The Far Pole Part I: Chinavare's Find, #5

Chapter One: Through the Echo World – Ulrich Flashover

Monday, October 28 th , 2047

Rivadavia Center, Echo World

It was now Monday, October 28th, 2047 in Echo World's version of Patagonia. Three weeks had passed since the beginning of the Servi Redemption. In the mountains to the north, at the headwaters of Echo World's Patagonian Rio Negro, at an Eloran facility known as The Fortress, the process of Redemption continued. Here along the coast, at Rivadavia Center, so named for its counterpart location on Earth, as were nearly all Echo World locations, the preparations for the future of the Commonwealth of Savannah could not be put off.

The first issue that Random had dealt with had been the disposition of the Commonwealth of Savannah's defense force. The governments of Canada and the United Kingdom had already issued orders to recall the units that had been committed to the defense of the Commonwealth of Savannah. The personnel in those units were given until October 25th to choose between staying in the Commonwealth or returning to Earth.

Each of the soldiers, sailors, and marines stationed in the Commonwealth was asked whether they intended to stay in the Commonwealth or return to Earth. Each of those that chose to stay in the Commonwealth was then asked if they wished to remain in the armed forces, or if they wanted to become civilians.

Those that chose to return to Earth were airlifted back to Savannah. Those that opted to become civilians were transferred to the Commonwealth of Savannah Reserves. Those that chose to remain in the active military were then reassigned to Commonwealth of Savannah military units.

With the reduced manpower, Random and his command officers had to do some careful juggling and reallocation. What remained when they were finished, was a defense force that consisted of six regular army battalions, a naval task force that included the light carrier Incorruptible and the FREM frigates Brilliant and Blaster, as well as the coast guard squadrons. The remainder of the naval forces were assigned to Savannah harbor and transferred to the Reserves.

The issue of leadership was also in question. Brigadier Gordon was now a civilian, and a Senator. Brigadier Stewart had become a combination of Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense. There hadn't been time enough to build up an experienced officer corp in the Reserve. This meant that much of the burden of field command had fallen upon Brigadier Dunne.

After some persuasion, Brigadier Dunne agreed to assume command of all the Commonwealth of Savannah ground forces. Admiral de Graf readily accepted command of the Commonwealth's naval forces. Brigadier Popovitch, who had originally elected to become a civilian and remain behind at Rivadavia Center to built a war memorial, was convinced to remain in the military by Brigadier Stewart. I don't know what we'd do without that woman, Random thought. Popovitch agreed to direct the planetary surveys of the three flashovers in eastern E South America. The remaining command positions were filled by Reserve officers.

Three of the six infantry battalions were assigned to the Commonwealth of Savannah's First Air-Mobile Regiment. Major Elkins was promoted to Colonel and given command of the new unit. Captains Thompson, Pickett, and Rison were promoted to Major and given command of the regiment's three battalions.

On this fine morning, Random stood on a reviewing platform studying the military units lined up in parade formation below him. The First Regiment's three air mobile battalions, the Commonwealth of Savannah's, primary regular army formation. They were also the units Random was to take to Ulrich to explore the ruins.

Colonel Elkins stood next to Random, on the platform. On the field below, at the head of the central column, stood Major Thompson. Major Pickett stood at the head of the left hand column, and Major Rison stood at the head of the right hand column. Elkins said, Most of the troops down there have been drawn from Brigadier Dunne's Brigade sir. They represent about half of the regular army troops that have elected to stay with the Commonwealth of Savannah. Random nodded and continued to review the troops. He knew that nearly a thousand of Brigadier Popovitch's Marines had also elected to stay behind.

Random's mind drifted. Friday had been selection day. That afternoon, any remaining troops, that opted not to stay on Echo World, had been loaded onto transports and airlifted back to Savannah. In Savannah, they would be given forty-eight hours before being loaded up and sent by mag-lev, back to Earth.

Saturday had been selection day in Savannah. As Random had predicted, a little less than two-thirds of the soldiers, airmen, and naval personnel in Savannah had opted to return to Earth. On Sunday morning, those opting to leave had been loaded onto mag-lev trains and shipped out. The officers of the Reserve scrambled to train up replacements to fill the newly vacant positions.

It was going to take the Commonwealth months, probably even years, to have enough trained Reserves to field Savannah's full defensive complement. For the time being, what remained of that complement would be spread very thin.

Random's mind returned to the regiment, in front of him. He was concerned. An hour from now, he would lead this regiment through the Rivadavia flashover to begin the preliminary survey of the ruins on Ulrich. He had an advance team already on the world, trying to locate the power generating facilities.

This preliminary survey would be this regiment's first action. His officers had spent the last two days training with AUN military academy staff, and running simulations on the academy's computers. In an hour, they would be commanding live human beings. Things were bound to get confused. Random's plans included plenty of lag-time between actions to make sure everybody remained on the same page.

Five dozen heliplanes waited for the command to board. Random gave his troops one final review then turned to Colonel Elkins and said, There's no time like the present Colonel, let's saddle up.

Yes sir, Colonel Elkins answered cheerfully. She seemed truly excited to be under way which Random found a little odd, considering her earlier reservations. He could hear Colonel Elkins issuing the command to board the heliplanes as he made his way down from the reviewing platform.

Random walked quickly towards the command/escort heli that would be carrying Colonel Elkins and him. He could see Sarah, Maxim, and Sevari, waiting for his arrival. Guinaheir and Celestia were coming along as well, but they would be riding in another C/E heli. Almond Chinavare and Colonel Schoenfeldt would be remaining on Echo World until the base camp had been established.

Are we leaving sir? Sarah asked as he approached.

Yeah. There's not much point in waiting another hour, Random answered.

The Servi are ready and waiting General, Maxim il Ter said as Random stood next to Sarah.

Thank you Goodman il Ter. Have you placed your scanning device on the C/E heli? Random asked.

Yes General. The device is in place and operating properly, Maxim il Ter responded.

Excellent work Goodman il Ter. Then we're ready to lead the regiment through the flashover.

Yes General, I feel that would be best. The weapons skimmer should come through behind us, so they can engage any targets that are revealed by the scanner.

Very well Goodman il Ter. Is it possible to enable the other heliplanes in the formation to use this scanner's data?

It is possible General, but not with the materials I have at hand.

How long would it take to get the proper materials and get those helis outfitted, Goodman il Ter?

Several hours, General, if the materials are available planet side. Much longer, if they have to be brought down from the mother ship.

Very well Goodman il Ter. Then we go with what we have.

General, may I make one more suggestion before we lift off?

Random looked up, uncertainly and asked. What’s the suggestion Goodman il Ter?

Goodwoman il Ter and I both feel it would be best if we were linked, before going into battle.

I need to be able to react to what's happening around me, Goodman il Ter.

Goodman Casper informed me that he taught you how to use your control panel to adjust the link's settings. This should allow you to keep the link in the background, General.

Yes he has Goodman il Ter. Very well, give me a minute.

Random focused on the pod and then established a link. First with Maxim, and then with Sevari. As he was preparing to minimize his control panel, he felt a tug at his sleeve and he heard Sarah clear her throat quietly, Ahem.

Without asking, he reached out and contacted Sarah, saying, "Should I include you in the link as well?"

Sarah smiled and replied, "Yes. You can't always be hanging around with strangers sir."

Random laughed, adjusted his settings, and then minimized the control panel. He waited patiently for Colonel Elkins to arrive. His brow furrowed when he saw her approach the heli alone. Where's the pilot, Colonel?

I had hoped that you would be willing to fly the heli sir. With five passengers, we haven't room for an additional pilot. Besides, Captain Hause tells me that you're a great pilot.

Random glanced at Captain Hause and then answered, Fair enough. Will the machine recognize me?

It should sir. Brigadier Dunne assured me of that this morning.

Random nodded, and then did a quick periphery check of the heliplane. When he had finished, he turned, and stepped towards the heliplane's cockpit. He climbed up onto the stubby little wing. The door panel swung open when he placed his hand upon the lock mechanism. He stood, slid into the cockpit and took the pilot's seat.

The heli felt like an old, familiar friend. He knew where every thing was, without having to open his eyes. Computer, activate systems and prepare for lift-off.

Activating now. The lights, gauges, and heads-up displays activated satisfyingly. Random checked through the heli's systems. Making sure that everything was in operational condition.

Colonel Elkins climbed into the seat alongside him. Are we good to go sir?

We're good to go Colonel. What about the troops?

Loaded and ready sir.

"Sarah, are you ready back there?"

"We're ready sir. I've notified Brigadier Dunne that we're ready to lift-off."

"Thank you Captain," Random replied and then engaged the rotor.

The blade spun up to power. With a little flick of the joystick, he adjusted the pitch of the blades and created enough lift for takeoff. The heliplane gently lifted and hovered a few feet above the ground. Random checked out the position of his formation in the heads-up display. When he was satisfied that all the helis were airborne and in position, he tilted the joystick forward and dialed the rotor to full output.

The C/E heliplane accelerated quickly. The flashover was a little less than fifty kilometers to the west. On the ground below, a brand new, paved road ran from Rivadavia Center, to the flashover site on the E Chico River. Random was in no real hurry to reach the flashover. He kept his speed down to about one-hundred-and-fifty kilometers per hour. A speed that could easily be maintained without engaging the turbines, even by the clumsy MH-47G transports.

About twenty kilometers out from the flashover, Random signaled to the formation, This is General Hause, I want everyone to engage their turbines. We don't know, for certain, what's on the other side.

Random dialed down the channel and said, Computer, engage the Tesla turbine.

Engaging now, the computer responded. There was a soft whir as the turbine engaged. Random watched with satisfaction as the generators began to pour out power.

Random then shifted his attention to watch as the flashover slowly came into view. A large, shimmering, circular, black, void hung in the air in front of him. He'd never gotten used to plowing straight into those voids. His every instinct told him to turn aside, and not enter the flashover.

Instead, he contacted the ground crew, Rivadavia flashover ground crew.

A polite junior officer responded, This is Rivadavia ground crew sir. How may we help you?

Just checking to make sure that the device is ready to go.

Yes sir. I just passed through myself. Keep your scanners on though. The weather on the other side looks a little dicey.

Computer, switch sensors to full power.

Switching now, the computer responded. The change was subtle. No new targets appeared in his display. All of his gauges seemed to be displaying the same information as before, but the flashover was different. It now appeared to be visibly pulsing with power. A massive explosion frozen in time.

Goodman il Ter can you see that?

Can I see what, General?

"The flashover, Goodman il Ter." Random pointed towards the pulsing disk.

"Yes General. I can see it."

"Is it supposed to look like that, Goodman il Ter?"

Maxim looked at the flashover disk again and then requested, "Tell me what you are seeing General."

"It looks like an enormous frozen explosion, Goodman il Ter."

Maxim smiled. "That is because in a way, it is a huge frozen explosion General Hause. Without the harmonic containment barrier generated by the flashover device, the interaction of that void and our atmosphere would trigger a huge matter – anti-matter explosion."

"Then how come we can we pass through the barrier and enter the void, Goodman il Ter?"

"According to the physicists, General, when we pass through the barrier, we become coated with the substance of the barrier. That coating protects us in the void and then is reabsorbed when we step back through the barrier on the other side."

Random didn't respond. He watched in silence, unconvinced, as the disk approached. Nevertheless, he continued flying straight at the barrier.

Everybody hold tight. Here we go, Random said as the heli plowed into barrier. For several long moments, Random drifted in the blackness. His companions, the heliplane, the entire formation, swallowed by the void.

Then, just as suddenly, the heliplane broke free, out into the cloudy, turbulent sky on Ulrich. Immediately, a single target flashed onto, and then disappeared from Random's sensors. Before he could react, the single target returned.

"That is an Eloran attack skimmer, General, Maxim al Ter said excitedly. Then he continued, Why is it not attacking?"

"Should we engage, Goodman il Ter ?" Random asked.

"Activate your defensive systems, but do not engage, General."

Computer, activate defensive systems. Use all available data for targeting.

Activating now, the computer responded. Almost immediately, Random's Meteors locked onto the target.

The effect was immediate. The skimmer seemed to flinch. The Servi device detected and deflected a powerful electronic jamming signal. When the jamming signal failed, Random felt another, more personal assault drawing him into the aos, but the link protected him. He watched as the assassin struggled, in vain, to knock down the link.

"General Hause, let me handle this," Maxim said as his sidh stepped in front of Random to meet the assailant. Random watched as another wrestling match unfolded. He knew enough not to interfere, so he hung back. Maxim easily threw the assassin's attack back. Too easily, it seemed, to Random.

As the assassin retreated back to his skimmer, Random caught a fleeting expression of fear on its face. Just then, the Servi weapons skimmer emerged from the barrier and charged after the assassin's craft. The two skimmers disappeared into the roiling clouds at very high speed.

What the hell was that all about sir? Colonel Elkins inquired.

That, was another assassin, Colonel. Quite possibly the partner of the one we've captured, Random answered.

Colonel Elkins blanched and interrupted, Holy shit sir.

. . . . But he or she never attacked, Random finished his thought.

No. He did not, General Hause. How odd . . . , Maxim il Ter replied, his voice trailing off.

Thank you Goodman il Ter, Sarah said quietly.

You are welcome Captain Hause, but I was merely doing my job, Maxim answered humbly.

Sarah asked, sounding confused, Why didn't the assassin use the skimmers weapons? Certainly they would have been much more difficult to defeat.

I do not know Captain Hause, but I think General Hause hit upon a very important point. This assassin was, almost certainly, the partner of the one that was captured on Echo World.

Why would that be important, Goodman il Ter? Colonel Elkins asked.

From what we know Colonel Elkins, these assassins always operate in linked pairs.

That would suggest they are blood relations, Goodman il Ter, Random interjected.

Maxim nodded towards Random and said, Yes General, sometimes even siblings, we believe, then he continued, It is important because this assassin was linked to the first one. He knew his partner was dying. He had to have felt Random pull her back from the abyss. He also knows that she is being held by the Elora on Echo World.

Both of those things sound like compelling reasons, Goodman il Ter. Which is the most important? Colonel Elkins asked.

I do not know Colonel Elkins. I do know that this assassin was not worried about fighting me. He did not really try to. He did not seem to be afraid until he realized exactly who General Hause was.

Why in the hell would he be afraid of me, Goodman il Ter?

Maxim speculated, That is a good question General Hause. Either your rescue of his partner was more extraordinary than I was led to believe, or it is possible that they have a different version of the Redemption prophecy. At the mention of prophecy, Random arched his eyebrows, but didn't respond.

Sir, perhaps we should move towards the ruins to give our helis enough space to deploy, Colonel Elkins suggested.

Good idea Colonel, Random agreed. He tilted the joystick slightly forward and pushed down. The C/E heli glided forward and down, out over the surface of Ulrich.

The edge of a forest formed a dark purple stain on the edge of the horizon. The forest edge spread out on either side, across what seemed like a featureless, dry-grasslands plain. Behind this line, the trees swept back covering the plains and a low range of hills that rose up in the distance.

With his entire formation now spread out behind him, Random flew towards the tree line. His remembered images of the clearing and the library helping to guide his course. Soon, a broad river came into view. The river meandered across the brown grassy plain in front of them.

Seeing the river helped Random to remember his advance team. Computer, open a communications channel, he instructed.

Opening channel now, the computer replied.

Advance team report in, this is General Hause.

This is Lieutenant Pilsen sir. We've had a spot of trouble over here, a young officer responded.

What's the trouble Lieutenant?

We've located the control station for the University's power generators, sir.

Then what seems to be the problem, Lieutenant?

The station's operating system refused to grant us entry sir. Captain Gates issued the shut down command that the Eloran engineer taught us, and then tried to enter the station. As soon as Gates passed through the doorway, the station's security system lit up and fried him like a bug, Lieutenant Pilsen explained, sounding a little rough edged.

I see. First, secure the area and don't let anybody else investigate the station. Second, keep this signal open so that we can use it to fix your location. We'll be there as soon as we're able, Lieutenant.

Yes sir. The area has been secured and we'll keep the signal open.

"What do you think of that, Goodman il Ter?" Random asked.

"I think that operating system may be another captive, General Hause. Like Goodman Casper."

"That’s what I was afraid of, Goodman il Ter, Random agreed. I'm going to contact Casper and see if he can help us. Random focused on Caper and said, Goodman Casper, can you hear me?"

"You are a long ways off Redimere, but I can hear you. How may I help you?" Casper answered.

Random explained the incident at the power station as well as he could. Casper listened patiently. When he was certain Random had finished, he responded, "This sounds serious, Redimere. Let me try to make contact with this operating system."

"Thank you Goodman Casper. Be careful. Bring some back-up."

What is back-up, Redimere?

Reinforcements, or support, Goodman Casper.

"I see. Most certainly Redimere. I will be very careful, but there is little I can bring in terms of 'back-up'."

"How should we proceed, General Hause?" Maxim il Ter asked.

"Let's find the University and begin the survey, Goodman il Ter. Then we can talk with Casper and find out how his contact went."

"Yes General Hause. Goodwoman Sevari will relay this information to the Elorans."

Random was tempted to ask, 'Which Elorans?' But he already knew the answer would be Guinaheir and Celestia. He looked up towards the horizon. The purple line had now actually become trees. He shifted his flight path by twenty degrees, to bring him in line with his memory of the clearing, and just as he'd remembered, he could see that he was now flying above an ancient roadbed that led directly into the forest.

Random followed the road to the edge of the forest. He gained altitude so that he could look down through the tree canopy for a clearing. Below him, the road ran straight ahead into an opening in the canopy, three kilometers ahead.

The heliplane quickly covered the three kilometers. When Random reached the clearing, he hovered over it, picking out a likely spot to bring the craft down for a landing. He was joined by a second C/E heli and three of the MH – 47G's. Together, the heliplanes landed in the clearing. The remainder of the aircraft landed at the edge of the forest, and unloaded their troops. After disembarking, those troops began hiking to the clearing.

When Random disembarked, he stood looking at the University buildings surrounding the clearing. Their ancient gray stone was mostly hidden by the forest. The similarly ancient trees looked like hardwoods, like oaks, hickories, maples, and elms, but they weren't the hardwoods he remembered from Michigan. The leaves were wrong.

Those trees look familiar, and unfamiliar at the same time, Random observed.

They do, don't they sir. Kind of like the hardwoods in Nottingham Forest, but the leaves are wrong, Sarah replied.

How long before the rest of our soldiers arrive Captain?

About thirty to thirty-five minutes sir, Sarah answered, checking her telnet

Guinaheir came up to where Random and Sarah stood and said, Severi il Ter tells me that you encountered another assassin when you came through the Ulrich flashover, Fe-ar.

Yes, we did Lady Guinaheir. It was very odd. He or she didn't attack. Maxim told me that the assassin didn't really try to fight him, and only seemed to become afraid when they realized I was present.

That is odd, Fe-ar, Guinaheir agreed, a puzzled expression on her face. She hesitated for a moment and then said, What you have described is completely outside of my experience and training. I need to talk with Lady Celestia about this.

Goodman Maxim il Ter should probably talk to Lady Celestia as well milady. He seems to have a great deal of experience dealing with assassins.

Definitely, Fe-ar! It is time for us to pool our knowledge.

Within moments, Random, Sarah, Guinaheir, Maxim, and Sevari were heading back over to the C/E heliplane that had carried Guinaheir and Celestia to Ulrich. They found Celestia surrounded by a handful of soldiers she had managed to accumulate to help set up the array of machines that had accompanied her from Echo World. Greetings Lady Celestia, Random said as they approached.

Celestia looked up from a machine she had been monitoring, and then quickly around at the soldiers that surrounded her. I'll get them back to their proper units in a few minutes General Hause. I promise, she answered with a slightly guilty expression.

I'm sure you will Ma'am, but that's not why we're here.

Celestia turned to look at Random, and noticed that he was not alone, I see, General Hause. How may I help you then? she said as her eyebrows arched.

We have had some very odd happenings, Da-ma. I need to discuss them with you, Guinaheir said urgently.

Celestia put down the tool she had been using. Tell me what has been happening, Mi-lis.

Guinaheir started out by explaining the first encounter with the female assassin. Random and Maxim filled in what details they could to flesh out the story. By the time they had finished, Celestia stood there looking dumbfounded. Wait, wait, wait, Mi-lis, let me get this straight. Your son reached his mind into the assassin's and pulled her back to the surface? Celestia responded, tapping the points out on the palm of her hand.

Yes Ma'am, Random answered.

Celestia looked at Guinaheir and asked, Why do you bring this to me, Mi-lis? I am an engineer. Her face had a pained expression.

You are not just an engineer, Da-ma. You led the research team that studied the 'gifts'. In fact, you personally developed several of the tests that we use to discover whether a child truly has a 'gift'.

Wonderful! Look what became of my work, Mi-lis. Look at how my research was used. Celestia sounded deeply ashamed, looking down, slowly shaking her head, and wringing her hands.

Your research was put to horrific use by evil Elorans, Da-ma, but right now I am asking you to help my son.

Celestia lifted her gaze and looked into Guinaheir's eyes, then she turned and studied Random intently. After an uncomfortable minute, she turned and walked over to where some empty cases were being stacked. She sat down on one of them and encouraged Random to sit down next to her. I want you to do the same thing to me, that you did to that assassin, Fe-ar.

Random nodded and said, I'll try Ma'am. It won't be the same because you're not unconscious. He noticed the changed honorific, but chose not to comment on it.

Celestia smiled and said, Do not worry about that, Fe-ar. By the time you are there, I will be.

It took Random a second or two to remember exactly how he had scanned the assassin and then reached in and pulled her sidh back to the surface. By the time he was ready, Celestia's shoulders had slumped forward. Random quickly scanned her and found her consciousness slowly fading away. He reached in, just like he had done before, and took hold of Celestia's sidh. Gently pulling her back to the surface. This time, when she broke the surface and began breathing normally, he let go.

When Random broke contact, he suddenly felt cold. He realized that he was shivering. He could see Celestia sitting weakly, being propped up by Guinaheir. She opened her eyes and looked around. After a moment Celestia said, Get that boy a blanket Mi-lis, can you not see him shivering. Maxim moved first. He found a heavy coat inside the C/E heliplane and draped it around Random. Random pulled the jacket tighter, grateful for the warmth.

After a drink of water, Celestia looked more like herself. She turned to Random and said, That was an amazing experience Fe-ar. Now I understand why that assassin was afraid. What you have done is not supposed to be possible. I believe that Cormac may be wrong. You are not just an empath. You are also a healer, and a powerful one at that.

But Cormac said I can do things that only an empath can do Ma'am. Random felt confused.

That may be true Fe-ar, but what you have just done, could only have been done by a healer.

I don't understand Ma'am, Random answered, still uncertain.

I do not understand it either Fe-ar, Celestia replied. We do not truly understand the 'gifts'. All Elorans are born with a unique mix of abilities, but most Elorans are not born with a true 'gift', and those that are, tend to be very secretive about the nature and extent of their abilities. As a result, Eloran understanding of the 'gifts' is often limited to very basic knowledge.

Where can I learn more about empaths, healers, and the other 'gifts', Ma'am?

Unless, I miss my guess Fe-ar, here on Ulrich, Celestia answered. She swept her arm around in a gesture that took in the buildings of the University, and said, It is very likely that this is where many of the assassins were selected and trained.

That could be a problem Ma'am.

Oh. How so Fe-ar?

Random explained the encounter with the entity at the power source and its seeming similarity to Casper. Celestia listened patiently, then had Random backtrack and explain his discovery of, and interactions with Casper. By the time he'd finished, the soldiers who had unloaded at the edge of the forest, had entered the clearing.

Colonel Elkins and Major Thompson, who had arrived with the soldiers, waited patiently for Random to be finished talking with Celestia. They stepped forward together. Colonel Elkins said, General Hause, sir, our troops are in position, shall we begin the survey?

Random looked around the clearing before answering, No Colonel Elkins. There's a problem that needs to be attended to first. Have your men set up camp and mark the buildings.

Yes sir, Colonel Elkins answered and then turned to begin issuing the commands.

It is probably best to wait until we have addressed that entity running the power station Fe-ar, Celestia added with a shrug.

I get the feeling it's not going to be easy sorting out that entity Ma'am.

Celestia looked at him for a long moment before responding, Why? What are you worried about Fe-ar?

Whatever else this thing is Ma'am, it's intelligent and has demonstrated it has the power to kill.

True enough Fe-ar, and yet you trust this 'Casper' to meet with it. I would very much like to meet with this Casper. I think there is much I could learn from him.

Let me contact him and see if he's willing to meet with you Ma'am.

When Celestia didn't respond, Random focused on Casper and said, "Goodman Casper, can you hear me?"

"I can hear you Redimere."

"Checking in to see how things are going Goodman Casper."

"By things, I am assuming you mean my chat with the power station's operating system, Fe-ar."

"Yes I do Goodman Casper. Any news?"

"Yes Fe-ar, a great deal of news. The entity is definitely a Servi, much like I am. Unlike me however, his pod mate was not 'discarded'. He believes that she is alive and well, and controlling operations at the University. If she is, she is well hidden because I cannot detect her presence. I urge you to be very careful, her presence would also indicate that there is nothing wrong with this power generating facility and that that the University itself, is not a ruin. Its security system remains active," Casper answered in a very serious tone.

"Ouch! That shoots the hell out of our survey plans. What do you recommend Goodman Casper?"

There was a long pause before Casper responded, "I think he can be reasoned with Redimere, but I am going to need some help. Apparently our first little discussion rocked his world. This entity, now understands, that he was born Servi, but all of his education and training have shaped him to be an Eloran. At the moment he seems seriously confused and is refusing to discuss things with me any further. Instead, he demands to talk with another Eloran."

"Let me see if I can get you that help Goodman Casper."

"Very well Redimere. I would stay outside of the buildings for the time being."

Random chuckled, "No kidding. Thank you Goodman Casper. I'll get back to you as soon as possible."

Random turned to Celestia and said, Goodman Casper has made contact with the entity and discovered some very disturbing news Ma'am.

Celestia nodded and asked, What has he discovered Fe-ar?

He says that the entity is definitely Servi, Ma'am, but it thinks it's an Eloran, and it insists it will only talk to another Eloran. There's also a possibility that this entity is not alone. Its pod mate may be here running operations for the University. Goodman Casper has asked me to find an Eloran who would be willing to help him reason with the entity. Would you willing to do that?

Celestia looked longingly at her equipment, then balled her right fist and pounded it against her left palm, muttering, Silver-tongued devil! Then she continued, Yes Fe-ar, I will help Goodman Casper reason with the entity. Her voice sounding resigned to the inevitable.

Excellent! Let's hop into one of those transports and fly to the power station Ma'am. When we get there, we'll have to enter the aos to meet with Casper.

He stood up, turned to leave, and took a few steps before he noticed that his companions, and Celestia were not following him. He looked back at the group with