Peggy Sue (The T'aafhal Inheritance) (29 page)

“It arrived from a distant star; It is under power; It is headed our way,” said TagFetLuw.

“Is that most probable? What form of propulsion drives the vessel? Does it maneuver for orbit or pass the world by?” responded SudNabSon.

“Its method of trans-dimensional passage is quite primitive making an interstellar transit most probable; Gravitonic drives powered by a catalyzed fusion reaction; It will arrive in orbit in a 60
^th
of a solar orbit,” responded TagFetLuw, at least a third miffed. 

“No denigration of observational accuracy intended; A primitive craft should pose no threat; More will be revealed as it draws closer,” was the conciliatory reply.

“The threat is minimal; Indications are that the lifeforms are from a warm world; There are technological similarities to other, older known craft,” added GipNarKos.

After a brief pause to map the wave of incoming responses from the rest of the Conclave and reduce their essence, SudNabSon declared a plan of action, “More observation is indicated; If the ship contains new species we must ascertain their disposition regarding the Great Schism; Care must be taken before revealing our capabilities.”

“Agreed; Most certainly; We remain vigilant,” came the consensus reply of the Conclave. Those who observed such phenomena would continue to watch, when sufficient data were gathered more decisions would be called for. In the meantime, the Conclave’s data and decisions would be relayed to other conclaves around the world.

Chapter 14

Peggy Sue, Polar Orbit, Gliese 581d

Less than 24 hours later, the Peggy Sue was in a polar orbit around the fourth planet circling Gliese 581. From faster, inclined orbits, twin drones were busy using hyperspectral remote sensors to map the planet’s surface. What little land was visible was concentrated along the day-night terminator, low stony fingers jutting sun-ward from the permanent ice of the planet’s farside.

This world possessed significantly more water than Earth, with a pronounced tidal bulge. The bulge was fortunate, since without it what dry land existed could well have been submerged. Looking down with the ship’s most powerful short range telescope, using reflected laser light to correct for atmospheric distortion, the science team was becoming more and more excited.

“Why doesn’t all that water just evaporate and freeze out on the dark side?” asked Olaf Gunderson.

“A reasonable question, Dr. Gunderson,” replied Elena, fully glorying in their discovery. “Simulations have suggested that a planet with only 10 percent of Earth’s atmosphere and a sunward ocean temperature of 5ºC would be able to maintain a global liquid environment, even beneath the icecap on the dark side.”

“Captain, you should see this!” called Sally Li. “There are definite signs of forestation on some of the larger land masses, and possible low cover on others. Forests of any kind have only existed on Earth for 400 million years.”

“Put it on the forward screen, Mr. Taylor,” the Captain replied, somewhat amused by the near giddy excitement gripping the expedition’s biologists. A few seconds later, the view forward became a wide screen image looking down at the planet below.

“Yes, Sally,” said Olaf, coming forward to the upper bridge near the Captain, “I believe that you are correct. Those are some form of vegetation—tall stalks with a single broad leaf at the top. In this red light they appear black, perhaps to absorb maximum photonic energy.”

“That is assuming they are anything like Earth plants,” said Ludmilla, joining Olaf. “We must not let our Earthly prejudices get the better of us.”

“Ya, true, Ludmilla. But you have to admit that the way they are arranged and their form makes it likely they are some form of plant life.”

“If you mean a form of photosynthetic, eukaryotic, multicellular organism, we’ll see,” Sally added. Then, turning to Jack: “We will get a chance to see, won’t we Captain?”

“Once the survey is completed and we’ve had a day or so to observe any surface activity,” Jack replied. “If things look reasonably safe we will send a landing party.”

“Of course, we are looking at the land,” Ludmilla mused. “Given how wet this world is, the advanced lifeforms might live beneath that planet spanning ocean.”

“Look there, in that valley,” said Sally, absorbed by the images in front of her. “What are those plants, some form of cactus? Look how they seem to be formed in clusters of three…”

Valley of the Trailing Conclave, Gliese 581d

The strange craft had entered orbit and, showing a sign of moderate intelligence, chose to orbit the world above the zone of twilight. The growing volume of data reached an inflection point, causing SudNabSon to reopen the nexus regarding the visiting ship.

“They proceed cautiously; No hint of violence; Definitely warm life,” commented TagFetLuw, starting the discussion.

“Indicating that they seek knowledge; No blind aggression; Yes, carbon-water based life,” said GipNarKos, in general agreement with TagFetLuw.

A brief reduction and then SudNabSon pronounced, “Possibilities of sentient fellowship; Still, they possess weapons of considerable power; Similar enough to live in each other’s environments.”

“We should attempt to communicate; They have quantities of antimatter; No such creatures have visited for millions of orbits,” GipNarKos advanced.

“A global consensus will be needed; Dangerous if we are caught off guard; Query the archives,” replied SudNabSon.

Another short delay. QivCakJol the Minder of Antiquities spoke for the archivists, “Global consensus is traditional under such circumstances; The Guardians are alert, the danger vanishingly small; The ship’s design is reminiscent of those used by one of the Paladin races 22 million orbits ago.”

“Consensus to open communication with the strangers will be sought; The Guardians protect the world as always; Perhaps the strangers are a new race of Paladins,” SudNabSon said.

“Seek wider consensus; The world remains safe; More must be learned of these creatures,” came the consensus from the Conclave.

Forward Shuttle Dock, Peggy Sue, Gliese 581d

The members of the surface expedition were boarding the large shuttle through the forward docking facility. Among those on board were Lt. Bear, Isbjørn, Sally Li, the Gunny and five Marines. The shuttle itself was piloted by Sandy McKennitt with Steve Hitch and Matt Jacobs along as crew. The remainder of the expedition were embroiled in a heated discussion at the foot of the boarding ladder.

“I told you that I will not permit Olaf to go on this mission,” Dr. Tropsha was saying to the Captain. “He has elevated blood pressure and there is no sense taking a chance by locking him in a heavy suit of armor and making him hike around on a planet with 1.6 times normal gravity. It is an invitation to a stroke or heart attack.”

“I am not questioning your medical judgment with regard to Dr. Gunderson,” Jack replied. “What I am questioning is the necessity for you to take his place on the expedition.”

“Without Olaf, Sally is the only trained biologist,” Ludmilla replied, exasperation in her voice. She was already wearing an armored space suit with a bubble helmet beneath her arm. “There should be at least two qualified scientists to cross validate any on-site observations. I am arguably the only other biologist available.”

“But you are also the head of the medical section,” insisted Jack, feeling the argument slipping away. Every fiber of Jack’s being screamed
keep her here, keep her safe
, but intellectually he realized that Ludmilla was as much of an adventurous spirit as he was. After all, she had joined the Russian space program and earned herself a place on the International Space Station before she and Jack ever met.

“We have two other doctors, two medical corpsmen and a nurse, I will not be missed for a day or two. Besides, it is not a bad idea to have a medical doctor along on the expedition in case of an accident.”

“Dr. Tropsha’s reasoning is sound, Captain,” added Lcdr. Curtis, likewise attired in space armor. “I wouldn’t mind having a medic along, just in case.”

Jack sighed. He knew that he was not going to win this argument. If he forbade her going on the expedition she would never forgive him, and that was more frightening to contemplate than any hypothetical danger waiting on the planet’s surface. “Very well, just try not to overload the shuttle with specimens on the trip back.”

“Thank you, Captain,” both women replied. Gretchen said, “I’ll see you on board, Doctor,” and climbed the air-stair to the shuttle, leaving Jack and Ludmilla alone.

“Do not worry, my Captain,” Ludmilla said in a softer voice. “I will be careful. I have two bears and half the Marines to protect me.”

“I can’t help but worry—our first planet, our first surface expedition, so many unknowns.” His eyes met hers and they stood, frozen for an instant. Then Jack nodded and said, “stay safe, my Lady.”

Ludmilla smiled, turned and ascended the boarding ladder. The Captain stepped out of the airlock and cycled the door. “Shuttle One, you are clear to undock.”

* * * * *

On board the shuttle, Ludmilla made her way forward, past the already seated Marines, to find a seat between Sally Li and Gunny Rodriguez. Across from them were seated Lcdr. Curtis, Lt. Bear and Isbjørn. “We good to go?” asked the Gunny.

“Yes, Gunny, just a little last minute separation anxiety,” Ludmilla replied.

“The Captain is just a bit nervous, letting you out of his sight again,” replied Bear. “Remember the last time? The Chief got shot, you almost got kidnapped and we gained a French asshole.”

The comment earned him an ineffectual poke in the armored ribs from Isbjørn. “Of course the Captain is concerned, you big lug,” she said, offering Ludmilla a bearish smile.

“I can always count on you for the unembellished truth, Bear. And you are right, Isbjørn, the Captain worries about all of us,” Ludmilla said. “I am not trying to be a bitch, but we have a mission to do and all of our lives are already at risk simply by being here. Our enemies have weapons that can sterilize whole planets. If the natives are hostile, going to the surface is no more dangerous than staying in orbit.”

“That’s why the Captain agreed,” said Lcdr. Curtis, “He didn’t like it, but he knew it was the right decision. That’s why he’s the Captain.”
And some day I hope I’ll do the job half as well as he does.
“Let’s go over the mission objectives again, since we’ve nothing else to do on the trip dirtside…” 

Valley of the Trailing Conclave, Gliese 581d

Transmissions from other conclaves arrived in a clustered burst, as such transmissions are wont to. Reducing the world consensus to its essence, SudNabSon informed the other members of the Trailing Conclave. “Communication should be attempted with the aliens; An invitation to land down slope of the Conclave extended; A prospective ambassador must be selected.”

“The water band should be used; A site on the small cove should suffice; We have not selected an ambassador in ages, how to select?” replied GipNarKos, concerned as always with maintaining continuity with past decisions and actions of the race.

“A suitable frequency range; A site as good as any other; Ambassadors must be flexible of thought,” commented QivCakJol the Antiquarian. This led to a conclave wide interchange of ideas regarding who should be chosen. After sufficient data were collated, SudNabSon again distilled the group’s opinion, “The transmission will proceed; The landing site suffices; The ambassador shall be NatHanGon the Nearly Wise.”

NatHanGon was a young philosopher, only 800 thousand orbits old and still sufficiently mobile to venture forth from the valley. They were also still young enough to not become terminally depressed by being out of contact with others of their kind. As they began pulling up root, NatHanGon was of three minds about being chosen:
Was this an honor? Was this a burden? Was this an exciting opportunity to learn new things?
 

The interconnecting roots of the hundreds of entities comprising the Trailing Conclave began pulsing with a frequency near 1.420 gigahertz. The message sent was a progression of symbols, advancing to meta-symbols and ending in simple thoughts. A short history of the race, a friendly if somewhat neutral welcome, and an invitation to land on the coast below the Conclave’s valley home.

Bridge, Peggy Sue, In Orbit Around Gliese 581d

“Captain,” called Lt. Taylor, manning the navigation and observation station just off the bridge. “I’m receiving a message from the planet.”

“A message? Are you sure Mr. Taylor?” the Captain replied. “Not static or other natural signal?”

“No, Sir. The frequency is right in the ‘water hole’, in the same range as the spectral lines of hydrogen and the hydroxyl radical.” JT reported excitedly. “It’s one of the frequencies that SETI often monitors. Plus it is definitely being modulated by a nonrandom sequence—in fact, it looks like the sequence is building in complexity.”

“Captain, if I might?” said a feminine voice from the Captain’s console. “Yes, Peggy Sue, go ahead.”

“The sequence is indeed building up from simple characters into short sequences and then to what might be thought of as full sentences. I have been able to construct a rudimentary translation program from this information. Would you like me to attempt a translation?”

“By all means. Don’t keep us in suspense, Peggy Sue.” Sometimes Jack thought the ship’s computer a bit too polite.

“Very well. The text seems jumbled, almost as though there are three different lines of narrative interleaved, so I will try to group the information logically. One thread is a vague message of welcome to fellow sentients, extending a desire for friendship and peaceful coexistence.”

“Better than threats and warnings,” Jack said. “What else?”

“Another thread is a form of historical narrative, outlining the inhabitants’ background. They call themselves the ‘Fellowship of the combined conclaves of united ternary contemplative savants of natural philosophy’. Actually there is more, but you can perceive the general meaning.”