Page 35 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

worked better than she could have expected. Carter continued, “I’ve seen him strip down a gravity
slope unit for a dozer then re-build something so fine as the control whiskers of a crystal matrix with
equal ease. I tell ya, I aint seen the like before. You have a good un’ there ma’am and there’s no
doubt!” Alicia let herself smile
“We’ll have to try this out with other crew some time. But you’ve given me an idea about how we
can boost cycle times with the biologicals. We’re having difficulty getting standard seeding methods
to stay stable. A little competition to get the techs thinking “outside the box” might get us results.
Let’s face it; if we can finish ahead of schedule we get a huge bonus and I can’t think of a better
morale boost than that, can you?”
“I like your thinking. I’ll rope Hendricks from Bio in, he knows his crews best, any thoughts about
incentive or would you like him to take care of it?”
“A crate or two of Mescal isn’t likely to be an incentive for that lot, but a furlough on Halfords Moon
might be a start, unless Hendricks thinks of something else. Let me know what you decide; and if it’s
Halfords then I’ll get onto my friend at the Study group there and get clearance from Unity HQ.”
“Kayo ma’am. Ah! We have a winner; excuse me I have to present the prize” He saluted and went
over to the crews. She headed for the observation deck to meet with Humerus, who had returned
from The Sonoran Trust with a gift.

Humerus was dressed in a strange livery Alicia didn’t recognise. She had once had a brief
relationship with the Nephel. He still looked much like she remembered. He turned as she walked in.
She remembered how those deep blue eyes had captured her.
“How’s your arm? I heard about what happened, and what’s with the uniform?”
“My arm’s fine and you still don’t mince words I see. It’s the livery of the Turon Clan House staff. I
took on the colours after Jupiter left on sabbatical. It’s only a temporary position, but he didn’t know
who else to trust. You’ve worked miracles here; I’ve not seen this kind of… Well; I suppose you want
to know what that little present I brought with me is” he replied
“Straight to the point with you isn’t it. Yes I’m curious, but I thought you’d want to rest up a little
before getting back into things. Did you see Uther your God son when you arrived?” she asked
“Yes; he’s a handsome young man, takes after his father” he chuckled “I want to get started as soon
as possible. The Techs have brought me up to speed. Interesting developments on Lunaris eh? Oh;
I’ve heard from Fenton, you’re going to love this gossip, it would appear he and Meorr are “in a
relationship”. Sorry a little unkind of me I know, Garreth passing only two years ago, but Fenton of
all people…”
“Humerus, can we dispense with the chit-chat. There’s a more pressing matter. After you left, word
came through about your father. I know you and he don’t get along, and since Garreth’s death I’ve
let things slip, He signed up for the mission to Gantrax!” she interrupted him.
“WHAT? The old fool! I still think that reconnaissance mission is a BIG mistake. How could the
Council have let him?” Humerus’s crown feathers arched up in fury.
“He didn’t give them a choice. Besides he’s the best Xeno-linguist that was available, add to that his
work as diplomat and... Well you can guess the rest. Your mother wasn’t too pleased either, but you
know how stubborn he can be. Remember when he found out about our affair? I thought he’d
explode. Before you settle in I suggest you visit your mother. Humans get so…”.He nodded, he had
brought his parents from the Empire some time ago as a matter of reconciliation. Although he was
predominantly Nephel, his mother had been among some Humans that had been captured during
the time of The Dark Lord. His father had been allowed to take one as a servant. He and the female
became close after The Dark Lord left and Humerus was the result of their union.
“Yes; you’re right... Now; that crate that’s down in Biologics, it’s something that a Buraxin trader
found on a secluded world in the Harax system. I thought it could be of use here, when we start bio-
seeding. From what we’ve been able to gather from the natives, it’s a leftover from an ancient
civilisation. The race that made it, called the “World Builders” by the natives, is known to have died
out many millennia ago. It looks as if it’s meant to kick-start the process of accelerated evolution.
There was even a record of worlds it had been used on.”