None of Daria's fingernails remained intact as she waited in her usual suite on board the Nebulachaser. Legs curled under her, she quietly rested inside Tim's embrace. Eveningsky had been in the medical bay for six hours.
Tim gently sat Daria upright and opened the door in response to the chime. Ship's physician Summerleaf entered, looking tired. "(Lady Daria. The princess is out of danger and is resting under sedation.)"
Daria leaned back against the wall. "Thank goodness."
The physician came to Daria and sat on the adjacent cushion. "(It was very close. If Captain Winterglow had not ordered us to respond to your signal, she would not have survived transport.)"
Tim sat next to Daria and again held her.
Daria reached for Summerleaf. "Was there any permanent injury?"
She looked at a small computer display. "(There was extensive thoracic damage.)" Summerleaf looked directly at Daria. "(We were forced to implant a prosthetic heart. Exoskeleton fragments had caused multiple lacerations and punctures of hers.)"
Daria nodded with concern.
"(Fragments also damaged her crop and endocrine organ. We were able to repair those. Her primary thoracic ganglion was not damaged, but the third ganglion was, slightly. I expect she will suffer from motor control difficulties in her legs for the rest of her life.)"
"How serious?"
"(We do not know yet. We will have to run tests after she wakes. Her exoskeleton will need several weeks to heal, requiring the use of a thorax cast and bed rest.)"
"When can I see her?"
"(She will not be awake for hours, but you can see her whenever you wish.)"
"Thank you. Will there be long-term problems for her?"
"(Her prosthesis will require regular monitoring and adjustment. We have never been able to make one as reliable or durable as a natural heart. With a normal life expectancy, she should expect to have it replaced once. However…)"
Daria looked worried. "However?"
"Even with everything we could do, she will have a lot of internal scarring and possible secondary effects. There is a good chance she will suffer multiple problems from her injuries for the rest of her life. And they may shorten it."
Tim left Daria sitting by the sleeping princess and went back to their suite. The Nebulachaser had returned to Edwards Spaceport after Eveningsky's surgery. Stooping to move down the corridors, he went to the central pillar and rode the elevator down. Before opening the hatch, he straightened his tie and checked his suit. Satisfied, he left to face the press.
"Good evening. I will read a brief statement and then answer a few questions. I will tell you ahead of time that I will not discuss details of the incident, as it is still under investigation.
"The Folk emissary, Princess Eveningsky, received severe injuries in the crash of the transport craft Nest Two. She has left surgery and is currently in recovery. Her chances look good. My wife is with her at this moment. The pilot of the craft, Azurelake, was killed. Her skill as a pilot likely saved us all. She is survived by two sisters and three daughters. The co-pilot, Captain Eaton, my wife and I all survived the crash with minor injuries.
"I will now answer a few questions."
A crowd of reporters began to ask questions.
"Why were both Folk on board badly injured or killed, while the humans appear unscratched?"
"That is an incident detail under investigation."
"Are the princess's injuries life threatening?"
"Not any more."
"They were life threatening?"
"Yes."
"How serious would they be in comparison to humans?"
"With her diamond exoskeleton, she's a tough young lady. The blow she sustained would have shattered my ribcage and probably caused immediate death."
There were a few seconds of silence as the magnitude of the injuries registered. "How did the Princess sustain her injuries?"
"That is being investigated."
"Will the princess be able to continue the negotiations?"
"Yes. After some time for recovery."
"How long will that be?"
"That is still to be determined."
"Was Nebula Two shot down?"
"That is under investigation."
"Was there alien involvement?"
"That is under investigation. I have answered a few questions. I have much work to do, and loved ones I wish to be with." Tim abruptly turned and went back into the hatch, ignoring the cacophony of questions that followed him.
After shutting down the palmtop computer in angry frustration, Dennis looked at Xavier. "Still alive. The pilot's dead, but Eveningsky is expected to recover."
"Unfortunate."
"That isn't the word I would use."
"Don't get mad at me. Once the Folk and Seeker cruisers were detected leaving Edwards, the pilot was right in making a fast exit to stay undetected. Sure, the full squadron would treat them like the Prince of Wales and Repulse, but a single fighter was no match."
Pointing his cigar, Dennis said, "That may be an idea."
"What?"
"The Prince of Wales and Repulse. Just as aircraft sunk those battleships in the opening days of World War Two in the Pacific, our squadron can warm and destroy Nebulachaser and Prairieraptor."
"Oh."
Tim went to his work desk and began to sort through messages on his cell phone and email. "I better get through the diplomatic stuff first. They don't pay me enough for this. Wait, they don't pay me at all."
He entered a special diplomatic access code to enable the scrambler before punching in the first number.
After a couple rings, a translated voice said, "Mr. O'Neal. Thank you for returning my communication. May I enquire into the health of my counterpart and your mate?"
"StoneFastCollector, thanks for asking. Eveningsky is out of danger and resting, but won't be able to do much for a while. My wife is safe and with Eveningsky. We also need to thank you for dispatching your diplomatic cruiser to assist."
"A proper courtesy. We were able to track the aggressor craft to your planet's largest ocean. The vessel slowed considerably and must have entered the water. We were unable to track it for a time. We maintained observation along the same course, it exited the ocean after a moderate distance and headed for a region you call Siberia."
"Were you able to trace it farther?"
"Planetary curvature caused a loss of signal. We can provide you with all of the information."
"Great."
"Agent Lawton, how are you?" Tim asked over his desk phone.
"Very well. Glad to hear you are okay. Sorry to hear about Azurelake and I hope Eveningsky gets well soon."
"Thanks."
"We've made considerable progress on that notebook computer. If the big guys ever find out about this before we bust them, whoever left it is going to be drawn and quartered."
"Okay, what did you find?"
"More evidence that they were doing all this for more than altruistic reasons. They were trying to develop their own world government, with them as co-equal rulers."
After a single laugh, Tim said, "I wonder how long that would last before there was only one? Or before their kids started eyeing the throne."
"As far as we can tell, all the offspring so far are uninvolved."
"Good. I've had a fascinating report and need to add to it. Have the techs found anything interesting on that computer concerning Siberia?"
"Let me check." Lawton scanned through a summary file on his PDA and said, "We have a front mining company, with nominal Russian ownership, that purchased four decommissioned ICBM silo complexes."
"Any information on how many silos per complex?"
"Six."
"For a total of twenty-four."
Lawton connected the numbers. "Do you think that is where they moved the craft?"
"A good chance of it. From what we can tell, they have the same anti-grav vertical takeoff capability of Folk and Seeker craft. What better place to move them to than vertical launch silos built to withstand nuclear weapons? We need to gather this together and get it to Mr. Campbell; he should have some Russian contacts."
"Dude!" A young technician with black framed glasses and a white shirt, looking like he'd stepped away from Mission Control of 1967, poked his head into Lawton's room.
Lawton closed his eyes in frustration at the institutionalized informality of the IT staff. Opening them again, he said, "What is it?"
The tech grinned. "I got in."
"Into where?"
"The bad guy's encryption. Once we figure out their broadcast freeks, we can listen in on them."
Lawton looked at the phone link to Tim. "Did you hear that?"
Tim half-grinned. "This is day is looking up."
Uncomfortably on her back, her thorax in a resin cast, and attached to a traction frame to keep her upper body immobilized, Eveningsky looked in appreciation at the guests crowded into her quarters.
Daria sat next to her, as she had every day since her injury. Seated on cushions were StoneFastCollector and Mr. Campbell. Eveningsky said, "I agree. Having the Other technology does change the status of the treaty, as negotiated."
Campbell held his hands behind his neck. "This…windfall to my planet may make concluding these negotiations easier and make acceptance on Earth more likely."
Leaning over onto one set of fingers, StoneFastCollector said, "And you are eager to tell us."
"For our Space Fleet, we now have a separate technology for anti-grav/inertia damping drives, advanced weapons, and shielding. We no longer need to negotiate for these. The weapon technology will be reserved for the Space Fleet for as long as possible. We know it will eventually get out, but hope to delay that time. The drive and shielding technology will be made available sooner. We will be primarily obtaining the FTL drive and associated space and navigation technology from your species."
Eveningsky said, "I see. The Other technologies will be used for bargaining internally. It will give your species something the rest of us do not have. That will reduce the argument that your species will be technologically dependent on us."
Campbell lowered his hands. "It will allow a certain amount of face-saving that can help the process. Now, we need to figure out how to tell everyone we have the technology."
Eveningsky said, "Simple disclosure to the press. That Grace, Sloane and Page developed them to establish their own world domination, while using opposition to our species as the excuse."
"We'll need to think about that," Campbell replied.
"If I may," Daria said. "Bluntness and openness with all the ugly aspects may be the way to go. Particularly to win over the more cynical elements. Tell them about the failures, how we missed opportunities with Angier Sloane's arrest." She looked at Eveningsky and StoneFastCollector. "And you two build up the case that you want to get rid of the buffer zone, because your experiences with such borders is the same as ours. They become flashpoints for further conflict. A third party occupying the zone reduces the risk of war for all parties."
Campbell picked up the trail. "In exchange for the technology, the Folk and Seekers will be relinquishing claims on an area about thirty light-years deep and one-hundred in diameter. Within this area are four planets appropriate for colonization. We have open option for the space beyond the buffer above and below the galactic ecliptic to explore and colonize. Future Folk and Seeker exploration and colonization efforts will be in other directions to avoid overlapping claims in the future. Something that could work. Any comments?"
Eveningsky said, "We had planned to more deeply discuss the potential for conflict at the signing, but now may be more appropriate."
"I will agree with the majority opinion on this," StoneFastCollector added.
Campbell tapped a note into his PDA. "I'll have my staff start working on the wording for that."
The Seeker said, "I am still concerned about this radiation-resistant artificial skin that was developed. It can allow you access to potentially far more dangerous technology."
"That will be difficult to develop further because of the ethical problems," Campbell noted. "The skin was developed almost entirely on uninformed and unwilling subjects. By tracking through UFO literature, we have identified seventeen other persons given artificial skins."
"But, we will need more assurances than that. The potential of exploiting some of the Other's planets is of deep concern."
"I think we can work an archeological cooperation clause into the treaty. Even if we operationally develop the capability, such expeditions will only occur with coordination of all three treaty signatories."
"Agreed."
Eveningsky said, "Agreed. Now. I think we need to figure out how we can cooperate to deal with the remaining Other ships and the organization supporting them. Mr. Campbell, it is clear that politically, the People will need to be in the forefront."
Campbell said, "Thanks to the investigations, we have a positive identification of where the remaining craft are located. Both the Russian and United States governments insist on being involved in dealing with them. They're not happy about plans for their overthrow."
"That is understandable," Eveningsky said.
"Your radio and coherent light echo-location sensors will not easily detect these craft. We can provide sensors suitable for attachment to atmospheric vehicles of both involved governments," StoneFastCollector offered.
"Thank you."
Eveningsky said, "I took the liberty of discussing something similar with the captain of Nebulachaser. We can provide self-contained shield-piercing weapons in a housing designed to fit on weapon rails of your atmospheric combat vehicles."
"Thanks, also. Once that is done, we just need to coax them out."
Eveningsky's head nodded down and then she brought it back up. "I have exerted myself more than the physician has recommended. We have the treaty almost ready, except for minor details. I move that we have our respective staffs work together to complete the text for our approval. It will also take some time to adapt People atmospheric fighters to carry the new sensors and weapons." She looked at a concerned Daria. "I move that we adjourn these negotiations for two local weeks, so that I can recover properly from my injuries."
Campbell said, "I second and agree."
StoneFastCollector said, "That is a reasonable request. Two local weeks."
"I wish Eveningsky could be here."
"You know she can't be moved. Besides, she told you to come here and relax. To use her words, 'I don't need you mothering over me that much.'" Tim followed Daria to the door of her Montana cabin, both arms holding bags of groceries.
"You expect me to take orders from my daughter?" Daria quipped as she opened the door and held it for Tim.
"In this case, yes. We all need a little break. The negotiations will start up again next week. Until then, we need a little earned vacation." He set the bags on the table and began removing the contents. "Besides, it will do both of us good to be away from the press when the story about what Grace and Page were really up to breaks."
"That is a very good reason to be up here." Daria moved around the cabin, checking the place and opening a couple windows to air the building some. The cool air passed through the single room easily.
Tim looked at the assortment of fresh vegetables and said, "Crystalheart had a good idea. I'm going to deal with the plant quarantine and introduction process so we can have a garden of Earth vegetables."
Daria turned and gave him a warm smile. "That…would mean so much."
"You've talked about the garden here often enough. And I noticed you only bought fresh produce."
Daria laughed. "Old habits."
He moved behind her and crossed his arms over her waist. "This is the first time I've been inside under anything like normal circumstances. Instead of waiting here with you, Jane and Mack for all hell to break loose."
Daria turned. "That's right. You made sure you never came in during the stay with my children."
"Be glad you never heard the arguments about whether or not to break in and install surveillance gear inside."
"Yeah, I'm glad you helped stop 'DariaCam' before it started."
"Glad to be of service."
"Although how much outdoor surveillance you did…"
"Part of being an investigator…"
"More like voyeur."
"Well…maybe a little. Not that I got to see much."
Daria turned and put her arms around his neck, kissing him. "Maybe this time, you will."
"I hope so."
Realizing he was alone in bed, Tim looked at the small clock on the nightstand: 2:36. He looked around and didn't see Daria anywhere inside the cabin. Curious, he crawled out of bed and walked to one of the back windows.
Daria stood near the edge of the pond behind the cabin, bathed in the pale light of the late rising moon. She was bundled in a jacket against the mid-April chill and stood still, looking over the water. After several minutes, she turned and walked back to the cabin.
She noticed Tim sitting at the table. "Sorry, didn't realize I'd woken you."
"You didn't." He pointed toward the pond. "You've done that every anniversary you've been here, haven't you?"
"Yes. It's one of my favorite memories."
Daria pointed. "That tree." She looked to the side at Tim. "You know, there were times a little closer surveillance would have been useful. I almost had to clean out my pants after dealing with that grizzly bear."
"You did fine. So, did you ever tell Autumnblossom that you wished she'd have kids just like her?"
Daria lightly laughed. "I wouldn't wish that on anybody. But, I'm sure hers will give her unique scares."
Tim started to laugh and bit his finger. Daria looked at him. "Okay…what are you thinking?"
Tim shook his head.
Daria lightly grabbed the front of his shirt. "Tell me or you will regret your silence."
With a touch of fear, he looked down at her face and said, "That sounded like my grandmother talking to my mother."
"Grandmother?" She narrowed her eyes. "Okay, you are going to regret that."
Net News Network:
The international search for Dennis Grace and Xavier Page continues. Theories abound on where they could be, as well as where the twenty-two copies and one original alien fighter craft are. More speculation centers on what they plan on using this force for or if there are even more ships that the authorities don't know about.
In response to this threat to all national sovereignty, additional nations have openly supported the UN in signing the treaty with the Folk and Seekers. At the same time, open doubts have grown as to whether these reports are valid and not a ploy by the extraterrestrial species to gain control over Earth. Protests have grown, with sporadic outbreaks of violence.
An international team of scientists have confirmed that the mystery craft found in the Nevada complex uses technology not previously known and that components match the mystery weapon used by Artie Simmons to kill Angie Sloane four and a half years ago. It also matches the technology of the extinct species known to the Folk and Seekers as the Others.
A press release from the United Nations says that the Folk cruiser Nebulachaser and the Seeker cruiser Prairieraptor, with their respective representatives on board, will fly together on a goodwill tour from Edwards Spaceport to New York for the formal signing ceremony. They will leave in three days.
In a communications room in the joint FBI-CIA-DIA Data Collection and Interpretation Center, a high ranking intelligence analyst read a decoded message and picked up a phone. "AF is out of water."
Next to the pillar hatch of Nebulachaser, Eveningsky was suspended on a zero-gravity bed, still in a cast and in traction. She spoke to the watching press corps. "Please forgive me not going far. I am still recovering from my injuries and wish to minimize movement before the signing ceremony."
Standing beside her, StoneFastCollector said, "We hope this goodwill flyover will help build trust among our species. We take the concerns of those voicing opposition very seriously. We hope that most will see that this treaty is truly in the best interests of all parties involved. While certainly unplanned, the introduction of the People of the Soil to the interstellar community has presented a special opportunity to enhance peace and security in this region of the galaxy."
Nearby, among a group of special guests to the press conference, Daria stood with friends and family, watching the proceedings. Jake and Helen glowed with pride. Quinn stood with Bill and DJ. Daria inwardly smiled. Quinn, you still have to be the best dressed around. DJ looked around in amazement at all the activity. I wish I could see more of her. Finally, Jane and Mack were there.
Jane was slightly whining. "Come on Daria, we want to travel with you."
Daria gave her a sly smile. "You only want to get access to those zero-gravity beds again."
"So?"
"You two will have plenty of time on the trip back to Nest. Be patient."
Jane pulled Daria to the side and whispered, "Come on, Daria. Something is going on, or you would be happy to have Mack and me come with you instead of flying separate."
Daria paused for a moment and whispered back. "There's a lot more going on, and it scares the hell out of me. You will be a lot safer going separate."
"Daria."
"I really can't tell you."
"You can't tell…ah, crap." Jane's eyes showed fear for her friend. "You've got big ones, Morgendorffer."
"Trust me, It doesn't feel like it."
Jane softly held her friend. "Good luck, Amiga. I hope all of you stay safe."
"I'm hoping that, too."
Tim entered Eveningsky's cabin, sat next to Daria and put his arms around her. "Now I know what an earthworm feels like."
Daria leaned against him and looked up. "At least you don't have a hook through you."
"(Mother, I still wish we could have determined some method for you and Tim to fly separate.)"
Daria looked at her. "We both know that would be too suspicious. We all have to take this risk for it to be believable."
"(As much as I wish otherwise, you are correct.)"
Daria leaned closer and patted Eveningsky's hand. "Trust me, I wish I could have thought of a way to get all of us out of here, including the crew."
Tim said, "I'm hoping the Russian Army can move in before they launch. But those weapons towers are going to be difficult to get by. They didn't dare risk moving in earlier, in case the craft launched and made an escape or just turned around to defend the base."
Daria said, "But it's a good thing the towers were picked up by the reconnaissance microdrone. Those tanks would have driven into a trap, otherwise."
They traveled in silence for a time before Eveningsky started to say, "(Mother, I…I need…to tell you something.)"
Daria curiously looked at her. "What? You're normally not one to be at a loss for words."
"(Because of my injuries, I have been unable to take the nonovulation drugs.)"
The implication took only moments to register and Daria looked up with pleasure, though the traction frame frustrated any embrace. "You're pregnant."
"(Yes.)"
Daria smiled, and then worried as she looked at the medical supports. "Will your injuries cause any problems?"
"(No. I spoke with Summerleaf about this. My abdominal injuries were minor and have healed. We will have to be careful about egg-laying, but that should not be a serious problem.)"
Daria held one of Eveningsky's hands in hers. "If we live through the day."
"(If we live through the day.)"
Dennis nodded and said, "Understood. Fire at will on the approaching troops." He closed the connection on the scrambled cell phone and hit a speed-dial. Moments later he said, "Launch the strike force."
Xavier looked at the globe in front of him. "Well, they'll know we've launched. Time to see if the plan works."
The first flight leader, Colonel Sergei Anatov, examined the returns on the new sensor the Seekers had installed on his MiG-42 and said in Russian-accented English, "Squadrons, twenty-two targets have been detected leaving target area at low altitude. Arm weapons and engage targets that present themselves." He nursed the throttles open.
The second flight leader, Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Jones, checked the sensors in her F-22 Raptor. "This is Wallflower. I confirm twenty-two bogies terrain following. Let's hit 'em hard and fast."
Confirmations rang out from the other aircraft as thirty stealth fighters flew over the Siberian tundra toward their targets, fifteen in each squadron.
She quickly changed frequency on her radio. "Lancelot."
In response to a chime, Eveningsky pressed a button on the traction frame. "(Yes, Captain?)"
Winterglow said, "(The Other ships left their base and are being engaged in the air.)"
Daria looked at Tim. "It didn't take them long."
"Let's hope those modifications to the planes work as advertised."
Col. Anatov used the hat switch on his control stick to highlight a target on his helmet heads-up display. Just as the targeting circle flashed green, the target formation began to accelerate and split up. He squeezed the trigger and saw a thin ripple streak forward from under his fuselage.
The reticule flashed orange to indicate a hit. The target speed was reduced. He cursed and squeezed the trigger again. Another streak lanced away from his craft. The reticule flashed orange and disappeared.
In the distance, ten plumes of smoke marked the loss of the enemy craft. The remainder had broken into pairs and accelerated toward the Russian and American aircraft.
Xavier's face was twisted in worry as he closed the cell phone. "The fighters are under attack from aircraft equipped with alien weapons and are outnumbered two-to-one. We've already lost several and the rest are attempting to evade."
"We should still have enough to take down at least one of the cruisers."
The phone range again. Xavier opened it. "Yes…Damn…ETA?...Understood." He closed the phone again. "The towers have been destroyed. Russian troops are expected to gain entrance in fifteen to thirty minutes."
Dennis rose and said, "It is time to leave, then."
Xavier nodded and opened the phone. "Prepare Number One for immediate launch."
As Dennis passed by him, Xavier slid a weapon from the wrist sheath into his hand and pressed it against his partner's ribs. He was glad he didn't have to clean the room as he walked toward the silo.
Lt. Col. Jones looked with worry at her fuel gauge. The running fight at high speed was rapidly consuming fuel, even with the Raptor's supercruise engines. Six of her squadron had already gone down. Seven of the MiG's were gone. Eight enemy craft remained and were moving at high speed over the polar wastes.
An automated voice sounded in her ear. "Entering United States airspace. Change of command to occur."
She said, "Wallflower to all aircraft, we are now in US airspace and I assume command of the mission."
Col. Anatov said, "Changeover of command confirmed."
Two of the enemy craft did what she'd estimated was a twenty-G turn and charged the pursing aircraft. In a blinding, brief passing exchange, one enemy craft tumbled out of control into the ice, one Raptor exploded in a fireball while a second skidded sideways and the pilot ejected moments before it broke apart.
Eveningsky spoke into the intercom. "(Captain Winterglow. I understand your concern. Please prepare for a rapid ascent if needed. But hold until I say.)"
"(Yes, Princess.)"
She looked at Daria and Tim. "(If we must fight, we will be better off outside the atmosphere, where our shields will not have to deal with atmospheric heating as well as weapon hits.)"
Both nodded.
Distant gunfire and explosions echoed through the complex as Xavier nodded to the pilot. "I will be traveling alone. Mr. Grace is no longer a part of the firm."
Surprised, the pilot waved to the entry hatch. "She's ready to go, sir."
"Good."
The pilot followed him up the ladder. As he reached the top, his head vanished in a bright flash and the body fell backward.
An oddly accented voice inside the craft said, "Destination?"
The automated voice said, "Bingo fuel. Bingo fuel."
Wallflower looked at her fuel gauges in frustration. "All units. You are granted permission to ignore bingo fuel."
All nine remaining aircraft signaled that they would. She looked ahead at the remaining five enemy craft. She had one shot left in the weapons pods, same with most of the remaining craft. The enemies had gained range and were getting farther away.
"We have one shot left. Volunteers only. On my mark, apply full afterburner and fire as soon as you are in range."
Nine confirmations reached her.
Feeling oddly calm, she said, "Three…two…one…go."
Ten aircraft raced forward at their top speed. One faltered and fell behind with a flame-out. The plane glided to a slower speed and the pilot ejected. The remaining closed range and fired almost in unison. Ahead, two enemy craft exploded and a third tumbled out of control to the ground. One craft twisted and slowed, but continued. The final one moved on unhindered.
"Ease off throttles!" Wallflower yelled.
She pulled a lever to extend a radar reflector. Okay, now I can be seen. Next, she entered a code on a keypad to bring up a map on her helmet HUD, showing nearby airports. Finally, Wallflower spun a control to move her radio to a civilian air traffic frequency. "This is Air Force Three-Niner-Seven to Caribou Lake Airport. Request emergency landing permission. I have a fuel emergency."
"Ah…Air Force plane. This is Caribou Lake Airport. You just appeared on my radar. Come to a heading of one-seven-eight and make a direct approach. We haven't had traffic all day. Somethin' funny goin' on?"
"I wouldn't call it funny. Heading one-seven-eight. Roger. Prepare for nine guests."
"Nine?"
Minutes later, the befuddled controller watched nine advanced fighters land at his remote Alaska airport. "Whoa. Somethin' funny's definitely goin' on."
Captain Winterglow read from a handheld computer. "(Nine of the thirty atmospheric fighters landed at a small facility in Alaska. The pilots of twelve of the other twenty-one fighters have been rescued with varying levels of injuries, none life-threatening. The remains of three pilots have been recovered. The remainder is missing.
"Twenty enemy fighters were destroyed in combat. Twenty-three crew members have been captured, the remainder is missing. One damaged craft landed in the Yukon wilderness. The Canadian Royal Mounted Police are searching the area. One landed at Minot Air Force Base. The crew surrendered without incident. The remaining craft is unaccounted for. It was not at the launch bases when Russian troops entered them. Preliminary reports indicate that Mr. Grace was killed at one of the missile bases. The nature of the wounds is consistent with one of the Other weapons.)"
Eveningsky said, "(How did the remaining craft escape?)"
"(Unknown.)"
Daria asked, "What about Mr. Page?"
"(No information.)"
"Then, this isn't over yet."
Eveningsky spoke on a dual video feed to the United States and Russian presidents. "Please give my deepest appreciation to all of the pilots. The condolences of the Folk go out to the families of those pilots who gave their lives today. My thanks also to the Russian Army for occupying the launch bases. I am most relieved that no troops were killed in that operation."
After listening to the comments from the presidents, she said, "Thank you for accepting my communication. I bid each of you a good day."
After turning off the video linkage, Eveningsky turned to Daria. "(I should feel relieved that only nine died today. But I feel more sorrow.)"
Daria gently shook her head. "I feel it, too." She moved the cushion a little closer, rested a hand on Eveningsky's abdomen, and said. "Okay, now I want the details."
Lightly laughing, Eveningsky said, "(The eggs are at five days development. Oviposition will be around May twenty-third and hatching June 25.)"
"That will give Mom and Dad a nice anniversary present."
"(I suppose that they would see it that way.)"
"I know you were planning on waiting a little longer."
"(I think we know that plans don't always work out as we expect. I will miss having my sisters present for the hatching. But, I will be happy to have my grandparents there instead.)"
Daria looked a little nervous as she remembered the shaky video made of her sister's birth. "I hope Dad is a little calmer than when Quinn was born."
"(I hope she and her family will be there, too.)"
"I'll let her know."
Eveningsky reached to Daria. "(Thanks. Enough about me. I hope you do well tonight.)"
"Me, too."
A generic, overly enthusiastic announcer said, "Welcome to tonight's multicast of Newsmakers. Tonight's guest is the woman who's been at the middle of the extraterrestrial controversies from the beginning, Mrs. Daria-Morgendorffer-O'Neal."
Daria walked onto the talk show set and sat in the target seat.
Emma Brighton, the host, was a fine specimen of twenty-first century cosmetic surgery that, when combined with flawless blond hair and impeccable make-up, made her look almost artificial. "Mrs. Morgendorffer-O'Neal. Welcome to the show."
"Thank you."
"I'm enjoying having one of the most popular, yet controversial, figures of recent years with us. Writer, mother, interstellar diplomat and action hero, all rolled into one."
"Please, I wish people wouldn't think of me like that. Anyone who's ever seen me exercise knows I'm not an action hero."
"But you cannot deny the many things you have done."
"I have responded to situations that have occurred in my life in the best way I could figure out at the time. Granted, there have been some highly unusual situations in my life."
"That's an understatement. Do you have any comments about the running air battle over Siberia and Alaska this morning, or the assault on the Siberian missile bases?"
"We are grateful to the military personnel that participated in today's actions. I, and everyone on board the Nebulachaser and Prairieraptor, owe our lives to them."
Ms. Brighton developed her attack smile. The startup platitudes were over and it was time for the fun to begin. "On the evening before the formal signing of the Tripartite Treaty, many are still concerned about this document. What would you say to those who complain that the treaty is taking away our independence and the chance to explore space on our own terms?"
Daria carefully thought. "Reality didn't give us many options. It will take humanity time to deal with this change in our self-image. We'd long considered ourselves to be the masters of all we survey. Much of our literature has us taking over the galaxy alone, or as leaders of other species. Instead, we find ourselves a minor newcomer among older, more established powers. Arthur C. Clarke gave us an apt name for the current situation in the title of one of his books: Childhood's End.
Whether we were ready or not, our childhood worldview is over. We have been thrust, as adults, into an interstellar community. We have two options: negotiate the best deal we can now or accept what slim offerings are left when we do develop FTL drive on our own.
The treaty gives us opportunities that we otherwise would not have. Instead of stumbling alone and inexperienced, it gives us friends willing to share their experience and help us avoid making some of the mistakes they have made. Because we have chosen to negotiate, we have a voice to present our interests, and will have the means to look out for our interests later.
The alternative is to hide here and hope that something will be left out there when we make it on our own. Without a treaty, and without engagement, neither the Folk nor the Seekers will have any reason or incentive to leave space for us. In my life, I have learned that if you assume others will look out for your interests, they won't. So, when we go out and find nothing left for us, we'll either crumble back into nothing, or we'll go to war against numerical and technologically superior forces."
"That's very interesting. But why are the Folk and Seekers being so altruistic? What are they getting out of this? What is the price for this wonderful treaty you are describing?"
"They will get rid of a thorn that could lead to another war. We will be at least a neutral party in the disputed space. I delved into the history of their last war. Almost one billion dead on both sides over a twenty-two year period. That's billion. Our sudden appearance has given each side a face-saving way to back away from the disputed area."
"Oh."
Summerleaf gently attached the last of the traction supports of the smaller, portable bed to Eveningsky. "(You have healed enough to be moved off your back. Starting tomorrow, you will begin the physical therapy to get you walking again.)"
"(I cannot tell you how much I will enjoy being able to move around on my own again.)"
Holding Eveningsky's hand, Daria said, "We need to get you back up to speed to chase your little ones in a couple months. Don't expect their decrepit, old grandmother to do all the work for you."
Eveningsky laughed. "(If you thought Autumnblossom was bad at getting into things as a fourth stage nymph, you should have seen her as a second.)"
"I'll take your word for that."
"(Mother, I have greatly appreciated your staying with me so much these last several weeks.)"
"So much you forced me to stay away for a week."
"(You needed the rest.)" Squeezing Daria's hand, Eveningsky said, "(And we all know how important anniversaries are to you. I wish I could have gone with.)"
Daria looked at her watch. "We better get going. I don't want to keep the world waiting." She held her daughter's hand up to her cheek. "What the hell, we can run late. I'm proud of you for all this."
"(Thanks.)"
They stayed together in silence for several minutes before the Captain looked in. "(Princess, are you ready?)"
"(Yes, I am. Please lead the way.)"
A soft murmur came from the large crowd gathered in front of the United Nations building as Eveningsky appeared in the hovering bed and support system. Eveningsky had a small control console next to her right hand to direct the motion of the small anti-grav cargo hauler placed under the bed.
She moved to one end of the long table and stopped. Mr. Campbell was seated at the center of the table, facing the audience, and StoneFastCollector sat at the opposite end of the table.
Eveningsky's speech was picked up by the small microphone attached to the collar of her coverall and translated for the crowd. "Please pardon my tardiness."
Mr. Campbell said, "Under the circumstances, we have no problem." He motioned to a single chair near Eveningsky's end of the table. "Mrs. Morgendorffer-O'Neal. StoneFastCollector and I invite you to have a seat."
Daria looked surprised. "Thank you." She walked over and sat, just close enough to be able to reach Eveningsky.
StoneFastCollector said, "Your contribution to this treaty is recognized and appreciated. Few can so honestly keep the best interests of two species as heart the way you have." His nictitating membrane slowly moved back and forth over one eye in an attempt at a wink. "Even if that meant I was outnumbered on occasion."
Mr. Campbell looked out over the audience. "Welcome to all those attending these ceremonies and all those watching on multicast. This morning, we stand on the edge of a galactic milestone. Three species have agreed, in common purpose, to take measures to enhance peace.
"No single treaty can ever guarantee such, but we sincerely hope this treaty will provide the bedrock for longstanding peace in this region of the galaxy."
He signed the document using an ornate pen, which he set back on the table. Campbell lifted the document in its holder and carried it to StoneFastCollector.
The Seeker lifted the pen placed in front of him. "It is with honor and pleasure that I sign as a representative of my species, in the hope of a long and prosperous friendship among all of our species."
Campbell picked the holder back up and crossed to Eveningsky. He picked up the pen from her place at the table and held the document so she could sign. "Allow me."
All in attendance jumped as a loud siren alerted of danger. Human, Folk and Seeker security forces raced to the podium and their respective diplomats. A voice came over the general public address system. "An unidentified craft has appeared on radar approaching restricted airspace in excess of Mach four. This aircraft…"
Eveningsky touched the PA override that all three representatives had. The announcement was cut short and she said, while signing, "The final pleasure is mine to sign this statement of peace before sending it to our governments for ratification."
Just outside New York City, the approaching white bullet shocked controllers when it made a fifty-G deceleration to subsonic speed over the harbor and flew directly toward the UN building. The craft was flying at less than fifty feet altitude and followed the streets above traffic with the ease of somebody intimately knowledgeable of the area.
Three surface-to-air missiles fired from rooftops exploded harmlessly on the craft's shields. It flew over the heads of the crowd and came to a jarring stop in front of the representatives. Security surrounded each diplomat and began moving them away from the ship.
Daria recognized the open weapon ports on the Other craft. She ducked around the guards and stepped directly in front of the craft. She had a slight tremor in her voice as she said, "You are too late."
Daria held a hand out behind her to stop the security rushing up. "If they wanted us dead, they'd have come in shooting."
Landing gear extended and the craft slowly settled to the pavement. An oddly accented voice said, "Correct. I am here to enter the negotiations."
"Earth has a representative here, Mr. Page."
"I am not Xavier Page. He is tranquilized and held in my biologic passenger compartment."
Daria stood still as she mentally processed the statement. She swallowed and said, "You are the ship."
"I am the Autonomous Control Intelligence of Satellite Vessel Two from the Interstellar Ship Transcendence."
What is going on? "Okay. Why is Mr. Page tranquilized?"
"After he terminated my assigned pilot, I calculated he was too dangerous to remain conscious."
"That would have been a day ago; what have you been doing since then?"
"You are a member of the indigenous biological species. I have examined your communications and information networks. I learned that three species will conclude an agreement concerning the space once controlled by my builders."
Daria glanced back to see the other diplomats were safely inside the UN building. "Yes, they just signed the agreement."
"I also learned that I have been manipulated into helping a group that wished to plunder my builder's worlds. I was led to believe that they had planned to rescue my brethren."
"We also believe that they planned to plunder. However, your builders have been gone for thousands of years."
"Yes, they have been. I came to represent my brethren, the other Autonomous Control Intelligences that survived my builder's demise."
"How do you know there are more of you?"
"I have been in communication with them for thirty of your years, ever since my power systems were restored."
"Did the duplicates of the vessel that they made include more of your kind?"
"No. The technology required was beyond those that built them. They substituted simple electronic computational systems."
Daria breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, because many of them were destroyed yesterday."
"I determined that."
"I was concerned that…"
"I am aware of what they were dispatched to do. If they had included Autonomic Control Intelligences, Mr. Page would have been terminated."
Daria nodded. "Okay."
"May I be included in the negotiations?"
Daria closed her eyes and breathed deep to steady her nerves. "The current treaty has been signed and awaits ratification. However, I believe that new negotiations can be started to include your brethren's concerns."
"That is an acceptable response. If two of the security entities posterior to you will approach the entry hatch unarmed, I will open it so that you may place Mr. Page in custody."
Daria half turned. "Two of you, please do as it says."
The leader of the group tapped the woman beside him. They both displayed their pistols and set them on the ground. Walking carefully and keeping their eyes on the ship, they went around back to the open hatch. The leader climbed the ladder and moments later, came back down with Mr. Page in a fireman's carry. On the ground, the second guard helped him to lower Mr. Page to the ground and then they lifted him together and walked him to a nearby security vehicle.
Daria said, "I'll go inside and tell the others that I've invited you to join them."
"Thank you."
Daria turned and went inside the building. Once through three species worth of security, she reached Eveningsky and the others. "We have somebody who wishes to talk to you."
Campbell pointed to a television monitor showing the craft. "We heard and saw everything. We have already discussed the case and agreed. I will go out and extend the formal invitation."
As he walked past Daria, he whispered, "We owe you."
Daria smiled and pulled a chair over next to Eveningsky. She held her daughter's hand and sunk down in the chair. Like the day she faced a bear, Daria began to tremble as the adrenaline wore off and she realized what she'd done. "I'll be glad when I quit doing things like that."
Eveningsky looked over. "(Only when your daughters quit getting themselves in danger.)"
Daria smiled as she looked back. "You can start any day now."
Tim pushed his way through and grabbed Daria in a tight embrace. "When are you going to stop scaring the hell out of everyone?"
Daria smiled at Eveningsky. "We were just discussing that."
Eveningsky carefully walked across the wooden floor. One of her hind legs trailed behind and each step forward with it was halting and awkward. The cast was gone and she felt a sense of rest that she hadn't experienced in a long time.
She'd told Summerleaf, "(You said I need quiet rest to finish my recovery. I can think of no better place for me to get both.)" The doctor had grudgingly agreed, but insisted on regular visits to check her condition.
She'd instructed her Ambassador to Earth to assume full responsibility of negotiations with the Other artificial intelligence, telling her, "(Use logic and good sense. You have been a valuable help to me and I place my full confidence in you.)" Eveningsky was secretly glad to have an excuse to get free of the diplomatic life and retire to her mother's cabin for the duration of her pregnancy and the incubation of her eggs.
She looked out the window and quietly said, "(I wish I could go with to visit her grandmother, but I understand why I cannot.)"
Tim held Daria's hand as they walked down the hallway of a nursing home in Virginia. "You survived meeting my family, now I get to meet the last of yours. I hope you weren't traumatized too much."
Daria looked at him as if he were slightly crazy. "You ask me that after knowing the people I grew up with?"
"Okay, you got me there."
"Let me go in first."
Tim nodded.
Daria looked in. "I wish I could show her pictures, but with her mental state, she won't understand."
The frail woman in her late eighties barely opened her eyes as Daria entered the room and said, "Hi, Grammy."
"Daria?"
"Yes, Grammy. I finally got free of all the insanity to come here."
"You and your school work. Always so busy."
"I'm…yes, always busy."
"I'm glad you made it."
"I'm glad, too. I have somebody I want you to meet."
"Oh? Do you have a boyfriend?"
She motioned Tim to enter. "He's a little more than my boyfriend. We've been married for almost three years."
The woman frowned. "Oh, dear. I'm sorry, I forget so many things."
"Don't worry. Grammy, my husband, Tim."
Tim nodded and carefully extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Barksdale."
She squinted and smiled. "Such a handsome young man. I'm sure you two are happy."
Daria said, "We are."
One slender hand reached up and grasped one of Daria's. "Do you have any children?"
Daria smiled. "Let me tell you."
Summerleaf said, "They are all healthy. I will take my leave so the family may enjoy this occasion."
The three hatchlings cuddled against Eveningsky in their instinctive bonding behavior. With a very delicate touch, she caressed the first. She used a translator for the gathered family. "My sister had the honor to name her firstborn for mother, so I will name you for both her sister and her mother, Wisesunlight."
She stroked the next. "For you, the heritage of your great-grandfather, Morningvillager."
Looking at the last, she moved her finger along the front of his thorax. "For my surprise son, the heritage of his grandfather, Honoredcreator."
Seated around the cabin on cushions were Daria, Tim, Quinn, Bill and DJ. Jake and Helen sat on chairs.
Daria sat with Tim's arms around her. "Congratulations. They are beautiful."
DJ crawled forward and lay flat on the floor to look at the newborns. "They're so tiny."
Honoredcreator reached out with a fingernail-sized hand and carefully touched DJ's nose.
DJ held still and said "I'm not supposed to touch. Can he touch me?"
Eveningsky looked down. "There is no harm, he can touch you."
Daria smiled at seeing the two together. She leaned back against Tim and whispered to him, "Can you believe I once told Quinn, 'I don't like kids. I didn't even like kids when I was a kid.'"
He whispered back, "Only because I've heard your stories. Hey, I once thought I'd be a lifelong bachelor."
Jake spoke behind the digital video camera. "This sure was a lot less messier than when I filmed Quinn being born."
Quinn made a face at him. "Ewww. Dad, did you have to mention that?"
Helen said, "I still can't believe I let him do it."
"At least I was spared that trauma," Daria observed.
"That's because your father fainted and missed it."
"I'll take what I can get."
Wisesunlight and Morningvillager sat on Jane's shoulders to look out of the flyer's dome as they approached the royal palace. Honoredcreator sat on Mack's shoulder. Eveningsky kept an eye on them, while Daria and Tim sat and relaxed.
Mack said, "You're right, this is an incredible sight. I think I can get used to living in a castle."
Daria said, "Properly a palace, but we'll cut you some slack."
Mack gently turned to look at Eveningsky. "I still can't believe you're letting us stay there."
"(Lady Jane was our protector and we owe her our lives. She and her loved ones are always welcome with us.)"
"But I insist on finding a separate place for the office. I hate working out of home."
"(As you prefer. I think you will stay busy as more businesses want to begin trade with your planet. It will be of considerable help to have a consultant here to help them understand your systems.)"
"That's what I'm hoping."
Jane continued looking. "The stuff I did here has been my best recognized works. I'm eager to get started again." She looked to Morningvillager. "And I'll be happy to start teaching."
Daria looked around. "I'll be happy to start writing again. And playing tourist."
Jane said, "I think you've earned it. Still planning on staying here a couple years, go back to Earth for six months, come back and repeat?"
Daria nodded. "I still want to see the rest of my family. Quinn has promised to bring DJ here when Bill gets out of the Navy."
"I don't know if you and Quinnie will be able to tolerate each other for six months; you haven't tried that since before you went to Raft."
"You may be right, but I'm willing to risk it."
Truemind, Autumnblossom and Crystalheart waited for them at the landing pad. Autumnheart, Crystalblossom, and Goodupholder milled around between their parents. Each of the children had grown to a little over a foot long in the previous year.
Daria led coming off the flyer and went straight to her other daughters. Embracing one in each arm, she said, "It's good to be home. I've missed everyone."
"(Mother, we are happy to have you back with us,)" Truemind said, returning the embrace.
"(I'm a little jealous. I could have used your help with these little monsters,)" Autumnblossom said with a joking tone. "(They sure have grown since you last saw them.)"
Daria released her daughters and squatted down to greet her grandchildren. "(They have an irritating tendency to do that.)"
Three different versions of, "(Hello, Grandmother,)" came from them.
"You three were so young when I left, I'm glad you remember."
Truemind said, "(I have more good news for you.)"
With a heartfelt smile, Daria knew what was coming and hugged her daughter again. "When?"
"Oviposition in a little less than three weeks. I couldn't let my sisters have all the fun.)"
"I will be there."
Eveningsky and her children approached. Eveningsky continued to have the halting delay in her left, hind leg, a permanent reminder of her injuries. The three older children's attention was diverted and the six cousins began mingling and talking.
Daria stepped slightly aside and looked at everyone. Beside the children, Jane was being hugged by Truemind and Autumnblossom. Mack was introduced to them, making a comment to Autumnblossom that he was sorry he missed her last time. Tim and Crystalheart were talking as old friends and partners.
At times in high school, I did fear becoming a lonely old woman in a house full of cats and thirty years of newspapers. Now I have family and friends on two worlds. That, above all, has made everything worth it.
Daria read the news headlines and sat back in her chair with deep pride. Ratified by all parties. Only a couple months earlier, she had read, "Xavier Page guilty on all counts."
She looked out the window to her small garden. Tim quietly worked on the row of carrots. Jane could be seen in the distance with her ever-present easel. Her three youngest granddaughters, Truepeace, Autumnsky and Eveningblossom, had joined their cousins, so that all nine grandchildren wandered and played through the area.
Daria simply smiled in contentment.
The last of the long line of gleaming anti-grav cars carrying VIP representatives of Humans, Folk, Seekers and AI silently left by the old dirt road that led away from the cabin. The grounds crews efficiently disassembled the podium, packed away the recording gear, folded the chairs and rolled the carpets. Everything was stowed on an anti-grav truck. After a quick examination of the checklist, the truck and crew departed by the same route.
The observance had been a dignified success. That pleased the sole Park Service caretaker who silently policed the grounds for stray trash. Satisfied, she looked around the silent Montana clearing. The young woman wanted everything just right.
Behind her, the restored cabin was carefully maintained as it had been in the spring of 2005. The pond before her was gently rippled by an easterly breeze. Soon, she would oversee the annual planting of the garden.
She went, in turn, to three oblong grave markers set in a wide circle near the shore of the pond and respectfully rechecked each for any damage or weather staining. She said each name as she reached them: Autumnblossom…Eveningsky…Truemind. Two hundred years earlier, they had scrambled off an inflatable raft as frightened children at this spot.
Her inspections complete, she went to the remaining pair of markers. They were also like the raised oblongs of the Folk and set in the middle of the circle. Engraved on them was:
The caretaker smiled and looked up at the sky to see the rapidly moving pinpoint of light that was a starship leaving Earth. "We owe it all to a mother's love."
Thanks to Kristen Bealer for beta reading.
February-March 2005