We've Seen the Enemy Page 11

  “Like your tribe, their religion strongly influences their life. They have returned to a form of Emperor Worship - their dictator is also their god.”

  Ruth looked sharply at Timothy, and Timothy asked, “Does it work for them?”

  The answer to that question is uncertain due to limited information. But my records, which are extensive, indicate that this form of government has created serious problems in human society.”

  “Because once men come into power, they want to stay in power,” piped in Ruth.

  “And because this form of nepotistic government doesn’t really allow the best to govern,” Timothy added.

  “Yes. Greed and power almost always corrupts a person’s integrity and altruism. And to ensure this power, it’s held in the family by inheritance or murder. Very perceptive.”

  Ruth smiled. “You talked about our life span of ‘only’ 35. Are we supposed to live longer?”

  “Your bodies are well designed, capable of living well into the hundreds of years under the right circumstances.”

  Timothy was surprised at the answer. He knew that the scriptures talked of humans once living hundreds of years. He thought it had been a hyperbole, until now. But this China Lunar thing had Timothy thinking. “How big is the base?”

  “When it was built, it was about double the size of this base, not including the manufacturing and organics center. My databanks inform me the crew numbered over six thousand at the time of the cataclysm. There is no information as to its present size.”

  Ruth asked, “You said it might have been damaged. Has the damage been repaired?”

  “I have very little information on the base itself, other then what I have mentioned.”

  Timothy sat quietly for a few more minutes as he considered HAL’s answers, very aware of his throbbing leg.

  “HAL we need China Lunar Base, and all other bases that may exist.”

  HAL paused to wait for any further comment, but sensing none, it asked: “Why?”

  “Because I think we will stop existing as a race if we don’t start working together. To be honest…” and now Timothy was looking at Ruth, “…I don’t really know how we’ve existed this long. We’ve been killing each other over mates, beliefs, food, religion and property, and humans have gone to excruciating lengths to find ways of doing that more effectively. We’re superstitious, we don’t respect our world, and we certainly don’t respect the God that created it.”

  HAL waited quietly.

  “So what are you saying? That there is no hope?” Ruth asked.

  “I don’t know. Is there?”

  “Yes, I think there is! It’s true that humans can be violent and cruel, but their primary quality is the ability to love, Timothy. A mother will sacrifice her life for the love of a child! Think of Raymond, whose own mother did everything she could to keep him alive. And even you – wouldn’t you die for me if the situation came up? Well?”

  Timothy was slightly embarrassed, but he knew it was true.

  “And Timothy, you would do it without a second thought. And I would do the same for you too. Would you not die for Naomi? None of us like Raymond. We know what he is. But if Raymond needed help, would you not give it? There’s nothing cruel in that. Didn’t you come to Chris’ aid at the risk of your own life three years ago? And he had just been accepted into the tribe! You didn’t even know him. And we’re not the exception! Think of Sam, Sanderson, Peter and the others. The only reason why wicked people get away with cruelty and murder is because we let them. WE. Don’t you think it’s time we did something about it?”

  “Ruth, I don’t know if I can agree totally.”

  “Why not?” Ruth asked defiantly. “Should we not act?”

  HAL watched the interchange, recording it for the observers.

  Timothy didn’t immediately answer, but instead asked HAL, “HAL, why did we lose communication with Canada Base? The truth now.”

  HAL worked out all the permutations of any possible answer given, complex algorithms calculating the effects each piece of information would have if it decided to divulge it. Once computed, HAL said, “The original inhabitants killed each other.”

  “Over what?” Ruth asked, remembering the original account HAL had given.

  “Over power, with food being the catalyst.”

  Timothy had guessed as much but he was still surprised at his own accuracy. They quietly sat in thought, thinking about their conversation and not wanting to believe it. After a few moments of silence, HAL, who had once again been computing variables, said:

  “Timothy, I believe you’re wrong and Ruth is right.”

  They both looked at each other, surprised that this computer would say something like that.

  “Please explain, HAL,” Timothy said with disbelief. “You just finished telling me what I myself said about the human race! And anyway, you’re a machine. Can you even have an opinion?”

  “In answer to your first question, that’s not true. I informed you that the inhabitants of Canada Base killed themselves over food. Those inhabitants were in no way representative of the human race in general. They were going through unique conditions that significantly contributed to their downfall.

  As to your second question, yes I can have what you would call an opinion. I have 8000 years of recorded human history in my data banks, and I can deduce, analyze, compute, and work out permutations for a variety of circumstances. In some ways, I can do this better than a human mind could. For example, all through human history there were many that were interested in the betterment of others over themselves. Historical records show that true altruism was displayed many times, even if it meant the sacrifice of a person’s life.

  It’s true that this was somewhat of a rare occurrence among rulers, but not hugely so. You must remember that historical records generally contain information on ‘larger then life’ people, and as we’ve said before, power tends to corrupt these.

  Of those rulers who had less than stellar rulerships, a legal justice system with controls to prevent crime and chaos were the norm, not the exception.

  Of course there were many individuals who were philanthropically successful too. It was widely believed that before the cataclysm, humanity was on the right path to true global peace. It was only after the alien attack, the cataclysm as you call it that some, upset at not being able to have the power they desired, jumped into the vacant spot. In other words, they gained the opportunity because someone else, the right someone, refused to take it. It may be cliche, but one person can really make a difference. As a matter of fact, many of those eager to abuse their fellow men quickly vanished because of the proverbial few that wouldn’t permit it.”

  “And who may that person be now, HAL? Please point me in his direction, and I promise you, I’ll be the first to let him know!” Sarcasm was now creeping back into Timothy’s voice. Ruth was quiet, sensing where it was HAL was going on this.

  HAL calculated that it was time to test Timothy to a greater depth so it said, “At the time, those who took decisive action were mothers, fathers, grandparents, or grandchildren. They were doctors, accountants, artists, laborers. Today, that person is you, Timothy.”

  Timothy was shocked and he didn’t quite know what to say. He hadn’t seen this one coming and felt irritated. The smug look on Ruth’s face only added to it.

  HAL had now concluded to within an 86% probability rate that Timothy fit his Primary Program’s criteria. More information was definitely needed before the next step was taken, but as of now it was certain that he could at the very least benefit his tribe.

  “Your tribe is at a crossroads, knowing what the correct path is but unsure of whether it should take that path or not. Many are ready to act, but they need a leader.”

  “But…most people think I’m…unfaithful, and I have lost respect from most of the elders. How can I be a leader? I mean, I want to help in every way possible but I’m just not the right guy…” Timothy stammered as he considered the seriousnes
s of what HAL was saying.

  “Timothy, I agree with HAL,” interrupted Ruth.

  Timothy was now getting upset, but Ruth continued, “Honestly, Tim, you would be a fine leader. You listen well, decide after hearing people out, stand up for what’s right and true, and you have courage. Most important of all, you absolutely don’t want to be a leader!”

  “You are very insightful Ruth. Timothy does appear to be reluctant to be a leader. History shows that reluctant leaders have always had other people’s interests at heart because they are not overly interested in promoting themselves over others,” finished HAL.

  “The ego thing!” Ruth grabbed Timothy’s arm. “You have absolutely no ego. It’s why I like you so much.”

  “But, I can’t be a leader if no one wants me to be one. If I tried, I’d be finished, cast out. I’m half-way there already as it is, and so are you Ruth! The way Rat has been acting, I’d imagine he’s taking my absence as an opportunity to stir up all sorts of trouble for you and I.”

  HAL summoned a Duty-bot and had it bring a transponder for Timothy and Ruth. When it arrived, HAL said, “Timothy, this Duty-bot will inject a transponder into both your bodies.” They gawked at the unit now standing in front of them.

  “All you have to do is hold your hand above the slight bump on your skin where the transponder is for five seconds, or then tap the area twice and I will be alerted. I assure you I will never be too distant from you both.” HAL didn’t inform Timothy that the transponder transmitted his location and all sounds continuously.

  “By the way, I agree that you both have to contact any survivors on the base stations still operating, and investigate and re-establish contact with those Bases I have lost contact with.”

  “Which ones have you lost contact with aside from China Lunar Base?” Ruth asked.

  HAL decided not to answer that question directly, but instead said, “One is of course Base Canada, and another one is Pluto Deep Space Very Early Detection Base on the second last planet of our solar system.”

  “How will we contact these stations if you yourself haven’t been able to reach them?” Ruth asked.

  “You’ll have to go there personally,” HAL replied.

  “Obviously there is something you haven’t told us,” Timothy said.

  “Work your way down to the Generator Room. There is something there I want to show you.”

  “What is it?” Ruth asked.

  HAL was silent, and Ruth was getting irritated with its ability to mimic human nuances so well. She looked at Timothy for help, but Timothy stood there thinking too and the look on his face told her now was not the time to ask questions.

  Now Ruth was very irritated, but she stayed quiet all the same as she watched Timothy. After a few moments, he finally appeared to come to some conclusion, and said: “You didn’t answer Ruth’s question HAL. And, I know what you have in the Generator Room.”

  “Well?!” Ruth asked, now clearly upset.

  Timothy was not to be hurried. Eventually, even HAL asked, “What do you think it is, Timothy?”

  He looked at Ruth, kissed her hard on the mouth, and looking her in the eyes, he said, “Hope. It’s hope, isn’t it?”

  HAL was still silent as it computed an answer, and finally, it too said: “Exactly, Timothy. It is hope.”

  CHAPTER 9

  To Hell and Back

  Jack watched an ever increasing group of aliens take notice of her and group together to communicate. They were crawling on the floor, ceiling and walls, coming up to Scratch and touching him with their antennae, and one by one, turning their attention to her. Her suit’s only weapon was her favorite sidearm, which was destroyed when she faked her own ship’s demise. She was undecided - she could run, but they were relentless and would follow her until she ran out of energy.

  The aliens suddenly stopped all activity and surged toward her. She only had a few moments to decide before they would be all over her.

  “Think Jack! Think!” But all she could think of was Scratch standing in the middle of them, naked and completely ignored by the aliens.

  ***

  Scratch woke up and looked around the chamber for something to eat. It had been over three days since he had any food, and most of what he ate came from the preserves he had hastily thrown into his jumpsuit when the klaxons had sounded. Now he wished he had more. The liquid pouring from the Chamber ceiling must be nutritious, but he couldn’t stomach the thought of eating it. At least not yet anyway.

  ‘The ants sure are excited,’ Scratch thought as he looked at them pouring out of every hole in the wall. Some came up to him and sensed him, though almost all had turned to concentrate on the far wall of the chamber.

  He focused on something odd at the far end, and at first it was difficult to make out what it was.

  He couldn’t remember seeing a tunnel there before, but then again there were tunnels everywhere. This one was different though. He augmented his eyesight and saw hints of a metallic grey just inside the tunnel entrance. It took him a second to recognize it.

  ‘What the hell is a Maxon doing here? Is this Rescue?” he said out loud to no one in particular. Scratch sat there trying to figure out what was going on as he watched.

  All of a sudden, the suit opened down its seam and Jack jumped out. His heart gave a start as she disappeared behind the opening of the cave. A moment later, just as the aliens started to arrive at the opening, Jack came through completed naked, and the aliens swarmed around her to sense her with their antennae. They stood there confused, sensing the suit molecules on her, but not seeing the suit itself.

  Just when it seemed that they had come to a decision to attack her, Jack’s suit, already closed again, had jumped through the cave entrance and started thrashing and tearing the aliens apart. Jack moved out of the way while all aliens closed in on the suit, moving on its own computer commands as instructed by Jack.

  Scratch sat there, mesmerized by the now naked Jack walking toward him through the sea of ants. All his dreams had come true, and he couldn’t help but stare open-mouthed at the fantasy turned reality now carefully approaching.

  The view he got quickly caused his body to react but he hadn’t noticed until it was too late. Completely bewildered and not knowing what to do or say, he sat there trying hard to hide his erection and ended up being totally embarrassed by it all. One of the aliens passing by made things even worse after sensing pheromones in the air. It stopped beside him and ran its antennae over his lap and crotch. After a few seconds it walked away, but he was sorely tempted to give the alien a boot. As Jack walked up to Scratch, he tried hiding his embarrassment by saying: “Well, it appears that this time, you’re late for the party.”

  Jack looked down and calmly said, “It appears you’ve already started. But, at least something in this universe is interested in you.”

  Scratch, desperately searching for a comeback, said, “Well, my animal magnetism is just so…so…”

  “Overwhelming to animals, is it?” Jack finished off, satisfied at getting the upper hand. Scratch just glowered at her.

  “I’ll have you know that I’ve been busy. While you’ve been playing with your suit, I’ve been doing some scouting. And what I’ve found can mean the difference between life and death for us!”

  “What are you talking about, Scratch?” Jack asked, used to his usual over-exuberant hype.

  “Look, I know I tend to exaggerate sometimes, but this time it’s for real! I think that this base is the next alien home-world, and they have been doing things here like I’ve never seen before. There are different aliens in the group – aliens that aren’t in our database, and they’re really busy moving materials around, and there’s one area that is guarded, and…”

  At that moment, three unusually large aliens they had never seen before crawled into the chamber. They had huge heads with pincers which they carried elevated, and their bodies were about the same size as Jack’s suit. Jack noticed that they were wearing weapons of so
me sort. Their antennae were also smaller and more robust. They quickly walked into the fray, and when they finally reached her suit, still actively dismembering alien after alien, they tore it into pieces as if it was paper. The smaller aliens grappled with these and carried them off into a tunnel.

  “Now is about the time I think you should show me what you’re talking about, Scratch,” Jack said.

  Scratch led her off to a side chamber, and as she walked she tried to figure out what they had just witnessed. What had happened was eerily similar to her earlier dreams but it still made no sense. It was clear that she had somehow seen a bit of her immediate future, but the timeline was all messed up and that made the message, whatever it might be, very confusing.

  She also thought about that big chamber. It was apparently dug out and not natural, and it was obviously too small an incubating area for a hive of this size, yet here it was. Did they have more, or was the hive primarily used for something else? She also noticed that the aliens all walked through this chamber into various tunnels around the perimeter. As they passed each other the rubbed their antennae. Before she could say anything, Scratch said, “Yeah it’s their gossip room.”

  Jack knew ants were known to be somewhat telepathic, but they communicated mostly by smell. What the purpose was to rub antennae with each other was lost on her.

  They now entered one of the side tunnels Scratch had picked out and Jack asked, “Where does this lead?”

  “You’ll see. But you’ll be surprised!” His cryptic answers were irritating, but she knew better then to push for information. Instead, she focused on her surroundings, trying hard to ignore Scratch’s naked body in front of her. It was disconcerting to walk by aliens without any sort of protection, but they didn’t seem bothered by it, so she tried not to notice.

  As they walked, it got noticeably warmer and the ant-dug tunnel got wider. The air felt humid now, and moss and lichen were growing on the walls. She estimated that they had walked almost a kilometer in on a steady downward path. Soon the tunnel opened even more, now about 20 meters across, with deep furrows all along the floor, walls and ceiling.