CHAPTER 13
It had taken Nikki a little while to get over her meeting with Scott. She had discussed the outcome with Bryn, of course, and with both Fiona and Louise. It seemed to them all that, as the next few days passed, Scott's opposition to Nikki's agreement with Masaya abated, and the first shoots of dissent appeared to wither and die. By the time a week had passed the odd feeling that Nikki had experienced when she had been alone with Scott had been consigned to the depths of her memory.
Bryn had spent a couple of days up at Botijjo #2 and came back bringing the news that Jodie and her team felt they were ready to take their first volunteers. Nobody yet knew what would happen under genetic alteration, Nikki keeping a fear that had crossed her mind very much to herself. She didn't have any time to brood as Bryn had also brought communications equipment. He sounded proud as he sat with Nikki explaining what he had been able to achieve.
"There's enough for all of us, both here and up there, to have a communicator each. They are powerful enough to reach Botijjo #2 with no problem, once I've got them all working and the relay system is back on line."
"Relay system?"
"It's a computerised switching system. If, say, you want to call me your call is routed to the relay, and that sends it on to me. It's all voice-activated, too. Very clever stuff that I wouldn't have thought of, but really quite simple once you get the hang of it."
"OK, I'll take your word for it. When will the system be operating?”
"If all goes well, another couple of days. Then I can use the basic technology to create a radio system like the one we had back on Earth, but a bit more sophisticated. We might even be able to have entertainment on the radio - music, even."
"Great! Sometimes I think we're bogging down, like last week with opposition to more integration, but then we make a leap forward and I feel much more positive. Being selfish, though, what about the house? I see the shell every day, but it's no nearer being finished. I want us to move in soon, Bryn."
"But you don't see what's going on inside. A few people offered to help and it'll be ready soon enough, you see."
The idea of domesticity gave Nikki a pleasant, warm feeling, knowing that soon she, Bryn and Alison would be living together as a family with an Aupesian. Involuntarily she compared the warmth of the feeling with the heat generated by her meetings with Scott and she genuinely believed that brief intensity didn't match up to what she felt for those shortly to be her family.
The single most important matter, in Nikki's mind, was to find a couple of volunteers to work in the Silomiala. She couldn't think of a sensible way of finding them so decided to rely on Louise and Fiona to make some sensible suggestions. Nikki spent the next hour of a warm afternoon strolling around Gifford, passing the time of day with several people. For the first time in weeks she felt that everyone was happy to see her. It made a pleasant change.
Of Fiona she could find no sign, but eventually bumped into Louise and explained her problem.
"I think you've got to be direct about it, Nikki," Louise said in her most confident tone. "Decide who you think would be likely to accept and the come right out and ask."
"Fine, but who do you think is likely to want to go?"
"That young engineer, Doug Knox, for one. He's kept himself to himself far too much ever since we arrived here and I think it's because he's shy around women. It could be the making of him. Then there's Pierre."
"Pierre Descartes, the vet?"
"That's him. He's got no attachments here as far as I know."
"And he's quite friendly with Doug. I’ll ask Fiona about him and check with Bryn about Doug. Unless either raises objections I'll have a word with both of them. Thanks, Louise."
Nikki left Louise to her work and wondered where she might find Bryn or Fiona. She stumbled across Bryn, quite literally, as she passed the house he was building for their family and he emerged from the drains at the same time, almost sending her flying. Instead of her asking him about Doug she was dragged into the house to be shown that it was just about finished. It was quite obvious that a great deal of care had gone into it and that many people had helped. Bryn listed them, to Nikki's disbelief.
"You mean all those helped with our house?"
"They did, because they all think you deserve the best. The rest of us, me and Alison, are just lucky."
"It's just about perfect. When do we all move in?"
"As soon as we've committed, like the other families. But you wanted to be the first to welcome an Aupesian into one of our families and you're going to have to be quick. Gordon's got plans, and Pete."
"OK. We'll have a talk with Alison and see if we can decide who we should ask. Which brings me to something I wanted to ask you. I was thinking of asking Doug Knox to volunteer for the Silomiala. Will he do it?”
"Let me ask him. I think he will, if I'm tactful enough. When do you want to know? Yesterday, I suppose."
"Well, let's just say as soon as you can," Nikki replied, smiling. She took Bryn's arm as they carried on strolling around the house, trying out the furniture that had already been put in. As she left both the house and Bryn a few minutes later, Nikki reflected that it was the first time Bryn had actually kissed her, and that she was quite looking forward to the next.
Within an hour Nikki had finally located Fiona, secured her agreement to an approach being made to Pierre, found him and, perhaps a little clumsily, put to him the possibility of him going up to Botijjo #2 and the Silomiala. He agreed willingly enough, but Nikki hadn't told him yet about the need for genetic alteration. She couldn't put it off any longer.
"There's one important thing you need to know before you give your final agreement. Because we and the Aupesians are very different there is a need for genetic adjustment. The Aupesians could and did do it over two hundred years ago and we've recreated the means. You'd have to be prepared to undergo that adjustment."
"If it’s necessary and safe I’ll agree to it. Who will be doing it?"
"We’ve got a team up at Botijjo #2 now, and it will be in their hands."
"You mean Jodie and the others? She’s sensible enough. OK, you’ve got a volunteer."
Nikki was delighted that she had her volunteer, and if Bryn had been as successful she would be able to live up to the promises that she had made to Masaya. That evening, to Nikki's even greater satisfaction, Bryn told her that Doug was willing to join Pierre, and yes, he had explained about the genetic changes that were necessary.
The next morning Alison flew Nikki, Doug and Pierre away from Gifford towards Botijjo #2. The two men were sitting in the passenger compartment, laughing and joking a little nervously, giving Nikki the opportunity to talk to Alison about an Aupesian member of the family.
"I've been thinking about that, and had intended to talk to Patlu when we get up there. She's quiet, but bright and is actually quite funny when you get her talking. I don't know if Bryn's met her, though."
"It's a pity we didn't think to drag him along, but he still has the last few bits and pieces to do to the house. I know her, though, and she's a lovely girl. Perhaps we'll just ask her and tell Bryn later, shall we?" Alison shared Nikki's conspiratorial giggle as they agreed that this would be what they would do.
Plisfou met them when they arrived, looking rather grave. She explained to a concerned Nikki that Masaya was unwell and had only a short time to live. Pete Webster had offered to help but had been unable to find any cause for Masaya's decline. The little group hurried to Masaya's building, leaving Doug and Pierre with Jodie at the laboratory on the way.
Masaya looked weak, but was visibly pleased to see Nikki. She was even more pleased when she learned that two volunteers were here and that they would be working in the Silomiala for a few days. Plisfou was very attentive and was reluctant to allow Alison and Nikki to stay long, ushering them out once Nikki had told Masaya of the volunteers. Once outside, Plisfou led the visitors to her own small apartment in the same building.
"It is," Plisfou said, "a long time since any of us died, but it is Masaya's time. The changes that we must make have made it difficult for her to go on. This I understand, and I hope you will bear Masaya no ill-will."
"How could I? If anything, I feel guilt on behalf of my ancestors who gave you nothing but disease."
"I say what I say because we reach an age which Masaya has reached and are then able to end our lives at will. She has chosen to do so because she feels that she has seen the end of our race. She feels shame."
"Ill-will is the last feeling I would have, Plisfou. I have come to like and respect Masaya, and know her to be a courageous person. I think I understand what she feels and in a human it would take great courage to do what she is doing. I will mourn her death, but will always respect her and am proud to have been able to call her my friend. How long does she expect to live?"
"Perhaps two, but no more than four, days. I know she is happy that you are here and will be happy to know that you will attend the disposal of her body. Only you, I, Fejoq and Masyayi will attend." Plisfou fell silent, Nikki being unable to think of anything appropriate to say to her proud friend. The silence was awkward, but didn't last long.
"Perhaps we should see how your volunteers are?" now smiling, much more like her normal self.
"Yes, I think so," Nikki replied, "and I would like to see Fejoq if I can. There’s something I need to talk to her about."
"Very well, I will see that she is found for you. Come, let us go down to Jodie."
They walked in silence, giving Nikki a chance to reflect on what Plisfou had told her about Masaya. She realised slowly that Masaya was taking her own life because of what had happened to her people and, Nikki guessed, because she didn't want to see the results of the only actions that could now allow the Aupesian race to survive in any form. Masaya was pure Aupesian and, Nikki assumed, wanted to die while all her people were similarly pure. It was a supreme sacrifice, but to Nikki a meaningless waste of a life. But, she told herself, she must respect Aupesian ways and customs and if this was what Masaya had chosen to do she, along with the people of Botijjo #2, must accept it. These thoughts didn't help her to come to terms with the imminent loss of a friend, but did give her a shield behind which she hoped to be able to hide her real emotions.
Nikki's mind was still churning at the thought of Masaya's approaching death as she and Plisfou entered the laboratory where Jodie and her team hoped to create new life. Doug and Pierre were being told by Jodie exactly what would happen to them and seemed happy enough with the explanations. As soon as Jodie stopped talking Nikki drew her aside.
"There's one thing that's been worrying me, but I'm sure you can put my mind at ease. Once you make the alterations to the genes will it be permanent?"
"Good grief no! The process doesn't affect the production of sperm nor the genetic composition of the individual chromosomes. It will only alter the material waiting, as it were, to be ejected, and even then we think it will only be effective for two days at the most. The timescale we've given the boys to work in is this. Firstly they must be celibate for two days before treatment, OK, then the treatment takes a few hours to become fully effective. So, we wait for six hours after treatment then give them fifteen hours to, er, perform. Then they must stay celibate for at least three days before going back to having intercourse with a human female or being treated again here. There's no possibility of changing them permanently. Of course, this will work reasonably well here, but will be more difficult to get right in a family situation. We may, given some experience, be able to shave the recovery times down to adapt the process for families."
"I see. Thanks, Jodie. I knew you'd have a sound answer."
"Well, it's an answer to the precise question you asked. Whether it answers the one you didn't ask is another matter."
"The one I didn't ask? Which was what?"
"Physically there isn't a problem, at least not that we know about. I've wondered about attitudes in the long term and what could happen once the children - the products of these experiments - are growing up neither one thing nor the other. It's going to be difficult."
"Yes, I know. But we have to do what we're doing, don't we?"
"All I can say is that I don't see too many choices. You were in a position to decide and the decision has been made. I'm just glad it wasn't me that had to face the dilemma."
Nikki heard Jodie's words, but they made little impact at the time. Her mind was full with thoughts of Masaya's life ebbing rapidly away and the imminent beginnings of new lives. There would be time later, back at Gifford, to consider the potential difficulties that Jodie had raised. It was now time to reassure herself that Doug and Pierre were still willing to go on with the experiment - at that moment anything else had to wait.
Both Nikki and Plisfou were satisfied by what the volunteers had said, and permission was given for the treatment to go ahead. The tension that Nikki felt as she gave the permission would, she realised suddenly, be with her until - until when? She didn't know.
As if she knew that Nikki was troubled, Plisfou touched her shoulder comfortingly and smiled.
"It will be well, my friend. We must have faith in what my people discovered, and in the skills of your people in putting those discoveries to work."
"I have faith, Plisfou, but it is a human failing to worry when there is no need."
"I cannot help you overcome the weaknesses of your kind, just as you cannot change the faults of we Aupesians. I hope that our offspring will be better. Now, you wanted Fejoq and she is here."
Nikki thanked Plisfou, who didn't seem at all concerned about Nikki's reasons for wanting to talk privately to Fejoq. Once they had separated themselves from the others Nikki looked into Fejoq's open, friendly face, relieved to see that the sparkle was still there, suggesting a permanent willingness to laugh.
"I'm not sure how to ask you this," Nikki started nervously, trying to tell herself not to be so silly, "but as I'm sure you know I'd discussed with Masaya, as well as volunteers working in the Silomiala, the possibility of some of your people joining with us in families. Well," Nikki was aware that she was speaking quickly but it was the only way she could hide her nervousness, “I am joining with Alison and Bryn, and we want to ask Patlu to join us. It means she will be the first Aupesian to live permanently at Gifford, but there will be others soon."
"I know of these discussions, yes." It seemed that Fejoq was actually trying hard to suppress a laugh. "If it is what Patlu wants to do I am happy that she goes to live with you. She will have babies?"
"I hope so, but I know that this would not happen in your society as she is a member of the Vixtamol, not the Silomiala."
"As Masaya has said to you, Nikki, we need to change if we are to survive. Those of us who still live after Masaya has ended her life must make those changes work. It is good."
Nikki was hugely relieved at what Fejoq had said, but suddenly felt the need to sit as her head swam, the room seeming to spin around her. More or less instantly, it seemed to her, she was lying on the floor with Plisfou, Jodie and Fejoq bending over her looking worried.
"She's coming round," Nikki heard Jodie say, “Help me get her into a chair."
"What happened?" Nikki's voice sounded distant.
"You fainted. I guess it's because you're exhausted. Now you just sit there and rest until you're told otherwise."
Jodie left Nikki and took Plisfou and Fejoq aside, where Nikki could hear nothing of their conversation.
"You say she fainted - I do not understand." Plisfou’s concern was clear.
"Well, it's a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden inadequate supply of blood to the brain. It isn't serious but I should get Pete to have a look at her. She'll certainly have to stay here for a few days - can that be arranged?"
"Of course. Come, take her to my room where she can rest." Plisfou returned to Nikki, with Jodie and Fejoq following. "Now, my friend," she continued, "you are to
remain here and rest in my apartment, I think you call it. I will help you and your doctor, Pete, will come."
Plisfou's tone sent a clear message to Nikki that she had better not object, so she allowed herself to be supported as the four of them walked slowly to Plisfou's apartment. By the time Pete Webster arrived to examine Nikki, she was deeply asleep.
"It's the best thing for her," he said, "and I'll look in again in an hour or so. Now let's leave her in peace." He ushered the others out, staying with Plisfou in the apartment while Fejoq and Jodie went back to the laboratory. Jodie busied herself preparing her volunteers while Fejoq sought out Alison to tell her that there were no objections to Patlu joining a family.
Nikki didn't wake until late the next morning, finding Pete sitting at the foot of Plisfou's bed.
"Good morning," he said brightly, "and how is my patient this morning?"
"Feeling very silly. Fainting! What would Sarah Gifford have said!"
"I'll tell you. You're stressed out. Just for my own satisfaction, tell me what has been occupying your mind recently."
"Not a great deal, really. My joining with Bryn and Alison, of course, and getting the Aupesians to accept the idea of Patlu joining us. The work here has I suppose been concerning me, but so much depends on success. Masaya's situation was a blow, as well."
"OK. Let me translate all that. You're in the process of making the biggest decision about your own life since we arrived here and it's complicated by your need to give a lead in inter-species family life. That's enough for anyone - anyone normal, that is - to worry about. But you have taken it upon yourself to be the saviour of the Aupesian race and feel you must accept responsibility for the situation they're in and our attempts to help. But you'd give any credit for progress to others, keeping the blame for yourself if there are any difficulties or setbacks. Then you come here and find that Masaya is dying. It isn't your fault but it's affecting you far more than you've admitted, isn't it?"
"Perhaps.” The admission was grudging.
"It is, there's no 'perhaps'. You must take things easier once you're up and about again."
"I'm going to be up and about in a few minutes and... "
"No you're not," Pete interrupted angrily, "because if you don't have a decent rest it's going to happen again and it'll be worse next time. You'll stay right where you are today and we'll see tomorrow if you can get up for a couple of hours. I'm the doctor, you're the patient and for once you'll do as you're told. You're going to ask if Bryn knows about this and at the moment he doesn't. He will later because Alison is flying back with Patlu - she'll be landing at Gifford in a few minutes - to tell him about you, explain that Patlu's joining your family and to show her the house. You're also going to ask about Doug and Pierre, and they're fine. There's been no reaction at all to Jodie's treatment and they'll be going over to the Silomiala later. And Masaya's no worse today and will still be with us tomorrow. So there's nothing for you to do even if I did let you get up, except get in the way. Now I'll have a good look at you and then you can have a late breakfast in bed."
Very reluctantly Nikki agreed to obey the doctor's orders, having been pronounced simply over-tired after his examination. Pete and Plisfou served Nikki's breakfast to her, proving to her in the process that the surplus produce being brought to Botijjo #2 from Gifford was not only being used but was also being well cooked by the Aupesians. Nikki sat in bed reflecting that she was on an alien planet eating eggs and bacon from animals whose ancestors had come from Earth and which had been cooked by an alien being who until recently had never seen such food. Perhaps, she thought, we are making progress after all.