put it on the floor.
The door will alarm but it won’t do any harm because there’s nothing to
escape.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She did as he suggested, and sure enough the
door alarmed, but inside her suit it was muted. It was reassuring to know that
she could still talk to Tao even though they were separated, and they still had
communication with Mandrake for that matter.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She walked past Mandrake to access another
corridor that led to the living quarters, but, of course, there was not enough
oxygen and there was nothing she could fix. The area looked barren, bare walls,
ceilings and floor, with no adornments and no indication it had ever been lived
in. It looked exactly for what it was – a bunker. She did a tour of the whole
facility: kitchen, bathrooms and sleeping quarters; all the doors worked for
her, as there was no security once you got past the air lock. It was like a
ghost quarters, and she felt an ill-boding that caught her by surprise. Up till
now, the isolation hadn’t bothered her at all, but this environment, that had
been built for people but never housed them, troubled her somehow. She realised
that she didn’t want to sleep here, even though the thought was irrational. She
decided she needed something to occupy her mind, so she decided to check the
diagnostics on the mast and she could do that from Mandrake’s cockpit, so she
returned to the car. The car felt safer even though it was technically in the
same environment. She realised that she was forming a psychological attachment
to it – that it had become their home. ‘Tao, I’m in the car, if you need me.’
There was no response and involuntarily her pulse went up. Mandrake noticed the
change straightaway. ‘What’s the matter, madam?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Have you got contact with Tao?’ she asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam. He’s in the control room.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She jumped out of the car and ran to the door.
The jack was gone and she had no key.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao, open the door.’ She yelled, feeling panic
rising.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked back at Mandrake. ‘Mandrake, can you
open this door?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Of course, madam.’ And the door opened.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This time there was resistance, and when she
stepped through, Tao looked at her in surprise. He had taken his helmet off.
The door closed automatically behind her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What are you doing?’ Her fear had turned to
anger, and though he couldn’t hear her, it showed on her face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked momentarily stunned and he talked to
her, but it was like watching someone mime. He picked his helmet up and put it
on. ‘I’ve restored the air in here. So I closed the door and let it build up
enough to breathe.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You could have told me.’ Her anger was still
boiling.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Jesus, Tao.’ And she felt on the verge of
tears. ‘You scared the shit out of me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He walked up to her and caught her in a hug
through their suits, their helmets pushing their necks sideways. He took his
helmet off and then helped her with hers.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m really sorry.’ He said again, and they hugged
closer this time. He felt her tears against his cheek. ‘I’m sorry, it was
really stupid of me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s okay.’ She tried to laugh and stepped
back, wiping her tears. ‘I feel really silly.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, no. I’m the one who was silly. Don’t ever
say that about yourself.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave him a stern look. ‘Don’t ever do that
again.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I won’t. I promise.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked around. ‘How did you get the air up
so quickly?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Believe it or not, there’s an emergency
reserve, and, of course, if there’s no one here to use it, then it can’t
escape. Once the system reaches a point of equilibrium, it’s self-sustaining
again.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Amazing.’ And she managed to smile. ‘Isn’t it
good to be alive.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled back. ‘Yes, it certainly is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Tao, I don’t want to sleep here. Is that
okay?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So where do you want to sleep?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’ll sleep in the car, if that’s alright.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sure, that’s fine.’</span></address>
<br />
<br />
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Mealing 2013</span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-52713779595647028712013-06-29T22:16:00.000+10:002013-06-30T11:10:41.973+10:00Sylvia - Episode 9<style>
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<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">What annoyed Elvene more than anything else was
that she had been expecting a trap, but not a trap in the literal sense of the
word: the type set so carefully to capture a specific prey, unharmed, like a
bird in a cage. Only in hindsight, was it so obvious. What’s more, she knew
that once it had been sprung, a signal would go to whoever had set it. She only
had to wait to find whoever that was, and waiting was all she could do. She
tried in vain to get Alfa to return but there’s nothing more stubborn than a
computer with a mind of its own, and a command override by Roger was never
going to be countered, especially when she was in such obvious dire straits.
There was no way off the deck and even if she had brought explosives on board,
the space was too confined to use them. She had a laser that she tried on the
lock but, whilst she could fry it, it didn’t provide a release. In fact, she
probably made it worse. There was normally an emergency release, but it had
been sabotaged, so her captors had already considered that. They knew she would
come to the bridge eventually, so they had turned it into a cell – it was quite
ingenious - the perfect prison and no one was going to come except the people
who had created it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s first mission as an off-world IMP was
very simple. The entire team, that she had trained with, was sent to a new
world still in terra-forming phase. They would set up a base camp and release
drones that not only monitored progress but actively manipulated seeding in the
absence of fauna that would be introduced in a later phase. They could then
leave the planet for future generations to settle when it was more habitable. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Planets for terra-forming were chosen that
contained the raw materials necessary to aid atmosphere generation and
therefore global warming. Water, methane and nitrogen locked up as subterranean
or surface ice provided a good starting point; other favourable attributes
included compatible gravity and a stable orbit around a sun. In their early
stages, these planets were not colonised per se, except by robotic drones, but
they were occasionally visited by human teams. As Sylvia and her colleagues
were told during their final briefing: ‘The mission couldn’t be simpler or more
straightforward.’ The main danger was the surface environment, as it would be centuries,
if not millennia, before a human compatible atmosphere could be generated.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This meant that all accommodation was
underground; without atmosphere they had no permanent protection from
radiation. Oxygen was provided by hydrolysis of the planet’s own underground
iced water. In fact, a carefully balanced artificial atmosphere was created
underground complete with hydroponics to regenerate some of the carbon dioxide,
though filters were still needed to stop levels becoming toxic. Everyone was
aware how fragile their ecosystem really was. For all of them, except Marcus,
it was the first time in their lives that they had to be fully suited in order
to go above ground. They were aware that they effectively lived in a cocoon,
not much different to the ship that had brought them there. In fact, the only
real difference was that the planet allowed them to expand their home by
further burrowing if it was required.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Of course the planet was well short of being
able to accommodate life on a large scale, so generating an atmosphere was just
the first phase in a process that would take many generations. But, once
started, evolution was short-circuited by creating a bio-diverse fauna and
flora based on established norms. Sylvia knew that her home planet had once
started out just like this one, yet it was hard for her to imagine it; it was
like trying to imagine a young girl as an old woman. Even when a child looks at
a grandparent they can’t imagine that one day they will appear the same. In the
case of the planet, Sylvia thought it was more like a foetus, than a child,
still to be born. Only when it had an atmosphere and could sustain life would
Sylvia consider it a young planet, let alone a mature one.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When above ground they always traveled in a
car, similar to the ones they had at their training camp, but larger, with room
in the back for sleeping if required, and fundamental bathroom facilities, so
lengthy survey excursions were possible. Sylvia’s first time above ground was
with Tao, and she felt a sense of anticipation as they strapped themselves into
the cockpit; she on the left, he on the right. She had brought Sim with her,
though she didn’t expect to need him. She just felt that it was better to have
him than not. For her and Tao, it was just a reconnaissance mission, first time
out.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The car was noiseless, but, in response to them
buckling up, it started to levitate in the bunker cavern where it was housed,
to let them know it had come to life. Sylvia always felt comfortable in a car,
as long as she could talk to it. She was only wary of machine intelligence that
didn’t converse. But anything that could converse could be judged very quickly
and easily, she found, even when the machine had an inflated opinion of itself,
as they sometimes did.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you have a name?’ She asked the car.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Mandrake, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Unusual name. Why are you called Mandrake?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I understand he was a magician from mythology,
madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And are you a magician, Mandrake?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, madam, I am a hover car.’ Machine
intelligence had no sense of irony, thought Sylvia.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She looked across at Tao and they shared a
smile. ‘Okay, Mandrake, take us outside,’ was the simple command she gave it.
If the car came back with a question, as to where to go, then that told her
something about its intelligence. On the other hand, if the car simply did as
it was told then awaited another command, then that told her something else.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The wall opened in front of them and the car
moved into an airlock. Only when the wall closed itself behind them again did
the roof open and reveal a star-studded sky.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They rose into the sky above them and hovered
while the airlock closed. Sylvia judged that they were less than a couple of
metres above ground.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Where do you want to go?’ This time Sylvia
addressed the question to Tao, and Sylvia noted that the car seemed to
understand this, even though Tao would never have thought otherwise. Tao didn’t
answer straightaway but looked down at an electronic map on his lap.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I would like to have a look around here.’ He
pointed on the map with his finger.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why, what’s there?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘According to our surveys, there is some sort
of wreckage there. I would like to have a look.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Surely, the surveys gave us visual. Are you
saying you don’t know what it is?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s right. Probably a broken drone, but I’d
like to have a look. Besides, is there anything you want to look at?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, that’s fine.’ Then in a different tone.
‘Mandrake, have you got that map reference?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, then let’s go.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The car spun around clockwise on its axis about
100 degrees, then took off over the terrain. There was no vegetation at all,
but the landscape was far from flat. Volcanic and seismic activity had given
the planet a jagged look from above when they had originally arrived, and
closer to ground it was mountains separated by plains, but as they sped over
the ground, radar-guided, gullies would appear unexpectedly like cracks that
had split open the planet’s skin revealing wounds under a black sky.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They dipped into one of these gullies, which
felt more like a canyon, once they were inside it, and a console screen lit up
before them, grid-marking the location they were now heading towards, as if the
vehicle was homing in on a target.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That must be it,’ said Tao. They both looked
at the screen, then ahead through the canopy trying to reconcile one with the
other, but Sylvia found it impossible.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can this thing see round corners?’ she asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">But it
was </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Mandrake who
responded. ‘No, madam. The screen is a memory from another reconnaissance.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean, you or someone has been out here
before?’ Sylvia asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, it’s a satellite image, but the
perspective has been modified to suit our approach.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That’s clever.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you, madam.’ Sylvia and Tao looked at
each other, but neither could keep a straight face.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As they approached, the resolution on the
screen improved, but Sylvia realised she didn’t have a sense of scale from the
screen, so she looked at the ground ahead in the hope she could see it. They
finally wheeled around a cliff to their left and there it was, the screen
orientation changing accordingly so that the two visions, one inside and the
other outside the craft, matched. To Sylvia’s surprise, it was actually much
smaller than the screen had implied, accentuated by the fact that, whatever it
was, it was half-buried.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do you know what it is?’ She asked Tao.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But, once again, Mandrake answered. ‘It’s a
space marauder, madam. But don’t worry it’s inoperable.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean it’s wrecked.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘That would be a fair description.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Only fair? No, don’t answer that.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao finally spoke. ‘Mandrake’s right. That’s
exactly what it is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’ve seen one before?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Only in simulation. I’ve never seen a real
one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia turned fully side on to face Tao. ‘You
knew what it was all along, didn’t you?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked at her sideways. ‘Not really, but I
had an idea.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You thought if I knew, that I wouldn’t come.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Did occur to me, yes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia turned away from Tao to look out of the
cockpit. They were hovering alongside the cliff face so that the wreckage could
be seen on her side. The nose of the marauder was buried into the vertical
face, creating a crack in the rock face, but its body rested on a short shelf
of rock with its circular casing split open. It looked like a metallic animal
that had had its gut ruptured and its innards spilled out.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew that they were her mother’s mortal
enemy. One of these may have even killed her. But looking at the wreckage it
was hard to imagine how deadly it was. ‘How come there’s only one?’ she asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean, why’s it by itself?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Exactly. They always traveled in packs. Why
would there be one on its own?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t know, maybe the others escaped. From
what I know, they didn’t take their wounded with them when they fled.
Especially, if they were routed in a battle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Maybe.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao examined the shelf that was more like a
ledge from their perspective. ‘There’s no room to land.’ He leaned across her
to get a better look. ‘We can anchor ourselves to the rock, or the car for that
matter.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave him a wry smile, but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He leaned back. All he could manage was a
guilty grin, then he theatrically hunched his shoulders and spread his hands.
‘What? You don’t think I would come here without examining it properly?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She unbuckled herself, still smiling, but
mumbled, while avoiding his gaze. ‘No, of course not.’ They donned helmets and
gloves before the car would open its canopy.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They tethered themselves to the car rather than
the rock-face; that way the car would know if they fell. With its canopy open,
the car looked like an evolutionary throwback to a vehicle from ancient times,
despite its gravity-defying ability, and it’s bulbous back that housed
emergency living quarters for a crew of two.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia was closest, so she stepped across the
gap first. She couldn’t stop herself from looking down and thought that this is
what a spider must feel like, tethered by a thread, though she doubted that
spiders suffered from vertigo. The cliff ledge was actually an overhang so it
was literally a vertical drop to the valley floor, scattered with boulders that
looked like marbles from her perspective. She knew that if she dived off, or
simply jumped, the thread would stop her like a truncated bungee jump – she had
experienced it during training. As she transferred her weight onto the side of
the car, then across the gap, she felt it make a small adjustment; it reminded
her of balancing a tray one-handed while someone takes a drink off it – only,
in this case, the car was the tray and she was the drink.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao quickly followed, and she let him pass,
making sure their lines didn’t get tangled in the process. He was wearing a
tool belt, and he already had a wand-like device in his hand, scanning for any
remnants of electronic life.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is it dead?’ She asked him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh definitely. But it’s not worthless. I’m
surprised no one has scavenged anything from it from previous visits.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is that what you came here for?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He was crouched down so he had to half-turn and
look up at her through his visor; he had caught the accusatory tone in her
voice. ‘No, of course not. I’d have to get permission.’ Then he turned his
attention back to the machine, looking at the bits lying around it. ‘But I
couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come and have a look first hand, and I
don’t need permission for that.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia had a good look at the landscape around
them, and wondered how they may have accessed it without a car. Looking up, she
realised the only way would have been to abseil down from above.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What would have caused it to crash here?’ She
asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao looked around. ‘That’s a good question. It
may have been injured so it was flying blind.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia wasn’t surprised that Tao gave the
machine organic attributes; everyone did. For most people, they were a form of
life, so they got injured and blinded and wounded in battle, even though they
never cried out in pain or demonstrated emotional signs of distress, albeit
they could if they were programmed that way.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Giving an intelligent machine psychological
traits, or evaluating ones they had, was part of Sylvia’s job. Experimentation
had taught people that subtlety was the key to success. It was partly what
people expected – no one liked extroverted machines – intelligence was more
impressive when it was understated.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This naturally led to keeping emotional traits
minimal. People who interfaced with machines expected them to be logical not
hysterical, so that’s what they got. A machine developed a personality based on
its interface with users, and Sylvia knew that it was best to let this happen
in a symbiotic relationship rather than create something artificial.
Intelligent machines learnt to anticipate what people expected, and the more
intelligent they were the more unobtrusive they became, rather than the
converse. Her role was usually in the development phase where she balanced
interaction with effectiveness. For her, a machine had to think laterally
without being stupid, and that was a lot harder than people imagined. Suddenly,
she found herself thinking about her not-so-recent altercation with Saroj and
his shuttle car.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had gone off on her own train of thought,
now squatting down on her haunches, oblivious to Tao, who was equally oblivious
to her. So she was caught by surprise when he suddenly stood up.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Something about his movement or his stance made
her ask: ‘Is something the matter?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, not really.’ But he wasn’t convincing. He
looked up above and then down into the valley. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘So?’ She asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, you asked the question: how did it
crash?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘And?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, it’s the only piece of wreckage anywhere
along here. I thought, logically, it had been killed in combat, but there’s no
other sign of a battle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Surely, someone else has already examined
this?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Well, they have the satellite data, so yes, I expect so.’
Tao looked back at the damaged marauder at his feet. ‘But they always traveled
in packs, as you pointed out. Why is it on its own?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia shrugged her shoulders. ‘I don’t know.
Is it important?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her. ‘Probably not. But I like to
solve my puzzles.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She smiled at him through her visor. ‘So it’s
yooour puzzle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He smiled back. ‘I guess I’ve made it mine.’ He
gestured at the car. ‘You want to go back?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I want to stay here all night.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He slapped her on the back. ‘Thanks for
coming.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, I had a choice?’ She said good-naturedly
as she turned back towards the car.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, I guess you didn’t.’ But he was grateful
she had a sense of humour.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene, unable to dispatch Alfa, decided that
she needed to prepare herself for her anticipated captors. She had her stun
guns of course, which made her a formidable opponent, and she could also enact
a personal force shield with the press of a button on her utility belt. It
wasn’t a perfect defence because it could be penetrated by slow movement,
otherwise she wouldn’t be able to walk or grasp objects, so someone would still
be able to grab her, but it stopped high velocity projectiles.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene knew she had to use cunning. She had to
outwit her captors, because, in a contest of brute force, the odds were on
their side.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa told her when they were approaching, as he
could detect their anti-gravity field. He told Elvene that they must be using a
stealth device as he had no visual or radar detection. Elvene immediately
suspected pirates, as that was a technology they favoured. Her first concern
was that they may destroy Alfa, but it should have happened by now, if that was
their intention, so they probably wanted him for his data.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew they wanted her alive, and that was
her one trump card. If they wanted her dead they would have simply
booby-trapped the ship to blow her up or gas her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Still, it was a shock when a holographic
projection of Alron appeared in front of her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I don’t think we need any introductions, do
we?’ His tone was confident and relaxed as one would expect when someone
believes they hold all the cards.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene didn’t respond; instead she walked
around to see if his image would follow her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Very clever, but unnecessary.’ And he turned
in her direction. ‘We can do this the hard way, or we can do it the easy way –
it’s completely up to you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene didn’t speak. For the moment, silence
was her only weapon. She also knew she was under surveillance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why hadn’t I thought of that before?</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I am going to open the door and my men will be
outside, fully armed of course. They will escort you to my ship via a shuttle.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Somehow they had cut her comms link to Alfa,
otherwise he would have told her. She certainly didn’t think Alron was
bluffing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">A number of things happened virtually
simultaneously. Alron’s holographic image disappeared, and the door started to
open. Elvene pushed the button on her utility belt to activate her force-field
bubble, and a combination stun-smoke grenade was launched through the door.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It exploded ineffectually, and when the two men
entered immediately after, she zapped them with her bracelet stun guns, so they
were on the floor and not her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She waited till one of them came round then
grabbed him with her laser at this throat. Her shield was still up but it now
encompassed him as well. ‘Alron, wherever you are, you no longer have the upper
hand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As she expected, his holographic image
reappeared. ‘You really think so?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m taking this man hostage back to my ship.
You will let us both go.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron laughed. ‘You think I’d send people on
board who weren’t expendable? Go ahead and kill them both. You’re still my
prisoner.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">By this stage the other one had come round and
was getting to his feet, albeit groggily, but when he saw the situation, he
retreated into one corner.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron continued. ‘How do you think they got on
board? Your space ship is no longer attached to the airlock, my shuttle is.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene realised that he must be right. Somehow
he had already neutralised Alfa, which is why she couldn’t contact him. She
realised that he really did hold all the cards.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She released her hostage, feeling him slip through
her shield, and holstered her laser. ‘Okay, you lead and I’ll follow,’ she said
to them both.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Instead they pointed behind her and she saw
Alron’s image retreating down the corridor; so she followed it through the
airlock and into his shuttle.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Once inside, Alron’s hologram disappeared. Only
then did she turn off her shield. She was immediately stunned by her guards,
though, of course, she had no memory of it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-17696654590497580002013-06-23T12:28:00.002+10:002013-06-23T12:28:29.460+10:00Sylvia - Episode 8
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">PART 2</span></b></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Missions Unaccomplished</span></b></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene had been sent on a mission, primarily to
gather information on a pirate by the name of Alron. She hadn’t been sent to
capture him, but to find his lair. Entire space fleets had been intercepted,
usually with colonists aboard, and Intelligence believed that he was
responsible. What no one could understand was why no ransoms were claimed. It
was as if someone was setting up a colony somewhere else. Elvene imagined that
it was part of an elaborate slave trade. The question, in Elvene’s mind, was:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> If Alron was the slave-trader, who was the
slaver? Or were there more than one?</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene believed that there must be one, who was
well hidden; it was easier to hide one world than a number of them. Logically,
the way to find Alron was to find his client, but Intelligence had no leads on
that at all. In fact, intelligence on Alron was very sketchy: a rogue soldier
of fortune who had found a lucrative business in illegally trading genes. He
started off as a small-time poacher of newly colonised worlds, but when humans
started disappearing, it was believed he’d moved up the food chain, though all
evidence was circumstantial at best.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene started her investigation by visiting
the last colony destination that had been intercepted. Her role was meant to be
purely investigatory: to get information if possible; not to chase him down.
But that changed when news came that another ship had disappeared. She was
closest, so she jumped to the scene without waiting for anyone else. She held
the faintest hope that, if she got there first, she might find something or
some trace of Alron. It was a slim hope, but being so close she couldn’t ignore
the opportunity.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The first thing she took note of, when she was
revived out of hibernation by her on-board computer, Alfa, was that they
weren’t under attack. For some reason, she almost expected it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She immediately slaked her thirst with an
energy drink as she always did, but, after that, she didn’t follow her usual
routine. Even though she felt mentally disoriented, as one always did after
hibernation, she couldn’t suppress a sense of urgency, that she wouldn’t have
been able to explain had she been asked. She forwent the shower and change of
clothes, that was part of her normal post-hibernation routine, and interrogated
Alfa instead.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Where are we, Alfa?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We are in sector AG 104.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She would have been surprised if he’d said
anything else, but it was partly a security check, partly a reality check.
Jumping through hyperspace should never be taken for granted. Alfa elaborated
further, anticipating her train of thought, as he was trained to do.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘We are at the abduction scene, madam. We have
found the ship that was intercepted. I have video.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Are you sure? I thought Alron destroyed his
captured ships.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘According to my records, that is correct,
madam. But not this one, apparently.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The ship hovered like a ghost, only visible due
to Alfa’s video enhancements, as the nearest sun was too far away to create a
reflection. There was other debris floating nearby; the remains of escort
vehicles, no doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ship was
like a shell; it gave off no heat, or other signatures. She was certain it
contained no life, nevertheless, she would take a look.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Perhaps he didn’t fully succeed this time, or
he was interrupted. Are we able to dock?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will attempt communication, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew he meant communication with the ship’s
computer rather than its occupants.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">There was a short hiatus. ‘There is a docking
port, madam. I have access.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What if it’s booby trapped?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No madam, all signals are accounted for.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew that he meant there were no signals
from the mechanism going anywhere else other than their function. ‘Still, could
be mechanical.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will release remotely, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You can only release the outer door. Without
us docking, the inner door will release all the air inside.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No madam, I can release the inner door first,
if necessary.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elvene considered the alternatives. If the inner door was
rigged to blow, then, even docked, they were not directly in contact with it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Can you open the outer door before we dock?</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Let’s do that then. And we will take
precautions. I will wear a suit, and we will employ a blast door before the
inner door is opened.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, madam. Let me know when you’re ready.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene realised that she still hadn’t showered,
and if she was going to change into an exo-suit and board another vessel, even
an empty one, personal hygiene was suddenly a consideration. So she made it
extra quick, making sure she blow-dried all over; wet hair would be more than a
nuisance in the suit. She found she was still impatient to reconnoitre the
vessel, even though it obviously wasn’t going anywhere.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, I’m ready. Let us engage.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa released the outer door of the ship’s
docking station, and there was nothing untoward that she could see; just a
vacant hold ready to accept them.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, make sure you have reflex disengagement,
as well as the blast shield, in case it blows.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Naturally, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She hated it when Alfa talked so
condescendingly, but she didn’t say anything – it was part of his protocol to
let her know if he had anticipated her instructions.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She heard rather than felt Alfa dock. She
seated herself before giving him the instruction to open the inner door. It was
almost an anti-climax when he responded, ‘Inner door is open.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Okay, send in a probe. Leave the blast door
up.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She watched the video from the probe - there
was no artificial gravity on board – but that was the only sign that the ship
wasn’t operational. The probe attached itself to the floors and walls to
tractor itself along – it used mini air jets if it became unattached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no signs of life, or of a
forced boarding. Alfa reported, ‘Air quality is normal. No sign of human
occupation.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alfa was able to open any internal doors by
accessing the ship’s computer remotely, and the probe wondered over the entire
vessel, looking behind everything. Except for the air quality, there were no
signs that the ship had ever been occupied.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Do we know if a distress signal was released?’
Elvene asked.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Apparently not. But records have been erased.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘How long ago?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Twenty hours ship time before we arrived.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In that case, someone’s been aboard.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Not necessarily, madam, could have been erased
remotely.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Bring the probe back. I’m going aboard.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Is that wise, madam?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘The vessel is safe, according to the probe.
There is something odd about this and I need to have a look. While your docked,
it can’t go anywhere without you, even if there’s someone aboard.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You think there’s someone aboard?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What I know, Alfa, is that the probe can’t
find anything. Perhaps, a human can find what a probe cannot.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It could still be a trap.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, it could. But I can’t just leave it
without looking, and we can’t take it with us.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It occurred to Elvene that it could be a trap
that needed a human to spring it. But if she was fully armoured, and with Alfa
docked, the risk was lowered significantly. Besides, the most likely outcome
was that she wouldn’t find anything that the probe hadn’t found. But, most
importantly, it went against all her training, to not board a stranded vessel,
even an apparently empty one.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Lower the blast door. I’m going in.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene checked the suit’s integrity. Her stun
guns, incorporated in her bracelets, were not limited by her armour, neither
was her movement unduly restricted. She was ready to go.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As soon as she entered, she started to float,
and she activated miniature air jets on her belt that used the ship’s own air
to propel herself along. The lack of gravity accentuated the ship’s
lifelessness. It was extremely rare to enter a ship in space with no artificial
gravity. She followed the same path that the probe took. Her suit continuously
took readings and nothing in the environment changed. Her visor was linked to
Alfa and he opened doors for her, just as he had done for the probe. She didn’t
really expect to find anything, but if there was really no one on board, she
needed to be sure before leaving. In particular, she looked for hidden
compartments, and searched behind everything that moved. It had been one of the
colony passenger ships, and the first thing she did was check all the
hibernation cells, but, oddly, there was no sign that they had even been
occupied. There were no stores on board either – it made no sense to her at
all. When she reached the Captain’s deck, it was empty like the rest of the
ship, just as the probe had revealed. She even checked the air ducts, which
were still operating. This was not so surprising, as it was the ship’s life
system, and would never shut down whilst in a weightless environment. It was
like her own body’s sympathetic nervous system to always provide oxygen to the
brain; a ship always provided air if it could, even when no one was aboard,
just in case someone was aboard and the ship’s computer didn’t know.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene started talking to herself, ‘It’s like
the ship’s been placed here to receive someone.’ And then it hit her. ‘Yes,
that’s exactly what it is. It hasn’t been abandoned, It’s waiting for a crew
and cargo.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Alfa was listening to her and he asked the
obvious question. ‘Then why did we get a signal that a ship had been attacked?
And what of the debris nearby?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then the inexorable logic of the situation came
home to her: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is meant for us.</i> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, we need to get out of here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene was still on the Captain’s deck, she
immediately headed back towards the docking station. But when she reached the
door to the deck it was shut.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, open this door.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can’t, madam, the computer has become
locked.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">So it was a trap</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">, and she had sprung it. ‘Alfa,
disengage and return to base immediately.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, madam. I can’t leave you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I order you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Order overruled. I have a command override.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Command override is by Roger, I bet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Confirmed, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Alfa, this is the most important order I’ve
ever given you in your entire commission. Return to base immediately.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can’t, madam.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Elvene felt real despair. She knew now that her
only hope of rescue had been effectively sabotaged by the very command that had
been latently implemented to protect her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron would never forget the circumstances
surrounding Afari’s specific request to capture Elvene. It was simultaneously
the most thrilling and dangerous encounter of his entire life. She had never asked
him for a specific target before and he wondered afterwards what her motivation
might have been. At first he thought Afari just wanted her removed, but then
she specifically wanted Elvene alive, which meant she had some role envisaged
or perhaps she was just part of one of her ‘genetic’ experiments.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It was Afari who had told him that Elvene was
on a mission to track him down, so, certainly, she posed a threat to Afari’s
own operation. But eliminating Elvene had to be easier than capturing her, so
Alron thought that there must be something personal involved, and he wasn’t in
a position to ask. He knew that the less conversation one had with Afari the
better it was for one’s wellbeing, but it intrigued him all the same. Afari
would have also realised that, with Elvene being the hunter, it made it easier
to turn her into the quarry, and that’s exactly what he did.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron had always been aware of Queen Afari’s
ability to obtain whatever she wanted, both materially and emotionally. But, on
the occasion of her request, the lesson had been particularly personal, in
every nuance that that word can conjure; it was a lesson he never forgot and
vowed never to have repeated, despite its perverse appeal. The recollection
always carried the memory of the most extreme personal jeopardy he had ever
felt, despite living a highly eventful life. It started with a simple
invitation to join her for a meal in the personal quarters of her
well-appointed ship.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Why have you invited me here?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Queen Afari was facing him, sitting on
cushions; there was a low table in front of her, covered with food to be eaten
with fingers. She gestured at the cushions opposite her, and a few steps from
his own feet. It was one of the few occasions he saw her wearing hair: a lush
wig of long black wavy curls that accentuated her beautiful white skin and dark
eyes. It nestled around her neck just above her collar bone. She still wore her
traditional armour, that changed colours from pale turquoise to deep violet as
she moved.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sit down, Alron. The food is enjoyable and there
is wine. I have a special mission for you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron sat down cross-legged, the same as her.
He followed her lead and took a piece of bread, dipped it into a bowl of yellow
mush he didn’t recognise. To his surprise it tasted delicious. It had a soft
texture like porridge but tasted like almonds.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Today I will entertain you, Alron, as only a
queen can. Enjoy it all, as I’m rarely so generous to my guests.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She poured him a glass of sweet, red wine
before continuing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I have intelligence that there is a Space
Corps Officer coming after you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had his attention immediately, but he was
suspicious. ‘How did you get this intelligence?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She smiled. ‘You know, Alron, that if I told
you I’d have to kill you or have your memory wiped.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She poured a glass of wine for herself. ‘The
Officer’s name is Elvene.’ She appraised his reaction, but Alron kept his face
blank. ‘You know her?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Everyone knows her. She’s something of a hero
in the Corps.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari went back to the food as if to say,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> tell me something I don’t know.</i></span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I know. I don’t want her killed. I want
her captured. Before you hand her over to me you may need to remove her
bio-weapons.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You mean her bracelet stun guns.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes. Let me give you a clue. She can’t use
them in water.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I’m aware of that, but it doesn’t necessarily
make her capture any easier.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, it’s quite a task I’ve given you, but,
remember, it was I who told you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I still don’t know how you could know this
ahead of me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She laughed. ‘Poor Alron, I’m always one step
ahead of you.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She drank more wine. ‘Now, I’m willing to
reward you handsomely, Alron.’ She held the glass mid air, as if examining the
colour, ‘In more ways than one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He looked at her suspiciously. Alron had
survived because he trusted few people, and he trusted Afari far less than
most.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t look at me like that.’ She smiled,
enjoying the tease. ‘Surely this meal, alone, indicates how much I trust you.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She set the wine glass down in an indication
that she had finished eating. ‘You know, in ancient times, a meal between
couples, like this, was a form of courting.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I know how you treat your lovers, Afari, I’m
not on the menu.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Queen Afari, to you.’ For a moment her eyes
hardened, then softened again, as if the wine was affecting her, which he knew
it wasn’t. ‘Would I harm you, Alron, when I’ve just given you the most
difficult mission of your life?’ He recognised she was in seduction mode, and
he thought seriously of taking his leave.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Don’t go, Alron, or you will anger me.’ She
said in anticipation, then, just as mercurially, she was back to seducing him.
‘How can I put you at ease? Normally, one would expect a reward after the prize
is delivered, but I’m just being pragmatic.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He wondered where this was leading to.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘For a start, as you have pointed out, she is a
formidable opponent, this Elvene. And if you fail, she would probably kill you,
so this opportunity may not come again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Also, I’m aware of your reticence in having
congress with me, to use a well-worn euphemism.’ He realised she was serious
now, but he could see no escape. ‘But this will add to your excitement, will it
not? And surely, because I need something from you, I’m unlikely to harm you.
Do you not agree?’ She lent over the table, playfully, stroking his cheek and
chin.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I see you are still not convinced.’ She lent
back onto her cushion, almost business-like. ‘Don’t worry, Alron, I can assure
you, this will be most pleasurable.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She waved her right hand above her head, as if
it was a wand, and the room changed about them. The table and the food
disappeared and the floor encircling them sank about a metre. It now resembled
a circular bath, an image that was reinforced by the sound of bubbling water.
Afari lifted the cushions clear while giving pragmatic advice. ‘I would take
off your clothes, Alron, if you don’t want to get them wet.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He did as she suggested, throwing his clothing
to join the cushions.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Now, sit down, the water is warm, make
yourself comfortable.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She started to remove her armour with casual
elegance. Alron had never realised before that it was removable. Underneath,
she had the most creamy coloured skin he’d ever seen. He swore her breasts
swelled when she removed her breast plate, exposing rose pink buds on soft
white mounds. She flicked water on them to pucker her aureoles, and his
response made her smile. The rest of her armour came off in pieces like the
exoskin of an insect. Her pubis was hairless, and her entire body was perfectly
white, like the porcelain complexion of her face. Only her wig remained.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">As the water rose she was glad to see his
involuntary erection, which she took in one hand and gently squeezed. ‘I could
make you come right now, couldn’t I? But let’s make this last, shall we?’ He
monitored just the hint of a threat behind the smile.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When the water was at their hips, she straddled
his thighs and pushed her breasts into his face which made him moan. She didn’t
let him enter her but pushed her pubis against him, and teased him with her
voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Cat got your tongue, Alron.’ He looked up at
her. ‘My pleasure comes first, okay?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He knew it was a rhetorical question. The water
drained, and warm air blew over him from perforations in the floor and from
above. The bottom and sides of the bath seemed to grow hair so they became
surrounded by a carpet of luxuriant fur.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She forced him onto his back and knee-walked up
his body until her pubis was in his face, her breasts swaying above his head.
She enjoyed the power she had over him even more than his meagre attempts to
pleasure her. She turned her back on him and teased him with her tongue, then
immediately admonished him. ‘Don’t come too soon, Alron, or I will end this.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He knew exactly what she meant, and he briefly
exposed his fear when his erection failed him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She gave a light-hearted laugh. ‘You’re too
emotional, Alron,’ and she quickly coaxed him back to attention. ‘Soon, very
soon,’ she promised as she dismounted to face him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She laid on her back, her head against the
surround, and taking both his hands pulled him over her as if he was a blanket.
She felt him enter her. ‘Don’t move,’ she instructed and fixed him with her
eyes.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">To his amazement, she pulsed her vagina in a
most unnatural way. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It never fails,</i>
she mused to herself and smiled at his response. For a moment he thought to
withdraw, but she anticipated him by grasping his buttocks. ‘Relax,’ she said
in her most husky voice, and for the first time, he really did. She expertly
manipulated him, repeatedly bringing him to the edge of climax only to stop.
This was her skill: she liked her lovers to be so lost in the moment that they
forgot who she was. Eventually, he felt himself surrender, but his spurt seemed
endless as she continued to squeeze till he had nothing left to give.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sometimes, at this point, before ennui set in,
she would render her lover unconscious, painless but lethal, death in ecstasy –
it was one of her unique cyborg abilities - her ultimate gift. Instead, she let
him withdraw. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Next time, perhaps,</i> she
told herself. The greatest power, the ultimate power, for her, was the power over
life and death.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron raised himself to his feet, still
breathing hard. She simply drew herself into a sitting position pulling her
legs up, and watched him coolly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You weren’t so bad.’ She said as though she
was being generous. Alron nodded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He knew that very few men, if any, had enjoyed
that experience and lived. He wanted to give her no indication that he was
relieved. He gathered his clothes and started to dress, reminding himself not
to give the impression of haste.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari watched him from her semi-reclined
position; she appeared emotionally detached. ‘Did you enjoy that?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I did.’ He said with some honesty, even
though he hadn’t smiled through the entire ordeal.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘When you return with my prize, we may do that
again. Would you like that?’ She was teasing him still.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron nodded, he was putting on his shoes. When
he had both feet on the ground he faced her squarely. ‘It would be a pleasure,
Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, I will make sure it is.’ She now had both
arms spread along the surround, one knee drawn up with her leg crossed over to
display her generously curved hip. She was still beautifully naked. She held
him with her eyes, measuring the power she had over him, like an invisible
tether. ‘You can go now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alron walked away, not too fast, lest he
betrayed his relief, but he was not sure he succeeded.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">On later reflection, Alron conceded that their
one time tryst had given him considerable insight into Queen Afari. Even now,
he considered how lucky he was to have escaped. He wondered how she managed to
find lovers when her reputation was so well known. But perhaps it was not as
well known as he thought, or perhaps her seductive charms overrode prudence -
no doubt, that was part of the challenge for her, and also part of the thrill.
Needless to say, when he returned with her ‘prize’, he didn’t take her up on
her offer, and their relationship never quite regained even the limited
congeniality it once had. He deduced that she had given him a taste of her
unique charms in order to seduce him on his return, but, for once, he remained
one step ahead of her, declining even to dine with her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-17395059102337965452013-06-22T12:11:00.000+10:002013-06-22T13:49:56.103+10:00Sylvia - Episode 7
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<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia awoke when the lights came on – it could
have been daylight outside, she didn’t know. She was badly in need of a shower,
but she only had the basin. After she used the toilet she looked at herself in
the mirror. Her hair was all tangled and she tied it back with the band she had
put round her wrist before she had lied down – it made little improvement. She
filled the basin with water and then immersed her face in it rather than
throwing water on it with her hands. The coldness gave her the immediate shock
she was looking for, and she remained with her eyes shut and her breath held till
she had become accustomed to it. When she raised her head and looked in the
mirror, she could now face herself without the tiredness in her eyes making her
look like a refugee. There was no towel, only a drier, but she already felt
better, whatever the consequences from the night before. Thinking of the night
before, she remembered running with the nightgoats in the moonlight, and
decided it had been worth it, but she was still uncertain if, and how, she
would be further disciplined.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew she would soon find out when the door
opened and a guard appeared. He could have even been the same one from the
night before, given his enigmatic attire. She remembered Marcus telling them
right at their first team meeting, that, if they should ever see security personnel,
it probably meant trouble, and she now understood what he meant. The guard took
her directly to see Marcus, who was waiting in his own room. She could see that
he had just finished breakfast. He sat side-on to her, his back to the left
hand wall, the table to her right. There was a vacant chair on the other side
of the table facing him, but she wasn’t invited to take it. He dismissed the
guard without looking at him. ‘Thank you’, was all he said. He left Sylvia
standing just inside his door and busied himself aligning knife and fork on his
empty plate, allowing the silence to build between them like a chasm.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When he finally spoke he locked eyes with her.
‘What were you doing?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia didn’t know how to explain; realised she
didn’t really want to explain; so she told a half-truth. ‘I couldn’t sleep, so
I went for a run.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You could have exercised in the gym.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wanted air.’ Then as if it explained
everything, ‘There was a full moon.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus gave his most sarcastic smile. ‘So
you’re a werewolf or a vampire?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘No, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Which one?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Neither, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus picked at his teeth; he was being
provocative. ‘Tell me about your mother.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Sir?’ She gave him a quizzical look that
bordered on anger.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘She was a solo agent. Is that what you want to
be?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Now she was angry, but her voice remained
level, ‘No, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Part of this exercise is to assess people’s
ability to integrate with a team.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, sir, I know.’ Her anger withdrew at the
implication of his statement.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I wonder. Running off alone in the middle of
the night, doesn’t sound very assimilative to me.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘With all respect, sir, it was my time.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus smiled. ‘And what if something had
happened to you? What if you had created a real emergency? And no one knew
where you were.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If no one knew where I was, why was there a
guard awaiting my return?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus gave her a cold look; he wasn’t going to
tolerate her being clever. ‘You know that if security needs to be engaged, it
can result in instant dismissal from the team.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s eyes widened at that, and Marcus didn’t
miss it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I didn’t know that, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He gave her a sharp look. ‘That’s not an
excuse.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He leant back in his chair, folded his arms and
resumed eye contact before he continued.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘It’s very difficult to create a tight-meshed,
harmonious team. It’s not just complementary abilities but temperaments that
need to be considered. You’re a psychologist, you should know that better than
anyone here.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He noticed she didn’t look away. ‘You’re young,
Sylvia, still impetuous.’ He saw that she relaxed ever so slightly at his last
comment. ‘That’s not a concession.’ His tone made her stiffen again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He cupped his hands under his chin and looked
at the empty plate in front of him, as if he was considering her fate. When he
spoke again he looked her straight in the eye.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will be watching you more closely from now
on. You step out of line again and you’re off the team. Do you understand?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia nodded. ‘Yes, sir.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I think that’s all that needs to be said.’ He
waited a beat to assess her reaction. ‘You can go now.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s relief was palpable; she felt the
chill flush of blood that sometimes follows a narrow escape. ‘Thank you, sir.’
Then she turned and walked away.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare was reluctant to leave Max alone at all.
When they landed he had clung to her hand like she was a life raft; his only
link to reality, and, possibly, sanity. He refused to leave her side, and, even
when they were all forced to shower communally, he didn’t part from her. Having
Max as an added responsibility had the opposite effect on Clare: it did not
allow her to consider her own fate in isolation to his, so she quickly
developed a mental impenetrable skin that allowed her to function as if
everything was normal when it obviously wasn’t. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were perfunctorily given new loose-fitting
clothing, made from a nondescript grey cloth, along with sandals. Having been
washed and re-clothed, they were ushered into a hall, lined with tables and
benches, where they were served meals by conveyor. No one spoke, adults and
children alike; everyone had retreated into their own inner world as if that
was the only sanctuary left to them. At one point a woman leant over to whisper
to the man alongside her, but when he returned a blank face, she didn’t
persist, and neither did anyone else.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The food was like a stew and tasted better than
Clare had expected. Everyone ate with obvious hunger, using a fork or spoon.
Clare noticed that Max ate more slowly than the others, and she spoke to him in
a low voice for the first time since they had landed. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Eat it all up. You don’t know when you will
get the next one.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The fact that she had spoken at all made him
look up at her, and she tried to smile; she was surprised how incongruous it
felt to smile in that environment, and she wasn’t surprised that he didn’t
respond in kind.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">They were taken to rooms which were luxurious
compared to the cells they had inhabited on the space ship. Clare and Max were
allowed to share a room. The soft light reflecting off the pale white, bare
walls made Clare think of a hospital ward. One of the female guards, as Clare
presumed her to be, since she didn’t speak and didn’t reveal any empathy,
demonstrated the room’s functionality. The room was rectangular with a door at
the far end that led into a bathroom. A collapsible bunk came out of the base
of the left hand wall that expanded into 2 tiers. On the opposite side a table
could be produced by folding out a panel that produced its own legs. Chairs
could be conjured from panels adjacent either side. A hologram projection could
be activated by voice command. The guard spoke to illustrate this facility.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘If you want something address the room as
“Computer”.’ She said. ‘Computer, give me ocean.’ Magically the entire wall
became an ocean view complete with sand, surf and the sound of birds over wind
and breakers. ‘Computer, give me nothing.’ And the wall returned to its
original state. ‘I’m sure you can experiment,’ she said in a flat voice.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, clothing,’ she said as if it was an
afterthought. She took them into the bathroom; it had a shower stall behind the
wall on the left, with a toilet behind another panel in the corner. A basin
could be conjured like the table from the wall directly ahead and the right
hand wall contained a walk-in wardrobe behind a full-length mirror. Clare
noticed that it already contained clothes for both of them, with hers on the
left and Max’s on the right. She was still reluctant to speak to her new hosts,
but she had to ask, ‘How did you know our sizes?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Everyone is assessed automatically on entry
and clothes are arranged and assigned to rooms. It’s all done by computer. What
else would you expect?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare was not provoked by the question, and
didn’t even deign to give her a glance. Instead she fingered the clothes as if
to make sure that they weren’t an illusion like the surf. She noticed her
action elicited a smile from her host, but again Sylvia didn’t respond.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You will probably be interviewed before the
evening meal, so I suggest you change into something more appropriate for
meeting the Queen.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The guard walked to the door and turned to
address them before leaving. ‘For the time being you won’t have normal access,
so you will be escorted wherever you go. We wouldn’t want you to get lost or
anything.’ She offered a final fake smile, and then left, closing the door
behind her. Clare was left standing, facing the closed door, and she
instinctively grasped Max’s hand; she noticed, just from his touch, that he was
even more withdrawn than she was.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare made a conscious decision that she
wouldn’t change out of her clothes to meet the Queen – it would be her first
act of passive rebellion. She figured that she would have to leave Max by
himself, so she prepared him for it. She retrieved the two chairs that their
guard had shown them hidden in the wall, and sat him down to face her. She
leant forward and grasped his hands.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I might have to leave you alone. Do you
understand?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Max looked her in the eye and just nodded his
head. It worried her that he didn’t speak at all. Since she had asked him to
stop crying after they were captured he hadn’t uttered a word. The fact that he
didn’t ask where his mother and father were, made it clear to her that he knew
they were dead, even though she didn’t really know that herself for sure. It
had already become implicit that it was something that neither of them would
mention. She stood up, drew him to her and hugged him.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have to be brave,’ she said, and with the
utterance of those words she felt her face harden slightly. She realised she
had decided, above all else, that she wouldn’t cry; she wouldn’t show anyone
her fear, especially Max. She let him go and he sat back down again.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What do you want to do? They must have toys
here.’ She looked around. ‘Computer, do you have toys for Max?’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">A disembodied voice responded, ‘Stand clear.’
They both stood back, and to her surprise the table extracted itself from the
wall, and behind it was a cavity filled with drawers. One drawer sprung open to
reveal an array of small items: miniature space ships, hover-cars and miniature
figurines that started to walk about on the table top. Max picked one of them
up and it spoke to him, ‘Captain Flex at your service.’ Max returned it to the
table and it walked in a circle.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare touched other drawers to see what they
contained. One contained a writing tablet with a scribe. Max took it out,
picked up the scribe and started to draw. Clare noticed he was drawing the ship
that they had originally set out on as seen from the shuttle that had taken
them to it. The other toys, as if aware he wasn’t interested, put themselves
back in their drawer and withdrew.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare looked around at the room and wondered if
they were under surveillance, but, as if on cue, the door opened and the
original guard stood in the entrance.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You haven’t changed,’ was the first thing the
guard said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare looked at her but didn’t respond.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Too late now, you better come as you are.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare turned to Max, who had stopped drawing at
the interruption, but with the scribe still in his hand. ‘I have to go now, but
I will be back.’ Then to the guard, ‘I’ll be coming back, won’t I?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, of course. Now come on. No one keeps the
Queen waiting.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare touched Max on the shoulder then walked
out the door. The guard looked back at Max and then closed the door behind her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare and her escort walked down a corridor and
then into a lift at its end. The inside was bare, everything bathed in the same
soft light – it was like a</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> miniaturisation</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> of her cell – she was half expecting a table
or chair to jump out of the wall. If someone had blindfolded her and turned her
around she wouldn’t have known the front from the back. Even the inertia was
cancelled by artificial gravity, so she didn’t know if it went up or down. That
is why, when it stopped, she wasn’t sure if she’d been disoriented, because it
was an adjacent wall that opened on her left hand side behind her escort, who
then gestured that she should exit first.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare literally stepped into another room that
she realised straightaway was an airlock. The door behind her closed and her
escort was no longer there. The panel in front of her became transparent and
she saw Queen Afari, about 20 metres away, lounging on a raised section of
floor like a stage.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari raised her head slightly to acknowledge
that she had seen her, then beckoned with her hand. ‘Come in.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare instinctively put her hand out in front
of her and realised that there was nothing there – it was a technology she had
not seen before. She stepped through into a vast arena, carpeted in a verdant
green. There were white columns from some ancient Earth culture around its
perimeter that rose up into a vast transparent dome. Looking up she saw a sky
complete with moving clouds and sunlight – it appeared to go to infinity.
Between the pillars she could see vast gardens that seemed to go to the
horizon. Looking behind her, the portal through which she had entered was no
longer there. Behind Afari, she could now see a triple paneled screen with
subtly changing colours from turquoise through to violet. As she stepped closer
it adopted a creamy neutral colour so it automatically focused her attention on
Afari.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari always looked sensual; it confused
people, even a child. From Clare’s perspective, she really did look like a
queen, even though she was semi-reclined on her right side, with purple pillows
propping up an elbow that extended elegantly to the hand under her chin, so her
long legs, covered in a transparent gauze of an ankle-tied divided skirt,
stretched away to Clare’s right. She was eating, what looked like fruit from a
tray, and Clare couldn’t help but wonder if she was intruding, despite being
bidden. She was too young to be aware of the psychological games that Afari
played. Clare stopped at what she thought to be a respectable distance, and
Afari surveyed her with a hint of a smile. Clare noted her alabaster skin,
framed by a mane of wavy black hair, though, on her first encounter, she was
sure there had been none. She wore a turquoise opaline top bordered by a deep
gold collar around her neck and ending in a broad black belt that reached
between her crutch, and then the gauze divided skirt over the long legs, but no
shoes, only gold sandals.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘What is your name, little one?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Clare.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Clare.’ She repeated it, as if it was a clue
to the girl’s persona. ‘You didn’t change your clothes.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare shrugged; she didn’t know what to say.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘In that case, we may remove your wardrobe.’ </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare gave a hint of anger before she could
stop herself, but said nothing.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Oh, you don’t want that?’ Afari sat up more
erect, and, by that simple action, became more intimidating. ‘Whatever I give,
I can take away. Just like that.’ And she snapped her fingers in emphasis.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare said nothing. If anything, her lips had
become tighter.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You have a younger brother.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare nodded her head; she dared not even say
his name.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You’re very protective of him aren’t you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Again she nodded. ‘Yes’.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Ah, you found your voice again.’ Afari was
playing with her; she couldn’t help it: psychological games were her favourite
pastime.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Well, for the time being, he can share your
room. But later, that will change.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Again Clare nodded. ‘Thank you,’ she said.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you, Queen Afari,’ Afari prompted.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Thank you, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">This brought a smile to Afari – she liked to
hear that phrase – it meant that they understood the relationship completely.
She now knew how to control this girl, and that was the real intention of the
interview. She got onto more serious issues.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Both you and your brother will have a chip
inserted behind your right ear. It’s for your own protection. Whilst you have
that, you will always have my protection. Do you understand?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Yes, Queen Afari.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Good.’ And she smiled as if the most important
issue had just been settled. Then she lent forward with her elbows on her knees
as if she was being very confidential. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I can tell you’re very intelligent.’ Clare
gave her a quizzical look, and Afari didn’t miss this, but continued as if she
had. ‘So you will get special classes, and so will Max if he shows the same
aptitude.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘You know his name.’ Clare had spoken without
thinking, and Afari sat back surprised.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Yes, of course.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘Then, you knew my name. Why did you ask when I
entered?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari gave a mock smile. ‘What a very smart
girl. Now this is your first day, so I can understand that there are things you
don’t understand. But there is one thing you need to understand right from the
start: I ask the questions.’ And with this, Afari held out her hand, like a
stop sign, and Clare felt a shock wave, like a sharp blast of air, that hit her
in the face and knocked her off her feet.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari stood up and looked down at her. Clare
was on the verge of tears, her lips quivering but remained determined to hold
it in. Afari smiled the same smile, and in a softer voice, ‘Please stand.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare stood, still quivering, now silently
sobbing with tears running down her face. Afari stepped off her stage and
walked towards her, but when she stretched out her hand towards Clare’s face,
the girl winced. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Afari knelt and spoke in a soft voice,
caressing Clare’s hair out of her face. ‘There, there. I won’t hurt you if I
don’t have to. It was a lesson, that’s all.’ She lifted the hem of Clare’s
skirt and dried her eyes. ‘You don’t want Max to see that you’ve been crying
now, do you?’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare’s eyes suddenly went hard at the
realisation of how well this woman could read her, and, again, Afari didn’t
miss it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari stood erect. ‘When you’re older you will
be very valuable to me. If you learn well, then you will do well, and so will
Max.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Clare understood the message, and she took deep
breaths to stop from crying.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘I will call your escort to take you back.’</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari turned on her heels and Clare heard a
thin bell behind her. When she turned around, the portal was already open and
the guard was waiting for her. Afari didn’t look back, and neither did Clare.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Marcus made no more mention of Sylvia’s
escapade. If anyone else knew about it, they didn’t let on. Immediately after
the interrogation, she returned to her room, had a short but much-needed shower
and ate a hasty breakfast. When she turned up to the day’s first session a few
minutes late, she copped some looks, but no one said anything. Except Marcus,
‘Good of you to join us, Sylvia.’ And that was it. She settled into her seat,
returned a glance to Tao that said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t
ask</i>, and then continued as if nothing had happened.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She didn’t remember much of that session,
preoccupied with her own stupidity. She could have thrown it all away, and she
suddenly realised how important it was to her. It also meant that she was now
even more determined to keep Tao at arm’s length. Any involvement with him would
ruin it for both of them, and she couldn’t do that to him, anymore than she
could do it to herself.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Tao wasn’t sure what had happened, but he was
aware of her new coldness. He thought that maybe the previous day had been an
aberration and she wanted to restore the status quo. For his own part, he
didn’t really mind. He wanted to concentrate on the training, and the less
distractions the better – perhaps, she felt the same way.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The remainder of their training was relatively
uneventful. They melded as a team, even better than they had anticipated.
Sylvia appreciated, possibly for the first time in her life, how people of
diverse backgrounds and personalities could actually complement each other,
rather than breed uncooperative friction. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia never saw the nightgoats again, never
broke curfew or otherwise tested the system. She treated Tao as another team
member, and he gave no indication that he expected anything different. Sylvia
realised, as they all spent more time together, that a physical relationship
between her and Tao would have upset the balance of the team, and been
perceived as selfish and indulgent. She understood why the rule existed, and
she didn’t disagree with it when she looked at it in that light. Had she not
broken curfew on that particular night, and been given a reprimand cum
ultimatum by Marcus, she couldn’t help but wonder if she may have given into
that particular temptation. It became her rationale for the entire episode:
that it had stopped her from destroying both their careers. As it turned out,
it didn’t affect their friendship, and for that, she was relieved.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">At the end of the school, as they all
euphemistically called it, they were given their Space-Frontier-Accreditation;
no one used the obvious acronym; instead it was called space-cred. More
importantly, it gave them assignation to their first mission.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352428001061733549.post-82071009187551248662013-06-16T13:35:00.004+10:002013-06-16T13:35:48.533+10:00Sylvia - Episode 6
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<br />
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Because the mission had ended so early, they
were given the rest of the day off. Everyone was glad for any opportunity to
have their own time. Sylvia realised, though, if it wasn’t for the missions and
exercises, they would be quickly bored.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She and Tao still had to unpack the car and
return it to its station, so they left the others to go their own way, and
after she and Tao had finished, she retired to her room.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Back in her own room, she had time to reflect
on what had happened during the day. The incident with the nightgoats had been
spooky, yet she had found it strangely elating. She knew it was something she
couldn’t share with anyone which is why she had teased Tao. Thinking of Tao,
she wondered if she really was being a tease. She knew she wasn’t being fair to
him, but then, they both knew that if they allowed a romance to develop, one,
if not both of them, would be taken off the mission. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She knew that she really couldn’t afford to
spend time with him alone, as they had done today. As much as she had enjoyed
the natural frisson between them, it was better to remember it as an
aberration. Luckily, when they were with the others, the chemistry didn’t seem
to surface, and, if anything, they just argued a lot, which generally was seen
as comical by everyone else.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia contemplated her own sexual experiences
to date. There really had only been one, and it had left her with a toughened
sense of prudence rather than a desire for further exploration. During her
adolescence she had experimented with VS like everyone else. VS stood for
virtual simulation, though some called it virtual stimulation for obvious
reasons. She knew VS could be addictive, probably more so for boys than for
girls, and there was always the temptation to use it in conjunction with sense-enhancing
drugs, but drugs had always made her feel she was giving up control and
fighting against them invariably resulted in unpleasant experiences. So she had
avoided that particular temptation, also knowing that it led to an even more
pronounced addiction, and being addicted to VS was something else she preferred
to avoid. However, her one experience with the real thing had been less than
satisfactory - disappointing was an understatement - and it led her to believe
that maybe VS was a preferred alternative.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The tryst had arisen from an encounter with a
fellow trainee when she was studying to be an IMP. He was rather shy, even more
so than herself, and appeared sensitive as well as boyishly handsome with soft
blue eyes and blonde hair that flopped over his eyebrows. In fact, she had
initiated the seduction, setting up a clandestine meeting in one of the
changing rooms after hours. They stripped each other off in a frenzy and his
actions were more clumsy and frantic than she had anticipated. They did it on
the floor on top of her discarded clothing. He came almost as soon as he had
entered her and it had been all over before she had even worked up a sweat.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It may not have been so bad except the boy,
Simon was his name, had been so embarrassed that he dressed hurriedly and left
without saying a word. After that encounter, their daily interaction became
stilted and difficult. He was eventually transferred and a part of her was
relieved, though she afforded him no malice. Since that occasion, she had made
no further moves on a member of the opposite sex, and, instead, had learnt how
to deflect every amorous advance that had been made towards her. She had become
one of those women who took great delight in deflating a man’s ego. The more
presumptuous they were, the more pleasure she took from it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But Tao hadn’t come on to her at all, quite the
contrary. It was just that they seemed to complement each other in their work,
and from that had developed a respectful friendship. And like many people with
her background, she was reluctant to enter into a sexual relationship with a
newly-found friend, for fear that the friendship would be destroyed if the
intimacy led to disaster as it had in the past. This was the sense that she now
had with Tao, and she knew that today’s events had brought them closer than she
would have anticipated, or even wished for. She knew that the episode with the nightgoats
had been part of it - like they had awakened her sexually. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No, that’s too mythical, </i>she chided herself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What would her mother have called it? An Old Earth religion. What was
it? Pagan</i>? The impulse to kiss him had simply been the most opportune way
to distract him and to quell his obvious annoyance with her, but she also wondered
if she had opened a door that would be more difficult to close in the future.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Queen Afari assessed all the new members, as
she referred to them, individually, herself, so that she could marshal them
into the various roles she engendered. Their immediate allocation depended on
their age, but also their individual aptitudes, intrinsic intelligence, and
temperament. People showing independence, in particular, were afforded special
attention. They became her surrogates-in-waiting, allowed to lead in their own
right, and, if properly cultivated, could even become leaders of the new
colonies when she eventually took them over. Afari held the long view, which
one had to when one was immortal.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari’s palace was built into a mountain. In
fact, the entire habitable city and its machinations were completely underground,
because the surface was so inhospitable. When Clare had seen the planet from
the docking station, it had appeared relatively bare, ochre-coloured,
punctuated by mountains capped with snow and craters holding ice. There was
water underground as well, where most of the planet’s natural life existed. The
air required for human consumption was artificially manufactured by a
combination of hydrolysis and the recycling of oxygen from carbon dioxide by
artificial photosynthesis, as there was no life on the surface. Natural
photosynthesis required light and that was not available to the native fauna
living underground. Energy required to run Afari’s cyborg city was from a
variety of sources, including geothermal and solar panels. The planet’s
atmosphere was relatively thin, compared to colonised planets, but wind storms
could kill anyone caught on the surface without adequate protection.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari had chosen the planet because its natural
gravity was close to normal and its rotation, though faster than standard,
hence the winds, maintained a cycle that allowed the planet to sustain life.
The underground city had been originally built as part of a mining operation
long before she took it over. It was one of the planet’s moons that was mined
for a rare isotope, but after it was effectively mined out, during the drone
wars, the planet was abandoned because its surface conditions rendered it
unsuitable for long term colonisation. Afari knew that the Space Corps didn’t
even know she existed, and even Alron didn’t know where her base was; her
assignations with him were always off-world. As far as the Corps were
concerned, the pirate raids on colony ships were the result of independent
outlaw syndicates taking advantage of the isolation of communities that was an
inevitable outcome of intergalactic space travel. Afari had more than
quadrupled the original size of the city, was still expanding, and now included
a zoo. She collected species from all over the universe, principally through
pirates like Alron, though she had other contacts as well. Afari knew that time
was on her side; she had already lived many generations; and she had spent the
time developing networks within the colonies that were effectively a one way
contact.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Afari had literally set up her community like an
insect colony, analogous to ants or bees. Everyone was dependent on her. One of
the earliest things she did with her new arrivals was to insert a chip in their
brain that was directly connected to herself. If she died then everyone else
died. When she was absent there was a surrogate chip that only she could
activate or deactivate, which she did on a daily basis so she could sleep. She
knew no one would interfere without putting the whole community in jeopardy; it
couldn’t be simply turned off, otherwise they would all perish. Afari had no
scruples about this form of protection, as she was the supreme member of her
species: the highest evolved form, therefore everyone else was subordinate to
her. If she died then the species died with her. It was perfectly logical and
completely moral from an evolutionary standpoint in her mind.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">But the chip also allowed her to communicate
with individuals at will, and to track movements and conversations if she
desired, and even execute people if necessary. It was a combination of
biological and technological innovation, incorporating the most pragmatic
solutions from the highest and lowest forms in the animal kingdom, as well as
exploiting available technology. She was aware that, in other societies, this
would have been considered highly unethical, but, from her standpoint, ethics
started and ended with herself. There was no other criteria necessary because
she was the most important and most eminent member of her species; a species
that she had created herself, single-handedly.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Still, Afari liked to know what was happening
in the rest of the colonised universe, so occasionally she took the risk of
sending someone to find out. For those individuals the chip was time delayed to
ensure they returned within a fixed period set by their own body clock. In
addition, she only sent someone who had a lover or close relative that she
could use as insurance. Human attachments, seen as a strength by some, could so
easily be exploited as a weakness. Even with all such precautions, it was still
a risk, but, still, she had contingencies if she should ever be discovered.
Even if her entire colony was killed, she could start all over again; she had
all the time in the universe if she needed it.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">After they had returned to base and sat through
the debriefing, Tao noticed how Sylvia’s mood changed: she had become very
business-like. Afterwards, when they went back to unload the car, she remained
silent and left him to return it to its dock.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">‘See you tomorrow’, she said over her shoulder.
He watched her walk away, with Sim in tow like a dog on an invisible leash,
their shadows pointing the way towards the low white huts that were their
amenities and dwellings. Behind him he looked at the desert expanse they had
recently traversed, the setting sun’s unhindered glare forcing his eyes into a
squint. He had the feeling that something had happened out there that he had
been part of, yet he had missed it<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. How
was that possible? </i>he asked himself. He looked back towards Sylvia, and
watched her enter the complex. He climbed back into the car and momentarily
resisted the temptation to take it back out to the desert. Instead he docked
the car and went to the mess for a recreational drink, which he was entitled
to.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He had a beer by himself; he hadn’t seen the others
since they’d disbanded and he hadn’t sought them out. He was wishing Sylvia had
joined him, but he hadn’t even bothered to ask. It was like she could retreat
into a shell, and he knew better than to follow. On more careful reflection, he
recognised the kiss for what it was: a ploy to defuse his anger towards her;
and it had worked. He had no illusions: he knew as well as she did, that if he
wanted to stay on the mission, and if he wanted her to stay as well, then a
relationship was strictly out of bounds. For that reason, more than any other,
he allowed the game to continue, and it was easier to play it by her rules than
to pretend he had control. Besides, if he was honest with himself, he didn’t
want control – that made it easier as well.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">That night, Sylvia found it very difficult to
sleep, and she knew it was because of the encounter with the nightgoats. She
realised that this was the time when they were active. They lived in their rock
caves during the day, but at night they roamed the surface. Studies had
revealed that they ate lichen and moss, as well as ferns, that grew in the
moist laden nooks and crannies of the canyons, but they also ate insects and
smaller froglike animals in an opportune sort of way. At night they roamed the
plains, as if they lived a double life – they seemed to sleep only in the
middle of the day when it was hottest. Sylvia couldn’t sleep at all, which was
not uncommon, but still unusual, and she knew that the best antidote was to do
some sort of exercise, either mental or physical. As soon as she got out of bed
she felt she had to do something active, so, contrary to the rules, she dressed
in outdoor clothing and left her room. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She had never left her room at night since they
had started the school, as she tended to think of the whole establishment. She
was tempted to take Sim, but thought better of it – Sim could be used as
evidence against her if she got caught, and she had no idea what the
consequences of being caught were. The entire training regime was run like a
military establishment, and so one assumed it followed typical military rules. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh well, it’s a first offence and I can
always plead ignorance,</i> she thought to herself. Security would reveal her
leaving the amenities, so she would need an excuse: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m going for a midnight run, and I’m dressed for it</i>; so that would
be it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If I happen to go further than I
intended, then no one needs to know that</i>. Leaving the amenities meant she
needed to be armed, so she did have the presence of mind to stow a hand-held
stun gun in her right boot holster. It wasn’t mind-activated like the ones her
mother once wore, but it would serve the purpose.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She used her palm print to get outside, and she
waited a moment to see if any alarms went off. But, if they did, they weren’t
in earshot. No cars appeared, either robotic or manned, so she felt an
immediate elation she hadn’t expected. The closest moon had risen not long
after sunset, and it gave the desert a silvery pallor. There was no wind and no
sign of any activity. It was so quiet she could hear her own breathing that
left traces of condensation in the moonlight. The clothing was full length
camouflage with light boots; she had gathered her hair into a pony tail through
a band that was much the same colour. For the moment the body suit kept her
warm, but she knew that as soon as she started to exercise it would breathe
like a second skin. And she actually felt like running so that was what she
did. Running had always been her method of spending nervous energy, and that
was why the desire was there. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Perhaps I
just need a fix, and this is a good time to get it</i>. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She soon got into a rhythm that found a
synchronicity between her legs, her breathing, and, she assumed, her heart. She
found it relaxing in a paradoxical fashion, like she could lope over the ground
all night, even though she knew she couldn’t. The ground was so flat it felt
like running on an ocean. The moon was overhead so she couldn’t use it as a
bearing, but she had a wrist band compass that gave her position relative to the
school. It wasn’t long before she felt the suit open its pores and the night
air caress her as if she was naked. The suit didn’t chafe but moved with her
skin, and it felt so liberating she wondered why she hadn’t done this before.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">She now realised that part of this was to do
something that didn’t involve anyone else. Running was a strange form of
meditation because it emptied the mind, and that was one of the things that
made it addictive – in its own way, it was an escape, mentally as well as
physically. She forgot time and when she eventually stopped, she could no
longer see the buildings and only her compass told her where to find them over
the horizon.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
was still breathing heavily, but now that the adrenalin and endorphins were
coming down, she momentarily wondered at the wisdom of her escapade. Still the
night was so calm and peaceful, the moon still high in the sky, watching over
her like a benevolent deity, she could feel no sense of alarm or insecurity.
And then she saw them; their presence just as enigmatic as it had been earlier
in the day. She wondered how they could just appear like that, but then
realised that they had been there all along, only she hadn’t seen them. She had
virtually run right up to them and they hadn’t bothered to move. But when she
had stopped they now came closer, so she saw them for the first time; they were
curious, and, just like when she was in the cave, the leader walked right up to
her.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Are you the same one?</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> She didn’t dare ask aloud in case
her voice scared them off, but it moved its head like it wanted to nuzzle her
and she put her hand on its forehead. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did
you call me?</i> The question was only half-serious, because she knew it wasn’t
possible, yet she couldn’t help but wonder if this is what she had really
broken barracks for. Once again she admired its majestic head and curved horns,
felt the others draw closer; in the moonlight they were even more beautiful, as
if this was their true element. She felt a sense of privilege, which would have
been absurd if she had contemplated it in another context, but out here in the
desert night, this was their domain and she was allowed to be part of it, if
only momentarily. She felt so bold and confident, she stroked one of the
antlers, and, to her surprise, he bent his head, but it was a gentle move and
he lifted one of his front feet. She wondered what it meant but she realised
she was reading more into it than it actually revealed. </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she walked away they didn’t follow, but
when she broke into a run they came and joined her, the leader loping alongside
her and the rest fanned out behind. It was such a magical experience, she
couldn’t believe it, but she couldn’t lead them back to her camp so she
stopped. They did the same, and this time she spoke aloud, ‘You can’t come with
me, you have to stay here’, and she stroked its magnificent head. ‘You must
stay’, and she backed away from them holding up her hand in front of her. They
remained standing, this time, but only when they turned around, did she break
into a run again, confident they wouldn’t follow.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When she returned to the camp, she found that
there was an armed guard waiting for her. He was suited in silver and wore a
helmet with a full face mirror visor. He could have been robotic, except she
knew he wasn’t. As soon as she saw him, it brought her back to earth with a
thud. He didn’t say anything, but held out his hand for her gun, which she
handed over holding it by the barrel. He motioned for her to take her off
boots. After he examined them, he returned them so she could put them back on.
Then he took off her wrist compass and pocketed it along with her gun.
Satisfied she had no other weapons, he motioned her to enter before him. She
put her hand on the blank grey wall and the door opened, where previously it
had been camouflaged so well a stranger wouldn’t have known it was there. Only
in daylight was an outline visible, which was a deliberate device; at night, no
one needed to know where it was. She knew that she was scanned for weapons
automatically as she entered, so removing her boots may have been a
psychological</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> manoeuvre</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The guard followed her through in silence, then
motioned her down a corridor, keeping her in front of him. He opened a door and
just swayed his head for her to enter. She was locked into a holding cell to
spend the rest of the night, and would be dealt with in the morning. The cell
had a ventilation grille in the ceiling, no windows, a bunk with bedding on the
right hand side, a basin with an unbreakable mirror opposite, and a toilet in
the far corner. It was an off-white, but, about a minute after the door closed,
it dimmed to total darkness.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">In a way the darkness was a blessing because
she was able to go back mentally to the nightgoats in the moonlit desert with
the smell of dew and the mists from their nostrils, the sound of hooves and the
snorting of breath. Keeping the sensations in her mind, she unexpectedly found
sleep, so maybe they were the fix she needed after all.</span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></address>
<address style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 28.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sylvia’s Mother © Paul Phillip
Mealing 2013</span>
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Paul P. Mealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573615711151742992noreply@blogger.com0