Intolerance, Part 3: The calm before the storm
The crew stood in line as Minister Cain's ship docked. The airlock opened, and they got their first face-to-face look at Ulysses Cain: he was tall, slim, elderly man, dressed in a well-cut black suit. He smile broadly, and offered his hand to Dylan, "Captain Hunt, I am honoured to meet you." Dylan shook the offered hand, "Thank you Minister Cain. I would like to introduce my crew: Rebecca Valentine, my first officer. Tyr Anasazi, my tactical officer. Seamus Harper, my chief engineer. Trance Gemini, my environmental officer. And this is our ship's Avatar, Rommie."
Cain winced, "Captain, I must worn you about something: there is a growing anti-AI movement on my planet. New Salem was formed as a religious colony, and some of the more strict sects believe that AI's are a crime against God. I assure you that nether my government or myself hold that view, but it could be dangerous for your Avatar to go groundside at this time. For her own safety, I suggest that you keep the fact that she is an AI secret." Dylan nodded, "Thank you for the warning." He turned to Rommie; "You better stay on ship this time." She nodded, "I understand." Dylan led Minister Cain off on a tour of the ship.
Trance put an arm around a upset Rommie, "It's ok Rommie; we won't let anything happen to you." Rommie nodded, "I know, but now I can't spend anytime alone with Dylan." Trance hugged her friend as she started to cry, "It's ok, we're work something out." Rommie sobbed, "We love each other, why can't the rest of the universe accept that and leave us be?"
No one had noticed the face at the airlock window, a face that now disappeared.
Walking back to the Ministers ship, David Stone, head of Cain's personal security, opened a channel to the planet, "Raven to Shepard: reports of an AI onboard the Andromeda Ascendant confirmed. Also, the abomination appears to be closely attached to the ship's captain. I suggest we use that to our advantage. Raven out."
Down on New Salem, Helena Stark, Cain's deputy smiled. So, that old fool Cain thought he could use the Andromeda Ascendant against God's true believers? Well, she would soon stop him. She un-locked a drawer in her desk and pulled out a transmitter, "This is Shepard calling all flock members: Operation Damocles is Go! Go! Go!" Putting the radio back in the draw, she smiled anew: soon SHE would lead New Salem back onto the one true path.
The reception went well, and Minister Cain was very forthcoming when Dylan asked about New Salem. The two of them where chatting quietly when Rommie interrupted them, "I'm sorry, but there is a incoming communication for Minister Cain. It's your deputy, she says it's urgent." Cain nodded, "Is there somewhere I can take it privately?" Dylan nodded, "There is a com-unit just outside the door." Cain thanked them, and disappeared off for a few minuets.
When he came back, he was visibly shaken, "I'm sorry Captain Hunt, but I will have to cut this visit short: a minority of my government is worried about losing our independence if we join the Commonwealth, and are trying to stage a vote to block the motion. I must go back down and try to alleviate their fears." Dylan nodded, "Would it help if I came with you, told them what we are trying to accomplish by rebuilding the Commonwealth?" Cain scratched his head, "It may do, and it may not. Any help you can give me would be appreciated." Dylan called Beka over and told her what was happening, "We're take the Maru down. That way we can easily return when we need to." Beka nodded 2C "I'll go prep for launch." Beka turned to Tyr, "You're in command till we get back. Try not to start a war." Tyr nodded, "I'll do my best."
Dylan turned to Rommie, "You're going to have to stay here this time." Rommie nodded, doing her best to hide her emotions, "Come back safe."
TBC
