Chapter 4:
"Certainly we can do as you ask." The chief technician was more optimistic than Crais had expected. "The process may take longer than usual for a hybrid, but I am confident that the technology can be applied successfully and that your ship will fully recover his starburst capabilities."
Crais nodded. "Excellent. When can you begin?"
"I think we can take the preliminary readings later on today," the chief said, "but, before then, there is something that I would like you to consider."
"And what is that?" Crais asked, a slight edge of suspicion in his tone.
The chief smiled. "Nothing too drastic, I assure you. The situation is this. I can fit your ship with a prosthetic fin and connect it to his main systems. This would restore his ability to starburst. However, as the fin regenerates the prosthetic would need to be constantly altered. This problem is increased because he is not yet fully grown. It would require you to either remain within easy travelling distance of this planet or to find another with compatible technology until the fin is re-grown, which will take at least four monens, if not longer. It is also likely to cost you significant amounts of currency."
"Certainly that would be an inconvenience," Crais agreed. "I assume that you have another solution?"
The man hesitated. "I must stress that this is only a suggestion. I and some of my colleagues have been working on a new technology that would eliminate the need for prosthetics. If successful, it would allow your leviathan to re-grow his starburst fin at many times the normal rate."
"How long would it take?" Crais enquired.
"Two weekens, three at most," the chief replied.
"What...*exactly* does this technology involve?" Crais asked, his attention caught but still wary.
"What we've created are essentially miniature robots," the chief replied, his eyes lighting up. His involvement in his work was clear to see. "They can take molecules of a material and turn them into a completely different material provided that it contains the same elements. For example, my skin contains an element which we call protomin. My pole stabiliser," he said, pulling one of the tools from his belt and showing it to Crais, "is also made from protomin. If I provided a sufficient large sample, these robots could convert my skin into at least the shell of a pole stabiliser. If we could place these robots onto your ship's missing starburst fin and provided them with samples of his DNA, they could rebuild the fin far quicker than in ordinary growth."
"That does sound like quite an achievement," Crais agreed. "How have you tested this?"
"We have conducted a large number of small scale projects," the chief replied. "Unfortunately...our government has refused permission to test it on a large scale project."
Now Crais understood. "And you would like Talyn to be the test subject?"
"I wouldn't be suggesting it if I didn't believe it could work," the chief said confidently. "As non-residents I can provide this service to you without going against regulations. I ask only that you consider it."
Crais gave one sharp nod. "Begin taking the preliminary scans. I will...consider your proposal carefully and inform you of my decision when you are ready to proceed."
"Thank you," the chief said gratefully, "it would be a great opportunity for us."
He hurried away to consult with his technicians. Crais looked around the large workshop, his eyes seeking Carma. True to his word he had not left her alone, she had wandered off to look around while he discussed their situation with the chief. Knowing, as she put it, 'absolute blax' about leviathans she had decided that she wouldn't be much help. Not seeing her, he approached one of the technicians.
"Did you see my companion leave here?" he asked, slightly concerned.
The woman shook her head. One of the others at the bench looked up. "I think that she went outside," she said.
"Thank you," Crais replied, and went in search of her.
She was wandering the gardens outside, the sun shining down on her and reflecting off her hair. Somehow it had bleached from pale brown to blond after less than half an arn in the sun. She looked calm and happy, obviously revelling in the heat. Crais himself found the temperature slightly too high for comfort. Yet another reminder of their different origins.
"It's a beautiful day here, isn't it," she said, coming towards him. Her smile, coupled with her blond hair and blue eyes, made her look almost angelic. He found it hard to believe that this was the same woman that he had seen last night.
"My heat tolerance is not as high as yours," Crais said, resisting the temptation to strip off his jacket.
She looked concerned. "Of course, I forgot you don't have a heat gland. Do you want to go inside?"
"That is not necessary," Crais replied, looking back at her. "If this is the temperature you prefer you must find Talyn rather cold."
She shrugged. "A little cooler than I'd like perhaps, why do you think I always wear my sweater? Talyn keeps my quarters slightly warmer for me though and I'm not dying of cold or anything. Besides I get cold, I'm cold, that's it. If you can't regulate body temperature getting over heated must be pretty serious."
"If a Sebacean is overheated for a significant period of time they enter what we call 'the living death'," Crais replied. "It is a deep coma."
"Kren, isn't there anything your medics can do about it?" Carma asked.
"It is irreversible."
"Don't you have gene therapies, can't anyone find a way to make you grow heat glands?"
"To my knowledge it has never been tried. I do not know if it is possible."
"Maybe when we meet up with Moya again me and Jool could...."
"While I have great faith in your abilities as a healer," Crais said hastily, "I would prefer my physiology not to be tampered with anymore than necessary."
"You know," Carma said, head cocked to one side as she looked at him, "it was so much easier to do things for you when you were in a coma."
Crais glared at her. Carma laughed. "I could do whatever I wanted and you didn't even object once. I should have known it wouldn't last."
Now Crais regarded her with suspicion, "What exactly did you do for me?"
"I gave you a full physical examination, several in fact, performed major surgery to remove the remains of the transponder, maintained your life support for two monens and kept a close eye on every aspect of your health."
"What precisely does a full physical examination involve?"
Carma folded her arms. "I assure you that I only viewed what was necessary to monitor your health."
Crais folded his own. "Indeed?"
"Bialar I am a professional. I wouldn't even think of such a thing."
Crais said nothing. Carma avoided his gaze. "Okay, so maybe I thought about it," she admitted. Crais raised an eyebrow. "But I didn't do anything!" she insisted. "There are rules about that sort of thing."
"I believe you," Crais said, turning away so that she wouldn't see the amusement in his eyes. He swiftly changed the subject. "The chief technician has an interesting suggestion regarding Talyn's repairs."
"Does he know how long it will take?" Carma asked, idly wandering over to the flower bed at the garden's centre and dropping to her knees to smell the flowers.
"That will depend on what form of treatment we decide on," Crais replied, coming up behind her. "Do you wish to leave here?"
Carma looked back at him, squinting slightly as the bright sunlight hit her eyes. "It's nice being planet-side again, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted to prolong our stay."
Crais awkwardly crouched down beside her. "Carma, the chief technician has...made a proposal that could be beneficial to Talyn, but it would involve a slightly lengthier stay. Are you willing to remain here for the extra time?"
"What's his proposal?" Carma asked.
"He wishes to test a new technology on Talyn that will enable him to re-grow his starburst fin in two or three weekens. It would mean that there would be no need for further repairs and no restrictions to his capabilities. But it is not guaranteed to work."
"And if it doesn't, then what?"
"Then we would have to remain here even longer to have a prosthetic fitted. We could, however, choose that course of action now and not attempt the experiment."
Carma met his eyes. "This would be better for Talyn, wouldn't it?"
"If it is successful, yes."
"Talyn's your ship," Carma said. "If you decide to attempt this, I will remain here as long as it takes."
"Are you certain?"
"It's not my decision," Carma said simply. "I'm only a guest on your ship. The decision is yours...and Talyn's."
"I would...value your opinion."
"If it's best for Talyn we should do it. He's why we came here after all."
Crais got up stiffly. "Then we are in agreement. I will inform the chief that he can attempt the procedure."
Carma stood up beside him. "Crais, am I right in thinking that this doesn't really require a lot of input from us?"
"It...does seem that we are largely superfluous," Crais agreed, wondering what she was suggesting.
"Do you have any idea how we can occupy ourselves?"
He did, but none that he could suggest to her.
"No," he replied.
"Great!" she said, excitedly, "because I had a excellent idea!"
***
"Where are we?" Crais asked, looking up at the huge grey building and getting only a crick in the neck for his trouble.
"This," Carma said, grinning happily, "is the national genetics laboratory. These are the people who fund the research that we're trying on Talyn."
"Ah," Crais said. A pause. "Why are we here?"
"According to someone I spoke to at the ball the other night," a shadow passed across her face but she quickly brushed it away, "they are creating some truly incredible things here. I thought you knew something about genetics?"
"I do," Crais said, slightly insulted.
"Come on Bialar, one arn, that's all I'm asking for," Carma said, seeing his expression.
"Very well," Crais agreed.
"It will be fun," Carma said. "When I was young I used to spend hours at the city labs, I was apprenticed there when I was trying to get into the carers programme. I loved it there," she smiled happily, "don't Peacekeepers do anything for recreation?"
Crais smothered a laugh.
"What?" Carma asked in confusion.
"In the Peacekeepers, 'recreation' has a slightly different meaning."
"What?" Carma asked again, then blushed. "Oh right, I see. Okay, what did you do for fun?"
"There is not a vast amount of time in a Peacekeeper's life for fun, but there are various games and training programmes to fill the off hours."
"Thrilling," Carma said. Crais was strongly reminded of Crichton for a second. "Well, anyway, this is what I like to do for fun. Try and look like you're enjoying yourself."
***
"Much of the labs are off-limits to you, I'm afraid," their guide said.
"What you've shown us was very interesting," Carma said. "Wasn't it Crais?"
"Thrilling," Crais replied, echoing her earlier pronouncement. Carma grinned at him.
"There isn't anyway that we can go inside?" Carma asked. "I know I'm not from your planet, but I am a qualified genetic scientist."
The man shook his head regretfully. "Only employed personnel and donors are allowed into the labs."
"Donors?" Carma enquired.
"Our scientists require donations of genetic samples in order to carry out their research. Members of the population donate voluntarily, but we usually provide a short tour for those who are interested in the work we do as...compensation."
"We could do that," Carma said eagerly. Crais opened his mouth to object, but didn't get that far. "Are you interested in other species?" Carma asked.
"I could enquire, if you like," their guide offered.
"Yes please, do that. We'd be very willing to contribute," Carma replied, smiling warmly.
Their guide disappeared through a door. Carma turned back to Crais.
"I do *not* wish to leave samples of my DNA lying around the uncharted territories," Crais stated emphatically.
Carma fought a grin. "There must be a lot of very disappointed women out there then," she said, winking at him.
Crais glared at her, too focused on her original idea to realise that she'd just paid him a compliment. "That, as you are quite aware, is not what I was referring to," he said darkly. "I do not wish to be a genetic donor for anyone, regardless of whether they offer us a tour!"
"It's nothing to worry about," Carma insisted, "I used to do this all the time. They take small samples of your blood, a few skin cells and that's it. Nothing to it and it doesn't hurt a bit."
"I am not concerned whether or not it will hurt," Crais said firmly. "I merely object to providing people I know almost nothing about with samples of my DNA."
"Everyone we've met here has been perfectly friendly," Carma said. "Well, almost everyone. We've no reason to assume that they're a threat."
"And we have no reason to trust them this much," Crais added.
"Well I'm going to go for it," Carma said, "if you want to leave, just go."
Crais glared at her, but remained where he was.
"Aren't you leaving?" she asked.
"I did promise that I would stay with you," Crais replied quietly.
"I guess you did," Carma said, "but you don't have to stay if you don't want to."
"As you said before," Crais said reluctantly, "back-up can be useful."
"Glad to hear that I'm rubbing off on you," Carma said, laughing.
Their guide returned. "I have been informed that your donations would be very welcome," he said. "Are you certain that you wish to donate?"
Carma glanced back at Crais. "Sign us up," she said cheerfully.
Crais followed her reluctantly. Unlike Carma, he was not certain of their trustworthiness. Once again, he began to question his decision to bring her on board.
"Certainly we can do as you ask." The chief technician was more optimistic than Crais had expected. "The process may take longer than usual for a hybrid, but I am confident that the technology can be applied successfully and that your ship will fully recover his starburst capabilities."
Crais nodded. "Excellent. When can you begin?"
"I think we can take the preliminary readings later on today," the chief said, "but, before then, there is something that I would like you to consider."
"And what is that?" Crais asked, a slight edge of suspicion in his tone.
The chief smiled. "Nothing too drastic, I assure you. The situation is this. I can fit your ship with a prosthetic fin and connect it to his main systems. This would restore his ability to starburst. However, as the fin regenerates the prosthetic would need to be constantly altered. This problem is increased because he is not yet fully grown. It would require you to either remain within easy travelling distance of this planet or to find another with compatible technology until the fin is re-grown, which will take at least four monens, if not longer. It is also likely to cost you significant amounts of currency."
"Certainly that would be an inconvenience," Crais agreed. "I assume that you have another solution?"
The man hesitated. "I must stress that this is only a suggestion. I and some of my colleagues have been working on a new technology that would eliminate the need for prosthetics. If successful, it would allow your leviathan to re-grow his starburst fin at many times the normal rate."
"How long would it take?" Crais enquired.
"Two weekens, three at most," the chief replied.
"What...*exactly* does this technology involve?" Crais asked, his attention caught but still wary.
"What we've created are essentially miniature robots," the chief replied, his eyes lighting up. His involvement in his work was clear to see. "They can take molecules of a material and turn them into a completely different material provided that it contains the same elements. For example, my skin contains an element which we call protomin. My pole stabiliser," he said, pulling one of the tools from his belt and showing it to Crais, "is also made from protomin. If I provided a sufficient large sample, these robots could convert my skin into at least the shell of a pole stabiliser. If we could place these robots onto your ship's missing starburst fin and provided them with samples of his DNA, they could rebuild the fin far quicker than in ordinary growth."
"That does sound like quite an achievement," Crais agreed. "How have you tested this?"
"We have conducted a large number of small scale projects," the chief replied. "Unfortunately...our government has refused permission to test it on a large scale project."
Now Crais understood. "And you would like Talyn to be the test subject?"
"I wouldn't be suggesting it if I didn't believe it could work," the chief said confidently. "As non-residents I can provide this service to you without going against regulations. I ask only that you consider it."
Crais gave one sharp nod. "Begin taking the preliminary scans. I will...consider your proposal carefully and inform you of my decision when you are ready to proceed."
"Thank you," the chief said gratefully, "it would be a great opportunity for us."
He hurried away to consult with his technicians. Crais looked around the large workshop, his eyes seeking Carma. True to his word he had not left her alone, she had wandered off to look around while he discussed their situation with the chief. Knowing, as she put it, 'absolute blax' about leviathans she had decided that she wouldn't be much help. Not seeing her, he approached one of the technicians.
"Did you see my companion leave here?" he asked, slightly concerned.
The woman shook her head. One of the others at the bench looked up. "I think that she went outside," she said.
"Thank you," Crais replied, and went in search of her.
She was wandering the gardens outside, the sun shining down on her and reflecting off her hair. Somehow it had bleached from pale brown to blond after less than half an arn in the sun. She looked calm and happy, obviously revelling in the heat. Crais himself found the temperature slightly too high for comfort. Yet another reminder of their different origins.
"It's a beautiful day here, isn't it," she said, coming towards him. Her smile, coupled with her blond hair and blue eyes, made her look almost angelic. He found it hard to believe that this was the same woman that he had seen last night.
"My heat tolerance is not as high as yours," Crais said, resisting the temptation to strip off his jacket.
She looked concerned. "Of course, I forgot you don't have a heat gland. Do you want to go inside?"
"That is not necessary," Crais replied, looking back at her. "If this is the temperature you prefer you must find Talyn rather cold."
She shrugged. "A little cooler than I'd like perhaps, why do you think I always wear my sweater? Talyn keeps my quarters slightly warmer for me though and I'm not dying of cold or anything. Besides I get cold, I'm cold, that's it. If you can't regulate body temperature getting over heated must be pretty serious."
"If a Sebacean is overheated for a significant period of time they enter what we call 'the living death'," Crais replied. "It is a deep coma."
"Kren, isn't there anything your medics can do about it?" Carma asked.
"It is irreversible."
"Don't you have gene therapies, can't anyone find a way to make you grow heat glands?"
"To my knowledge it has never been tried. I do not know if it is possible."
"Maybe when we meet up with Moya again me and Jool could...."
"While I have great faith in your abilities as a healer," Crais said hastily, "I would prefer my physiology not to be tampered with anymore than necessary."
"You know," Carma said, head cocked to one side as she looked at him, "it was so much easier to do things for you when you were in a coma."
Crais glared at her. Carma laughed. "I could do whatever I wanted and you didn't even object once. I should have known it wouldn't last."
Now Crais regarded her with suspicion, "What exactly did you do for me?"
"I gave you a full physical examination, several in fact, performed major surgery to remove the remains of the transponder, maintained your life support for two monens and kept a close eye on every aspect of your health."
"What precisely does a full physical examination involve?"
Carma folded her arms. "I assure you that I only viewed what was necessary to monitor your health."
Crais folded his own. "Indeed?"
"Bialar I am a professional. I wouldn't even think of such a thing."
Crais said nothing. Carma avoided his gaze. "Okay, so maybe I thought about it," she admitted. Crais raised an eyebrow. "But I didn't do anything!" she insisted. "There are rules about that sort of thing."
"I believe you," Crais said, turning away so that she wouldn't see the amusement in his eyes. He swiftly changed the subject. "The chief technician has an interesting suggestion regarding Talyn's repairs."
"Does he know how long it will take?" Carma asked, idly wandering over to the flower bed at the garden's centre and dropping to her knees to smell the flowers.
"That will depend on what form of treatment we decide on," Crais replied, coming up behind her. "Do you wish to leave here?"
Carma looked back at him, squinting slightly as the bright sunlight hit her eyes. "It's nice being planet-side again, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted to prolong our stay."
Crais awkwardly crouched down beside her. "Carma, the chief technician has...made a proposal that could be beneficial to Talyn, but it would involve a slightly lengthier stay. Are you willing to remain here for the extra time?"
"What's his proposal?" Carma asked.
"He wishes to test a new technology on Talyn that will enable him to re-grow his starburst fin in two or three weekens. It would mean that there would be no need for further repairs and no restrictions to his capabilities. But it is not guaranteed to work."
"And if it doesn't, then what?"
"Then we would have to remain here even longer to have a prosthetic fitted. We could, however, choose that course of action now and not attempt the experiment."
Carma met his eyes. "This would be better for Talyn, wouldn't it?"
"If it is successful, yes."
"Talyn's your ship," Carma said. "If you decide to attempt this, I will remain here as long as it takes."
"Are you certain?"
"It's not my decision," Carma said simply. "I'm only a guest on your ship. The decision is yours...and Talyn's."
"I would...value your opinion."
"If it's best for Talyn we should do it. He's why we came here after all."
Crais got up stiffly. "Then we are in agreement. I will inform the chief that he can attempt the procedure."
Carma stood up beside him. "Crais, am I right in thinking that this doesn't really require a lot of input from us?"
"It...does seem that we are largely superfluous," Crais agreed, wondering what she was suggesting.
"Do you have any idea how we can occupy ourselves?"
He did, but none that he could suggest to her.
"No," he replied.
"Great!" she said, excitedly, "because I had a excellent idea!"
***
"Where are we?" Crais asked, looking up at the huge grey building and getting only a crick in the neck for his trouble.
"This," Carma said, grinning happily, "is the national genetics laboratory. These are the people who fund the research that we're trying on Talyn."
"Ah," Crais said. A pause. "Why are we here?"
"According to someone I spoke to at the ball the other night," a shadow passed across her face but she quickly brushed it away, "they are creating some truly incredible things here. I thought you knew something about genetics?"
"I do," Crais said, slightly insulted.
"Come on Bialar, one arn, that's all I'm asking for," Carma said, seeing his expression.
"Very well," Crais agreed.
"It will be fun," Carma said. "When I was young I used to spend hours at the city labs, I was apprenticed there when I was trying to get into the carers programme. I loved it there," she smiled happily, "don't Peacekeepers do anything for recreation?"
Crais smothered a laugh.
"What?" Carma asked in confusion.
"In the Peacekeepers, 'recreation' has a slightly different meaning."
"What?" Carma asked again, then blushed. "Oh right, I see. Okay, what did you do for fun?"
"There is not a vast amount of time in a Peacekeeper's life for fun, but there are various games and training programmes to fill the off hours."
"Thrilling," Carma said. Crais was strongly reminded of Crichton for a second. "Well, anyway, this is what I like to do for fun. Try and look like you're enjoying yourself."
***
"Much of the labs are off-limits to you, I'm afraid," their guide said.
"What you've shown us was very interesting," Carma said. "Wasn't it Crais?"
"Thrilling," Crais replied, echoing her earlier pronouncement. Carma grinned at him.
"There isn't anyway that we can go inside?" Carma asked. "I know I'm not from your planet, but I am a qualified genetic scientist."
The man shook his head regretfully. "Only employed personnel and donors are allowed into the labs."
"Donors?" Carma enquired.
"Our scientists require donations of genetic samples in order to carry out their research. Members of the population donate voluntarily, but we usually provide a short tour for those who are interested in the work we do as...compensation."
"We could do that," Carma said eagerly. Crais opened his mouth to object, but didn't get that far. "Are you interested in other species?" Carma asked.
"I could enquire, if you like," their guide offered.
"Yes please, do that. We'd be very willing to contribute," Carma replied, smiling warmly.
Their guide disappeared through a door. Carma turned back to Crais.
"I do *not* wish to leave samples of my DNA lying around the uncharted territories," Crais stated emphatically.
Carma fought a grin. "There must be a lot of very disappointed women out there then," she said, winking at him.
Crais glared at her, too focused on her original idea to realise that she'd just paid him a compliment. "That, as you are quite aware, is not what I was referring to," he said darkly. "I do not wish to be a genetic donor for anyone, regardless of whether they offer us a tour!"
"It's nothing to worry about," Carma insisted, "I used to do this all the time. They take small samples of your blood, a few skin cells and that's it. Nothing to it and it doesn't hurt a bit."
"I am not concerned whether or not it will hurt," Crais said firmly. "I merely object to providing people I know almost nothing about with samples of my DNA."
"Everyone we've met here has been perfectly friendly," Carma said. "Well, almost everyone. We've no reason to assume that they're a threat."
"And we have no reason to trust them this much," Crais added.
"Well I'm going to go for it," Carma said, "if you want to leave, just go."
Crais glared at her, but remained where he was.
"Aren't you leaving?" she asked.
"I did promise that I would stay with you," Crais replied quietly.
"I guess you did," Carma said, "but you don't have to stay if you don't want to."
"As you said before," Crais said reluctantly, "back-up can be useful."
"Glad to hear that I'm rubbing off on you," Carma said, laughing.
Their guide returned. "I have been informed that your donations would be very welcome," he said. "Are you certain that you wish to donate?"
Carma glanced back at Crais. "Sign us up," she said cheerfully.
Crais followed her reluctantly. Unlike Carma, he was not certain of their trustworthiness. Once again, he began to question his decision to bring her on board.