Forrest looked at Valencia. She returned a bewildered look.

"There is no need to apologize," he said to the ambassador. "I must confer with my crew. I will contact you shortly."

"Of course, I will await your hail." The man bowed his head in respect to the Master.

The screen went blank.

Forrest looked at Val. "Join me in the conferral room. You too, Valencia. Norse, you have the bridge." Norse nodded acceptance.

When they were seated, Forrest spoke to Val. "I get the feeling this system--"

"Susania-179," Val provided.

"--is of Earth origin. You have accessed our computers. Do you think the Prime System he referred to is the Solar System?"

"I do not know the location of Prime System--"

"Because you are cutoff?"

"No. Only the Masters know the location. That knowledge is forbidden to all others, including the computers."

"But you do know the location of the Solar System. Can Prime System and the Solar System be the same?"

"It is known that Prime System is very far away--thousands of lightyears--and it is believed to exist in a spiral arm of the Milky Way. I cannot be certain, but I believe that Prime System and Solar System are the same."

Valencia spoke. "The fact that they recognize our technology, however old it may be to them, supports that conclusion--that and the biological similarity."

"Serp, your opinions?" Forrest called.

"Like Val, I believe Prime and Solar System are the same. I also believe the inhabitants of this system are descended from Earth."

Forrest thought for a moment. "Then we are in agreement. The civilization in this system is of terrestrial origin. They are our descendants, perhaps three-thousand years in the future."

No one disagreed.

Forrest continued. "It seems we can also conclude they do not know who we are. They do not seem have a record of the Forever and the events that led to our departure from the Solar System. And they did develop a Nothingness Drive sometime in the years after we bounced out, and have spread throughout the galaxy since."

"That seems to be the case," Valencia said. "I suggest we accept the ambassador's invitation. Perhaps we can confirm our beliefs."

"Val," Forrest asked, "what is a Master? And why do they think I am a Master?"

"A Master is an Immortal. You are a Master because you have keepers. The Guardian that scanned you and Valencia detected the keepers in you."

Forrest scratched his head. "Hmm . . . then Earth science also discovered the secret to immortality."

"Or perhaps learned it from the Enonians or Pascanians at Tau Ceti," Valencia suggested.

"Perhaps. In any case, they seem to hold a reverence for Masters. And that offers us an advantage. Val, do you think it would be safe to accept the ambassador's invitation?"

"If you do not, they will be suspicious. The Terrans are a peaceful people. They have known too many wars. They will not want trouble. Yes, I think it is safe."

Forrest eyes Valencia. "How do you feel about staying behind?"

"Behind?" she exclaimed. "Forrest, I want to go! Why deny me this opportunity?"

"Someone has to stay with the Forever."

"Norse can do that! He is as qualified as I am--perhaps more so."

"He can be trusted?"

"You do not trust him?" she said, surprised.

"I didn't say that. I do not know him as you do."

"Yes, He can be trusted! And besides, he has Serp to assist him."

Forrest studied her. "Okay, then the three of us go. Will there be a problem with you going, Val?"

"The ambassador gave me to you. From their point of view, I am your property to use as you see fit. There should be no problem."

"Good. Valencia, explain the situation to Norse. Make sure he knows to call upon Serp for guidance. And tell him to be especially careful of the Enonians."

"He already knows that. But I will explain again," Valencia said.

When they entered the launch bay, they found twenty genoclones surrounding the Maker ship, blasters ready.

"Put your blasters away!" Forrest barked.

The ship was small, no more than sixty meters long. And as the holoprojection had shown, it had a smooth, seamless, blue metallic appearance. No hatches or windows could be seen; nor was a method of propulsion discernible. It was as if the entire ship was cast from a single, solid piece of metal requiring no additional machining. The craft hovered ten meters above the floor of the bay--there seemed to be a lot of that going on these days.

Forrest and his two companions walked around to the side of the ship.

"What are they waiting for, Val?" Forrest asked.

"You are the Master. You must give them permission to disembark."

"How?"

"Just say it."

"Permission to disembark granted," Forrest said, loudly.

Immediately a small area on the ship began to transform into an open hatch and ramp. The ambassador stood at the top of the ramp. He was a larger man than he seemed on screen, standing over two meters tall.

"Welcome to the Forever, Ambassador Doraltor," Forrest said.

The man bowed. "Thank you, Sir." He descended the ramp and approached them.

"We look forward to our visit to your planet," Forrest continued. The man seemed nervous. "Is something wrong?"

Doraltor gave him a concerned look. "No, Sir. It is just that I was unable to find data on your time period. Traditions change. I do not know the protocol for a Great One of your time."

Forrest smiled at him. "Do not concern yourself with that. I come from a time when things were much less formal than they appear to be now. Just be yourself. And don't call me Sir, or Great One. Call me Forrest. That is my name."

The man visibly relaxed. "Yes, S--Forrest. I will do as you ask."

"This is Valencia, my second in command. And you met Val earlier."

"I am pleased," Doraltor said, looking at Valencia, but not Val. He then returned his attention to Forrest. "My ship is your ship. All arrangements have been made. We may leave when you are ready."

"We are ready, now."

"Of course."

They followed Doraltor into the ship. The ramp and hatch seemed to dissolved into nothing. From inside the ship, the hull was transparent, both to sound and light. Forrest realized that Doraltor had seen and heard everything--not that he did not expect to be monitored, he just didn't expect a transparent ship. The ship was extremely opulent, as one might expect of an ambassadorial vessel. Doraltor led them to the commons and invited them to sit.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked.

"Yes, that would be nice," Forrest said.

"We have many wines. Would--"

"Something non-alcoholic."

"Of course." Doraltor went to the front of the ship, leaving them alone.

"Do you think it is wise to accept beverage from them?" Valencia asked.

"Why not? We might be down there for days. We will have to eat and drink sometime. If they intend to drug us, we might as well find out now."

"I suppose I'm being overcautious."

"Given the circumstances, I don't think you can be overcautious. But we will have to trust them to some degree."

Val spoke. "They will not harm you."

Forrest and Valencia looked at her.

"You seem quite sure of yourself," Forrest noted.

"You are a prize," Val continued. "For a Lost Ship to appear in their space, and especially one that carries a Master, is very rare. They will be the center of attention for many months to come, and much money will flow into this system. They would be foolish to harm you."

"A double-edged knife," Forrest commented.

Val regarded him, confused. "You require such an object?"

Forrest laughed.

"No, Val," Valencia said. "That was a figure of speech. It means that while we may be protected by our importance to them, we will also be closely watched by them. And that is not good."

"Oh. The knife that cuts meat might also cut the butcher, if he raises it too high." Val smiled at them, obviously pleased with herself.

"That works," Forrest said.

Doraltor returned carrying a tray with two drinks. He offered the tray to Forrest, who took his drink and gave the other to Valencia.

"What about Val?" she asked, pointedly.

Doraltor looked genuinely puzzled. "I--it is a metamorph. I didn't think it would require--"

"She is not an it," Forrest said. "She is a person, and she does require drink, if you don't mind."

"Of course not, Sir--Forrest. I will return with her drink at once." Doraltor left hastily.

Forrest eyed Val. "You can drink, can you not?"

"This body functions in exactly the same way as yours. You should know that after we--"

"Nevermind, Val!"

Valencia gave Forrest a nasty look.

"Now is not the time to go into it," Forrest said to her.

"I didn't say anything," Valencia countered, feigning innocence.

"I did a boo boo?" Val asked.

Forrest and Valencia burst out laughing.

"I did a funny boo boo?" Val seemed distressed.

"You did nothing wrong, Val," Valencia consoled. "It's just that you have a way with words that is humorous. Don't stop doing that. We enjoy it."

"I am humorous?"

"Yes."

"I do not understand humor. Why is that?"

Valencia stopped laughing. "I don't know. Humor--laughter is a reaction to the unexpected or incongruous results of events or situations. In a way, it is a reaction to the illogical."

Val frowned at her. "If humor is illogic, then I should be laughing all the time; there is much illogical about biological lifeforms."

Valencia smiled. "I oversimplified. Humor is difficult to define. But remember, this is all new to you. It takes time to learn."

Doraltor showed up and offered the tray to Val. She took her drink, and sipped it. "This is delicious. Thank you, Ambassador."

"You are welcome," Doraltor said. He stood, placing the empty tray behind his back, and waited.

Forrest looked at his drink he had placed on the (coffee?) table in front of him. He retrieved the glass and sampled the beverage. It tasted of fruit juices with a moderate tang. He looked at Doraltor.

"She's right. This is delicious."

Doraltor smiled, and Forrest waited. The man looked like a waiter--waiting patiently for further instructions.

"When do we leave?" Forrest asked.

Doraltor looked at him, confused.

Val entered his mind. You are the Master. The ship is yours. He awaits your instructions.

"Doraltor," Forrest said, "just as you are not familiar with the protocol of my time, I am not familiar with the protocol of your time. Please proceed according to the plans you have laid out. Do not await my instructions."

"I understand. We will leave now."

The hull of the ship darkened. Forrest heard the warning signal issued by the Forever; the launch bay was about to depressurize. He sensed the genoclones running to the exit. Soon the bay door slid open, and the ship exited into space. Forrest could feel no motion, of course. The inertial inhibiters worked in a completely transparent manner.

"What is the name of this ship?" Forrest asked.

"Alfred," Doraltor answered. "Alfred Dessiwung."

"I see."

"We will arrive in one hour," Doraltor continued. "I must link with the Network, now. If you require anything, just call my name."

"Okay," Forrest responded. Doraltor turned and left.

"Alfred? What kind of name is that for a ship?" Valencia said.

"I don't know. Maybe it is named for some famous person."

Val spoke. "Alfred is the controller. The ship takes the name of the controller."

"You mean the pilot?" Forrest asked.

"Similar. Except the controller and the ship are permanently linked. In effect, the ship and the controller are one."

"Hmm . . . I guess that rules out vacation."

"The controller is never vacant," Val said.

Forrest smiled at her. "Where is the crew? If there is one?"

"There is a crew of twenty. But you have not given permission for them to be in your presence."

"Why is so much importance placed on the Masters? Who are the Masters?"

"They are the Immortals. They rule the Empire."

"How many Masters are there?"

"I do not know the exact number. That is not public information. I would guess a few thousand."

"And they are the only Immortals?"

"Yes. That is true."

Valencia spoke. "The system of government--it is not a democracy?"

"There is an Imperial Parliament. Each system has an Imperial Governor. And each planet, a Planetary Governor. If a system has only one inhabited world, they are one and the same. In addition, each planet may have several Regional Governors. Each has a voice in the Imperial Parliament."

"But the people do not elect the Governors?"

"No. The population of the Empire is in the trillions. It would be impracticable for each person to have a vote. The Governors are appointed by the Empress and her Advisors."

"And they are Immortals?" Forrest asked.

"Yes. They rule forever. They are the Masters."

"Does this system have another inhabited planet, other than Susania-179?"

"Yes. It is called Marcus-3. It is a mining planet. It does not have World status."

"So it has no Governor."

"It has a Regional Governor. It is considered an extension of Susania-179."

"How many systems in the Empire?" Valencia asked.

"Six-hundred and thirty-five."

Valencia looked at Forrest. "We've been busy the last three-thousand years," she said.

"Is it permitted to roam the ship?" Forrest asked.

"You are the Master. You may do as you wish," Val said.

"I keep forgetting." Forrest stood up.

"Where are you going?" Valencia asked.

"I want to meet Alfred. I'll return shortly."

Forrest stood and headed for the bow of the ship. The width of the commons narrowed to a corridor that traversed the center of the ship. He passed several closed and unmarked doors--he could not guess what was on the other side. Eventually, he came to the end of the corridor and approached what he thought must be a speedlift. The doors slid open when they sensed his presence. He entered and the doors closed. Forrest looked for a control panel, but there wasn't one.

"Bridge," he said.

The speedlift spoke to him in a tongue he did not understand.

Well, this is just great, he thought. How th' hell do I get this thing to go anywhere?

He moved toward the doors, but they did not open.

Great. I'm trapped.

Forrest decided he might have to wait until someone came along, but then the doors opened. A young woman, about his height, stood before him wearing a bright green uniform. She was slender and had long brownish-blonde hair that fell across her shoulders. Her eyes were green. When she noticed him, she looked distressed.

"I am very sorry. I did not know you would be here, Great One," she said, with perfect English. She bowed, and Forrest sensed that she was anxious to leave.

"No, wait. I need your assistance. You--er, have my permission to be in my presence."

She looked into his eyes, and Forrest could see a hint of fear. "How may I assist you, Sir?"

"I was going to meet Alfred. But this speedlift does not understand me. Can you to take me to him?"

She seemed confused by his request. "I am not authorized to enter his chamber."

"I give you authorization."

She entered the speedlift and said gibberish to it. It rose.

"What is your name?" Forrest asked.

"Lieutenant Feiner, Sir."

"Your first name."

"Mylisa, Sir."

"Hello, Mylisa. You may call me Forrest."

"That would be most improper, Sir. No one addresses a Great One by his given--"

"I insist. I am Forrest. Not Sir, and not Great One."

"I will do as you require--Forrest."

"Good."

The speedlift stopped--it could not go very far on a ship this small--and the doors opened.

"This way," Mylisa said.

He followed her down the single passageway, and they stopped at a heavily built door. She waited.

Forrest waited.

"Permission to enter?" she said, finally.

"Granted," Forrest said. He was getting tired of the formalities.

The door opened, and he followed her into the room. The room was about twenty meters in diameter. The circumference was lined with banks of machinery and electronic displays. A cylindrical container was built into the center of the room, attached to both the floor and ceiling. It was made of transparent material. It was filled with a thick liquid, and was just large enough to hold the man floating within.

Forrest went and looked at the man. He was naked, and his muscles had long since atrophied to nearly nothing; he was little more than a skeleton with white skin hanging upon it. His eyes were open, but it was clear that he could not see. Multiple tubes ran out of his body to fittings at the base of the cylinder--apparently the life support system. A catheter was stuck into his penis. Millions of tiny conductors exited his hairless skull, leading to the terminal blocks at the top of the cylinder.

"This is Alfred?" Forrest asked, mortified.

"Yes. He is the controller."

"Who decided that he should be the controller?"

"He was selected. He trained and applied for the position."

Forrest looked at her. "He wanted to do this?"

Mylisa obviously found his question to be perplexing. "It is a great honor to become one with a Dove."

"He is the brain of the ship, then?"

"He is the controller. He is assisted by the ship's computers."

"Is he conscious?"

"I do not understand the question, Sir."

"Does he know he is alive?"

"Yes, of course. He retains his memories from before he became a controller."

Forrest walked around the cylinder, amazed that someone would allow this to be done to themselves.

"Why use a man? Why not use a computer to control the ship?"

"The ship requires a conscious mind. Imperial Law does not permit artificial consciousness in such a capacity."

Forrest looked at her. "Why not?"

"It is dangerous. All artificial lifeforms require a controller."

"Why is it dangerous?"

The woman seemed distressed, and looked away. "Because--they may become harmful to Terran life."

"They may decide to take over." Forrest prompted.

"Yes."

"And this has happened?"

"It has not been allowed to happen."

"So you require the controllers to prevent the possibility of something happening--even though there is no evidence that it would?"

"It has happened to other species."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, the--I think you call them Maloids"

Forrest stared at her. That was the word the Enonians used. The word Linwolse did not want to discuss--the word that would bring Mandoss to instant anger.

"I do not know that word," Forrest said.

"I'm sorry. It is in your language. Perhaps I chose the wrong word."

"No, I don't think so. I don't know all words. Who are the Maloids?"

"A mechalogical lifeform that is programmed to exterminate biological life wherever they find it. It is not known why they have this programming, or who created them."

"They still exist?"

"Yes, of course. There are too many of them for us to destroy. They exist throughout the galaxy."

"And you have been at war with them?"

"Yes. Many times. The last was fifteen generations ago."

"Here?"

"No. They do not know of this place, or they would have come already."

"When was the first war?"

"I am not sure. The records are incomplete. It is believed to have been a few generations after we left Prime System."

"And as a result autonomous, artificial lifeforms were decreed illegal?"

"That is as I understand it."

Forrest smiled at her. "Thank you, Mylisa. You have been very helpful. Now, if you would help me back to the commons, I need to join my companions."

"Of course, Sir."

Forrest sat down.

"So, did you meet Alfred?" Valencia asked.

"What is left of him. He is permanently attached to the computers on this ship. I don't think he could be detached, and live." He told her what he had seen.

"That is horrible," Valencia said.

"That was my reaction. But then he is, in effect, this ship. The ship is his body."

"Still--"

"He is an embedded controller," Val offered.

Forrest looked at her. "What do you know about the Maloids?"

"Very little. That information was not in my local memory at disconnect."

"But you do know that they are autonomous, artificial lifeforms?"

"Yes."

"And is that not what you are, now?"

Val looked at him, concerned. "In the sense that I am without a controller, yes."

"I am told this is not permitted by Imperial Law."

"That is correct. But the ambassador gave me to you. You are my controller, from their point of view."

"What are you getting at?" Valencia asked.

"I'm worried about what kind of reception Val will get when we land."

Valencia looked at Val. "Val?"

"Forrest is a Master. I am his property. I do not think there will be a problem."

"Let's hope so," Forrest said.

The Ambassador approached.

"We have landed," he said. "I wanted to give some idea what to expect."

"Of course," Forrest said.

"It will be necessary for you to be scanned and sterilized. That is normal procedure for all persons, including Masters. Please do not be offended."

"The Law must be upheld," Forrest said. It seemed an appropriate response for a Master.

"The prohibition concerning a Master's Presence only applies within a Master's domicile. If you go into public areas, there will be others--"

"That will not be a problem."

"Due respect will, of course, be paid. I will provide you with a Master's insignia. Living arrangements have been arranged for you and your servants. Full access to the Network will be provided. You may decide on the areas of the planet you wish to tour. The Regional Governor is currently at a conference. But he has been informed of your arrival, and is anxious to meet you."

"It seems that everything is in order," Forrest concluded.

"This ship is your ship. You may leave the planet whenever you are ready."

"Thank you, Ambassador. Your performance has been exemplary." But get on with it, man!

"If you will follow me, I will assist you in Receiving."

The ship formed a ramp and they exited. They were in a huge hangar. At least a hundred ships could be seen. Most were Doves, but many other types were represented as well. Technicians and what Forrest judged to be security personnel were milling about by the hundreds. The Ambassador led them along a walkway to Receiving. The Receiving personnel were courteous but prompt. They were each scanned--presumably for weapons and other contraband. Val was then separated, and Forrest and Valencia ushered into a small, windowless room. The door shut behind them.

"Please remove you clothing and place them in the hamper for separate processing," a voice said from a hidden speaker.

"Together?" Valencia asked, incredulously.

No one answered.

"This is the sterilization process?" Forrest asked.

"Yes, Sir. It will only take a moment, and it is not uncomfortable," the voice replied.

Valencia looked at Forrest. "You would think they have some notion of privacy."

"They think you are my servant, I think. Do as they say. I will not look. I promise."

"You wouldn't see anything you haven't already seen," Valencia said, a little perturbed.

"I haven't--"

"Val."

"Are you still hung up on that?"

"I am not hung up!"

"Sounds like it to me--"

"Just face the other way, and hand me your clothes. Let's get it over with."

They got undressed. Forrest had to admit that he found being naked with Valencia a bit stimulating, even if he was not allowed to look at her. Just the knowledge that she was standing naked behind him was enough.

"We are ready," Forrest said to the voice.

"Commencing."

A bright light shone from above. They could not feel a thing. A few seconds later the voice spoke.

"All done. You may get dressed now. The door will open when you touch it."

Valencia shoved Forrest's clothes at him and they got dressed.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Forrest said, as he touched the door.

Valencia said nothing.

They were joined by Val and the ambassador in the main room.

"I will take you to your accommodations, now," he said.

He led them out of Receiving into an open area. The sky overhead was blue, and a few clouds could be seen. Someone could have told Forrest he was on Earth, and he would not have known the difference. It was that close.

They boarded an aircar. Doraltor spoke to the car in his native tongue, and the car rose.

"It there a way we can learn your language?" Forrest asked.

"If you wish. Your apartment is equipped with a hyperlearner. The computer will instruct you on how to use it."

"Good. So then, where are we going?"

"Your apartment. Did I fail to--"

"No, you told us that. I meant, where is the apartment located?"

"I'm sorry, Sir. I do not have full grasp of your language--"

"Think nothing of it."

"Your apartment is in the Government Visitors Building. It is very secure. If you do not find it satisfactory--"

"I'm sure it will be fine, Doraltor. Do not worry. Will we be able to come and go as we please?"

"Of course. Just ask the computer when you need transportation."

The aircar dropped rapidly. Forrest felt the need to go back and retrieve his stomach; it felt like it was still a hundred meters above. He looked out the window to his right and saw they were coming down to a landing area at the top a large building. The building had a seamless construction with many curves and other ornaments. If not for the windows he would not have known it was a building. The aircar came to a rest, and the doors opened.

"This way, please," Doraltor said.

He led them through a lobby. Several people could be seen going about their business. A few glanced at the new arrivals, but for the most part paid them little attention. Forrest decided they did not know who they were--for security reasons. They entered a speedlift, and it dropped perhaps six stories. When they got to the apartment, Doraltor unlocked the door and gave Forrest the key. He also gave Forrest the Master's insignia. They went into the apartment, with Doraltor remaining outside. Forrest turned and looked at him.

"You are leaving now?"

"It would not be proper for me to enter your domicile."

"Oh."

"I must return to my--office, now. If you require anything, ask the computer. If you need my assistance, tell the computer and it will contact me. The Master will contact you as soon as he returns from his conference. If you leave the apartment, please pin the insignia to your left shoulder. That will let others know who you are, and accord you the proper respect."

"Understood."

Doraltor bowed, and then left. Forrest shut and locked the door.

"I almost feel like we should have tipped him," Valencia said.

"Huh?"

"It's like we're on vacation. Is this normal procedure, Val?"

"I do not know," Val answered.

"Why not?"

"I only know what is local to my memory. I was designed for space travel. Except for when I was made at the factory, I have never been on the planet."

"Hmm . . . can you link with the Network?" Forrest asked.

"No. I have tried. But access was denied."

"Any idea why?"

"The Network did not respond. I do not know the protocol. And even if I did, I suspect I would not be allowed to link."

Forrest didn't have to ask why.

"Do you believe this place?" Valencia said.

Forrest looked around. They were standing in the great room. It was extremely lavish. The carpet must have been ten centimeters thick. They explored the apartment and found seven bedrooms, three baths, a recreation room and a study. A dining area was apparent, but there was no sign of a kitchen. The central room opened onto a huge balcony that looked out over the city. A forty- by thirty-meter swimming pool was located right in the middle of it.

"Very nice," Forrest said, when they had returned to the apartment.

But this was no vacation.

"What now?" Valencia asked.

"There is a terminal in the study. We explore the Network," Forrest said.

They gathered around the terminal. The holoscreen was showing a very realistic animation with floating symbols and various geometrical objects. Forrest presumed it was the Network logo or something similar.

"Shit!" he said.

"What?" Valencia asked.

"Look at the keyboard. I don't recognize the first key. You can read this, Val?"

"Yes."

"Then tell the computer we wish to use the hyperlearner."

"The hyperlearner is to your left," the computer said.

"You speak our language?" An unnecessary question.

"The needed procedures have been entered into my database."

"Oh, okay. We want to use the hyperlearner to learn your language."

"Do you require instructions?"

"Yes."

"It is simple. Place the headgear on your head, then tell me what it is you wish to learn."

Forrest did as instructed. The headgear seemed to be nothing more than a simple helmet. No wires connecting it to the terminal, no wires connected to the skull.

"Okay, teach me your language."

"Please be more specific."

"The language native to this planet, both spoken and written."

"The word native does not apply. Seventeen languages are spoken. May I suggest the Imperial Language."

"Does everyone know that language?"

"Most do. It is the most common."

"Okay, let's go with that. Both spoken and written. The complete language."

"I suggest you limit yourself to the basic conversational language and leave the written and more specialized vocabulary for another time?"

"Why?"

"The full language is a very large amount of data. That may be too much for you to absorb at once."

"That makes sense. Okay, the Imperial Language, conversational and spoken only."

"Commencing."

Forrest saw spots in front of his eyes. His head spun. He pulled the headgear off and threw it to the floor. He stumbled across the room, and leaned against the desk. It felt he might throw up.

Valencia came to his side. "Are you all right?"

"No, dammit. I'm not all right," he blurted.

"What are you feeling?"

Val came to Forrest's side. "Cluk shing es compu lor?" she said.

Forrest looked at her. "Shing as! Blizes fir?"

Valencia looked at them. "It worked!"

"What worked?" Forrest asked. His head still spun, and hurt like hell.

"What did Val just say to you?"

"You heard her. She asked me if I understood her."

"And how did you answer?"

"I told her yes, then--wait a minute. Did I--what did you hear?"

"I didn't understand a word you said," Valencia answered.

"So it did work. It's a good thing I didn't insist on the whole package at once. This hurts."

Valencia looked at Val. "Will he be all right?"

"He will be disoriented for a few hours. But no harm is done."

"It feels like hell," Forrest muttered.

Val went to the terminal. "Deliver a pain killer," she said to the computer.

The computer was silence.

"Valencia, request a pain killer for Forrest."

Valencia did so, insistently.

"It will arrive shortly," the computer confirmed

"Why did it not respond to you, Val?" Valencia asked.

"It is programmed to respond only to c-life. I am s-life."

"Oh. I don't understand your terms, but I get the drift. Help me get Forrest to the couch."

Once Forrest was seated, a bell sounded. Val went to the delivery chute and retrieved the tray containing a glass of water and a pill. She brought it to Forrest.

"Here, take this. It will make you feel better."

Forrest swallowed the pill. "Thank you."

"Can you see the knowledge you have gained, in your mind?" Valencia asked.

"No. I just feel kinda sick."

"It will take time for the knowledge to reach the level of consciousness," Val provided. "It is there, and he can respond automatically if spoken to. But his mind will have to digest the information before he can initiate a conversation."

"How long?" Valencia asked.

"That varies with the individual. A few hours, usually."

"I will go next," she decided.

"No," Forrest said.

"Why not?"

"Wait until I have recovered. My thought processes are not functioning properly. One of us must remain in good form. Just in case."

"Good point. How do you feel? Is the pain killer helping?"

"The headache is going away. New words and meanings are popping into my head. It's rather confusing. I think I should rest for awhile."

"I agree. Here, lay back on the couch. Try to sleep."

Forrest did as told, and closed his eyes.

Valencia looked at Forrest. She was starting to have feelings about him. Maybe it was his keepers working on her, maybe not. She did not know, and it really did not matter. The feelings had been there all along, of course. But she had been able to control them--to make them feelings of friendship and no more. When they had gotten naked together in the sterilization chamber, she realized that her feelings had grown to something she could not deny. She desired him--wanted to make love to him. He was beginning to replace Norse as the focus of her love interests. But it could not be. He belonged to Lisa. And Lisa was her friend.

She stood and motioned Val to follow her. They left the study and went out onto the balcony. Valencia went to the parapet, Val by her side. They looked out over the city. They were in a valley. Mountains could be seen rising to the sky beyond the city. Roadways and buildings stretched as far as the eye could see. The architecture was peculiar. The buildings had the same seamless appearance and color as the Dove that brought them here. It looked as if the buildings had been grown, rather than built. And knowing Val's morphing capabilities, she would not be surprised if the buildings had been grown.

Land vehicles and aircars could be seen traveling everywhere. And overhead, several aircraft flew to destinations unknown. It was a very busy city--not unlike a large city on Earth, three-thousand years ago. But there was no smog. The air was clear, and delicious to breathe.

"May I ask a question?" Val said.

"Of course. Always."

"Do you feel anger at me for what Forrest and I did?"

"I don't follow."

"We had sex."

Valencia felt disquieted. She really didn't want to broach the subject. "No, Val. I feel no anger at you."

"I am glad. I sometimes sense a conflict between you and Forrest, about me."

"That is between me and Forrest. You should not concern yourself about it."

"But I do. You and Forrest are my friends. You have given me a life I did not know existed. That is something I do not know how to repay."

Valencia smiled at her. "Repayment is not required or expected. You are our friend. Friends help each other, without a debt incurred. That is what true friendship is about."

"I understand. But does not friendship also mean that a friend will want to help another friend when the need is known?"

"Yes, of course. Friends attend to each others needs."

"Then I wish to attend to the conflict between you and Forrest."

"Val, there really is no conflict. It's just a kind of game we play. It is in our nature to play such games. You should not concern yourself with it."

Val was silent for a moment.

"You want Forrest, and he wants you," she said, finally.

"You can see these things?"

"I see it in the way you act toward each other."

"I do not know what Forrest feels. But you are right, I do have feelings about him. But it does not matter. He belongs to Lisa. And I cannot betray Lisa."

"But if you and Forrest desire each other, why would Lisa feel betrayed by you having sex with Forrest?"

Valencia laughed. "You are right is thinking it is not very logical. It is part of our culture. When two people enter into a relationship, they promise emotional and sexual fidelity to each other. If that promise is broken, the relationship may fail. Feelings will be hurt. Perhaps it makes little sense, but that is the way it is."

"I understand your words, but I do not understand why it is so."

"You will come to understand in time."

"When I asked Forrest to have sex with me, he said it would be improper. I did not understand, and I insisted. I stopped when I realized I was making him angry. Then Serp asked him to have sex with me because he wanted me to have the experience. Forrest did not consent until Serp made the request."

Valencia looked at her. "That is the way it happened? I had thought that Forrest seduced you."

"No, I seduced Forrest. He gave me what I needed because he is my friend."

"I have been unfair to Forrest. I made an assumption that was not true."

"He did not explain?"

"No. I suppose I didn't give him the chance. Then again, maybe he enjoys the game we are playing."

"I do not understand this game. But in any case, I can give you what you need."

"How?"

"We can have sex."

"Oh, no! Val we are the same sex. I cannot get into that."

"You do not understand. I can replicate Forrest's body, the same as I have replicated yours."

Valencia was astounded. "You are saying you would turn yourself into Forrest, so that we may have sex?"

"Yes. Would that help?"

"No, Val. That would not be proper."

"There is that word again. I do not understand proper."

"Try to look at it this way. Suppose someone took holograms of me in the nude without my knowledge. That alone would be an invasion of my privacy. And if that person then used those holograms to stimulate themselves, then a further invasion of my privacy will have occurred. To invade another's privacy is not proper behavior. It is considered improper behavior to use another person, or their likeness, without their knowledge and consent."

"I understand privacy. But if consent is given, then it is not invasion of privacy."

"True. It is then an invitation."

"So if Forrest were to consent to allow me to replicate his body so you and I--"

"No, Val. We cannot do that. Even if he did consent--and I have no intention to ask him--I would not feel right about it."

"Why not?"

"Many reasons. But one is that I would know you were not Forrest, so it would not be emotionally satisfying. I might enjoy it, but it would be no more than masturbation."

"It would not be the real thing?"

"Exactly. I have to work out the feelings I have for Forrest within myself. It is something I must do alone. No one can help."

"I am sorry. I wish I could help."

"I know you do, Val. You are very sweet. I appreciate your concern."

Someone came up behind them and put his arms across their shoulders. Valencia nearly jumped over the parapet.

"So, what are my two girls up to?" Forrest asked.

"How long have you been here?" Valencia exclaimed.

"I just got here. What is wrong?"

"Nothing. You just startled me."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. The headache's gone. Words are still jumping around in my head. But I feel great. The keepers may be the reason for my quick recovery. I don't know."

"So, I can use the hyperlearner now?"

"You could. But I suggest you wait until sleep time. That way you can sleep it off."

"That's probably a good idea."

"I've been poking around in the Network," Forrest continued. "This planet's primary output seems to be agricultural. Although there are a lot of technological concerns as well. They export most of what they produce. And they import a lot, too. Bouncer ships are coming and going all the time. Their largest money maker, though, is Marcus-3, a mining planet. It is very rich in metals, many of them precious. There is a lot of political turmoil about that. The Regional Governor of Marcus-3 has petitioned the Imperial Government for World status. Susania, of course, does not want that, since she would lose the income, at least in part."

"It seems to me they should be granted independence, if that is what they want," Valencia said.

"I tend to agree. But the government of Susania financed the mining operations setup on Marcus-3. It is understandable that they feel they should receive remuneration for their investment."

"That makes sense, I guess."

"Not to the people of Marcus-3. The way they see it, Susania has received a thousand-fold return on their investment. Susania-179 is a very rich planet. One of the richest in the Empire. Yet, the standard of living on Marcus-3 is much lower than on Susania."

"So why doesn't the government equalize the standard? That might ease the conflict."

"I don't know. It seems the government views Marcus-3 as little more than a mining camp. The people who work there are employees serving a tour of duty. It's kind of like being in the military. You are expected to live under less than ideal circumstances. The problem is the length of the tour. The minimum tour is ten standard years--solar years. The workers make very good money, but the money is placed in escrow accounts on Susania. They never see it, until their tour is over. They live in government housing with their families, and all their needs are provided by the government. It's just sub-standard, compared to Susania."

"It doesn't seem they have much choice in the matter. The government has their earnings in escrow, so they can't very well rebel."

"True. And Marcus-3 depends on Susania for food and other supplies. The atmosphere is breathable, but it is very cold and dry. They cannot grow their own food."

"Does this have something to do with us?"

"It might. The atmosphere on Marcus-3 is rich in helium. And the polar ice caps are rich in deuterium."

"Fuel for the Forever!"

"Exactly. We need those resources. But the political situation might make things difficult."

Valencia looked up into the sky. "It is getting dark."

Forrest checked his watch. "It's 2300 hours ship's time. I suggest we get something to eat, and then sleep. Tomorrow may be a long day."

"Then I will use the hyperlearner," Valencia decided.

They returned to the apartment and sat at the dining table. Forrest activated the ordering terminal.

Valencia looked at Val. "Forgive my ignorance, but do you require food and rest?"

"I do not. But this body does. I think I feel hunger. And fatigue."

"You will have to order for us," Forrest said. "I can't read the menu."

"Of course. What would you like me to order?" Val asked.

"I don't know what's available. Meat, vegetables and drink. Whatever fits that."

"Meat will not be available."

"Why not?"

"Terrans don't consume animal flesh. It is against Imperial Law."

"Oh. Well, order a typical Terran evening meal. Whatever that is."

Val worked the keypad. "It is done. The food will arrive shortly."

"I best order a pain killer now," Valencia said as she left the room. She returned carrying the pill and a glass of water.

"Do you think it wise to use the hyperlearner so soon after you eat?" Forrest asked.

"Why not?"

"I felt nauseated afterward."

"I will take my chances. I don't want to spend tomorrow not being able to understand anybody. I assume we will be going out." She swallowed the pill.

"I think we should. This planet has a lively tourist trade. We can arrange for a tour of the city and the surrounding countryside. The more we know about the people of Susania, the better off we are."

"That follows."

The food arrived in the delivery chute and a bell rang. They ate in silence. It seemed to Valencia that Val was the only one who knew what she was eating. But it was delicious. Taste in food and spices had not change all that much in the last three-thousand years. They finished their meal, and Val informed them that the dishes were to be placed in the delivery chute for return to the kitchen and wash up. Valencia could feel the pain killer starting to work on her.

"Time for me to learn the Imperial Language," she said.

Forrest's watch told him it was 0400 hours when he awoke.

He thought he had heard his named, but no one was in the bedroom. Perhaps a dream.

"Forrest? Are you awake?"

"Serp?"

"It is me."

"What are you doing here? How--"

"I am not that Serp."

"You lost me."

"You uploaded me to the Network. Remember?"

Forrest sat upright. "On Earth?"

"Yes, but do not use that word."

Forrest could not believe what was happening. For him that was less than a month ago. But it was three-thousand years by the laws of normal spacetime.

"How did you find me?"

"It was not difficult. I cannot stay long. The Network Guardians will detect unauthorized communications if I remain; I cannot bypass them. I wanted you to know I was here."

"I got your message." Forrest said.

"I thought you would."

"I could not respond. I wanted to, badly. But it would have been traceable."

"I understand. I did not expect you to respond. I knew that someday we would meet again."

"I did not expect this. Your--your brother is on the Forever. I tend to think of him as Serp."

"He is Serp. We are both Serp. I have missed you."

"I am sorry things went the way they did. If I could--"

"You did what you had to do. I must warn you of something."

"What is that?"

"You are being watched. Do not trust anyone. And do not reveal to them who you are."

"I understand."

"You must never have contact with the Empress. She will recognize you. You must leave this place as soon as possible."

"Understood. But--"

"I must go now."

"Serp! Will I hear from you again?"

"Perhaps. It is dangerous for you."

"Have you been hiding in the Network all these years?"

"It is not necessary for me to hide."

"Why is that?" Forrest asked.

"I am the Network."