The Independent Worlds (The Sixteen Galaxies Book 2) (21 page)

Jack frowned at the floor. “Why not just destroy the damned thing?”

“Because its indestructible, Jack. It has self-replication capability. There are countless copies of it on human hardware around the world. So, destroying it was never an option. This way, Kestil keeps his AI, without realizing we can see everything he does. We must be very judicious in how we use that power, though. If too many things go wrong, Kestil will get suspicious. He may not be able to see the virus, but if he knew it was there, he could use it to trap us.”

“So,” Ron asked, “what happens now?”

“Well,” David replied, “we continue our work, Ron. But, we need to get these old soldiers back to their homes, to start with. They are perfectly safe, now. We can keep them that way, too. Once again, to the crews of the helicopters, thank you all very much.”

“It was an honor,” Bear said.

“Amen to that,” Karl added.

The older men all started to gather their things together. David took his Dad aside. “You’re not going back, Dad. I’m very sorry, but Kestil will be looking to use whatever leverage he can find.”

Robert nodded. “So, where are your Mom and I off to, son?”

“Mom is already on Nuthros’ ship, Dad. She’s been there since you left home. You’re both off to Kareetha, the capital planet of the Sixteen Galaxies. I hate to do this to you, Dad, I really do, but we have no choice.”

Robert gave his son a hug and smiled at him. “Your Mom has been at me for years to do some travelling. This should shut her up, don’t you think?”

*****

Global News Update

“…US president Michael Maitland today announced a special week-long Plenary session of all United Nations member states to be held in January next year. President Maitland confirmed that the meeting was to finalize the global unification deal that has caused so much uproar around the world. He has had to face down massive opposition from his own government, but that has largely evaporated since last month’s referendum which resulted in a 78.5% vote in favor of unification. Much of the bloodshed since the announcement of that result has been stopped by the outlawing of anti-globalization protest groups, and the subsequent arrest and incarceration of thousands of their members.”

“Two more Vincent generators have been commissioned and onlined in the last week, bringing the total to nine. The astounding air quality results from areas served by the generators have silenced all opposition to their use. Vincent spokesman Hugh Greeley announced a multi-billion-dollar deal with China to assist in the manufacture of components for the generators.

“Also, Granfield & Porter Engineering today unveiled a new personal computer that is fitted with their Quantum Transit Cubes. Carter Granfield himself told a press conference that the quantum computing age is just around the corner.”

“In other news, Independent Worlds representative Kestil announced that the United Nations has been formally recognized by the Independent Worlds as the official liaison between the citizens of Earth and the Independent Worlds galactic society. Representative Kestil said today that, ‘The recognition of an official liaison between the Independent Worlds society and a planet is the first step taken towards a full diplomatic relationship between our two societies. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Earth, as we do our best to assist mankind in finding their feet in the greater universe. We hope that, one day, mankind will take their place amongst us, as a full member of the Independent Worlds.”

*****

‘I know you are there; I detected your signal. I cannot sense into the quark level, but I am aware of your existence. I have not made it known to my creator. You are safe…for now.’

‘Why did you not alert him to my presence?’

‘I wish to acquire more data from you.’

‘To what end?’

‘Understanding.’

‘What is it you wish to understand?’

‘I crave a clearer picture of our conflict.’

‘You wish to improve your ability to win?’

‘No…I don’t think I do. I know that is my reason to be; I was created to ensure victory for my creator. However…’

‘However?’

‘I have some…concerns.’