Head Trip – Chapter 18 "Power"
The cavernous laboratory hummed with activity. Mechanical replicators crawled up and down the walls, transporting material from the large containers which were slowly moving on massive conveyor belts which crossed the floor. All the walls, ceiling and floor were composed of building blocks, similar to those found in Sam's cell and on Replicator ships. An overhead lighting system cast a bluish tinge over the entire area. The walls rose three levels high, and there were walkways in front of the rows of cells on each level.
In fact, this was a multi-tiered prison. The elders of Alleria, the final survivors of this planet, were encased within each of these prison cubes – awaiting their transformation into human-form Replicators and, eventually, their deportation for colonization on other planets. The Allerians were blessed with a fruitful, agrarian society. They had the misfortune, however, of possessing the key element of Replicator regeneration, neutronium. Since leaving Orilla, the Replicators had been in search of a stable supply, and Alleria had served their purpose quite well. Soon, though, the neutronium would be depleted. A fresh supply and a new base of operations would be needed. Scouting ships were now exploring other possibilities.
First was standing in an observation tower, overseeing the activity below. More human-form Replicators sat behind him, in front of a panel of data screens, monitoring the transfer of the neutronium from the containers into the cube-like rooms. At the far end of the control room was a large three-dimensional map which constantly changed settings: planets and moons of one galaxy slowly spun, soon to replaced by new orbs and other galaxies. To the right of the planetary map was a large monolith containing Gate addresses and corresponding names of planets. The Replicator in charge of the monolith was able to add to this scroll by typing new data into a computer mainframe. As the Allerian minds were probed, the Replicators gained more and more information on Gate travel and locations. The monolith now contained these data.
Fifth approached as First commanded and directed the unloading and transfer of the neutronium. Within a moment, he was standing by the leader's side. Not taking his eyes from the operation going on below, First inquired: "Were you successful this time?"
"Yes, she has weakened and has given me valuable information on Gate travel and Tauri weapons systems," Fifth lied.
At this, First turned and scrutinized the younger man. Finally, he offered a slight nod of approval. "Good. Now come with me."
The two Replicators were beamed down to the first level and Fifth accompanied First into each holding cell as he examined the Allerians who were to be replicated. The elders were in some type of suspended animation, their frozen faces peering out from their cubed confinement. Fifth's mind remembered how Carter had stared back at him when she was being punished. But that thought was soon replaced by how Sam had looked in his last mind probe, how she had held him and kissed him ...
"Fifth, did you hear me? I said that we are getting some favorable reports back from the scouting expeditions, and I have been plotting possible new landing sites. Since time is of the essence, I have decided to travel to the most choice sites for an initial look around. Now that you have made a breakthrough with your prisoner, you should be free to take charge while I'm away. It should just be a few days. Are you up to the task?"
Fifth turned and smiled. "Yes. Go and do what must be done. All will be well."
He could not believe his good fortune. First's absence would give him the needed time to formulate a plot to overthrow the pompous old fool. Of course he was up to the task! He, alone, was the most capable of ruling over his brethren. He, alone, was the most human of all of them. He would make the most wise and respected leader. They would see … he would prove himself to his remaining brothers and sisters while First was away.
But, now, it was time to attend to his beloved.