Chroniech! (41 page)

"When a Kyrra can no longer provide a useful service in that person's area of chosen expertise, then the individual will change to a different occupation. Many of our elderly become clerks, child caregivers, or teachers. We must all work toward the improvement of our society.”

"If an injury or other such circumstance prevents one of us from being a useful member of society, that individual quickly becomes extremely depressed. It is not uncommon that such an individual suffers an early death. Recently, I have been feeling as if I will not be able to become a useful member of our society, not just because of my lack of skills and knowledge, but because the Kyrra culture has undergone such a dramatic change since before I went into stasis."

Stricklen was taken aback by what he had just heard. For a long time he did nothing other than sit close to his friend. He did not understand the Kyrra culture and his mind drew a complete blank as to what to say. Suddenly, Trel'mara's last statement replayed itself and Ken asked, "What do you mean your culture has changed? How? In what way?"

"The people of my era were explorers. We desired to see all there was to see and learn all there was to learn about the universe. Our thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. It was what motivated us to reach for the stars.”

"The people I see today are satisfied with exploring the microcosm within the worldship. They have focused inward instead of outward. I believe the Kyrra thirst for knowledge is beginning to decrease and my race will eventually reach a point where we will be satisfied with the knowledge we have. I foresee a time when the Kyrra will stagnate. We have lost the drive that has provided us with the technological knowledge we now possess. It is quite possible that your arrival here will change this, but I don't know for sure."

An idea had popped into Ken's head as Trel'mara talked. "I believe I know how you can become one of the most productive members of your society," Ken said. Seeing he had gotten Trel'mara's attention, he continued. "If your people decide to establish a relationship with the Alliance, a spokesperson will be needed. This person must be intimately familiar with how to properly deal with the Alliance. I believe you would be the best choice for such a spokesperson."

Trel'mara was silent for several moments and stared at the ship's plating, apparently deep in thought. When he looked up, Ken could see that his spirits were lifting. "For the moment, I agree with you. A change in one's chosen occupation should not, however, be taken lightly and I will give it the proper consideration. The banquet will be held at 1800 hours your time two days from now. Transports will begin arriving at your quarters at 1700. Thank you Ken, thank you very much."

Ken watched as Trel'mara turned and executed a perfectly calculated jump which caused him to sail through the air in a wide arc. As the Kyrra disappeared behind the bulk of the ship's cargo hatch, Ken mentally patted himself on the back. He knew Trel'mara would make an excellent representative for the Kyrra. After glancing at his wrist-piece he decided to end the inspection and headed for the nearest maintenance airlock. He had some personal business to attend to within the ship.

A few minutes later, he was seated in the deserted mess hall with Tasha and two cups of hot coffee. "You seem to be in a good mood," Tasha said testing her coffee.

"I think I just saved the life of a very good friend of mine," Ken replied and related what had transpired between himself and Trel'mara. "I just hope he was right concerning the vote," he concluded.

"These Kyrra are going to be quite a psychological research project if they do join up with us," Tasha said. "Their society is unique — no Alliance culture even comes close to their sociological behaviorism's."

Ken was in no mood to talk psychological shop, but he did have one important question that needed answering. "How is the crew holding up?"

Tasha knew exactly what Ken meant by this question. "Despite having such a good time since arriving here, I have detected an underlying sense of concern for the situation back home. The crew is cut-off from all information concerning their homes and many are getting anxious to begin the return trip. This situation is, of course, more pronounced with those who have families.”

"I have also noted that we now have a few more couples to deal with since arriving. The release in tension has allowed several people to find a compatible person to share their time with."

Stricklen reached out and held Tasha's hand. "Then I don't feel obligated as the captain of this boat from refraining from taking advantage of a certain person whom I like to share my time with."

"As the ship's psychologist I am officially encouraging such activity," she replied squeezing Ken's hand for emphasis.

The relationship between the two officers had been growing throughout the entire mission. Ever since arriving on the worldship it had been gaining strength. As Ken looked into Tasha's eyes, he realized that their relationship had crossed over into something deeper and more personal. Seemingly on their own accord, Ken's hands reached up and gently placed themselves on either side of Tasha's face. "I love you," he quietly said. "Marry me."

There were tears forming in Tasha's eyes as she reached up and grabbed his own face. "That is one order from my captain that I would never be able to refuse. Of course I will marry you."

After savoring the moment for awhile, Ken leaned back and said, "This is going to complicate things."

"I'm sure you will be able to work it all out," Tasha replied wiping her eyes with a napkin.

They both leaned forward and lightly kissed. "Do you like rum?" he asked.

Tasha sniffed, placed her chin in her hands, her elbows on the table, and replied. "As a matter of fact, yes I do. Now where do you suppose we can find a bottle of rum on a warship over 3,000 light years from home?"

Ignoring the last of his coffee, Ken stood up and offered his hand. "I think I might know exactly where to find one, after all, being the captain does have certain advantages" Tasha took the offering and followed Ken to his stateroom. Soon afterwards the privacy lock snicked tight.

Hours later, Ken happily strode onto the Dragon's bridge. After taking his usual seat, he said, "Dragon, what is the status of the Kyrra vote concerning whether they should establish relationships with the Alliance?"

"Eighty-eight percent of the population has voted so far with seventy-eight percent of the votes going toward establishing official contact with the Alliance," the machine replied. "It is now mathematically impossible for the vote to be turned."

Ken was very pleased. It appeared as if the Kyrra would be joining the Alliance. Ken only hoped there would be an Alliance to join by the time they got back. With that bit of good news, Stricklen turned his attention to taking care of some of the other routine items he had been neglecting since their arrival. As captain of the Komodo Dragon he still had responsibilities and duties to perform.

Stricklen spent the next day aboard the cruiser making sure the ship would be ready to leave as soon as possible after the banquet. He heard no complaints from any of the crew members when he called them back to the ship to begin the extensive checklist required to prepare the ship for the extended voyage home.

By the time they had to leave for the banquet, the Komodo Dragon was once again ready for the vacuum of space. Everyone who wanted to attend was allowed to do so. In light of the Kyrra mentality Stricklen had decided not to bother posting a marine guard. The ship's computer would inform him of any problems. For the first time in its long history the Komodo Dragon was empty of all crew.

Ken, with Tasha at his side, was one of the last to arrive at the entertainment center. The building reminded him of one of Earth's famous domed football stadiums. There was a large central area where the activities took place and room for thousands of people to sit and view the entertainment (whatever type of entertainment the Kyrra provided themselves with Ken did not yet know).

Roughly one-quarter of the playing field (as Ken decided to call it) had been converted into a large banquet area with long rows of tables filled with food and other rows of tables for eating. Trel'mara approached them as the couple neared the banquet area.

"Thank you for coming Ken," he said extending his hand in the Human gesture of greeting. "As is your custom, I have reserved a seat for you at the head of the first table."

Ken was overjoyed to find that the rest of the Kyrra he had released from stasis were present at the table. He exchanged warm greetings with all of them and said, "Thank you for all this! I'm sure the crew appreciates it."

Laid out in front of them was a large assortment of different foods. After ensuring that his guests of honor had been seated, Trel'mara excused himself. Stricklen eyed the vast expanse of food and selected a white fruit about five centimeters in diameter with small yellow dots covering its surface. Upon cutting it in half, he discovered the inside to be pinkish in color, much like a grapefruit. He bit into it and his mouth was flooded with a rich, delicious, sweet tasting liquid. The fruit itself practically melted on his tongue.

In between bites, Ken talked with the friends he had not seen in so long. All had pretty much settled back into their society and were now performing useful duties. El'Narra and Nordlatak, the two biologists, had become lab technicians until their knowledge and skill level increased. Tee'Chea, the construction engineer, was working in an automated factory as a control room monitor. Norgoola had found a position as a research assistant in the high energy field dynamics lab. All-in-all Ken was glad to see that his old friends had been reintegrated into their society.

A loud gong sounded and the din of conversation quickly turned to silence. In the unoccupied area of the playing field, the image of Trel'mara, many times larger than life, materialized. He pretended to survey the crowd then announced, "The Kyrra welcome all crew members of the Komodo Dragon." Ken was surprised that Trel'mara was delivering his speech in English.

"Although my people do not normally recognize others at a gathering such as this, I felt that doing so in accordance with your customs would be an appropriate way to show our appreciation for what you have done. Since I am one of the five people who have benefited the most from your decision to return us to our home, I have decided that it would be best if I organized this affair.”

"In my time, before I and my crew were forced to enter stasis, our race believed that a peaceful relationship between ourselves and any other civilization would not be possible. The differences between us and all other races are so numerous as to present an insurmountable obstacle to a mutually beneficial and peaceful relationship.”

"Although the various cultures which make up the Alliance are all species which have a violent and competitive past, you have managed to forge a society where all can live in relative peace. I, and my fellow Kyrra who were in stasis with me, have been honored to have lived among you. You have taught us that other races can exhibit very Kyrra-like behavior.”

"I would like to conclude by introducing Norpock, speaker for our council." The image shimmered for a moment and Trel'mara was replaced by Norpock.

"Greetings from the council. As you know our population has been asked to decide if we should establish formal relations with the Alliance. The voting has concluded and the population has decided in favor of this proposal."

Ken quickly glanced around after hearing this remark and noted that his crew seemed to be breathing a collective sigh of relief.

"During the debate preceding the vote," Norpock continued, "the council discussed what actions it would take if the vote was for the establishment of formal relations.

"With the conclusion of the vote, these actions are being implemented. Preparations are now being made for our departure. I am also happy to announce that Trel'mara has been named as the liaison between our people and the Alliance.”

"The council has also concluded that the Chroniech must be stopped. We will not, however, repeat the mistakes which were made many thousands of years ago. Another way must be found. This problem will be discussed in the very near future. Finally, I have been told that some of our best entertainers have asked to display their abilities for our guests. Please, enjoy what they have to offer."

Stricklen was surprised to hear that the Kyrra would be leaving. He wondered how fast their ships were compared to his own. He was about to reach for an as-yet untried fruit when a familiar voice called out to him. Ken looked around and spotted Doug working his way toward him with a slender brunette in tow. Ken recognized the woman as a fusion reactor specialist whom Doug had mentioned a couple of times in the past.

"For such a dull race these Kyrra sure know how to throw a banquet!" Doug yelled over the din. "Too bad they don't serve alcohol."

"Agreed," Stricklen replied. "I haven't seen you for a couple of days. What have you been up to?" Seeing the look that passed quickly between the XO and his partner Stricklen quickly added, "Never mind, as long as you've been enjoying yourself. We have a long trip ahead of us."

Doug introduced the brunet as Cheryl Sidler. "Good evening captain," she replied in a timid voice.

"This is a social occasion," Ken replied trying to ease her tension. It was obvious to him that she was slightly worried about her relationship with the ship's executive officer. "Please call me Ken. We are a long way from home and I'm certainly not going to be a stickler for rules this far out. This is Tasha, although you probably already know her." In order to break the ice even further Ken leaned over and gave Tasha a quick kiss.

That seemed to ease Cheryl's tension. From that point on, the foursome talked and enjoyed themselves for the rest of the evening.

The entertainment consisted of various dancers, musicians, and acrobats. All in all it was a memorable evening. Ken especially enjoyed the Kyrra music. It was very much like jazz but with a bit of classical thrown in. He asked Trel'mara if he could obtain some recordings. "I will see to it that you receive a large collection," Trel'mara replied.