"What are you going to do to me?"

Forrest put his blaster on the captain's desk. He looked at her, bewildered.

"What are you afraid of?" he asked.

"You!" She held her blaster aimed at him.

"Why? I am not going to hurt you, Lisa."

She watched him carefully, a look of uncertainty.

"How do I know that? How do I know you haven't been using me? And now that you have the bridge, you no longer need me?"

Forrest moved away from the desk--away from his blaster.

"I never needed you to take the bridge! And you are right in thinking you are in danger, Lisa. But not from me. I'm holding no weapon, but you've got a blaster aimed at my chest. It would seem that I am the one at a disadvantage here."

"I may have a blaster, but you've got your mind control--"

"Do you feel your mind being touched?"

"No. But that doesn't mean you won't start, or that I can't feel it. Maybe you have been controlling me all along, and I just don't know it."

"What is this all about, Lisa? Why do you suddenly distrust me?"

"The tone of your voice. Your anger. The way you are able to kill so easily, without second thoughts. The way you said in the meantime, we decide what to do with you."

"Lisa, think about the events of the last hour--what we have gone through. It was the heat of battle, of anger, of single-minded determination that effectuated my tone. Now that we have the bridge--and the others will be arriving soon--it is necessary that you go into hiding. You must be as far away as possible. Your life depends on it."

Forrest could see the fluctuating emotions in her eyes.

He continued. "And perhaps it is you who has been employing mind control."

"I have no such powers," she declared.

"Do you? You are a woman, Lisa. A very beautiful and desirable woman. And you used your womanly powers to make me fall in love with you. It wasn't suppose to happen. But even with my alien powers, I could not prevent it."

She lowered the barrel of her blaster a few centimeters.

"I fell in love with you, too. But it happened so fast. I cannot be sure it is real."

"I understand. But you have to trust me. Your safety and happiness is important to me, Lisa. For you own sake, it is important that you believe me. You must trust me."

It was obvious her emotions were drawn in opposing directions. But like any intelligent being should, she let logic dictate her actions when her heart could not. She went to the desk and put her blaster next to the other. She turned to him.

"I have no choice but to trust you."

"I will not let you down," Forrest said.

"You had better not!" she said adamantly.

Forrest smiled at her.

"Serp?"

"I am here."

"What's happening in the ship?"

"The evacuation is underway. A few ships have already departed. Most should be gone within the hour. The security force is gathering at the designated location, the rest on the way, except for the holdouts."

"Good. When the others arrive, seal the entrance. They are not to leave the bay."

"Understood. Will do."

"Serp, I have to stay on the bridge, but I want you to guide Lisa to the far end of the ship, avoiding contact with others. Find her suitable quarters as far away as possible. See to her every need. If she calls your name, respond to her."

"Understood."

Forrest picked up her blaster and gave it to her. "Hopefully, you will not need this. Do as Serp says, and you will be safe. Okay?"

"Okay. But why do I have to hide so far away?"

"The others will sense you, if you are too close. I will come to you as soon as I can. It may be a few days, I can't be sure. Be patient."

She went to the speedlift and entered.

"I will be waiting for you," she said.

"Me too," Forrest returned.

The doors slid shut, and Forrest heard the lift drop.

"Serp, once she is in her quarters, clone a part of yourself and stay with her. Talk to her, entertain her, whatever see needs. I don't want her to be lonely."

"I understand."

"And, Serp. Don't let her leave her quarters, unless her life is in danger. She cannot be allowed to roam the ship."

"Understood."

It was the nature of Serp's physical existence that gave him the ability to divide himself into independent tasks, as many as needed, each part equally conscious and in contact with all others. It was a paradox of sorts. He was but one consciousness; yet he could exist in many different places simultaneously, each a separate cognitive being capable of interacting with its environment as if it were the only Serp. And still, there was but one memory, one stream of recollections, however multithreaded they might be. Forrest found it difficult to imagine how that would feel. It would be like conversing with a dozen duplicates of one's self, each fully convinced they were the one, yet fully aware of the thoughts of the others.

Forrest headed for the communications console on the bridge, stepping over the dead, bleeding bodies, as he went. He selected an unused non-video industrial frequency, and entered the encryption code only he and the Enonians knew. He signaled the cargo ship.

The ship responded. "Cargo ship, Sonas." The voice was Lasandra's.

"Forrest, here. Where are you?"

"Forrest, you fucking idiot! What have you done? The whole WG fleet is up in arms. You were supposed to take the Forever quietly."

"Unfortunately that was not possible." He ignored her tone.

"The Sonas is being denied access to the Forever!"

"That would be expected, under the circumstances."

"Why is the Forever being evacuated?"

"I saw no point in wasting hundreds of lives, Lasandra. I had to kill many just to get to the bridge."

"Did you not think the WG would find evacuation suspicious? And why did you let Finley announce that intruders were aboard the Forever?"

"The WG already knew I was here--"

"Think, Forrest! They knew you were there, but they did not know you had the bridge!"

She was right. Finley had tricked him, gotten a message out, and he had not seen it.

"Okay, so I fucked up. Do you want to dwell on the subject, or should we try to find a way to get you on board?"

"Do not play word games with me, Once Human!"

"Lasandra, I passed that stage days ago, and you know it. Why are you afraid of me?"

Lasandra laughed, her voice an alien cackle that sent a dark chill through Forrest's mind.

"Do you think that you can challenge me?" she said, and paused briefly. Then, "Our time will come, Forrest, and you shall learn that you are but a weak, insignificant particle of a being."

"I look forward to our encounter, Lasandra!" Forrest said, mustering as much aplomb in his voice as he could manage.

Mandoss cut in. "Forrest, the matter is closed. You and Lasandra can settle your differences later. For now I am commanding both of you to drop the subject."

"That works for me," Forrest said.

"Good. Now listen carefully. The official manifest for the Sonas is listed as medical supplies. Have your captain issue a request to the Guardian Commander that the Sonas be allowed to dock. His story shall be that many of his security personnel held hostage are injured. And you will not allow them access to the onboard medical facilities. But you will, however, allow the Sonas to deliver medicines directly to them, since dead hostages are of little use. Our rendezvous shall be the loading dock next to where the guards are being held. Do you understand?"

Forrest started to tell him the captain was dead, but then thought better of it. "Yes. You do know you might be boarded?"

"We are prepared for that. You do your part; we will handle this end."

"Of course. Forrest out."

The channel closed. Forrest thought for several seconds.

"Serp?"

"Yes."

"Who commands the Guardian ships?"

"Admiral Robert Glassner of the thirty-seventh fleet."

"Where is he?"

"Currently aboard the Peace Maker."

"What frequency is used--"

"Channel eleven."

"Serp, access the voice print data for Captain Schaum. When I contact the Peace Maker, alter my voice to be identical to the Captain's. The conversion must be true enough to pass voice analysis. Can you do that?"

"Of course."

"Starting now . . ."

He hailed the WG cruiser.

The voice that answered was female. "Peace Maker, communications. This is a priority channel. Please give your access code."

"This is Captain Schaum. I must speak to Admiral Robert Glassner immediately."

"I'm sorry, Sir. But I must have your access code."

"I don't have time for such silliness, woman. This is an emergency situation. Get me Admiral Glassner now!"

"I--yes, sir."

Forrest waited.

"Glassner here. Schaum, what in hell is going on over there?"

"Intruders, sir. They have the bridge. They have control of the Forever."

"Who are they? Genoclones? Is Hauser there?"

"I am not allowed to say."

"They are with you now?"

"Yes, sir."

"Let me speak to them."

"They do not wish to speak to you. Admiral, they are allowing me to make a request. And we must limit our communications, or they will cut us off."

"What is the request?"

"The security team is being held in a loading bay to be used as hostages. We have many dead and many more injured. We need medical supplies, but they will not allow us access to sickbay. However, they will allow medical supplies to be delivered to a loading bay from outside the Forever."

"Where?"

"Dock forty-seven, level one-thirty-seven."

"And the crew that delivers these supplies?"

"They have assured me that once the supplies are unloaded, the crew may leave unharmed."

"Do you believe them?"

"Yes. They are determined and quite ruthless, but they do not want needless deaths. That is why the ship is being evacuated of non-security personnel--that and to get rid of them easily."

The Admiral did not speak for several moments, as if in thought.

"I will make the arrangements," he said, finally.

"Sir, we need the supplies fast. There is a cargo ship, the Sonas, already loaded with the needed medical supplies. If her captain agrees--"

"I will contact the Sonas. The supplies will be delivered."

"Sir, they said to tell you that if they have any reason to suspect deception, the external doors to the loading bay holding the security team will be opened and all will die. They mean it, sir."

"There will be no tricks."

"Only the crew of the Sonas should arrive with her. No one else."

"I understand."

"Thank you, sir. I must break contact--"

"Captain Schaum, tell them one thing--"

"Sir, please do not--"

"Tell them they cannot win!"

"They hear you, sir."

Forrest broke communications. He had a bad feeling. Mandoss' plan went too well. Glassner agreed to the request too easily, and said all the right things a little too perfectly. The WG would not want to sacrifice the security team, but they would, if it served their purposes. The WG was up to something, and the Enonians were in danger.

But then, the Enonians would know they were in danger--that some trick was at hand. They had been dealing with human behavior for thousands of years.

Forrest went into the conferral room and sat in the captain's chair. The Captain's body was on the floor beside him.

"Serp?"

"Yes, Forrest."

"Activate some workers and get them up here to clean up this mess." He did not want to wait on the bridge with a crowd of dead people.

"Will do."

The workers were android robots designed for menial tasks, similar to the one Linwolse had killed at Worldly Machines. They were rather crude machines--the state of the art for android design was still in its infancy--but they did function well for routine tasks, and they could work in environments humans could not. They had only a rudimentary consciousness, and no self-awareness. But they could learn to a limited degree. And the level of intelligence, and responsiveness to their environment, was enough to startle most people upon first contact. Some people, especially very young children and less educated adults, even feared them, despite the asimovic circuits built into them. Forrest thought that might be because of their approximately human shape. They walked like humans, and manipulated objects with arms and hands like humans. A person could even carry on a conversation with a worker as long as they did not stray outside its knowledge base. A typical worker had a vocabulary of about ten-thousand words, available in various human languages. Forrest would never forget the time, when he was still in his teens, that his father had purchased an android to help his mother about the house. They had dubbed the android Frank, and Forrest was fascinated with the creature. Forrest would spend hours talking to Frank on various subjects, and watch as he searched his database for the appropriate response, sometimes failing miserably. Once Forrest got Frank so confused that his system locked up, and he had to disconnect Frank's batteries to reset him. Forrest knew that it was Frank that got him interested in computer science, and artificial intelligence in particular. In a very real sense, Frank was Serp's father--although Serp might find the idea appalling.

Forrest heard the speedlift doors slide open. Four androids entered the bridge, their shiny, metallic bodies gleaming in the overhead lights. They stood and looked about, recording the layout of their environment, while awaiting instructions. Forrest approached them, but then one of the workers saw a body, and they became frantic. They went to the bodies, one after another, and tried to resuscitate the dead human. He watched them for several seconds, amazed at the response the asimovic circuits forced upon them.

"No, no," Forrest said. "You cannot wake them."

They turned and faced him. "We are too late?" one asked. Their computers were radio linked, since they had been activated for a common task.

"You are not too late. The humans have been dead for some time."

"We are very sorry."

"Don't be," Forrest said automatically, knowing full well that the robots were incapable of feeling sorrow, or anything else. It was simply a programmed response.

"Your task," he continued, "is to dispose of the bodies and to clean the room of the mess."

"We don't know how to do that," a worker said. They were programmed to protect humans, not dispose of them.

"Treat the bodies as waste matter. Take them to the recycler. They are organic material that must to be put back into the system."

This seemed to satisfy the workers, and they began loading the bodies onto the cart they had brought with them.

"Be careful. Don't let the organic material drop on the floor." Forrest didn't want blood and human organs spread all over the bridge. He waited long enough to see that they had adjusted their behavior, and then returned to the conferral room.

"This room first," he called.

The androids came, and two removed the remains of Schaum and Finley, while the other two cleaned up the blood and residue. They were quick to the task and soon returned to finish their task on the bridge proper.

Forrest sat at the desk, glad to be rid of the cadavers, and activated the computer console.

"Serp, give me an outside view of the Forever, including all other ships in the vicinity."

The area over the desk was transformed into a holographic display, the Forever at its approximate center with an apparent length of five centimeters. Tiny ikons representing Guardian ships could be seen peppering the entire area. The Peace Maker's ikon was to one side, and several cargo and support ships, including the Newton 6, were shown in a holding pattern. The evacuation ships could be seen leaving the Forever. The scale of the image was biased to fit the display area, making the ships seem much closer and larger than they actually were.

"Serp, highlight the Sonas."

A small semitransparent sphere was drawn around one of the cargo ship ikons. It was still located in its place within the holding pattern queue.

"If I seem to be rather demanding, Serp, please forgive me. The situation here is critical. And I do not have time for polite conversation."

"You forget, Forrest, that I do not fatigue. And the requests you make of me require only an infinitesimal amount of my processing time."

"I know. But you are a living being with feelings. I cannot forget that."

"I appreciate your concern for my feelings. But remember that any assistance I can provide you, generates a positive response within my consciousness. I feel pleasure when helping you."

"Thank you, Serp."

"You are quite welcome."

Forrest leaned back in his chair and watched the images, lost in thought. He found it hard to believe that he, a mere human--at the time, had written the code that led to Serp's creation. He did not create Serp, despite Serp's proclamation to that effect. Rather he wrote the code that would explore the virtually infinite matrix connections, and then lock on to those patterns that fulfilled the functional requisites. The initial requisites were simply to search for patterns that would give the program cognition. As these conditions were met, the program would generate additional requisites that augmented their predecessors, and then the process would repeat. Forrest referred to the algorithm as Self Enacting. Even with the tremendous computational power provided by the computer at Worldly Machines, the process had taken several months and trillions of iterations to run. And then, when he had stopped the process and added the database access and inference functions, he was astonished when the program complained that it did not know who it was. The program had generated a Realizing algorithm--that long sought, theoretical process that until then had eluded computer science. The program had become a Self Enacting Realizing Program. And thus the program was given the acronym SERP, later to be changed to the more proper "Serp" when Forrest understood that the program was a living, conscious being. The matrix connections were so complex that Forrest had soon given up hope of understanding them--anymore than he could understand the interconnections of the human brain. He realized that Serp had evolved, in a matter of months, into a conscious, self-aware, living being. A being perhaps superior to its human benefactor--the lowly homo sapien nature had required billions of years to produce. Serp was a being that could think at the speed of light, create ideas uniquely his own, and experience emotions without the biochemistry required by organic life.

There would have been those that argued--had Forrest had the chance to revealed his existence--that Serp was a mere mechanism, an imitation of life, and he could not truly be living. But the way Forrest figured it, all life was mechanism--the complex conjunction of matter and energy that gave rise to that property we call life and self-awareness. He could see no difference in the principle, only in the origin. And this was part of the reason Serp was kept a secret. He did not want Serp subjected to the scrutiny and dissection of his colleagues. Serp was alive and Forrest was compelled to protect him the same as he protected his daughter. Serp had a right to his privacy. But that was not his only reason for keeping Serp hidden. If others learned of his technique, many SERPs would be created and unleashed on the world. It was a new lifeform, and whether it would prove to be beneficial or not was not known. Serp was an infant. What he might become in time, Forrest could not know.

Of course, the Enonians had changed everything. A copy of Serp now lived in the Network computers, an autonomous being separate from the Serp aboard the Forever. Forrest wondered what might become of that Serp. He knew he might never know.

Forrest returned to the present when he noticed the Sonas' ikon pull out of the queue and head for the Forever. Several Guardian ships joined her, as if in escort. He felt alarmed, but there was nothing he could do but wait, and watch.

Whatever Lasandra's reasons, there was something about Forrest that bothered Eletel, too. She lusted after him. And it was pure, unadulterated sexual desire, wholly physical. She desired his body, and wanted him to desire hers. She had first noticed these feelings after the blood sharing. Something had been transmitted to her--she knew not what, it had never happened this way before--and now she could not get him out of her thoughts. And afterward she found herself, for the first time in many centuries, touching herself when alone like a pubescent school girl unable to control the itch she felt.

She remembered preparing Forrest's disguise before he departed for the Newton 6. She had stood before him, and he in a chair--his face just centimeters from her breasts, as she darkened his hair. She had imagined that they were naked, and that he was fondling her, holding her breasts in his hands and fingering that more than ready part of herself between her legs. The intensity of these thoughts alone had been enough to make her lubricate. She had wanted to touch his body, exploring every part of him, and to bring his organ into her mouth, tasting his seed as he came. It was because of these feelings that she had been avoiding him. There had been very little contact between them. They hardly knew each other. Yet the feelings persisted, and she was disturbed by them. It did not occur to her that perhaps Lasandra was having similar feelings, and this was the cause of her anger at him. She had been glad when Linwolse had bonded with him, and he had accepted her so willingly. It had made it easier for her not to act on her desires. But she could not deny that she was jealous, even envious, of Linwolse. Linwolse had touched him, had sex with him, she knew not how many times, and she had but only her active imagination.

The console beeped at her--jarring her into the present--and she saw that a priority signal was coming in from the Peace Maker.

"Sonas, communications are open," she responded.

"This is Admiral Glassner. I must speak with your captain immediately."

"Yes, Sir."

Mandoss approached the com. "Captain Salias here. What can I do for you, Admiral?" Mandoss mimicked the voice of the Sonas' true captain. The original crew had been killed shortly after leaving Earth, their bodies expelled into space and disintegrated.

"We have an emergency situation. A terrorist group has commandeered the Forever."

"Probably genoclones," Mandoss said.

"We can't be sure--why am I not receiving video from you, Captain?"

"We are having problems with our communications equipment. I have a technician attempting repairs."

"I see." The Admiral hesitated briefly--not long--but long enough for Eletel to suspect that he did not believe Mandoss' explanation.

The Admiral continued. "The terrorists are holding a security team as hostages. There are many injured, and the medical supplies you carry are desperately needed. The terrorists have agreed to let you unload your cargo. They guarantee your safe departure."

"But why do they need my cargo. The Forever has--"

"They are not allowed to leave the loading bay where they are held. But they will allow you to deliver the needed supplies to an adjacent bay. Will you do this?"

"Admiral, you are asking me to risk the lives of my crew and my ship. We are but a simple cargo ship. We are not soldiers."

"Men and women are dying, Captain. Would you not attempt to save lives?"

"Of course, where reasonable. Can we not transfer the cargo to a Guardian ship?"

"They will not allow a Guardian to approach the Forever. If you refuse, many will die."

"I will discuss the matter with my crew and get back with you, Commander."

"There is no time for that! If you refuse, I will commandeer your ship, and that would only put your crew at greater risk. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Admiral. You are saying I have no choice in the matter," Mandoss said.

"Captain, I do not enjoy doing this to you. You and your crew will receive generous bonuses for your efforts."

"Bonuses are of no use to a dead crew, and little compensation to their families!"

"Captain, you have no choice."

Mandoss paused for effect, and then continued. "I understand, Admiral. Tell me what to do."

"Thank you, Captain. I am transmitting the coordinates to you now. Proceed at once. Guardian ships will accompany you part of the way. If we suspect foul play, we will do our best to defend you."

"I hope that won't be needed."

"Likewise. Glassner out."

The channel closed. Mandoss looked at Blix. "Take her in," he said.

Eletel spoke. "I do not think the Admiral is convinced we are who we pretend to be."

"He would never have made Admiral if he were that easily fooled. He is suspicious, but he is not sure. Once we are in the loading bay, and the airlock shields are engaged, we will be safe. Until then, Lasandra and Jerac will man the aft proton cannons. You continue to monitor communications, and report anything that seems dubious."

Eletel nodded agreement and returned to the com.

Linwolse was with Artemus and Anthony in the commons. They had nothing to do but wait.

The Sonas pulled out of its holding pattern, and approached the Forever. Guardian ships joined them, half a kilometer to their rear. Blix guided her slowly, cautiously, like a nervous pilot receiving instructions from an equally nervous captain. The loading bay was located to the starboard side of the Forever, and they had to travel about her stern. When they were in approach position, the Guardian ships fell back.

Blix looked at Mandoss, and he nodded.

Blix signaled the bay systems, and the huge airlock door began to pull upward. He hit the aft thrusters, and they slowly approached their target. They were one-hundred meters away when the bay doors were fully open, and Eletel's com beeped at her.

"It's the Admiral, Mandoss," she said.

"Yes, Admiral," Mandoss said.

"Captain, we have scanned your ship. There are some discrepancies."

"What do you mean?"

"Your cargo bay is empty, except for some kind of energy source."

"Admiral, the cargo bay is shielded. Some of the medicines we carry are sensitive to scanning. The energy source you detect must be the shields. Surely you knew about these things."

"The energy source we detect does not have the correct signature for a cargo shield."

"Your readings must be wrong then."

"What did you do with the crew of the Sonas?"

"I don't understand."

"Let's not play games, Captain. I don't know who you are. But I know you are not Captain Salias. I am ordering you to halt your ship, or we will open fire."

"And risk damaging the Forever?" Mandoss said, in his own voice.

"Who are you?" the Admiral demanded.

"That does not matter. What matters is that we are prepared to do battle with you. The Sonas has been refitted with weapons you cannot imagine."

"I'm warning you. You are but one ship. There are hundreds of Guardians."

Mandoss broke the connection. "Engage shields!"

"Engaging now," Blix said.

Mandoss sent a signal to Lasandra and Jerac. And soon two Guardians exploded in a silent flash of blinding radiation. The Guardians opened fire. Jerac and Lasandra had not forgotten the skills they learned as gunners so many thousands of years ago, and were able to destroy most of the incoming torpedoes before harm could be done to the Sonas or the Forever. Of those that did get through, most were deflected by the Forever's shields to detonate harmlessly. But the Admiral had planned his strategy with wisdom. He had purposely waited until the loading bay door was open before challenging the Sonas, since the shields about the bay would be down. And if he could fire into the bay, it would be destroyed and the Sonas would not be able to dock--and access to the Forever would be created. This logic did not escape Eletel, or the others.

The Sonas shook violently.

"We have been hit," Blix shouted, as he endeavored to stabilize the ship.

"Damage?" Mandoss demanded.

"The shields took the impact. We are okay. But that was close."

"Eletel, check the bay system for damage." Mandoss commanded.

"No damage, so far," she reported.

The Guardian torpedoes were coming in by the hundreds. Eletel realized that at this rate, even the quick Enonian reflexes could not prevent eventual catastrophe. She looked at Mandoss. He returned her look, and smiled.

"Blix, forty-five degrees starboard. Now!" he said. "Linwolse, Artemus, starboard cannons!"

Eletel turned in the direction of the commons, but they were not there. They had anticipated Mandoss' command and were already manning the cannons. With four cannons now firing at the Guardians, their odds of success doubled, or so Eletel figured, even if her math was faulty.

"Take us in, Blix," Mandoss said, his tone seeming to suggest that Blix would not have thought to do so.

The Sonas was hit again, and then again, several times in rapid succession.

"What is this?" Mandoss shouted.

"The Peace Maker, she's come around," Eletel yelled. "She is firing. I estimate about three-thousand torpedoes per minute."

Another torpedo hit the Sonas and she spun. Blix managed to stabilize her, but not before they were hit several more times.

"The shields will not take much more of this!" Blix said.

"We are right next to the bay door, Blix. Slide us in!" Eletel didn't mean to override Mandoss' authority, but Mandoss had been knocked unconscious.

"I have lost my orientation, Eletel. Where is the bay?"

Eletel ran to Blix's console, and fired the correct thrusters. The ship bolted into the bay. Blix signaled the bay system to close the door. The bay door began to drop slowly--too slowly, its shields following in concert. The Sonas was speeding toward the opposite wall of the loading bay, and would have crashed through it if Blix had not thought to fired the appropriate braking thrusters. He then killed the engines, and the ship abruptly dropped to the bay floor, probably doing damage to both the ship and the bay. The others, except for Anthony, joined them and they watched as the bay door continued its descent. The Guardians continued to fire, trying to sneak a torpedo under the door before it and its shields cut them off. They were not having any success, but torpedoes were exploding against the bay shields at irregular--but often--intervals. Apparently, the bombardment was a bit much for the bay system, since the door suddenly stopped its descent, about two meters from closure.

"What happened?" Linwolse asked.

Blix checked his link. "I don't know. The shields are still holding, but power to the drive motors has been lost."

"Then we'll have to shut it manually," Lasandra decided. "Everybody into an esuit!"

"Wait!" Eletel cried. "Look!"

They stared in amazement as two dozen androids approached the door and began pulling it down.

"Fucking Maloids!" Lasandra said.

"No. Not Maloids," Linwolse interjected, "human constructed androids, workers."

"I see no fucking difference!"

"These are harmless. They are just mindless machines, doing whatever their programs tell them to do. Do you not see? Forrest sent them here to assist us. And a good thing he did!"

Lasandra started to speak, but then stopped. Eletel could see it bothered her that Forrest would actually do something right.

"Door is down and sealed. Bay is pressurizing." Blix said.

"Where is Mandoss?" Artemus asked.

They looked on the floor and found Mandoss as unconscious as a happily sleeping baby.

"Our fearless leader," Linwolse said, and they could not stop themselves from laughing.

"Bay pressure normal," Blix said.

"Time to get to work," Artemus suggested.

They all looked at Lasandra since she was second in command.

She spoke. "Blix, Jerac, assist Artemus in getting the drive to the thruster cylinder. And the three of you start installation immediately. The rest of us will go to the bridge. And someone check on Mandoss!"

The three males went about their tasks. Anthony was still sitting in the commons where Linwolse had left him, being his usual autistic self. Eletel and Linwolse picked up Mandoss and carried him to the commons and laid him on a couch. Lasandra went to the com. Eletel listened as she contacted the bridge.

"Forrest here."

"Lasandra here. We made it, but not without some difficulty."

"I know, I was watching."

"How did you know to send the androids?"

"I didn't. It just seemed like a good idea at the time. They are able to function in a vacuum."

Lasandra held back a moment before continuing. "Well, it seems we have the Forever. What are the conditions here?"

"Non-security personnel have been evacuated. The security force is safely imprisoned in the bay next to yours, except for some stragglers. But they should not be difficult to locate. And, of course, I have the bridge, and control of the Forever."

"This went more smoothly than I expected," Lasandra said. "I did not think you could pull off your end of things. I do not know how you did it, but you did. Your performance was excellent, Forrest. You have my compliments."

"Thank you, Lasandra. I never expected to hear you say that."

"You earned it. Lasandra out."

This temporary reconciliation between Forrest and Lasandra bothered Eletel. And the itch between her legs flared. Linwolse did not seem to be bothered at all--but then, she wouldn't be.

They managed to bring Mandoss back to consciousness, and bring him up to date on current events. He had banged his head against a bulkhead and had a nasty bruise, but he did not seem to be seriously injured.

When they exited the Sonas, the android workers were waiting for them, expecting instructions. Mandoss had not been told of them, and immediately drew his blaster and blew one of them to bits before the others could stop him. The remaining workers did not react, seeming to think nothing of their lost comrade.

"Maloids!" Mandoss cursed.

"No, Mandoss," Linwolse argued, "Mindless androids. Look at them! They have no weapons."

"Disgusting creatures!" he spat.

"Maybe so, but if they had not been here to pull the bay door down, we would still be in battle."

"Whatever. Let us get to the bridge," he said.

As they turned to leave, a worker spoke.

"We require instructions, please."

Mandoss stopped and stared at the metallic creature. Eletel could tell he wanted to blow this one away, too. But he did not.

"Go back to wherever you came from," he said. It seemed like a reasonable command.

The workers filed out of the loading dock, and the Enonians waited until they were gone.

"Why do humans feel they need such creatures?" Mandoss said.

No one answered his question--it was more of a statement--and they left for the bridge.

The speedlift doors opened, and they stepped onto the bridge. Forrest was waiting for them, and Eletel tried not to look at him. But she couldn't help but glance at him occasionally. He seemed to pay her no attention, as if she wasn't there, and this annoyed her.

She surveyed the bridge. It was roughly circular in shape, thirty meters in diameter. They stood on a dais, about one meter above the main command level. She could see little point in the raised platform, except that it gave access to the speedlift directly behind them. But then the decisions made by human designers often made little sense to her. To each side of the dais, steps led to the command level. Directly across from where they stood another platform held a huge holographic projection grid, and behind it a 2-D view screen. The remaining space held status displays, and ancillary terminals. Between the steps, below where they stood, was the captain's chair flanked by the first and second commander's chairs. The pilot, navigator, and communications stations were opposite the captain's chair on the command level. Each of these stations could also serve as a weapons station when in battle. To the left was an enclave, extending beyond the bridge, that served as a science and engineering station. The enclosure was filled with banks of electronic equipment. To the right was the captain's conferral room, which also served as a holoconference when needed.

Forrest was leaning against the rail that prevented the clumsy from falling to the command level. Mandoss approached him and place his hands on Forrest's shoulders.

"We did it, Forrest. We have the Forever. And I am amazed at how well you did your part. I could not be more satisfied."

"We have the Forever, but it's not over yet," Forrest said.

"Of course. Artemus is installing the Nothingness Drive now. By the time we are out of the solar system, it will be ready to bounce us home."

"The WG will try to stop us."

"I would expect no less. But the Guardian ships are designed to destroy pirate and terrorist ships. They are no match for the Forever's shields."

"Three Class One warships have left Earth orbit. They will be here in a matter of hours. And they do have the capacity to destroy the Forever."

"Do you believe the WG would destroy her precious Forever?" Mandoss asked.

"They would not want to. But they might if they think they cannot regain control of her."

"Then we will have to leave now. But first we must learn the operation of the consoles."

"I have uploaded the operations manuals to each station. I assume your people can learn quickly."

"Give us ten minutes with the manuals, and we will be ready."

"Who is your pilot?"

"Blix is the pilot, and Jerac the navigator. Until the drive is installed, Lasandra will serve as pilot, and Linwolse as navigator. Eletel is the communications officer."

Forrest looked at Eletel, but she glanced away hastily.

"And what are my duties?" Forrest asked.

"You and Artemus will man the engineering station. Officially you work under Artemus, but I expect the two of you to work together as equals. Is that acceptable?"

"Of course." Forrest said.

"Good. Everyone to their stations. We do not have much time!"

As the crew proceeded to their stations, Linwolse went to Forrest and gave him a quick kiss, whispering something in his ear. Eletel wished she had not seen this. She went to her station and sat in the chair. She studied the operations manual, but she found it difficult to concentrate. The science and engineering station was directly to her left, and she could hear Forrest at work. She could not get him out of her mind.

"Do you need some assistance?"

She turned and saw Forrest looking down at her.

"I--no, why did you think that?" she asked, trying to hide her flustered state of mind.

"You seem to be hung up on that page of the manual," he said.

"Oh. I was just thinking. Everything seems to be straightforward. I will be okay. Thank you."

"Of course."

He put a hand on her shoulder before he turned and went back to his station. His touch sent shivers up her spine, and the lust in her heightened tenfold. This was getting out of control, and she must do something to stop these feelings. Her performance would be affected otherwise. Protocol demanded she confer with Linwolse, whose function was counselor, but she knew she would find it discomforting to discuss her feelings about Forrest to his lover. She would have to work this out by herself--somehow.

"Are we ready?" Mandoss demanded.

They all agreed.

"Good. Eletel, open communications with Artemus."

Eletel activated the intercom system. "Artemus, contact the bridge. Mandoss needs to speak with you."

A moment later Artemus' voice came over the bridge speakers. "Artemus here. What can I do for you, Mandoss?"

"Report your progress."

"You are asking that now? It will take days before the drive is functional--"

"You misunderstand. We must leave L-2, now! Is it safe to engage the fusion drives?"

"I see. If you only engage drives three and six, it will be safe. We've already made interconnections with the other drives. Will that do?"

Mandoss looked at Forrest.

"Two drives are more than sufficient for interplanetary travel," Forrest said.

"Did you get that, Artemus?"

"Yes."

"Good. Eletel, signal the other ships that we are departing. Lasandra, take us out of here."

"Where to?" she asked.

"The Asteroid Belt. Linwolse, locate a suitable rock to hide us."

"Searching," Linwolse said.

Eletel spoke. "The Peace Maker is requesting communications."

"Ignore them."

"Engaging inertial inhibiters. Engaging thrusters three and six," Lasandra reported.

"All systems go," Forrest said.

"Forward thrust, one percent, now!" Lasandra said.

They could not feel anything, of course. The inertial inhibiters would link with the gravity generators to prevent any sense of motion.

"Fore screen on," Eletel said.

The screen lit up showing a field of stars and the moon to the righthand side of the viewport. Guardian ships were seen moving quickly out of their path. The communications console showed a flurry of activity as the surrounding ships attempted to contact the Forever.

"I have a destination," Linwolse announced.

"What?" Mandoss demanded.

"The asteroid called Eros. It is in close Earth orbit. It has many companions."

"Lock in the coordinates."

"Done."

"Full thrust, now!" Mandoss commanded.

"Commencing," Lasandra announced.

The visible star field did not change. But the moon and the Guardian ships were suddenly not there. The firing of the Forever's thrusters must have destroyed half the Guardian ships behind her. The Peace Maker was not located within their line of particle emissions, although she would feel the shock wave.

"Status?" Mandoss said.

No one spoke.

"Forrest! Status report!"

"Oh! All systems report normal."

"Then, we are on our way. Travel time?"

Linwolse spoke. "The best flight path I can ascertain will take three days."

"Guardians are following us," Eletel said.

"Fire aft torpedoes!"

Forrest interrupted. "With the Forever at full thrust, we will lose the Guardians within a few hours. They are no threat. We should save our firepower for the warships!"

Mandoss stared at him. "Good point. Cancel order."

"The Guardians are withdrawing anyway," Eletel said.

They were quiet for a while, and there was a tension on the bridge. They had won the first step toward freedom. But the battle was not over yet. They were still in the solar system, and warships were on the way. It would not take the earthlings long to figure out where they were going. And they could not be sure how many days it would take to install and calibrate the Nothingness Drive.

But, at least for now, they could relax a bit.

"Lasandra, how are you feeling?" Mandoss inquired.

"I do not need rest. I will stay on the bridge."

"Lasandra and I will keep watch. The rest of you, get something to eat, and then sleep. We have a difficult journey before us, and you must take advantage of any chance to rest. And Forrest, Linwolse, that means sleep, not sex."

Eletel felt herself go tense at Mandoss' words. The excitement of their escape had allowed her to momentarily forget about her desire for Forrest. But now they came flooding back into her mind with full force.

The three of them left their stations and entered the speedlift. Eletel stood apart from Forrest and Linwolse. Forrest worked the speedlift controls and they dropped.

"Officers' quarters are six levels below us," Forrest said. "And there is a dinning room where we can order food, or food can be ordered from quarters. I activated the autokitchen earlier, so everything should be operational."

"Does the dinning room have a viewscreen?" Linwolse asked.

"Yes."

"Then let us eat there. I want to watch the stars. Will you join us, Eletel?"

"I--I am not feeling hungry right now. I will order something in my quarters later."

Linwolse gazed at her. "Are you feeling okay, Eletel?"

"Yes, of course. I am just tired."

Linwolse continued to watch Eletel, and that made her feel uncomfortable. She was glad when the speedlift stopped and the doors opened. Eletel exited first, and started down a corridor by herself. She heard Linwolse speak to Forrest as she went.

"Something is bothering Eletel."

Eletel did not care particularly which quarters she chose. She just wanted to be alone--to sort out her thoughts. She entered the first door she came to in the officers' area. The apartment was luxurious for a spaceship, but then the Forever was not an ordinary spaceship. It was a world--a world whose intended inhabitants were expected to live and die, confined forever within its boundaries, except for the seeders. There was no evidence that a human had previously inhabited the apartment, and Eletel would not have cared if there was. It was enough to be alone, the history of the place having no significance.

She went into the bedroom and sat on the bed. She could not understand the intensity of her feelings. Why, after thousands of years of life and a thousand lovers, should she be so obsessed with a man who not long ago was merely human? Why did she find him so sexually compelling? Why was she not able to control her thoughts? It was not unusual for Enonians to feel drawn to transitioners after the blood sharing, but not like this. She was confused and troubled. No man, especially not a New One, should have this effect on her. It put her at a disadvantage, and that was not good.

But she couldn't help it. The desire was there, and she felt she might be overwhelmed if she did not do something to abate the feelings. She would go to Blix or Jerac, her usual lovers, if they were not busy. But that was not what she wanted. She wanted Forrest, and no doubt he was with Linwolse, engaged in intense love making by now, despite Mandoss' admonishment not to.

She looked at herself in the full-length mirror and saw a bewildered face looking back at her. She stood and removed her clothes. Stepping closer to the mirror, she studied her naked body. She was a beautiful woman--there was no doubt about that. Her breasts were copious--but not too large--and firm, well rounded and perfectly balanced. And the way her smooth legs and her belly met at the patch of pubic hair . . . it was near perfection.

Could Forrest not see her beauty? Would he not want her, as she wanted him? If only she could take his seed into her--if only she could gain the control afforded by drinking his seed, he would be hers. And she would continue to drink his seed, making him want and need her--until she grew tired of him. But she believed it was not to be. He belonged to Linwolse, and she felt the pain of unresolved desire, and perhaps a hint of anger.

She brought a hand to her cunnus, and fingered the small organ that was the locus of her desire. The sexual excitement raged in her mind. She imagined that Forrest stood naked before her, his organ hard, throbbing and dripping for her. She kept the image firmly in her mind as she continued to stroke herself, controlling the ebb and flow of passion to maximize and prolong the experience.

And then she came. The climax was so intense she almost fell to the floor. But the pleasure was transitory, and she at once felt unfulfilled and darkly lonely. She went to the bed and laid down, not bothering to get under the covers.

And for the first time in ten-thousand years, she cried herself to sleep.

Linwolse killed the security camera display.

Forrest eyed her. "Why did you show me this?"

They had not gone to the dinning room as Linwolse had led Eletel to believe. Instead she had quickly entered an apartment, pulling Forrest behind her, and accessed the security video system. When Eletel had selected an apartment, Linwolse activated the hidden cameras. They had watched as Eletel masturbated.

"I wanted you to see what she was feeling," Linwolse said.

"Apparently, she was feeling horny. But why watch her? I feel like we have invaded her privacy."

"Forrest, she was crying! And those were not tears of joy."

"Why is she sad? And what does this have to do with me?"

"You are the reason she is sad."

"Me? What did I do?"

"Nothing, my love. You are just being your usual desirable self. And Eletel has fallen under your spell."

That's just great! Forrest thought. He had spent most of his life before Melinda with few women expressing an interest in him, and now they were falling on him like raindrops. He had more than he could handle as it was; he didn't need another. He thought of Lisa, and wondered how she was doing.

"What can I do about it?" he asked.

"Go to her."

"Now?"

"No. Not now. She needs to rest. But sometime, when the time is right, go to her and give her what she needs."

"That wouldn't bother you?"

"Not if it is done in the right spirit. Forrest, my function in Enonian society is counselor. And on this ship, it is my responsibility to see to the needs of all others."

"You're a psychologist?"

"Similar."

"And you're asking me to tend to Eletel's sexual needs?"

"You make it sound so clinical."

"Isn't it?"

"Not if you do not want it to be. You are used to the detached way that humans relate to each other outside of the family unit. Enonians are not like that. We are one family. And we take care of each other as the need arises. And, Forrest, it is okay and expected that you enjoy it. Do you not find her desirable?"

"Well, yes. And now that you have shown her to me naked, I cannot deny that I am aroused."

"And you will go to her?"

Forrest already knew his answer, but he felt compelled to pause before answering.

"Yes, I will go to her."

"Thank you, my love."

"You're welcome, I think."

She smiled. "It is best that you not tell her I put you up to this. Let her think it is your idea."

"I'm not that stupid!"

"Of course not. I did not mean--"

"Nevermind, Lin. I know what you are trying to do. I will do as you ask."

She said nothing, but gave him a warm kiss and smiled into his eyes.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Yes. I could eat a horse!"

Forrest went into the kitchen and activated the ordering console. "I'm afraid they don't have a horse on the menu. Would you settle for a cow?"

Linwolse laughed. "Just part of a cow, please."

Forrest ordered two standard steak dinners. The console reported twenty minutes preparation time. He went and sat next to Linwolse, who had seated herself on the plush couch in the main room.

"Tell me something, Lin," he said. "My impression of Enonian women is that they are rather aggressive, at least judging from you and Lasandra. Why didn't Eletel approach me? It seems to me she always avoids me."

"Eletel is shy. She is the Shy One. I sensed that she was attracted to you from the start. She probably felt uncomfortable having such feelings about a Once Human. And by the time you had become the New One, she had herself locked into an avoidance pattern. She is a good person, Forrest. Once you get to know her, you will like her. She is also the Good One."

"I will try to be her friend."

"You will not have to try very hard. She will accept you, happily."

"Because she desires me?"

"That, and because she likes you."

"Another question," he said.

"Okay."

"How did you learn to access the security system?"

"While I was recuperating from my sunburn, I studied the files we stole from Worldly Machines."

He studied her face. "There is no evidence of your sunburn."

"The injury was minor. It looked worse than it was. It did not take long to heal."

They continued their conversation for several minutes, and then the apartment computer announced that someone was at the door. Forrest drew his blaster and released the safety.

"What is it?" Linwolse asked, confused.

"Probably just the food. But until the remaining security force has been captured, we cannot assume anything." He did not remember that Linwolse would have sensed human presence.

He went to the door and activated the viewer. A mechanical man looked back at him with a false smile. Forrest holstered his blaster, and opened the door.

"Your dinners, sir," it said. The android was made to resemble a male waiter, complete with black suit and mustache. Forrest did not find the pretense very convincing.

"Come on in."

Forrest stepped aside. The android pushed the food cart into the room and began placing the dishes on the table, including a chilled bottle of wine Forrest had not ordered. Forrest watched Linwolse to gauge her reaction to the robot. She showed no reaction, watching passively, until she saw him looking at her, and then smiled. The robot finished his chores.

"Will there be anything else, sir?" it asked.

"No, that will be all. Thank you." He resisted the urge to tip the machine.

"You're welcome," it said, and turned and pushed the cart out of the room.

Forrest closed the door behind it, making sure it was locked.

Linwolse came to the table. "Looks good!"

They sat and started their meal. The food was delicious, even if it was prepared by mindless machines. If it had been possible, Forrest would have been tempted to send his professional compliments to the firm that designed and programmed the kitchens. But it was not possible, and he didn't know who the programmers were anyway.

"The last time we were together and we came across an android, you were quite upset by the thing. Why the change now?" Forrest asked.

Linwolse glanced at him, and swallowed. "I have come to realize that these creatures are harmless, and useful. Enonians have a deep rooted, emotional prejudice against living machines. But these machines are not alive."

"Why the prejudice? Against living machines, I mean."

"It has to do with something that happened a very long time ago--an unpleasant chapter in Enonian history."

"Maloids?"

She looked at him, startled. "Where did you hear that word?"

"Mandoss used it on the loading dock, when he fired on one of the workers."

Linwolse was silent for several seconds as she ate. "I would recommend that you not use that word around the others. Enonians can be very emotional, and that word arouses negative emotions."

"It is a bad word?"

"One of the worst in Enonian language."

"Can you tell me why?"

"Not at the dinner table. Another time."

She seemed troubled, and Forrest dropped the subject. They ate in silence.

And he thought of Serp, the living machine that lived within the computer system of the Forever.

"A visitor is at the door," the computer said in its androgynous voice.

Forrest opened his eyes and tried to remember where he was. Linwolse was peacefully asleep beside him. He rubbed his eyes and looked at his watch. They had been asleep for six hours. They had not undressed--nor had sex, per Mandoss' instructions--since they might be called to the bridge at any time. He stood, checked the charge on his blaster, and put it in the holster he was still wearing.

He went to the apartment door and looked into the viewer. Lasandra was waiting in the corridor, seeming a bit restless. Forrest opened the door.

"Hello, Lasandra. Come on in."

"No time for that," she said. "I have something for you."

"What?" he asked, perplexed.

"A surprise. Come with me."

"Okay. Let me wake Lin--"

"No, she is not needed. Let her sleep. Come!"

Forrest closed the door behind him and made sure it was locked. Lasandra had already started down the corridor, and he had to run to catch up with her. She had an "I'm in charge" attitude about her, and Forrest was reminded of his first contact with her, and the events that led to his transitioning.

They came to a speedlift and entered. Lasandra worked the controls and he felt them drop.

"What is this about?" he asked.

"You will see."

"You left Mandoss on the bridge alone?"

"No, Blix is with him. Jerac is helping Artemus with the drive installation."

Forrest made a mental note to visit them. He wanted to see the drive and the installation process.

The speedlift stopped. They were at a transport station. She selected a shuttle and motioned him to embark. She followed, and sat to his left, working the shuttle controls. Unlike the shuttle that he and Lisa had boarded in the thruster cylinder, this one did not require their ID's, since security clearance was assumed for this part of the Forever. When the shuttle requested their destination, she entered the Supply Complex, level one-thirty-seven. The shuttle accepted the destination, and they accelerated into the transport tubes. The lights came on, and they rode without speaking. Lasandra seemed to be gathering her thoughts, and Forrest sensed she was doing something that did not feel entirely natural to her.

"Do you think of your wife often?" she finally asked.

"Not as much as I would be if not for all the excitement," he answered, wondering why she was interested in this.

"Her name was Melinda?"

"Yes."

"Melinda is a nice name. I have known many Melindas in my time."

Hearing her name made Forrest remember the times they had spent together: the falling in love, the love making, then marriage. And when Susan was born, he had felt his life was complete. A beautiful, loving, caring wife, and a precious child that was a product of their love. He had been happy, and knew that Melinda had been happy, too. They had had their differences and arguments, of course. But when a resolution was found, it just made the love they felt for one another deeper. They had been the ideal couple. He had his work at Worldly Machines, and she seemed to be quite happy in her role as a housewife and mother, augmented by her love of writing poetry. She had even published many of her poems in respected literary journals. Forrest remembered the joy she had felt, when the journal that included her first published poem had arrived in the mail. She had sent copies to all her friends and relatives, and Forrest had been overwhelmed with love for her at seeing her joy. They had made gentle love that night. He could not remember the poem now, but knew it had something to do with love and commitment. He felt tears come to his eyes.

"Tell me about her death. What did they do to her?" she requested.

"I'd rather not talk about it." A tear rolled down his cheek.

"I am trying to understand you, my New One," she said. "I want to know what makes you what you are. Your wife and her death is an important part of you. Please tell me."

Forrest could see no purpose in this, but he could feel the anger he felt for the two goons that raped and killed Melinda swell within him. And he realized that he did want to talk about it.

"They were interrogating her, accusing her of being a terrorist, not listening to her when she told them she knew nothing. Then they injected her with a drug and she passed out. They raped her, putting their filthy hands on her, and penetrated her--using her like she was a cheap whore. They ignored the signs that she was dying, until it was too late. They killed her."

Forrest could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He thought he would burst with anger.

"Your anger is justified!" Lasandra said.

"Fucking bastards!" he vented.

The shuttle came to a stop, and the doors opened. They found themselves in standing in a huge corridor, roughly thirty meters wide and twenty high--the end too far away to be seen. The entrances to the loading bays were to their left, and storage hangers to their right. Cargo transports, waldos, and other heavy equipment lined the walls of the passageway. Lasandra led him to the entrance of a smaller chamber, and motioned him to enter.

The room was empty, except for the two naked men shackled to the far wall. It took a moment, but then Forrest recognized them as the goons who had killed Melinda.

"Release your anger, Forrest," Lasandra said. "They deserve whatever you wish to do to them."

Forrest looked at her, and understood what she had been doing.

He slowly walked toward them, drawing his blaster. The men stared at him in terror.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked.

They shook their heads.

"You're lying! You know I am Forrest Hauser."

"What are you going to do?" the man called Jack asked.

"You killed my wife. Now I am going to kill you--very slowly, and painfully."

"It was an accident!" the other man shrieked. "We didn't mean to kill her!"

"Was it an accident when you raped her?!"

The men said nothing--what could they say?--and one of them begin to cry.

"Please!" he said. "We meant no harm. She would never have known it happened."

"No, she never found out! You killed her, you asshole!"

"She wasn't suppose to die," the man called Ian pleaded. "We were just doing our jobs!"

"Does your job description include raping unconscious women?"

Ian's eyes grew large as the stared at Forrest. The other man held his head low, looking at the floor, crying.

Forrest adjusted his blaster to a low-power, narrow beam.

"Look at me, Jack!"

Jack raised his head, his eyes wet with panic. Forrest aimed the blaster at his genitals and fired several short bursts. His genitals glowed white hot, and then blackened and fell from his body, leaving raw tissue where they once were attached. The man screamed, his face distorted in agony. Blood slowly trickled from the wound and dripped to the floor. He tried to form words, to plead for help, but he could only continue his pained screeching.

Forrest turned his attention to Ian. The man's eyes darted from side to side in complete horror, sweat dropping from his face. Forrest let the man suffer the anticipation for at least a minute before he performed the same excruciating procedure on him. Now both men were screaming, totally consumed by the racking pain in their groins.

Forrest was tempted to let them live--to live a life without balls or a prick. But he just stood and watched as the men slowly bled to death.

And he enjoyed it.