Chapter 41
Steven
One Long Meeting
"I don't believe it!" Diana blinks, "What is all of this water talk? We have more to discuss then this."
John rubs his chin and grunts, "It is important since more and more of our own people don't understand that we must acquire the water from this planet."
Steven just looks around the room, every ship has at least one ranking officer as a representative from each of the fifty ships on a visual attending this meeting. He himself is standing by the door and across from him Martin stands. He is interested in how Darold of the New York ship thinks of the conversation of water. Darold has sneered in every meeting in which the acquisition of water has become a topic of discussion. Steven himself doubts very much if water has ever been a true consideration for the trip to Earth. He would love to know what the Great Leader really wants. Martin appears quiet, but Steven feels that he doesn't believe in the water project as well.
John takes on a solemn tone, "I know it is hard to understand, but the myth about the ability to procure water from meteorites is unfounded. I have a lecture that I am going to have us watch from the renowned scientist Bofael of Ski. As you know there is no one better to discuss what is the rarest and most valuable commodity that any of us can imagine. It is rare on almost any planet to find such an abundance of water. Earth is rare. We need water for our own existence, it is a needed resource besides for plants and other life on our planet; it is the power our fusion generators use, as well as our Great Leader's weapons. We have found that Earth water contains the correct chemicals to ensure that we can protect ourselves."
The lecture comes up and Steven finds he is far more interested in watching everyone's faces. Darold he can tell is still trying to keep himself from rolling his eyes. It appears as though Martin's demeanor has changed. He has gone from, 'this is stupid,' to more of a, 'I am not so sure', appearance. Steven looks around the room, he is amazed at how many are buying this. Of course, if you have a very well known chemist in micro-scale technology on water, explaining everything you don't understand; in words you don't really understand, explanation finished. The man is well known on his work on removing different minerals from water, as well as the manipulation of the water. Still Avena has as much water as Earth and in fact may have more. The people in the room may not want to admit it, but it was the people of Sullam Voe many years ago and even now that have caused the vast loss of their planets water. Have they forgotten there was once large oceans on their own world. Amazing how people like to forget history.
Then it is over Darold speaks, "We use the power from the crystals, there is no need for abundance of water to ensure power for our ships. There never has been. Even the Banteen want our crystals, they could care less about water. Power crystals is all we need, you John have multiple times spoken about the fact we are the only known planet to possess them. We do need water to keep our planet alive. Also, if so needed we could have gone to Earth's southern and northern poles and gathered ice in abundance. This would be so much more simpler and faster. Yes, humans would come.." He clears his throat, "But we know that they could not fight us. There would be no fear of human resistance for some time. We could have done some fake story, of that I am sure of. What we are doing now is going to take years and years as what we are doing is slow. We don't have the space needed in our ships to get the needed water. Mining meteorites would have already brought so much water to our planet if only to water the plants so the animals on our planet could continue on. Morale and support of the Regime as people could begin to live without food or water vouchers. The mountain people are the only ones that do not have the restrictions we have on the rest of the planet. However, they are beginning to find themselves struggling as there is less water, but freezing winters are becoming relentless. The snow is vanishing, when the water on the mountains go; so will life on our planet. I believe strongly that we need to travel out to meteorites and mine the water so we have immediate water for our planet. We can still do what we need to do here, but all will be so much better sooner. The stress will lessen, this we all know."
John appears to have been expecting Darold to protest and with a smile he speaks calmly. "Yes, many have proposed that we ask the humans to permit us to take water from their planet. This would cause an accelerated resistance against us as they begin to question our need, they will point out the meteorites as a source as well. Later when we don't leave and continue to take more and more water, then it will become obvious we do not plan to leave Earth. This is going to happen no matter how careful we are, they will see it and trust me resistance will grow. We are not here for some, we are here for all of their water, no matter how uncomfortable this may make you. Remember your families, remember your friends, remember where you are going back to."
Diana turns in her chair giving a dark look as she turns, "I do as requested by Our Great Leader. Do you not have the same devotion to do what is right for him, for our world?"
Nothing is said and John turns to the screen in which Darold appears. "Yes, first obtaining ice in their southern and northern poles first would have been one way to begin, but it has its own problems. First and foremost we need to build our base as quickly as possible. We must always be prepared, not just human resistance, but the Banteen as well." He waits for a moment and begins again, "I have good news, more ships are going to be deployed soon. They will replace each of our ships that we currently have stationed here, so the gathering of water will be much faster than mining a meteorite." He then looks around the room as this is the first time for most to discover replacement ships will be coming sooner than expected. "We will discuss the coming ships later."
Harry of the Chicago speaks up. "I had heard that this may be happening sooner than we thought, so good news. I knew that the Earth water is very rare, not only amount, but the chemicals that are there for the some of the weapons that the Great One is improving. I am wondering about leaving permanent staff here. Are we ready to make an announcement. . ."
John interrupts Harry, "Before you ask, everyone knows that we are leaving the Youth Corp here. They have not been given this order as of yet and as you know they must not be told until we are ready to do so. We now have them completely committed to the Great One due to the last reprogrammed bonding procedure. They will gladly die for him, we could not have done any better with these young people. They have been selected and are being trained for needed positions so when we leave they will keep order here on this planet. We have as well, what many refer to as the Downstairs Kids to be included in filling positions here." He turns his head about, "Any questions on this? We have gone over this before, but it is always good to express your opinions."
For a few minutes questions are asked about perhaps making changes to the fusion generators and if there an estimate yet on a timetable for the removal of Earth's water. A few questions are asked about the readiness of the Youth Corp and if there will be enough time to prepare the Downstairs Kids. Even though asked to hold off on questions regarding the replacement ships several try to ask questions related to this topic anyway. John finds he is having to remind everyone that information will be forthcoming on the ships arrival so that they can give the good news to the crew of their ships.
"We still believe it will take at least a generation to drain Earth of its water. At this time we can only give an estimate on how long before we have finished." John simply shrugs and appears to be sizing up the individuals before speaking again, "Will the Youth Corp be prepared for the assignments you may wonder. I believe they will as they have been selected for different positions before leaving home, as for the Downstairs Kids they are in many aspects young geniuses. Are the Downstairs Kids going to be prepared? As we know the Youth Corp have a tendency towards sensitivity, helps them to read people. It also means that most of the Youth Leaders have very caring natures and will be there for the youngest members of our crew. We have slowly been allowing the Downstairs to come up and interact with crew members for training and their own small projects. Just recently we have given a few Youth Leaders permission to go down and do a project with them. As you know most Youth Corp members had been helping people in need at home per Our Great Ones request before leaving for this planet. Two of them Brian and George did their volunteer duty in tutoring young children and currently they are two of the Youth Leaders working with them on a learning project. This is just the beginning of creating necessary bonds with these children. There is also a young trooper involved in this Downstairs project. As you can see they are beginning to be introduced to crew, troopers and Youth Corp. Further questions?"
Emilee from the Toronto ship seems to almost squeak as she speaks. "First the Downstairs are literally children, I have never been fond of this idea and will the Youth Corp themselves truly be ready for this, this will be a huge responsibility. There could be times that we will have no ships here, due to Banteen or other issues. They could be completely on their own and things with humans are only going to become more strained."
John gives a quick smile, "We have Youth Corp members training in military strategy, machinery and other necessary occupations. We have a few that are most obviously gifted in emotional therapy and we are using them to work with individuals that may have some issue to be worked out or perhaps grief counseling. All Youth Leaders are in training to fly the fighters. All of the training is aimed for just that reason, that if there is an emergency they can take control of one of our ships; we will never leave them without a ship. Every facet is being taken care of," He chuckles, "In fact, we also have a group that is being pared down to take. . .Oh, what do we call it; political positions? They will work to create new Earth laws and rein in humans, as you know even on our own world attitudes change and can cause controversy, this even though we have the best government of any world. Those individuals are not really going to be politicians, but they are very manipulative, creative thinkers and sensitive to the needs of our people. We need them to be there so that laws here will be passed as needed to keep humans in-check." John shakes his head, "Maybe they are going to be a different kind of politician."
Steven watches as people begin to chuckle about what was more frightening than a gun, well that would be a politician. He knows that John is going to give a few minutes for people to take a moment to laugh as it allows for a moment for everyone to simply relax for a second. Steven watches John smiling. A thought crosses his mind, if there had not been a Regime, John would most likely have been a politician himself.
John holds up a hand, "To finish other individuals will be left to complete other positions, we know that younger troopers are going to be left as well. However, as you know we have a lot of young crew, not just Youth Corp. The younger crew such as maintenance, doctors, programmers and others are being trained and monitored. We will select the ones staying as we further educate them. Unlike the Youth Corp, they have not undergone bonding or any kind of mind manipulation as children. We need to be careful of our selection." He holds up both hands, "Again do not let any, any of them know that their assignments may be changing and it will be a long time, if at all before they go home."
The part of the Youth Leaders true Earth assignments now makes sense on what he found on Brian. He knew they were to be the stewards of this assignment when the Great One thought that the permanent base was set. However, now he knows why Brian didn't have a permanent assignment in his profile where his assignments would guide him to the proper education he should receive. Why all of that Earth and Dahax history, well if you want to know how to manipulate humans and troopers you better know their history. Steven can't help the chuckle that comes to him, a couple of officers turn to him, but they say nothing. Was Brian supposed to be a politician? How does that work in a Regime. Of course, what little he knows of him he is definitely fitting the profile he has in his own head of what a political type would be. He is one manipulative individual, certainly passionate, intelligent and a leader. Steven finds himself frowning, sometimes he wonders about the Great One. Someone like Brian and what was said about others; do you want really friendly, manipulative, overly passionate people and worse; young people, overseeing things for a Regime. Somehow it just doesn't seem like a character you would want, let alone a group of them. Now those that hold office are most certainly those that take a knee to every decision to Great One makes back at home. Do you give the reins to a bunch of young people, youth have a reputation no matter how loyal to explore their own feelings and emotions about things revolving around them. Really does he care about any of this. The Youth Corp has undergone manipulation since they were children and the bonding procedures every forty days. That last one was almost conversion. No, they will only know loyalty. When he is done with his own thoughts another lecture with endless visuals come up indicating how Earth water is not only abundant, but is comprised of many needed chemicals. Looking around only Darold does not seem impressed. Across from him Martin still stands, but now his face has an almost fearful look. Steven can't help himself as he smiles nothing ever changes.
"Now you can see clearly why we will be taking all of Earth's water." John's voice has brightened since he spoke last. He stands, "We are here to save our people. Are you not with me?!"
From the reaction most seem very much so, or they are like Martin nodding their heads to show their support. Another look towards Darold shows someone nodding in agreement, but whose face is nothing of the kind. One thing is for sure, John is a great politician. The kind of politician that now graces the Regime unlike John's own father.
Steven watches the second lecture and its visuals for awhile, when a flower called a poppy comes up. The poppy reminds him of the clamer. The clamer flower is almost extinct, but the visual reminds him of the similarities of his home and this planet Earth. To think a clamer would have a cousin called a poppy. This in return reminds him of the skirch; the skirch and the horse literally have no difference between them. How can a skirch also be on Earth. So many things that Sullam Voe and Earth share. Right now he would love to go down to Earth to do just one thing, ride a horse. Due to his rank he was able to raise a few skirch at home. Sadness overtakes him. Get the stupid water anyway you can and get it home. Sure take Earth water, but at the same time go out in space and begin gathering water there. What could Earth water have that would be so much better, than any other water. Maybe he is a fool; those in this room believe the water is best on Earth. Why can't he just believe. Why can't his son be here. Why did his wife kill herself. Why, why can't life just be fair.
Looking up he sees that the Bofael in the visual is making random patterns. Seriously could this get anymore boring. Why does he need to be here. What is a day without a meeting that makes no sense. He looks around again, the complete belief is still on every one's face with the exception of Darold. The second lecture with its boring visuals end.
"Now let us talk about our true enemies," John says quietly. "We know the Banteen are out there. We are still trying to learn more about them. Sadly, our Great Leader still has not found any further information on them. They we believe still want our crystals. We believe that they have destroyed worlds, but that is all. Fighting them though is taking a toll on us. So many lives gone. . ." He continues speaking about what the next campaign may mean.
Steven loses interest again. They have found no Banteen home world, but they do believe that they have left a trail of destruction. Not a lot of information on them, they have no idea if there are other worlds that support them. Depression comes over him as he remembers his son DaSher, his son was everything to him. Suddenly it dawns on who Brian reminded him of this morning, it was his son DaSher. DaSher is Depol and Brian Whipelli, but it isn't how they look. No, it is some shared personality traits. He must not let that kind of emotion keep him from training Brian. The last thing he needs to do is, first try not to over-protect him, nor secondly try to push him to pursue more than he should. Brian's profile on his target practice scores showed he was likely not going to hit a target easily. He also lacked in physical fighting skills, looking at the notes taken on this, a young girl could likely beat him up. So far Brian didn't seem inspired to actually fight; he had better change that attitude. Another thought, did the Youth Leader actually want to be in security. Was it just some random thought that got him to thinking that Brian was interested. One thing is for sure, bringing Brian into Security will get him on the path to leaving the Youth Corp behind. A partial smile comes to him, Brian may thank him one day when all of his friends are left behind and he is not. Then again, it likely does not matter as the Regime will leave them even if they are not in the Youth Corp, he is in an age bracket that has been targeted to be left behind.
His focus returns to the meeting and suddenly a discussion of why there are two SSG officers on this ship. Both John and Diana seem uncomfortable as they explain that they are simply here to learn about humans. This reminds Steven that a Downstairs Kid and Diana's aide in her lab were sent to some ancient site. Diana seems more in charge than John with this project, if she is in taking the lead then this means it is all for the Great One. He shakes his head this meeting has been both boring, depressive, but in a way interesting.
The meeting is finished with Diana and some others on the other ships talking about the protocols being taken to address those humans that they suspect are trying to hide scientists or other high risk individuals. With that the meeting ends and he allows other officers to walk past him before he leaves. John comes up and asks why he did not take a chair. However, John knows the answer; he prefers to stand. There is simply nothing for the two to say to each other. When Diana walks by they do discuss the humans that were just taken today. The older human that was brought in was taken into the conversion room, but he was physically unable to go through the procedure. Diana tells him he has been taken to an emergency room that has been setup for taking care of humans. Steven doesn't know what to say; a chair used for bonding, conversion and now torture. All he can do is listen to her; he had already advised her that the man seemed elderly and likely unable to handle the chair. As usual she didn't care and right now he doesn't either. A thought comes to Steven, tonight if possible he should visit Eleanor. He enjoys her company and she appears to enjoy his as well. Her husband on the other hand certainly doesn't share that attitude. Yes, he will make an attempt to do this tonight.
However, the day is only half over. So much more to do; humans to torture; water to steal; and a Youth Leader to ensure stays on the path that was selected for him. Yeah, a busy day ahead of him.