A New Day (7 page)

"The Council and I are far more concerned with how many humans there are in the Empire, and what we should do if they were to all come home at once," Ben finished. "I'm mostly worried about the people that are under the claw of the lizard Dukes. We have heard there might be places where the Dukes are raising humans for food."

"We have heard the same, but as yet we have not officially found any. That is to say that we did find two such places, but, in order to keep the peace, the humans were rescued and the Dukes were only fined for disobeying. That will not happen again. I have already given orders that if another 'farm' is discovered, the Duke is to be arrested immediately and brought to Hyclarion for trial. An influx of people coming here is a valid concern. This planet would be quickly overwhelmed by the influx of people returning to this world. When this goes public, we will have to take steps to control the rate at which they return," Hjoolous said.

"Majesty, much of this could easily be dependent on the classified information I mentioned earlier. An idea has been put forth that could attack the issue from both sides, so to speak. The idea would create millions of jobs, which would provide for a great many returning people." Ben looked thoughtful for a moment. "Neither my Council nor myself want it to be strictly humans either. We really do want to join the Empire; and racial diversity would be beneficial. But I'm afraid with so many humans coming here, it would seem we would be discriminating."

"That you are worried about it does you credit, Prime, but you shouldn't worry about it. Everyone will know you are trying to re-establish your home world. We very much doubt that anyone would take offense under those circumstances," Hjoolous said. Behind him, Glandril nodded agreement.

"Prime Council, the drones and workers have completed His Majesty's quarters and those of his party. Minister Deirdre Bedouin contacted His Majesty's Guard Captain to incorporate what security arrangements are needed. You may show them when you are ready," Mother replied. "I apologize for the delay, the main security computer system gave us more trouble than anticipated."

"Thank you, Mother," Ben replied.

Hjoolous nodded. "It has been a long day and one that is not yet ended, I think. We would see these quarters to freshen ourself before speaking to you about the classified information you mentioned. Perhaps then we may retire to contemplate the day."

"If you have luggage or personal effects on the ship, I can have them moved to your quarters, Majesty," Mother suggested.

"Our departure was somewhat rushed, however we did bring a few items we may need. Please contact Ranger Hojoh and he will direct you to the items we will want," Hjoolous replied.

"If you would follow me, Majesty, I will show you to the quarters we have prepared for you," Ben said.

Command Pod Alpha One

26 Apr. 10266 CE (AD)

Sector 34871 - Great Inland Sea

Earth, Sol System

There were a great many more people, soldiers, and civilians alike in the base when Ben led the Emperor out to the transport tube. Since they all looked like they had purpose and were busy, Ben didn't immediately ask what was going on, but he was curious. When they got in the transport car, Ben told the group where they were going.

"Majesty, the quarters we prepared for you are in the same residence pod I live in. If you remember from the history Mother related to you, our pods were buried deeply underground. This base was built somewhat close to the surface, so a transport system tunnel was dug to connect our pod network to the base. Our pod group is the closest to this base, but it is much deeper," he finished.

"We find it amazing that so many people could survive for so many thousands of years buried deeply underground here. It is truly an event of epic proportions," Hjoolous said. "I am certain many will simply not believe it, however, we will make certain the event is logged into the histories of the Empire making it official."

"We appreciate that, Majesty. Perhaps after some preparations, we could welcome those that would like to come and see for themselves. Although we do plan on keeping and to continue using the pods, I am certain that a good share of our people will wish to return to the surface. Living underground has its advantages, but we were meant to live in the sunshine," Ben replied.

"As are most of our brothers in the Empire," Hjoolous said nodding. There are two races that are subterranean by nature, though. I am certain they would be most impressed with the extent and ingenuity of what has been done here though." He paused. "This transit system really spans the entire planet?"

Ben nodded. "Yes Majesty. A flat out transit to the other side of the world would take about eight local hours. Of course in practice, it does take longer, since the tubes are in use by the other residents as well."

Hjoolous shook his head. "Amazing, we do have similar transport systems in the Empire, but none of them are as vast as this one."

"I have been told that some of our engineers are already working on plans to extend the system to the surface cities and installations. They wish to connect all the Aeries and major population centers on the planet. It will be a major undertaking, since the network would have to be almost tripled in size and complexity in order to handle the increased load," Ben replied. He chuckled, "One very bright young man is even working a way of extending it up to a space station in orbit. He claims it would lessen the cost, as well as the transit time, while increasing the total amount of both passengers and cargo that could be handled."

Ranger T'Gree shook his head. "I don't think he'll be able to do it, Prime. There is a very strong rotational sheer when dealing with orbital mechanics. A rigid structure like that would be shattered even before it could be built."

"As I understand it, Ranger, these tubes are not rigid. They flex and can move to adjust to shifting conditions underground like earthquakes and magma displacements in the deeper areas. Don't get me wrong, they can still be damaged, but not as easily as a rigid structure. I'm not an engineer though, so I don't know very much more than that," Ben replied. "I believe the original designer is living in one of the west coast pods. You can contact her for the details of the system if you wish."

"If time permits, I will do that. Thank you Prime Council," T'Gree replied.

The small group talked about nothing important until the car arrived at the Command Pod. This time, Ben led the group only a short distance before coming to a doorway protected by two of the Imperial Guard. Ben noticed that they were both very tall, but luckily the ceilings in this area were much higher than the norm to allow for the trees in the atrium to grow to maturity.

The Guards opened the doors, and Ben led the Emperor and his party inside.

"Majesty, I apologize for the small size and poor accommodations. However, this is the best we could come up with for you," Ben replied.

Hjoolous was looking around himself in awe. It was an entire forest underground! "Prime Council, there is no need for apology! This place is simply wonderful! How did you get a forest to grow this far from the sun? Dhana has to have blessed this place in order for the plants to be so healthy."

"Part of the design of our pods was for an atrium like this one where people could come and be around nature. It was designed to help us keep our sanity while we lived down here. Every pod has one of these, but since this is the smallest pod, we also have the smallest forest. Currently, the lighting is reproducing the exact spectra our sun had before The Fall, as these plants and the few small animals in here are all from that time." He paused. "Mother, would you please explain to His Majesty what you've had done in here, as well as the floor plan and amenities?"

"Certainly, Prime," Mother replied and projected a hologram for them, (which was also new since the Atrium did not have holographic projectors before this.) She explained everything that had been done and adjusted to accommodate the Imperial party and the amenities installed to provide for their comfort.

"This is far more than we expected, this effort is greatly appreciated. We will be very comfortable here," Hjoolous replied. "Prime Council, once we have refreshed ourselves, where would you like to continue our discussions?"

"Currently, there are only two places I feel are secure enough for this; my office and the main Council Chamber. I do have a small conference table set up in my office, so why don't we speak there. I can easily get any information we might need," Ben replied. "I'll leave a guide here for you when you're ready."

While Ben and Janet returned to his office, Jance and the Rangers returned to their own quarters to eat and prepare for the upcoming meeting. Jance told Ben that she would make sure the Rangers he had asked for earlier would be there in an hour.

While the Emperor was busy 'refreshing' himself, Ben took the opportunity to return to his office and have dinner. It was already pretty late in the day, but he had missed both the afternoon and evening meals. Deirdre and Jorga joined him, even though they had both already eaten.

When Ben told them about the upcoming meeting, Jorga dropped a bombshell on him. "I don't know if I'll be able to attend the meeting. Since I'm 'enhanced', the Imperial Guard won't let me near the Emperor."

"What? That's idiotic, why not?" Ben asked.

Jorga shook her head. "Actually, it's not. Think about this from their point of view. I'm an unlicensed and unregistered enhanced human. They have no idea what was done to me, beyond what we tell them. To let me get close to the Emperor would be an unwarranted security risk for them." She shrugged. "I might not like it, but I can understand it."

"Part of the upcoming discussion will be the nanocytes your mother has developed. I would like you to be a part of that meeting not only in your capacity as my vice councilor, but as an example of the work. I'll speak to the Captain of His Majesty's Guard and see if something can't be done. After all, we'll have three Rangers to help protect the Emperor as well," Ben said.

"What's he like, Ben?" Deirdre asked.

"He's not really what I expected. He's nice, listens to what people have to say, and makes decisions based on that knowledge. I'll admit I don't know him all that well, but I think I could consider him a friend. Of course, as Emperor, that isn't really possible, but I'm certainly going to try anyway." He shrugged. "I like him. He's a pretty down-to-earth person that hasn't let his position go to his head."

"When I took dinner over to the Command Center, I met Admiral Yolinar," Deirdre replied. "Damn he's one big guy! But he struck me as very gentle and personable."

"What are you doing taking dinner over there? You're a minister now, you should delegate stuff like that!" Ben teased.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "I wanted to do it. I think it's a good thing I did too, from the way the food got attacked, I don't think any of them have eaten all day."

"What did you take for the Admiral?" Jorga asked. "I didn't think they had the same dietary requirements we do."

"They don't. They're mostly vegetarian, but will eat some white meat like chicken or fish. Addson's medical AI said that they can eat red meats too, but it tends to make them too violent and aggressive so they removed it from their diet unless going into combat. Hyclarion soldier's rations are very different than what the civilians eat," Deirdre replied. "I did ask the Admiral if he would need something like that, but he declined and said that it was a more physical response than intellectual or emotional, so only the troops get it. He was really good about it, and readily explained it to me."

"By the way Sis, the Emperor loved the quarters. Even the Senator seemed impressed with them," Ben said. "Mother did an excellent job in the redesign, but she said that you had a hand in it as well."

"I did a little, but Mother did most of it herself. She deserves the credit for it," Deirdre said.

The trio talked while Ben ate and prepared for the upcoming meeting with the Emperor. He did speak to the Emperor's Guard Captain, who reluctantly agreed that three Rangers and eight Marine guards should be enough protection for the Emperor if Jorga were to be allowed to attend the meeting. However, the very imposing being did insist that she stay on the other side of the room from the Emperor.

The number of guards assigned surprised Ben, and he was concerned his office wouldn't be large enough for the meeting. However, Jorga did a little careful planning and made sure that all the people Ben had wanted to introduce would not be in the office at the same time. She set up a schedule for them to enter and provide testimony before being excused to make room for the next item on the agenda. Once she explained it to everyone, no one took offense, the Guard was greatly relieved and the problem was solved.

She also relocated the venue of the meeting to the Grand Council Chamber. She invited the Captain of the Guard to inspect and tour the entire route as well as their apartment and the chamber itself so he could plan out his security measures. When the Captain expressed concern over the fact that there was only one entry and exit, Jorga took him aside and showed him the emergency escape route from the chamber. She made certain to tell him that he was one of four beings that knew of this secret route and asked that he keep it to himself.