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*~*~*~*
HIVE 2147, Chambers of the Consuls
“Chairman Yang your authorization of funds to complete the fourth colony pod was had not been reviewed by this chamber.”
“Consul Denari I do not need your review or approval for my decision what I need is you actions in implementation. I thought I was very clear when I created this body that your function was primarily one of coordination.” Yang replied flatly.
Many of the consuls quickly looked at each other from their seats and some even fidgeted.
“Surely you can see the wisdom in consultations with us so you can gain the added perspective and guidance from us.” Consul Denari replied smoothly his face though was nothing of the sort. Denari’s face had a slight sheen of sweat in a room that was always very cool and his eyes kept blinking.
Yang studied them all for several minutes with no reply. He simply looked at each one in turn and then returned his gaze back to Denari.
“I see your point Consul Denari.” Yang began. “Let me explain my point.”
Yang lifted a finger from the desk every so gently, slowly and immediately a Fireman leaped from the back wall and drove a his bayonet through the back and upwards into the skull of Consul Denari.
The Fireman gave a quick ‘twist’ of the blade and then pulled it out in one fluid motion and then seemed to jump back into place along the wall. Consul Denari’s head drooped and then his slid off his chair dead.
None of the consuls moved at all but they had all gone whiter and some looked like they were going to vomit.
“Let this be a lesson for us all.” Yang said in a pleasant tone. “We are all resources for of the HIVE. A resource that is no longer a resource is a drain on the HIVE and must be recycled. As the leader of the HIVE I need to make sure my resources understand their function and purpose towards creating our new society. In this I have failed today with you and Consul Denari. I hope my remedial instruction just now has reinforced within each of you your role within the Hive and the purpose you serve.”
The consuls bobbed their heads in agreement.
“Good.” Yang said once again in a pleasant voice. “Now you have your instructions for this quarter please make sure your various Seneschals and foremen know their orders and carry them out efficiently, is that clear?”
The consuls bobbed their heads again in agreement.
Yang smiled very briefly and then stood up and left the room.
*~*~*~*
University Base, MY 2148
An alarm sounded and Zakharov bolted awake. There was also an urgent pounding at his door to his apartment.
“Coming!” he yelled as he grabbed his glasses and threw on a robe that was lying crumpled on the floor.
“Prokhor?” a muffled voice said. Zakharov recognized it as Mimi, the guard that had been assigned to him after the riots at University Base. “We have an emergency.”
He unlocked and opened the door. There were two men – his personal assistants that mercifully handled much of the horrific administrative duties of the Council for him – were standing behind them. They had the Black Box with them.
Zakharov instantly knew what was happening. They’d thought and planned for this moment almost since Landfall almost fifty years ago, but now it had occurred: contact with other humans!
“Sir,” Reginald said. “Please get dressed. We have a communication that requires your immediate attention.”
“Right away. Oh, please come in. All of you.”
The trio paused for a moment. They’d just been invited into Prokhor Zakharov’s private residence at 3 AM, he was disheveled, and this was a crisis. After a moment of hesitation the three paced in.
Zakharov went to his small closet and selected a gray suit he almost never wore and a blue shirt. In his haste he remembered someone on the Council had told him once that the blue and gray suited him, and that was enough for him. He dispensed with the tie, and ran a comb through his hair. When he was done he looked only a little better than when he had been startled out of bed: rumpled and a little off center.
“Reg, is the link active?” he asked. It had taken all of five minutes and he didn’t want to keep them waiting.
“Yes, sir. Any time you’re ready.” Zakharov nodded and sat at his desk. As Reginald set up the imager Zakharov hurriedly brushed all of his notes and data pads off into a heap on the left. He would have to clean it up later.
He composed himself while the Black Box, which was a communication relic from Unity, synced – and then flared to life. An image formed of a woman with shocking white hair, a stone smooth face, and a metal node at each temple. Zakharov said, “Aki?”
The woman nodded ever so slightly. “Prokhor.”
A smile crept across his face. “I am so glad you survived Unity! When I last saw you there was an explosion near Lab 2. I couldn’t get to you. What pod did you get to?”
“Seven,” she said. “I concluded that although pod 3 was closer that the structure failure would render that route inaccessible. Pod 7 was the logical choice.”
Zakharov relished her cold recitation. “Indeed. I have so many questions. Where do we start…”
*~*~*~*
The conversation with Aki Zeta 5 had lasted for several hours. She was as cold and aloof as always, but her logic had not changed. It was heartening that she had learned leadership and was now leading her own faction. The one detail that was a little alarming was intimated: she had learned to transmit her algorithm to humans. How she could have done this was not at all clear, and it likely had something to do with her current leadership.
That was a mystery for the future, for the Cyborgs, as they were called, had agreed to trade technology. The University had given Centauri Hydrology, Renewable Energy Resources, and Gene Splicing for Social Psych, Secrets of the Human Brain, and Military Doctrine. All in all it was an excellent trade and both sides had profited immensely since this represented a quarter century of research. Moreover, after agreeing to a friendship treaty Aki had agreed to sell the communication link to another faction for 40 megacredits. She had been evasive about the issue, and he thought he detected an undercurrent of hostility. That was strange for Aki.
Regardless, Zakharov now prepared to call a faction that called itself Cult of Planet. That had a very ominous ring to it, but still it meant that more humans had survived the Unity disaster. That was probably a good thing.
*~*~*~*
The Black Box hummed to life again, and this time it showed the image of a person of Asian origin that was dressed in a pink outfit that looked like it came from ancient China. At first glance it was not clear what gender it was, or for that matter what age, which could be anything from 12 to 40. Strange.
“Academician Zakharov,” the Cult of Planet leader said, “I am Cha Dawn, Voice of Planet. You are known to us, although we did not know that you had survived.” The voice was high pitched and without inflection that would suggest a gender.
Zakharov’s heart sank. Prophet of Planet had all the trapping of another irrational religion, and with a self styled and self appointed prophet to boot. He knew he had to proceed carefully.
“I understand you have had contact with the Cyborgs. We have also,” it said. “They have not been receptive to our message of peace and hope. With time you will come to know and love Planet as we do. Perhaps we can enter into an understanding?”
He knew an opening when he saw one and smiled as widely as he could. “Yes, indeed! We would be pleased to engage with your people. Perhaps we could start with an exchange of data? That would help both of our peoples.”
The image shifted nervously, and Zakharov wondered if he had overplayed too early. Or maybe been too eager. First contact was always perilous.
“Yes,” it said. “We would be willing to trade technology, as long as your people enter into a friendship treaty with ours. We will not be treated as other than an equal with the Cyborgs.”
Zakharov tried to hide his surprise. How had it found out about his conversations with Aki Zeta? More security was in order.
“Agreed,” he said quickly. “The University of Planet will gladly enter into a friendship treaty. What sort of technical assistance would you like to discuss…?”
*~*~*~
Zakharov was exhausted. Cha Dawn was a tireless negotiator, and a non-linear thinker. He was in many ways the exact opposite of Aki Zeta, and perhaps the problem was that in the end he thought more like the Cyborgs than a bunch of religious fanatics who interjected about Planet all the time.
Still, it had been fruitful. The Cult had given them Progenitor Psych and Military Know How in exchange for Polymorphic Software and Exowomb. It was a little disconcerting that they had and wanted technology with a military application, but at this point it hardly mattered.
Another key was that he had agreed to trade his world map for Centauri Hydrology. He had jumped at the chance, especially after Cha Dawn suggested it included a map of Cyborg territory. Information was power, and this was key information.
The map was now laid out in front of him. The Cyborgs had two smallish islands to themselves and three bases that had between three and four thousand people. Cha Dawn’s people were on a separate island, and it looked like he had only three small bases.
But, what is this? Another color coded city? There was an embedded annotation he was able to tease out of a data layer: Gaians.
Gaians? What were Gaians? He vaguely remembered some environmental wackos on Earth that followed a nut case Lovelock that insisted that Earth’s temperature stability through billions of years was due to a sentient Earth. What rubbish, utter tripe. He certainly hoped that a wooly faction had not taken over one of the pods from Unity.
But, there was more. It looked like one of Cha Dawn’s bases was a Gaian icon. Zakharov frowned. That could only mean one thing: war. Those beastly religious fanatics were starting wars again, but now instead of bleating about a fictionalized martyr called Jesus or Muhammad they had a new image of devotion, and they were using it as an excuse to sheath their swords in the beating hearts of their enemies.
That was distressing. But it was an opportunity. Perhaps Cha Dawn would give him the communication frequency to these Gaians. He didn’t want to push the subject, oh no. There was nothing to be gained by brow beating a religious fanatic – until he was ready to do it for real and could defend against what they might throw at him.
In general, though, it seems the University was much more diversified with a much larger population, number of bases, available (if limited) territory, and resources. Competition was inevitable, but Zakharov knew that he must keep the University from falling behind. After all, he had a ambitious if friendly Cyborg, a religious fanatic, and perhaps an environmental loony to contend with.
*~*~*~*
HIVE 2148, Office of the Fire Marshall
“What have I done!”
“Perhaps the Chairman will be generous Marshall; you did destroy the tower as ordered.”
“Yes but the cost!” Fire Marshal Yazov moaned as he cradled his head in his hands. “Two full fire brigades destroyed and a scout rover company from the PRIME as well, all gone!”
08BRAVO, Fire Marshall’s Yazov aide-de-camp had no reply. The field commanders had all warned Yazov that more fungus had to be removed before they made the attack but he had ordered them in anyway. After the first brigade had been wiped out he threw in more and more until two full brigades were gone and scout rover regiment as well. The battle had last a full three days as more Firemen were thrown into the fray which eventually resulted in victory but at a high cost.
The communication channel from Chairman Yang’s office buzzed.
Yazov looked at his aide for a few seconds, fear displayed on both of their faces. Yazov eventually broke the spell but nodding to his aide to activate the system.
“Report Fire Marshall!” Yang’s voice sounded mechanical.
“The tower is destroyed Chairman.” Yazov said weakly.
“Good.” Yang replied in the same tone. “Begin operations to recover the planet pearls.”
“Already done Chairman.” Yazov quickly answered his voice slightly stronger.
“Our losses?” Yang asked flatly.
“Considerable Chairman.” Yazov began hesitantly. “We lost two brigades and the scout rovers from the Prime.”
As soon as Yazov finished he knew he had signed his death warrant. For a few minutes there was no response.
“Acceptable losses Fire Marshall. You achieved the task I gave you. I know those brigades were not as highly trained or equipped as the newer brigades we are raising so their loss is balanced with the collection of the pearls and clearing the mesa of the fungus. You have done as you were directed.” Yang finished with no emotion in his voice.
“Then you are not mad?” Yazov asked incredulously. As soon as it had popped out of his mouth he knew he had been a fool to say it.
“Mad, what is anger?” Yang started coldly. “I commanded you to destroy the tower, you did so. How you accomplished the task I left to you. You completed the task, there is nothing more to say. We need to break a few eggs to make omelets my dear Fire Marshall. Poorly equipped troops with little hope of improving their efficiency is no great loss to me, is it to you?” The question seemed to hang there for a few seconds. “I don’t think it is. The question will be is how soon you can replace these troops to maintain order within the collective. Should riots or disruptions result from your action then you will be held accountable. Let me be clear on that right now Fire Marshall.”
Yazov mumbled something in reply that was unintelligible.
“I see.” Yang said slowly. “We shall see if you made the right choices or not Fire Marshall, we shall see.”
*~*~*~*
University Base, MY 2149
“Has the Consciousness removed their colony pod from our territory yet? It seems to be sitting in a forest near Pavlov Biolab,” Mr. Kline stated.
“No, it is still there. It appears the transport it arrived on has departed.” The voice over the wireless was a little distinct and cut out now and then.
Gregory fumed. While they were there the road was effectively blocked and they prevented to colonists at Biolab from harvesting the resources of the sector. This would have been much more serious if the forest hadn’t have spread recently.
“Very well. Keep me apprised of any changes. Anything else?”
“Yes. We’ve just established our ninth colony at Korlev Center. They are also utilizing a recently planted forest, and per your instructions we’ve just authorized them to rush build their terraformer. Our last colony pod is likely to set up to the far northwest within a few years, if the roads are finished on time.”
“Good. Very good. And our possible new colony area to the east?”
“Confirmed. The forest has spread into the fungus, which will mean a colony will have some sectors of resources to utilize. Also, our scout to the far northeast has verified that the entire area is covered to fungus to near the far cost. Land there is arid. We may be able to get a colony pod there, but it will definitely be a challenge. I suspect there will not be feasible for some time.
“Understood, James. Good work. Call in at the same time next week.”
“Acknowledged.”
*~*~*~*
HIVE 2149, Chairman Yangs chambers
“This report is very positive Zho.”
“I would agree Chairman wholeheartedly.”
Yang continued to read the e-pad for nearly 20 more minutes silently and then looked up Zho and handed him the e-pad back.
“We know have four Hive collectives established, our research rate is very good considering and we according to the report they think they will make a breakthrough by next turn, is that how I understand it Zho?” Yang asked.
“Yes Chairman, just so. As to what exactly the breakthrough will be and in what cycle of next turn who can say. The scientists have many projects that they think will bear fruit soon.” Zho replied quickly.
“Yes.” Yang began a slight hint of annoyance in his voice. “Never anything exactly, just a good guess on their part. Will they had better guess well for their sakes.”
“Yes.” Zho said quietly.
“Our treasury is in good order I see.” Yang commented again.
“Yes.” Zho replied. “The destruction of the tower and several worm clusters has netted us nearly 70 megacredits worth of energy to be used as you see fit Chairman. We could complete any number of capital equipment projects early or save it for our major project, the command nexus.”
“Our project Zho?” Yang replied softly with a hint of question in his voice.
Zho stopped what he was about to say and then blinked suddenly and then gulped. Zho stood there for what seemed like an eternity not saying anything.
Yang watched his long time aide with pleasure yet not showing it. Even one as intimate as Zho knew the limits of his part, his role within the collective.
“Zho you looked troubled?” Yang began softly. “Is something amis?”
“No Chairman.” Zho said humbly.
“Good, pray continue.” Yang replied flatly.
Zho took a deep breath and continued the report and review with Yang filling in additional facts and observations that had not made it into the full report.
“Excellent Zho, most excellent.” A pleased Yang said. “We shall continue with our rapid expansion program as quickly as possible. We should have another two cities up and running within the decade and another four the decade after that and then we can really begin the true collectivization of the Hive conscience.”
Zho bowed deeply in agreement and said nothing, thankful to be alive.
HIVE 2147, Chambers of the Consuls
“Chairman Yang your authorization of funds to complete the fourth colony pod was had not been reviewed by this chamber.”
“Consul Denari I do not need your review or approval for my decision what I need is you actions in implementation. I thought I was very clear when I created this body that your function was primarily one of coordination.” Yang replied flatly.
Many of the consuls quickly looked at each other from their seats and some even fidgeted.
“Surely you can see the wisdom in consultations with us so you can gain the added perspective and guidance from us.” Consul Denari replied smoothly his face though was nothing of the sort. Denari’s face had a slight sheen of sweat in a room that was always very cool and his eyes kept blinking.
Yang studied them all for several minutes with no reply. He simply looked at each one in turn and then returned his gaze back to Denari.
“I see your point Consul Denari.” Yang began. “Let me explain my point.”
Yang lifted a finger from the desk every so gently, slowly and immediately a Fireman leaped from the back wall and drove a his bayonet through the back and upwards into the skull of Consul Denari.
The Fireman gave a quick ‘twist’ of the blade and then pulled it out in one fluid motion and then seemed to jump back into place along the wall. Consul Denari’s head drooped and then his slid off his chair dead.
None of the consuls moved at all but they had all gone whiter and some looked like they were going to vomit.
“Let this be a lesson for us all.” Yang said in a pleasant tone. “We are all resources for of the HIVE. A resource that is no longer a resource is a drain on the HIVE and must be recycled. As the leader of the HIVE I need to make sure my resources understand their function and purpose towards creating our new society. In this I have failed today with you and Consul Denari. I hope my remedial instruction just now has reinforced within each of you your role within the Hive and the purpose you serve.”
The consuls bobbed their heads in agreement.
“Good.” Yang said once again in a pleasant voice. “Now you have your instructions for this quarter please make sure your various Seneschals and foremen know their orders and carry them out efficiently, is that clear?”
The consuls bobbed their heads again in agreement.
Yang smiled very briefly and then stood up and left the room.
*~*~*~*
University Base, MY 2148
An alarm sounded and Zakharov bolted awake. There was also an urgent pounding at his door to his apartment.
“Coming!” he yelled as he grabbed his glasses and threw on a robe that was lying crumpled on the floor.
“Prokhor?” a muffled voice said. Zakharov recognized it as Mimi, the guard that had been assigned to him after the riots at University Base. “We have an emergency.”
He unlocked and opened the door. There were two men – his personal assistants that mercifully handled much of the horrific administrative duties of the Council for him – were standing behind them. They had the Black Box with them.
Zakharov instantly knew what was happening. They’d thought and planned for this moment almost since Landfall almost fifty years ago, but now it had occurred: contact with other humans!
“Sir,” Reginald said. “Please get dressed. We have a communication that requires your immediate attention.”
“Right away. Oh, please come in. All of you.”
The trio paused for a moment. They’d just been invited into Prokhor Zakharov’s private residence at 3 AM, he was disheveled, and this was a crisis. After a moment of hesitation the three paced in.
Zakharov went to his small closet and selected a gray suit he almost never wore and a blue shirt. In his haste he remembered someone on the Council had told him once that the blue and gray suited him, and that was enough for him. He dispensed with the tie, and ran a comb through his hair. When he was done he looked only a little better than when he had been startled out of bed: rumpled and a little off center.
“Reg, is the link active?” he asked. It had taken all of five minutes and he didn’t want to keep them waiting.
“Yes, sir. Any time you’re ready.” Zakharov nodded and sat at his desk. As Reginald set up the imager Zakharov hurriedly brushed all of his notes and data pads off into a heap on the left. He would have to clean it up later.
He composed himself while the Black Box, which was a communication relic from Unity, synced – and then flared to life. An image formed of a woman with shocking white hair, a stone smooth face, and a metal node at each temple. Zakharov said, “Aki?”
The woman nodded ever so slightly. “Prokhor.”
A smile crept across his face. “I am so glad you survived Unity! When I last saw you there was an explosion near Lab 2. I couldn’t get to you. What pod did you get to?”
“Seven,” she said. “I concluded that although pod 3 was closer that the structure failure would render that route inaccessible. Pod 7 was the logical choice.”
Zakharov relished her cold recitation. “Indeed. I have so many questions. Where do we start…”
*~*~*~*
The conversation with Aki Zeta 5 had lasted for several hours. She was as cold and aloof as always, but her logic had not changed. It was heartening that she had learned leadership and was now leading her own faction. The one detail that was a little alarming was intimated: she had learned to transmit her algorithm to humans. How she could have done this was not at all clear, and it likely had something to do with her current leadership.
That was a mystery for the future, for the Cyborgs, as they were called, had agreed to trade technology. The University had given Centauri Hydrology, Renewable Energy Resources, and Gene Splicing for Social Psych, Secrets of the Human Brain, and Military Doctrine. All in all it was an excellent trade and both sides had profited immensely since this represented a quarter century of research. Moreover, after agreeing to a friendship treaty Aki had agreed to sell the communication link to another faction for 40 megacredits. She had been evasive about the issue, and he thought he detected an undercurrent of hostility. That was strange for Aki.
Regardless, Zakharov now prepared to call a faction that called itself Cult of Planet. That had a very ominous ring to it, but still it meant that more humans had survived the Unity disaster. That was probably a good thing.
*~*~*~*
The Black Box hummed to life again, and this time it showed the image of a person of Asian origin that was dressed in a pink outfit that looked like it came from ancient China. At first glance it was not clear what gender it was, or for that matter what age, which could be anything from 12 to 40. Strange.
“Academician Zakharov,” the Cult of Planet leader said, “I am Cha Dawn, Voice of Planet. You are known to us, although we did not know that you had survived.” The voice was high pitched and without inflection that would suggest a gender.
Zakharov’s heart sank. Prophet of Planet had all the trapping of another irrational religion, and with a self styled and self appointed prophet to boot. He knew he had to proceed carefully.
“I understand you have had contact with the Cyborgs. We have also,” it said. “They have not been receptive to our message of peace and hope. With time you will come to know and love Planet as we do. Perhaps we can enter into an understanding?”
He knew an opening when he saw one and smiled as widely as he could. “Yes, indeed! We would be pleased to engage with your people. Perhaps we could start with an exchange of data? That would help both of our peoples.”
The image shifted nervously, and Zakharov wondered if he had overplayed too early. Or maybe been too eager. First contact was always perilous.
“Yes,” it said. “We would be willing to trade technology, as long as your people enter into a friendship treaty with ours. We will not be treated as other than an equal with the Cyborgs.”
Zakharov tried to hide his surprise. How had it found out about his conversations with Aki Zeta? More security was in order.
“Agreed,” he said quickly. “The University of Planet will gladly enter into a friendship treaty. What sort of technical assistance would you like to discuss…?”
*~*~*~
Zakharov was exhausted. Cha Dawn was a tireless negotiator, and a non-linear thinker. He was in many ways the exact opposite of Aki Zeta, and perhaps the problem was that in the end he thought more like the Cyborgs than a bunch of religious fanatics who interjected about Planet all the time.
Still, it had been fruitful. The Cult had given them Progenitor Psych and Military Know How in exchange for Polymorphic Software and Exowomb. It was a little disconcerting that they had and wanted technology with a military application, but at this point it hardly mattered.
Another key was that he had agreed to trade his world map for Centauri Hydrology. He had jumped at the chance, especially after Cha Dawn suggested it included a map of Cyborg territory. Information was power, and this was key information.
The map was now laid out in front of him. The Cyborgs had two smallish islands to themselves and three bases that had between three and four thousand people. Cha Dawn’s people were on a separate island, and it looked like he had only three small bases.
But, what is this? Another color coded city? There was an embedded annotation he was able to tease out of a data layer: Gaians.
Gaians? What were Gaians? He vaguely remembered some environmental wackos on Earth that followed a nut case Lovelock that insisted that Earth’s temperature stability through billions of years was due to a sentient Earth. What rubbish, utter tripe. He certainly hoped that a wooly faction had not taken over one of the pods from Unity.
But, there was more. It looked like one of Cha Dawn’s bases was a Gaian icon. Zakharov frowned. That could only mean one thing: war. Those beastly religious fanatics were starting wars again, but now instead of bleating about a fictionalized martyr called Jesus or Muhammad they had a new image of devotion, and they were using it as an excuse to sheath their swords in the beating hearts of their enemies.
That was distressing. But it was an opportunity. Perhaps Cha Dawn would give him the communication frequency to these Gaians. He didn’t want to push the subject, oh no. There was nothing to be gained by brow beating a religious fanatic – until he was ready to do it for real and could defend against what they might throw at him.
In general, though, it seems the University was much more diversified with a much larger population, number of bases, available (if limited) territory, and resources. Competition was inevitable, but Zakharov knew that he must keep the University from falling behind. After all, he had a ambitious if friendly Cyborg, a religious fanatic, and perhaps an environmental loony to contend with.
*~*~*~*
HIVE 2148, Office of the Fire Marshall
“What have I done!”
“Perhaps the Chairman will be generous Marshall; you did destroy the tower as ordered.”
“Yes but the cost!” Fire Marshal Yazov moaned as he cradled his head in his hands. “Two full fire brigades destroyed and a scout rover company from the PRIME as well, all gone!”
08BRAVO, Fire Marshall’s Yazov aide-de-camp had no reply. The field commanders had all warned Yazov that more fungus had to be removed before they made the attack but he had ordered them in anyway. After the first brigade had been wiped out he threw in more and more until two full brigades were gone and scout rover regiment as well. The battle had last a full three days as more Firemen were thrown into the fray which eventually resulted in victory but at a high cost.
The communication channel from Chairman Yang’s office buzzed.
Yazov looked at his aide for a few seconds, fear displayed on both of their faces. Yazov eventually broke the spell but nodding to his aide to activate the system.
“Report Fire Marshall!” Yang’s voice sounded mechanical.
“The tower is destroyed Chairman.” Yazov said weakly.
“Good.” Yang replied in the same tone. “Begin operations to recover the planet pearls.”
“Already done Chairman.” Yazov quickly answered his voice slightly stronger.
“Our losses?” Yang asked flatly.
“Considerable Chairman.” Yazov began hesitantly. “We lost two brigades and the scout rovers from the Prime.”
As soon as Yazov finished he knew he had signed his death warrant. For a few minutes there was no response.
“Acceptable losses Fire Marshall. You achieved the task I gave you. I know those brigades were not as highly trained or equipped as the newer brigades we are raising so their loss is balanced with the collection of the pearls and clearing the mesa of the fungus. You have done as you were directed.” Yang finished with no emotion in his voice.
“Then you are not mad?” Yazov asked incredulously. As soon as it had popped out of his mouth he knew he had been a fool to say it.
“Mad, what is anger?” Yang started coldly. “I commanded you to destroy the tower, you did so. How you accomplished the task I left to you. You completed the task, there is nothing more to say. We need to break a few eggs to make omelets my dear Fire Marshall. Poorly equipped troops with little hope of improving their efficiency is no great loss to me, is it to you?” The question seemed to hang there for a few seconds. “I don’t think it is. The question will be is how soon you can replace these troops to maintain order within the collective. Should riots or disruptions result from your action then you will be held accountable. Let me be clear on that right now Fire Marshall.”
Yazov mumbled something in reply that was unintelligible.
“I see.” Yang said slowly. “We shall see if you made the right choices or not Fire Marshall, we shall see.”
*~*~*~*
University Base, MY 2149
“Has the Consciousness removed their colony pod from our territory yet? It seems to be sitting in a forest near Pavlov Biolab,” Mr. Kline stated.
“No, it is still there. It appears the transport it arrived on has departed.” The voice over the wireless was a little distinct and cut out now and then.
Gregory fumed. While they were there the road was effectively blocked and they prevented to colonists at Biolab from harvesting the resources of the sector. This would have been much more serious if the forest hadn’t have spread recently.
“Very well. Keep me apprised of any changes. Anything else?”
“Yes. We’ve just established our ninth colony at Korlev Center. They are also utilizing a recently planted forest, and per your instructions we’ve just authorized them to rush build their terraformer. Our last colony pod is likely to set up to the far northwest within a few years, if the roads are finished on time.”
“Good. Very good. And our possible new colony area to the east?”
“Confirmed. The forest has spread into the fungus, which will mean a colony will have some sectors of resources to utilize. Also, our scout to the far northeast has verified that the entire area is covered to fungus to near the far cost. Land there is arid. We may be able to get a colony pod there, but it will definitely be a challenge. I suspect there will not be feasible for some time.
“Understood, James. Good work. Call in at the same time next week.”
“Acknowledged.”
*~*~*~*
HIVE 2149, Chairman Yangs chambers
“This report is very positive Zho.”
“I would agree Chairman wholeheartedly.”
Yang continued to read the e-pad for nearly 20 more minutes silently and then looked up Zho and handed him the e-pad back.
“We know have four Hive collectives established, our research rate is very good considering and we according to the report they think they will make a breakthrough by next turn, is that how I understand it Zho?” Yang asked.
“Yes Chairman, just so. As to what exactly the breakthrough will be and in what cycle of next turn who can say. The scientists have many projects that they think will bear fruit soon.” Zho replied quickly.
“Yes.” Yang began a slight hint of annoyance in his voice. “Never anything exactly, just a good guess on their part. Will they had better guess well for their sakes.”
“Yes.” Zho said quietly.
“Our treasury is in good order I see.” Yang commented again.
“Yes.” Zho replied. “The destruction of the tower and several worm clusters has netted us nearly 70 megacredits worth of energy to be used as you see fit Chairman. We could complete any number of capital equipment projects early or save it for our major project, the command nexus.”
“Our project Zho?” Yang replied softly with a hint of question in his voice.
Zho stopped what he was about to say and then blinked suddenly and then gulped. Zho stood there for what seemed like an eternity not saying anything.
Yang watched his long time aide with pleasure yet not showing it. Even one as intimate as Zho knew the limits of his part, his role within the collective.
“Zho you looked troubled?” Yang began softly. “Is something amis?”
“No Chairman.” Zho said humbly.
“Good, pray continue.” Yang replied flatly.
Zho took a deep breath and continued the report and review with Yang filling in additional facts and observations that had not made it into the full report.
“Excellent Zho, most excellent.” A pleased Yang said. “We shall continue with our rapid expansion program as quickly as possible. We should have another two cities up and running within the decade and another four the decade after that and then we can really begin the true collectivization of the Hive conscience.”
Zho bowed deeply in agreement and said nothing, thankful to be alive.
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