Chapter Seven
Darkness.
"Kerr!" A young boy's concerned voice called him by a name that belonged to a past that he thought was dead. A flicker of recognition at the boy's voice. Part of me says I know this voice but I can't remember.
Why can't I wake up? Pain in my head. Disorientation.
He felt strong and insistent hands press down and shake his shoulders. "Kerr, wake up!"
Leave me. Alone. Another voice in my head. Small. Scared. Young. Determined. Strong. Independent. Trying out words.
A familiar mantra but they seem new. Realization.
Here he was young. This was a memory.
Coldness extended from a place deep inside him. He could feel it. It was recognizable to him and at the same time frighteningly unfamiliar to his young mind. The frozenness that numbed all other emotions; taking away fear and pain, along with everything else. His young mind grasped for them both, fear and pain, and the coldness.
Control.
"What did they do to him?" Even through the fog of bare consciousness, he could hear the mask of strength in the boy's voice; a determined bravery. He was aware that the young mind that was him/not him knew that it hid a tremor of fear. There was concern and warmth for him.
Threads of memories seemed to mix. This voice. He knew it. Differently. Deeper. More…
Ja… The name eluded him even though his young mind knew it; was very familiar with it.
"I don't know." Another young boy's voice. Worried and considered even at this young age, also producing threads of recognition. But it was instinctive knowledge only. A feeling of knowing. There were no faces to put to the voices. Tantalizing bits of names that would not come to him. Identities contained in his young mind but something was preventing him from knowing them. Just the impressions that they knew each other. They were…
The considered young voice was troubled and sounded small next to him; it was full of anguish and guilt. "It was my fault. He shouldn't have told them it was him."
This voice was disturbingly familiar in its guilt.
The first boy's voice flashed with anger. "It was your fault. He said it wouldn't work but you just had to try it." Guilt and anguish joined the anger, "I should have stopped him. I should've guessed." Then anger again. "You always think it's a game. It's not a game!" There was a sudden rustle of movement. The sound of bodies impacting and going down.
Don't…
**********
Avon jerked awake. He was panting and his heart was pounding in his ears. This memory. It was the clearest one he had so far but it was already fading away, out of the reach of his conscious mind.
"No!" His eyes closed in desperate concentration, he bent over with the effort, and his hands gripped the sheets tightly.
It was no use.
Avon could feel Cally stir beside him and sit up. He didn't have to feel her mind reaching out to him to know that she was alarmed. Her warm, gentle hands touched his shoulders in support. "Avon, what's wrong?"
Blank eyes turned to her. "I…don't know." The memories were almost gone, leaving only a frustrating impression of something he wanted to remember. Avon forced himself to breathe slower, his mind trying to regain control of a body that was still reacting to memories that were gone.
**********
Avon, Cally and Argus gathered in the medical exam room, discussing the previous day's results with the specialists and Alyce. Sester was present but off to the side, observing and keeping out of the way.
Argus said, "Avon, we should investigate this further. There's no knowing what the Federation did to you."
Avon's flat voice said, "The results, while interesting, do not provide any useful information." With the complete lack of emotion in his tone, he could have been speaking about some idle curiosity and not something life shattering like finding out he may have been the result of a program of eugenics or some scientific experiment.
Cally was watching Avon carefully, trying to gauge an emotional state that was firmly hidden behind a tough defensive barrier today. She couldn't understand this attitude from him. "How can you say that, Avon? This deals with who you are. Don't you want to know?"
"It's of little relevance," said Avon. "The knowledge of my origins does not help correct my current condition. It is merely a curiosity. Nothing more."
Alyce was also watchful, and as always, took great care in speaking to Avon. "From a purely medical standpoint, you're right. It has a relevance that is personal and as such, we should not allow it to interfere with our main focus, which is to heal you. I believe people from Earth have a saying. 'It is none of our business?'"
Avon impassive eyes rested on her friendly ones, "Good advice, if you can follow it."
Alyce smiled warmly, "At the right time, yes. We will continue with the examinations."
There was another person who was watching Avon with great interest. Sester with his trained mind and instincts knew that Avon was lying. To himself.
**********
Sester leaned back comfortably in the pilot's seat of his observer craft. His fingers idly touched various switches in front of him without activating them. A slight smile of anticipation played on his lips as he waited for the response to his request for contact.
An emotionless female voice sharpened his wandering attentions. / There is an incoming response signal. /
He sat up just a little as he focused. His face had his characteristic casual irreverence that charmed but also that polite attentiveness that made you feel as if you were the exclusive centre of his attentions. He had natural warmth that could seep into your very bones if you let it but there was also the hint of excitement that came from the smooth dangerous quality that lay just below the surface. "Put it on the screen, computer."
The main viewscreen flickered on and Servalan's cold smile welcomed him. "Has he agreed?"
So eager, Servalan? Why all this sudden interest in Argus? Or is this really still about Avon? Are you missing your playmate and you've decided to take it out on someone else instead?
A slow smile thinned Sester's lips. "You know that he won't yet. Not until he knows he has no choice." The light of the screen threw moving shadows and flickers of light across his face.
Servalan had a wonderfully imperious manner very few could pull off without sounding too ridiculous. She almost purred. "And you will make sure that happens. Won't you?"
Sester said with silky complicity, "Were there ever any doubts, Madame President? I am your agent on this ship, after all."
Servalan said coolly, "Sometimes, I think you forget that."
"Then I've succeeded in fooling…" His lips twitched in a complex smile. "Everyone. If you have your doubts, then so have they."
Servalan's eyes measured him carefully from across the screen. "You have them convinced that you're helping them?"
Sester assumed the superior smile of a psychostrategist who was in full control of his puppets. "I believe some of them have made that error."
"And Reya Reeve? Where does she fit into all this?" A surprise attack to catch him out.
Unlike Avon, Sester's mind was fully under his own control. He smiled slyly. "She has her uses."
Servalan pressed her attack. "Enjoyable ones?"
Sester's attention skipped a beat. His lips curled in a smile that bared his teeth like a predator. "I would be lying if I said no."
At his answer, a pleased smile appeared on Servalan's face. "I am glad that you didn't lie to me."
He brought his right hand up to touch his chest, "Madame President, rest assured, you will always be the most important woman in my life."
Servalan said dryly, "Only because I have the power of life and death over you."
There was a flush of excitement on Sester's cheeks and he allowed a touch of insinuation to colour his voice, "And so much more." Every sense was focused on this dangerous game and he loved it.
They stared at each other for a moment and then Servalan said, "Now let's talk about Avon." As always, there was deep interest in her eyes and a slight softening of her tone when she turned her attentions to the object of her fascinations. "How is he?"
Sester kept his voice clinical, "As you would expect without the relevant drugs."
"What are they doing about it?"
Sester weighed his words carefully. "They believe they've found people who can help him."
"Oh?"
He asked, "How familiar are you with Sector Nine?"
Servalan's face looked as if she had just smelled something foul. "Don't tell me that they've found something useful in that repugnant Sector?"
Sester chuckled. "You are familiar with it then. Have you heard of the Tellar Union?"
"No, should I have?"
The deadly snake was poised, ready to turn its hooded head towards a new victim. He would have to be very careful here.
"Not particularly," he said with casual indifference. "But they might be able to help Avon to some extent. Enough to prevent him from slipping further."
Servalan's snarl did not touch her lips; it existed solely in her eyes. "You mean enough for him not to have to be brought to me sooner?"
"For now." He leaned towards the screen, all casualness gone. "You know that can't happen yet."
Servalan's eyes narrowed. "I will not wait forever."
For him, you will.
**********
After signing off, Sester sat back in the moulded seat, his eyes were deep in thought. The fingers of his right hand lightly drew a calculated line along the edge of the flight panel.
There were so many games he could play here. It was very tempting. Conflicting loyalties vied for his attention. He needed a reason not to play all of them.
**********
Vila's arms were full of packages when he and Corinne returned to the ship. His head had to poke out from the side of one of them in order to see her. "Are you sure you don't want anything else? We could always go back down after I've dropped these off."
"No. I have enough for now thanks. The question is…" Corinne eyed the boxes he refused to allow her to carry. "Do you want anything else. I thought you said you didn't need anything?"
Vila looked at the embarrassment of riches he was carrying. It was hard to deny it when the evidence was right in front of his eyes. They arrived at his cabin.
"Well, I didn't when I said it." But then they had discovered the avenue of gadgets on their way to look for his wrist chronometer.
Corinne helpfully activated the door panel and they went inside. Vila unceremoniously dumped everything on the bunk. "All of these are useful."
With a dubious look on her face, Corinne picked up an irregularly shaped package. "This one?"
Vila's face reddened slightly. "That one's for fun."
"Really?" Corinne looked interested and studied the wrapped object more carefully from different angles.
Vila almost grabbed it out of her hand before she got curious enough to open it. "Maybe not." He put the package firmly behind him.
Corinne regarded him enquiringly. He almost looked embarrassed.
Vila said, "Lets…go back down and do more shopping. I want…" Maybe more shopping might not be a good idea. "I want to see how a market works without any money."
**********
Sester stood leaning against the doorway to Reya's recovery room. Thankfully, with most of the soldiers on leave on the planet, Argus was taking an extra shift on the flight deck. Reya appeared to be sleeping. Her chest rose and fell in a steady, reassuring rhythm.
Pleasant memories presented themselves for his attentions. Memories of a time when she had reluctantly allowed him past her guard. And unknowingly, she had done the same to him. His actions had been deliberate, hers had not been. She had surprised him, amazed him and thoroughly captured him in a way that Servalan, with all of her power could not.
There was gentleness in his eyes and he felt at peace. There was no hint of the man he had been with Servalan. He had found the reasons he had come looking for; even though he knew he could never have Reya. Sester's eyes lingered on her sleeping form a moment longer before he turned to leave.
"Sester?"
His breath caught in his throat and he stopped moving.
"Is that you?"
Sester turned around and came back into the room. It was almost too painful to face her when she was awake. What was he thinking coming here?
A friendly smile formed on his lips. It was a good thing he was good at hiding what was going on inside. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to wake you."
"No. I was just dozing. Not much else to do. I can't wait to get out of here," she said with frustration.
Sester came in to stand beside her bed. He teased her, "I'm surprised you're still here."
"Argus promised to do to me what I did to him the last time."
"Ah," he said with a grin. He had heard about the chains. Argus could be a stubborn and proud man who didn't know when to stay down, and so could she.
Reya changed the topic, "Have you been down to the planet?"
"Yes, a number of times."
"What do you think of it?"
"It's a paradise, if you like that sort of thing." Sester tried not to think of how much he missed this easy interaction with her.
"You don't?" asked Reya.
"I would never feel comfortable in it," said Sester. "My work thrives in conflict and the imperfections of humanity."
Reya's voice was caring, persuasive and threatened to slip past barriers that presented no defence to her. "That's your work though, that's not you."
"They're the same thing." Sester felt disturbingly naked and open to her, as if they were back in the bed they had been forced to share together. Except, it was she who had felt this uncomfortable then.
Reya said with a confidence in him, that Sester wished she did not have, "I don't believe that."
"I'm a psychostrategist, Reya. It is the same thing. Don't make the mistake of assigning a humanity to me that isn't there. We see all people as puppets. It facilitates our work."
"Is that how you see me?"
Time seemed to freeze for a second as he stopped in mid-breath. He should have known that she would ask this question but he couldn't always think clearly when he was with her. Unbearable tension warmed Sester's voice as he answered her. "No."
"And Avon?"
Sester became very still at this unexpected question. The ever-present undercurrent of guilt flooded to the surface and was reflected in his eyes. His answer was a bare whisper, "No."
The compassion in Reya's eyes was too painful for him. He fled from the room without leaving an explanation.
Chapter Eight
Avon lay on an examination table. He could feel its padded surface moulding to his body. It provided just the right amount of support for his strained back.
He reflected on how this medical facility was unlike most that he had been the fortunate or unfortunate guest of. The atmosphere was no less professional and competent than any he had been in but it appeared to have been designed with the patient in mind as much as anything else. These people saw beyond the physical body to what should be immaterial in the practice of medicine.
Several medical technicians were working quietly around his head, positioning various machines into place.
Dr. Kendric approached and addressed him. "Avon."
Avon turned to look at her.
She said, "We're about to begin. This examination will concentrate on your brain."
Avon asked, "A brain mapping?"
"Yes, in a way. I understand from Cally that you've had one of those done before?"
The technicians finished their calibrations and left the examination area.
Avon recalled the one that Healer Garett had done. "Yes. I doubt if the results will be any different."
Kendric smiled. "Perhaps not. But possibly more detailed. We're able to fine-tune the mapping frequencies to detect a larger range of features."
"What difference does it make if the results will be the same?"
Kendric reached out with her hand. For a moment, Avon thought she was going to rest it on his shoulder. The doctor's hand hovered a second and then she lightly touched the bed beside him. "Don't you believe that all information is useful?"
"Non-redundant information."
Dr. Kendric almost seemed to grin but she maintained her calm, detached manner. "We may surprise you, Avon."
Avon stared at her. He still wasn't finished processing the 'surprises' they had given him the previous day. "Surprises are over-rated."
This time Kendric did place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Of course."
One of the medical specialists behind the panel controlling the mapping machines said, "We're ready."
"Alright." Dr. Kendric looked down at Avon again. "I believe that the mind mapping machines that were used before produced some pain?"
To Avon, the level of discomfort had been of little consequence compared to what he had been used to. "Some. It was negligible."
"I'm sorry. You will find that these ones do not produce pain or discomfort but it may trigger memories and sense impressions. It depends on how receptive your mind is. We will not try to trace memory signatures today. It will be too exhausting for you. Do you have any questions?"
"Not yet."
"Very well. Let's begin."
**********
Avon felt nothing as the various machines centred on his brain. No tingling feelings or sensations of any kind. Just a state of relaxed restfulness.
Without any demands on his attention, his mind was free to wander.
All information was valuable. As long as it was useful and could be put into the proper context. That had always been his belief.
The information they were discovering, was about him. Was it useful to know that he may have been the result of someone else's attempts at bioengineering? Whether he had been a part of a eugenics program or had been put together like a puzzle in a lab, did it really matter? Surely not after all this time.
Avon was determined to view it dispassionately. Anything that did not have any value in bringing him back to a more useful physical or mental state was to be discarded ruthlessly and without any personal considerations. At best, it was a curiosity. It had no impact on his present condition and it could not help.
Just as he had asserted to everyone yesterday, and had kept telling Cally since then. He could tell that she wasn't convinced but was refraining from saying anything further for fear of irritating him.
Then why did a sick feeling begin in the pit of his stomach whenever the topic came up? Why did everyone else seemed obsessed with his origins? Why did they insist on talking about it with him? Cally had been the worst. He cared about her deeply, but he had to draw the line somewhere. Some things were private.
Why should it make a difference? Why did he have problems remembering specific details about his past? Did he really want to find out that he had been nothing more than a puppet all of his life? What he could remember was already bad enough. Did he need this additional knowledge?
**********
Vila and Corinne entered the shop with the furry four-legged animal on its holographic banner and "Cisco Blouses" in light blue letters. This was the place where Corinne had picked up several nice blouses, one of which she was wearing now, the one with the white and blue flowers.
Vila glanced up at the banner as they passed under it. The furry animal reminded him of the pictures of cats back on Earth. It seemed so real that he almost wanted to reach up to pet it.
Vila almost did a double-take when he entered the shop and saw the cat from the banner lying with its back on the counter. The elderly shopkeeper with the long fingers and expressive hands was giving it a tummy rub and speaking to it fondly. The little cat was giving off little rumbling sounds of contentment.
"Oh, that's adorable!" Corinne exclaimed.
The shopkeeper turned her head in their direction with a friendly smile on her face. "Welcome back!"
Corinne approached the counter hesitantly and with a great deal of curiosity. There was a hopeful look on her face. "Can I touch it? I've never seen a creature like this before."
"Cisco would love the attention," said the woman.
Corinne placed her hand gently on the cat's tummy, almost as if she was afraid of hurting it. The cat gave a little encouraging meow and Corinne began to stroke. A low rumble of pleasure emanated from the little creature; the sound almost seemed to go right through them. The cat's happiness was infectious and brought smiles to their faces.
Vila also began petting the cat. "Your shop is named after your cat?"
The shopkeeper said, "Yes. She's the inspiration for some of my best creations. My name is Sienna."
"Mine's Vila and this is Corinne."
The shopkeeper's said warmly, "Welcome Vila and Corinne. I hope your visit to Tellar has been enjoyable."
Vila smiled wryly, "I suppose we stick out as outworlders."
Sienna said, "Some of your questions did tell me that you were strangers. But I already knew who you were."
Vila was very interested in this. "You did?"
"Yes, everyone in the Union knows who you are."
Vila imagined his face being broadcast out on the Tellaran daily newscasts. He'd never been a celebrity before.
"That explains why we've been getting the free things," Vila said in comprehension. In some ways, this made him feel much better. The idea of a place where everything was free was a bit disturbing to his enterprising mind.
Sienna said, "Oh no. That has nothing to do with people knowing who you are. That's just the way things work on Tellar."
Vila said, "You mean, everything is free, for everyone?" The tone in his voice indicated that this was an outrageous idea, or at the very least something incomprehensible to him.
Little Cisco flipped over suddenly and sat looking at him curiously, its head tilted to the side.
Sienna said, "Yes. That's right." For her it was completely natural.
"I don't get how a market could work without any money."
Sienna began scratching the cat behind the ears. "It's not a market in the sense that you're familiar with. We don't work on the concept of currency for value here. The name 'market' is a hold over from ancient days and visitors seem to like it."
"Then how does it work?"
"We work on the concept of mutual sharing and collective responsibility. People contribute the best they are capable of and that best is enjoyed by everyone. So in that sense, it's not free. For example, I try to make everyone's experience in my shop a positive one and I try to create the most beautiful blouses that I can."
Vila was very sceptical about this kind of system. "But don't you have people who take advantage of all the free things? What happens if someone decides to be lazy and not do anything?"
Sienna looked thoughtful. "We don't have many people like that. Usually there's something wrong with them so we try to help them. We're taught from a very young age that each person's participation is important and that we owe each other our best."
"But what if someone really won't cooperate? What if they like taking advantage of people?"
"That would be very sad, for both them and Tellar. If the problem itself is that they insist on reflecting the values of the people outside Tellar then they are given a choice. They can live in the world they have chosen or they can stay in the Union. We give them enough so that they will be comfortably set up wherever they chose but after that, it is their own responsibility. They are free to come back if they wish but only if they are willing to abide by the values of Tellar. It is unfortunate, but it is their own choice. Usually people do come back. The world outside is a very good cure."
Vila said with appreciation, "I suppose most of this Sector would be a good cure for a lot of things."
Sienna chuckled and continued patting the cat.
Corinne said wryly, "Chandar definitely would be."
The little cat purred encouragingly at them. It was a very comforting sound.
Vila asked, "What about strangers like us? We don't contribute the way the regular Tellaran does but you still give us free things."
Sienna said, "You are welcome guests. The hospitality of Tellar is open to you. We find that most visitors get carried away at first and take many things. We understand and we are happy to make your stay here an enjoyable one. But we've found that after awhile, most people settle down once they have all the things they think they need. We do have rules for visitors. If there is an excessive abuse of the system, the shopkeeper's will start charging for items. If the items are being obtained for commercial reasons and not personal ones, then visitors are required to register with the Off-world Commerce Bureau and any items for business purposes will require trade or payment."
Corinne had a thoughtful look on her face. "People on Tellar contribute their best. That's how things work here?"
Vila could see that Corinne was bothered by something.
Sienna said, "Yes."
Corinne said, "I know we're guests here." She looked down at her blouse and touched it with her fingers. "But…"
Vila realized what was worrying her. "You want to do something too?"
Corinne turned troubled eyes towards him. "Yes, but I don't know what. I have nothing to give back. I wish I did." She said to Sienna, "I would gladly give it."
Sienna eyes were kind. "Your mother taught you well, Corinne. It is not required for you to give us anything but your thoughts are very much appreciated."
Vila had an idea. "I know what we could give back!"
Corinne's eyes brightened.
Vila said, "People on Tellar give their best. I'm good at entertaining people with magic tricks. We can give a show together. You can be my assistant."
Sienna asked, "What is this magic?"
Vila smiled. There was a possibility that the people here had never seen magic tricks before. "Yes. Illusions, sleight-of-hand, like this…" Vila held up an open and empty hand. With a flick of his wrist, the oval disk he used for practicing finger dexterity, 'magically' appeared.
The two women gasped in delighted surprise. Sienna exclaimed, "That's an amazing ability. You seem to be able to create something out of nothing."
Vila grinned, "No exactly. It's just sleight-of-hand. Tricks. I know how to move my hands so that it seems to appear out of thin air. Do you think people might enjoy a magic show here?"
Sienna said enthusiastically, "I'm sure they would."
Little Cisco batted Vila's hand, trying to get at the disc.
Sienna said, "I can arrange for you to use the open stage at the end of the square here. When would you like to do it?"
"Well, we'd have to practice a bit. Make it a proper show. How about in three days?"
"That would be wonderful."
**********
Argus was trying not to be amused by the look on Reya's face as she lay on the bed in the recovery room.
Reya asked impatiently, "Well?"
"I'm here to release you. Cally says you've rested enough."
"Finally!" Reya immediately got out of bed and started walking around, stretching her legs.
Argus studied her and said with mock-disapproval, "You've been getting out of bed when I wasn't looking. Haven't you?"
Reya's face reddened, "I…suppose I have. I'm sorry. It's hard staying here while everyone else is doing something."
"Don't do it again." The effect of his serious tone was offset by the big grin that appeared on his face. He hugged her. "I completely understand." He sighed with happiness as he felt her strong body against his. "What would you like to do first?"
Reya smiled. "I want to visit the planet."
Chapter Nine
Alyce came towards Reya with welcoming arms. "Welcome, Reya Reeve." She gave her a warm embrace. "We've been looking forward to meeting you."
Reya face was flustered as Alyce let go of her. She was still uncomfortable with being at the centre of attentions. "I've been looking forward to meeting you as well. Argus has been telling me many good things."
Alyce gave Argus a warm smile, "He's very kind."
For some reason, Argus found his face reddening. Alyce had a quality that made someone feel genuinely appreciated. He cleared his throat. "I just told her what I saw."
Alyce seemed amused by his reaction. She said to Reya, "My Impact Analysis Department is very interested in discussing the events on Chandar. And Cambrin says that your psychostrategist hasn't visited him yet. He was looking forward to talking with both of you."
Argus tried to act neutral, but only succeeded in sounding odd when he said, "I'll send for him."
Alyce didn't seem to notice; or she did but decided that Argus wouldn't want her to pursue it. "That would be much appreciated." She touched Reya on the arm, "How are you feeling? Are you fully recovered from your injuries?"
Reya really wished people would stop treating her like an invalid. It was already bad enough that Argus was very visibly 'hovering' near her in protection and trying not to appear as if he was. Not that she didn't appreciate it but she just wished everyone's attentions would focus somewhere else. She wondered how Avon stood it from all of them. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."
Alyce gave her a brief encouraging smile. "You do not like people making a fuss over you. I understand. We shall do something much more pleasant. I hear that you wish to see more of Tellaran society?"
"Yes, I'm very interested in how your society works."
Alyce asked, "What would you like to know?"
Reya said, "Vila has told us a little bit about your economy works. I'm interested in some other areas. Such as how do you deal with things like aggression and crime? What do you do when outsiders commit crimes? Do you have a concept of personal property? If you don't have a class system then how are roles and jobs assigned?"
Alyce smiled, "It looks as if you will have to stay with us for more than a few days, Reya." She led the way, "Come with me. You might both like this."
**********
A free flowing association of memories and ideas. That was how Avon was experiencing what was happening. It was almost as if it was occurring to someone else and he was watching it as a detached observer. This made his mind easier as random memories flowed through his consciousness, like casual visitors that didn't stay long enough to dirty up the furnishings.
He was in control again. It had been a long time since he had been able to have memories intrude into his mind without triggering some kind of panic attack or loss of control. A very unusual feeling. A state he barely remembered. Here in this safe environment he was able to treat feelings dispassionately and relegate them to a place in his mind where they would not threaten him. He was able to maintain an equilibrium. Nothing but a rational mind at work; clear thoughts, not cluttered by irrationality.
He knew that this state must be artificial in nature. The Tellaran machines were inducing it; managing his mind so that he felt in control again. He should have been disturbed that someone else seemed to be able to exert this kind of external influence on him, but he wasn't. Were these machines designed to give him back the control he desperately craved? If so, then could this effect be reproduced outside of the machines?
A face floated into his internal field of vision. A memory of his brother. Calling out his name. Avon. There was something wrong with it but he couldn't…
I have to go to him. He loved his brother. He would do anything for him. In his mind, he moved closer to the figure that was mouthing his name, repeatedly. Something was wrong. It was…
An unexpected voice spoke to him, * It's the past, Avon. *
The vision faded leaving him with perplexing emotions. A confusion of love and fear. * Cally? *
* Yes, Avon. It's me. Dr. Kendric asked me to speak to you. She said that you were caught up in a memory. A very powerful one. *
* Just for a moment. * Avon realized something with shock. This was the memory that had been used by Zen when he first arrived on the Liberator. Something shaped by its security system in order to trap him, and drive his mind insane or to kill him. But it came from a real memory. * I'm fine now, Cally. *
Calling his name over and over. It was a strange real memory. A piece of recollection that inspired a strong emotional reaction.
There was concern and warmth in her mental voice.* How are you handling the memories? *
* They're manageable. The machines must be modulating my emotional responses. *
* Yes, Dr. Kendric says that they are using various techniques to prevent negative emotions from gaining precedence in your consciousness. They should be at a level that your current state of mental control can manage. *
So he was right. It was the Tellarans who were enabling this but they said that he also had control of what was happening. * They're only interfering with negative emotions? *
* Yes, they left the other ones because they will help you. But they said that this memory was strange. That was why they asked me to help. *
The Tellarans were able to identify it as strange as well. But what was strange about it?
* Cally, are they able to determine what's unusual about it? *
* Alright. I will ask them. *
There was a moment of silence. He imagined that she was asking the specialists.
Cally's voice returned in his mind, * they say that your responses are similar to those memories that Servalan used to torture you with. They say that they seem designed to provoke strong emotional reactions. *
Designed? Avon remembered his reaction that day on the London. While Blake and Jenna had discussed their own experiences afterward, he had been too overwhelmed to contribute. For what seemed a long time, the only thing he could do was bow his head into his hand in shock.
What did it mean?
**********
Corinne almost seemed to bounce into the relaxation room. The room was empty these days because most people were enjoying themselves on the planet. "Vila, do you like it?" She twirled around for him to see what she was wearing.
Vila's mouth hung open in shocked amazement and he dropped the improvised wand he was holding. It clattered to the floor.
"Vila? Are you alright?" she asked with concern and came over.
Vila tried to keep his eyes on her face, anywhere else was too… He closed his mouth and tried to formulate some coherent words. "Uh…what are you wearing?" Although, not wearing, might be more accurate.
Corinne said disappointedly, "You don't like it? I researched it very carefully." She bent down to pick up the wand. Vila deliberately looked up at the ceiling. He wondered if they needed a cleaning.
Vila nearly jumped back as Corinne came up beside him and looked up at the ceiling with him. She asked, "What are we looking at?"
"Uh, nothing." He directed his eyes to look at her face again. She and the outfit she was barely wearing were much too close to him. He took a discreet step back. "Corinne, where'd you get those clothes from?"
"From the wardrobe room. There's lots of things in there. Argus said to help myself."
"Argus suggested that you wear that?" Vila asked incredulously, wondering what had possessed the man and what had been going through his mind. Plus he didn't know the room contained something like this. Now if one of the… Vila shook off the tempting and inappropriate thoughts. What was he thinking?
Corinne said affectionately, "No, silly. He doesn't know anymore about clothes than you do."
"Then how? Why?"
"Oh, you mean why did I pick these clothes?"
"Yes." Vila wanted to know who the culprit was. Horrifying images of Corinne parading like that (he tried not to think in too many details) through the corridors of the ship filled his mind. Thank the stars that most people were away and the ship was almost deserted except for the duty personnel.
Corinne looked down nervously. Vila had been too shocked to notice before but now he realized that she looked awkward and self-conscious and her eyes were looking at him shyly and uncertainly. It must have been because of the clothes she was wearing.
Vila remembered Corinne's reaction to the more liberal dress of some of the Tellarans and her own conservative tastes. Then what possessed her to wear this?
Corinne said, "I was looking through some of the historical records on your computers. The ones about Earth."
Avon had already assigned classifications to all the categories of materials in the ship's databases. The historical and entertainment sections had been deemed accessible to almost everyone.
Corinne continued, "I found some archive pictures of magical performances. All of the assistants seemed to be wearing very revealing outfits." She looked at him timidly. "I…thought it was what you would want."
Vila wanted to hug her but didn't dare move any closer. Instead, he said affectionately, "You didn't have to do this, Corinne. I'd never ask you to wear anything that would make you feel uncomfortable. Now, how would you like to change?"
**********
The complex that Alyce brought them to was an impressive structure at the outskirts of the city. As they entered through the open entrance, Alyce said, "This is one of our physical recreation facilities. It's used for sports, physical training and aggression therapy."
Reya was very interested in the last one. "Aggression therapy?"
Alyce led the way through the building. Wherever they went, people greeted them warmly, even if it was only a brief smile or nod.
"Yes. All of our people are tested for aggression factors in their personality from a very young age. We realize that while it is a necessary trait, it is also one that can be detrimental to society if not used properly. We provide many avenues to redirect aggressive tendencies towards more beneficial activities. We also have numerous therapies to release the stresses that result in destructive behaviour. Our people are taught to use these services when they identify certain behaviour patterns or feelings. It's part of our normal routine. Most people use them for exercise and to release stresses. Others use them more often. It is considered an important activity in our society. It's also tied to the training of our citizens in order to protect our worlds."
They arrived in a large open gymnasium where various martial arts were occurring. Both Argus and Reya's eyes widened as they took in the activity. Young and old. Male and female. Everyone seemed to be involved.
Argus said, "The level of skill is quite impressive. I imagine these are your advance practitioners?"
Alyce said, "No. These are regular citizens. We all train from a very young age and throughout our lifetimes. We all know the danger and aggressive nature of our neighbours. Even with our defences, we must still be prepared." She smiled wryly. "Not to mention the unpredictable behaviour of some of our outworlder guests. Would you like to test some of them?"
That was exactly what Argus had been hoping for. He was intrigued by some of what he was seeing. He said enthusiastically, "I'd love to."
Alyce waved over one of the women and introduced her. "This is Tamarin. She's a trainer in unarmed combat techniques."
She introduced Argus and Reya.
Tamarin, a slender woman who did not seem like a fighter, greeted them with a bow, "Well met, Argus and Reya. We've heard much about your group. It's a pleasure to see you."
Alyce said, "Argus would like to exercise."
Tamarin became very animated, "We'd love to have you. We hear that you're an exceptional fighter."
Though Argus felt that he would be more of a match for most of these people, he would never say so. "I'm adequate."
Tamarin said jokingly, "Then we'll go easy on you."
"Maybe not too easy."
Tamarin laughed good-naturedly and said, "Come and meet the others."
Argus jumped over the railing and joined her.
Alyce had an amused smile on her face. "He's very enthusiastic."
Reya laughed, "That he is. He likes fighting."
As they watched Argus sparring, Alyce continued sharing about her world with Reya. "We send some of our people off world to learn the fighting techniques of different cultures and civilizations. Once they master them, they come back and they work with specialists who dissect the various methods in order to know how to counter them. The one Argus is fighting with is a specialist in a method that was derived from a clawed animal."
They watched the spirited fight for a moment. Argus's movements were quick and fluid. There wasn't a wasted motion in his actions.
Alyce said with appreciation, "He lives up to his reputation."
Argus defeated his opponent. The two men bowed to each other. They could see Tamarin speak to Argus and he moved to the side while another opponent took his place.
The specialist was again defeated but this time it was different.
Reya remarked, "Your methods are much more defensive in nature."
"Yes. That is the focus of our own fighting methods. Very similar to how you were fighting on Chandar."
Reya asked, "What do you do with people who are inherently violent despite the various facilities you provide or those who refuse to use them? What happens when they repeatedly hurt others?"
"We have various ways to deal with those situations. Of course, our preferred method is to work with them. If nothing succeeds then there are two options. The person may choose to leave the Union or they can be fitted with a limiter device that is similar to ones used by the Federation to regulate violent tendencies in criminals."
"Are there many?" asked Reya.
"In the Union, which consists of eight planets, there are less than a hundred. The majority of these have abnormalities in the brain and were identified when they were younger."
Reya said, "I'm not sure how that would work in my own world but I'd like to try introducing some of these ideas."
Alyce was sympathetic. "That's a wonderful idea but it would only work if your own people want it. My world had a very strong incentive to change. We were faced with the destruction of our society. We had to change or die."
"I'd still like to try some of it," said Reya.
"We would be glad to help you."
