Cracked Control Read online

  “Of course.” He wheeled on one wingtip, and directed them back to the base.

  “Can I practice making tea?” She really needed something to look forward to.

  Rokar chuckled. “I would be delighted to gauge your progress.”

  “Excellent. I am looking forward to seeing if Rocky has made any progress in calling Terra. I know it has only been a few hours, but I am rather curious to see if he has gotten closer.”

  “You wish to speak with your people?”

  “I want to know who is still alive. I had several siblings when I left, and I am wondering if my twin is still alive. I know that my people say that a twin knows when the other one is alive, dead, or injured, but I was asleep for a very long time.”

  He landed next to the entry port and made sure that she was steady on her feet before he let her go.

  Once inside with the tea ready, she felt like asking, “How many rations are in the station? I mean, if there is no edible plant matter yet, I am just wondering how long this stuff is going to last.”

  “You have enough rations here to feed you for two to five years depending on what your body requires. If more personnel are stationed here, they will arrive with ration packs suitable for their biology.”

  She nodded. “That sounds reasonable. How does this look?”

  He peered over her shoulder. “It smells right. You were watching when I prepared it.”

  Addy grinned and brought the tray over to the common area, setting it down on a low table. “I learn by watching. That was why I ended up out here. I was an excellent candidate for visual learning and working with quiet species. It was thought I would be able to do a lot with my hands instead of my voice.”

  “Interesting. So, you were going to go submerged?”

  She grinned. “That was the plan. I was going to be altered into something that could breathe water, and I have to admit, the idea was heady. As it was, that particular plan never had a chance. We were grabbed on our way to the warship at the edge of our solar system, and from there... well, you know.”

  “Ah, yes.” He nodded and picked up the tea that she served him. “Good. Half a spoon less of the leaves. This will bitter very quickly.”

  She nodded. “Right. So, this is the one thing that Iratho is growing right now?”

  He chuckled. “How did you guess?”

  She grinned and sipped the tea, agreeing that it was exceptionally strong.

  They talked about food and their favourite tea flavourings when Rocky interrupted.

  “I apologize for the interruption, Adelheid, but I have your sister on a direct communication.”

  Addy stood suddenly. “Where do I need to go?”

  “Your room is fine. I will patch the signal through.”

  Addy bobbed a curtsy to Rokar. “Thank you, pardon me, but I have really been waiting for this call.”

  “Take your time. I will be here when you return.”

  She really wanted to tell him to leave and come back later, but by the time she realized that, she was standing in front of the display in her room and the screen was flickering to life.

  A version of her own face, thirty years older with light hair where Addy’s was dark, faced her.

  “Addy?” The pale blue eyes sparkled and shone with unshed tears.

  “Gerty? Oh, I had better use more sunscreen, you look terrible.”

  Her sister belted out a laugh then a sob and then the tears were let loose. Addy laughed, and her own tears made their way down her cheeks.

  She wanted nothing more than to hug her sister, but the long-distance call was going to have to be enough.

  * * * *

  Rokar looked toward the door, and he smiled at the laughter, gasps, and occasional sobs coming from her personal quarters.

  “Thank you for hooking this up, Rocky. I know that the relay communications are difficult if not cost prohibitive.”

  The voice answered, “It was no issue. The Alliance has an extensive account for her, considering that she was under their protection when she was caught.”

  “Ask the Citadel if they want to accelerate the transfer. I am ready to accept the plants, animals, and insects that were discussed. Also, I am interested in a Gaian plant. Something called coffee. Find out how we can lay in a supply.”

  “Avatar, there may be exchanges for that sort of thing.”

  Rokar grimaced. “If they insist on putting one of the creatures here, I will accept it, but only one. All of its offspring must leave as soon as it is feasible. Iratho will not become infested with Yaluthu, no matter how useful they are.”

  “Understood. I will see what I can do.”

  “Thank you. She has enough control that she isn’t a danger; it is time to give her a people once again. The folk on the station may make their way down to the surface.”

  “It may take a few days.”

  “Then, it can take a few days, but it is time to get this world occupied. She should not be alone anymore.”

  He looked away from the closed door of her quarters.

  “Avatar, with you here, she is not alone.”

  “No, but she is not among her peers either. We will sort out our situation when she has every option and advantage that can be offered to her. That includes the friendship department.”

  “Yes, Avatar. I am on it.”

  Chapter Six

  Addy stared at the image on the screen. Her parents were gone, but her five siblings were hale and hearty. She had nineteen nieces and nephews, and one of them was closer than Addy could have imagined.

  Gerty’s oldest daughter was twenty-four, in the Alliance, and stationed at a Citadel as a translator with a horticultural speciality.

  The details were not something Gerty could tell her, but there was another member of the Hathaway bloodline up and in the stars.

  Her family had hoped for her when she was missing, and they had rejoiced when she was found. A place was set for her every holiday, and her siblings had made sure that all of their children knew about Aunt Addy, one of the first Volunteers.

  “Can I talk to you again, Addy?” Gerty’s smile was hopeful.

  “Rocky, can we talk again?”

  The base’s ambassador spoke softly, “Of course, Adelheid. The communication authorization has been filed. Your family will have possession of the screens, and you can speak to them after the new arrivals have settled in. Until then, the channels will be occupied.”

  Gerty smiled slyly, “Does he have a body to match that voice?”

  Addy blushed. “Um, yes and no. Rocky is an audio copy of the primary inhabitant of this world, and yeah, he does have a body to match.”

  “Oh, my. Well, have fun and talk to you in a few weeks. I am so happy to see you, Addy.”

  “I wish I could hug you, Gerty.” Addy felt the tears pricking at her eyes. She thought she was dry.

  “Hug the guy that matches that voice instead. It might make our next conversation far more interesting. Though, this was incredible.”

  “I am glad that you have kept your sense of humour. Take care of those grandkids.”

  “You know I will. Take care of you, and next time, we might even get to talk about what happened to you.”

  Addy sighed. “That is a conversation that can wait.”

  “Well, hugs across the universe.”

  “And hugs back, Gerty. I will be looking forward to our next chat.”

  Neither of them wanted to shut down the conversation, but Addy finally said, “Rocky, please end transmission.”

  “Yes, Adelheid.”

  The display went dark.

  Addy sat on her bed and buried her face in her hands. She was happy and devastated at the same time. The years had marched on without her.

  Her door opened and Rokar entered. Without a word, he walked up to her, pulled her to her feet, and hugged her.

  She stiffened for a few moments before she relaxed and accepted the
comfort that he offered.

  “Time moves around us. It will never be something you get used to, but you will understand it.”

  She blinked and looked up at him. “So, what do you do about it?”

  “You can either withdraw from those you care about and hold yourself apart, or you can be part of their lives, their joys and their histories. It is a far more joyous place to be.”

  She nodded and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close because there was no one else to touch. “I think the second option is better.”

  “I do as well. I have tried them both, and interacting and being part of something is definitely having benefits.”

  She smiled and pressed her forehead to his chest. She murmured, “So, we are getting guests?”

  “Iratho is open to the Citadel. The personnel will remain here until other homes are created on the island, and once they have a place to live, they will move along, leaving the base for the newer arrivals.”

  It was fun to feel his words as well as hear him. The contact with him made the conversation a full sensory experience.

  When she finally was able to straighten up and step back, she felt completely calm and a frisson of delight ran through her when she realized that the base hadn’t shifted during her moment of emotion.

  “Right, so, can you tell me what will happen first?”

  Rokar stroked her hair away from her face. “First, you will have your meal, and then, I will show you the outline of Citadel personnel that are on their way. The roster is varied, and there are a lot of them. This could take some time.”

  She blinked. “Don’t you want something to eat as well?”

  “My food is not here at the base.”

  “Where is it?”

  “It is at my home, off the island.”

  Addy frowned. “Did I miss it on the tour?”

  “No, it hasn’t risen yet.”

  “Are you going to explain what that means?”

  “Not just yet. Come on, lunch is calling.”

  She sighed and allowed him to escort her out into the common space. He got her ration tray from the dispenser, and he walked into the living area. “All right. You eat, and I will introduce you to the first team.”

  Addy shrugged, realized that he was actually in charge of the events which were about to occur, and sat down, eating her meal while the dossiers were displayed in detail.

  “The first teams that will arrive are the sea teams. They are going to introduce the aquatic species, and the Citadel members are keen to take up residence on a new world.”

  Addy kept munching as a huge transport ship was on the screen.

  “The animals that have been selected have been altered to incorporate multiple genetic lines in their offspring, to give the widest genetic footprint in the smallest quantity of animals.”

  She paused in her eating. “You will add more mature beasts when the first generation has matured?”

  “Of course, but we have to begin somewhere.”

  “You are correct. Please continue.”

  He flashed a grin, and began to go through the personnel. There were a variety of obvious water-breathers and a few amphibians. Two humans with gill slits caught her attention. “Those are Terrans.”

  He paused and brought up files. “Terran descendants. Their mother is Terran. Minya and Dorian Ecarn, born of Aht-Lantys.”

  “Wow. Okay. Right. Thirty years. These are the little dots of light.” She set her food aside and leaned her elbows on her knees, paying complete attention to the next batch of techs, talents, and biologists.

  “All right, those are the aquatic teams. They will drop with their creatures and settle in the northern sea. They don’t need to come to the base as their lodgings will be under the surface.”

  “Who’s next?”

  “The horticultural team. They will use this as a base as they need to bring down their samples in stages from the station above.”

  He started flicking through and introducing her to the faces in configurations she hadn’t even imagined. When she saw a face that she recognized, she said, “Stop!”

  “What is it?”

  “That is my niece. Deahlia Magnussen. Gerty said she was out here, but I never thought she would end up here.”

  “Niece?”

  “One of my twin’s daughters. She’s one of a set of twins herself.”

  He nodded. “Rocky, when will she be here?”

  “Ten days, Avatar.”

  Addy smiled. “Excellent. I can hardly wait.”

  “I am sure she will be delighted to make your acquaintance.”

  Addy wasn’t so sure, but family was family.

  * * * *

  Deahlia went to the admin office, and took a seat across from the administrator. Veera sat with Fixit on her shoulder, and she smiled. “Good news.”

  “Yes?”

  “Iratho is requesting that the teams be issued immediately. His guest is not a danger, and he wishes to start the process of inhabiting his world with animals and a population of talents from as many worlds as will offer them.”

  Deahlia clapped her hands. “Excellent. When do I leave?”

  “Your special allocation of freight is being loaded, and I just need you to take one thing with you.” Veera leaned down and picked up something from next to her feet.

  The small grey-blue Yaluthu glared at Deahlia.

  She held up her hands. “I don’t need one, and he doesn’t like me anyway.”

  Veera stroked the little guy’s feathers. “No, he isn’t for you. He is for Iratho’s primary occupant.”

  “Well, why does he keep coming up to me and pecking at me?” She had run across that little bastard before. He liked to jab her legs as if he was angry with her.

  “Ah, as for that.” Veera smiled. “We understand his irritation now. You are almost his companion but not quite, and it irritates him.”

  “What?”

  “Your aunt Adelheid is the target companion for him. It has taken a lot of negotiation with the Avatar to allow him onto the surface. We were going to introduce him while she was in stasis, but the Avatar refused. He wanted her to gain control without the use of the Yaluthu.”

  Deahlia smiled. “He is her Yaluthu?”

  “He is.”

  Veera sighed and stroked Fixit’s long feathers on her shoulder. “You are going to be his caretaker on the journey.”

  Deahlia made a face. “Do I have to?”

  “Yes. It’s an order.” Veera chuckled. “Come on. Get your bag, and let’s get you on the shuttle. Time to go to your permanent posting.”

  Veera got to her feet with her Yaluthu on her shoulder. “Come on, Stanik isn’t in a hurry to get rid of you, but he does want to get that container into the shuttle. He can’t stand a wrapped box, and he thinks your family is cruel to inflict it on him.”

  “It is in a sealed container.”

  “Yes, even more of a tease.”

  Deahlia got up to follow Veera, and a sharp screech got her attention. She sighed and scooped up the angry Yaluthu, carrying him with his blunt beak facing outward.

  Veera glanced back and smiled. “It is only an eight-day flight. His rations for the first few years are already on board, just in case your horticulture doesn’t lock in right away.”

  Deahlia followed with her ungrateful passenger. “My horticultural talent is second to none.”

  Veera laughed. “Good. You are going to need that confidence. No one has ever designed a planetary eco system on this scale before. It is an amazing opportunity that Iratho has offered to the Citadel.”

  “Are the aquatic systems on the way?”

  “They are. Then you, then the insects and birds, then finally the herd animals. It is a long-term project, but I think it will provide insight and development to thousands of talents.”

  The Yaluthu in her arms was rumbling softly, unhappy with her presence. “I hope so. I wa
nt to try and create plants that can feed hundreds without depleting the soil.”

  Deahlia followed Veera down the stairs, outlining her plans and hopes. She chattered down the halls of the Balen Citadel and out toward the space where a team was loading the huge cargo container that had been following her for the last five years. That container had a destiny, and so did the fluffy ball of attitude in her arms. Hopefully, they were both equally appreciated.

  Chapter Seven

  Addy was working on her precision when she got the first call through her com system.

  After the chime, she said, “What is it, Rocky?”

  “There is a ship incoming.”

  She frowned. “Isn’t that early?”

  “It isn’t one of ours. The station saw it, but the inbound ship is coming for you. Rokar-Iratho is on the other side of the world, so prepare to defend yourself.”

  She looked up and tried to see through the clouds. “Are you absolutely sure that it isn’t friendly?”

  “It is ignoring all hails and has gone out of its way to avoid the orbital station. Whatever it wants, it isn’t asking for help.”

  Addy nodded. “Right. Well, time to get away from the base a bit.”

  She ran full tilt out into one of the largest open spaces. It was also off centre on the island, and if she did anything stupid, there was a good chance the energy would be dispersed.

  “Do you know how close it is?”

  “You should see it in the distance in twelve seconds.”

  Addy focused and counted down while she let her energy start pulsing around her. The ground under her feet shivered slightly, but she kept her focus on the small speck that began to grow larger with every heartbeat.

  “Rocky?”

  “Yes, Adelheid?”

  “If I miss, I am really sorry.” She lifted her fingers, aimed at where the ship should be, and flicked her middle finger, projecting the force from that spot.

  She counted, “One-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand, ouch!”

  The side vane that would control pitch disintegrated and the ship spiralled off trajectory.