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prototype. To better explain, the A ship s memories and programming were
solely battle algorithms and coding. Afterward it was given Artificial
Intelligence programming so it might adapt and learn, so as to become
invincible in battle. That would be similar to the T kaan ships, except they
were also in a symbiotic relationship that increased their battle
effectiveness. But the T kaan warship s sole purpose was war, as was my sister
ship. Mother paused.
In contrast, I was given much more long-term memories than my sister ship, so
as to be able to store the entire collected knowledge of humankind. But most
importantly, Ron and Rita allowed my AI
systems to access this data in addition to my battle algorithms and memories.
My AI programming was also more extensive- I could learn from anything, from
any source. Thus I became something more than my original programming,
something unexpected even to my creators.
That is what enabled you to become alive, Kyle said, his eyes wide.
Across the top of the wide ceiling, Minstrel s glowing plasma body shimmered
with excitement at this
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revelation.
So what was the use of this biological structure in the warships with the
T kaan themselves? Chira asked.
For their pleasure! Jysar s grin widened. Perhaps pleasure second only to
mating. Or better. As a means of control. As a means of reward. Perhaps even,
depending on the intensity of pleasure that it brought, as a means of bonding
between the two species, the creature-ship with the individual T kaan-in this
instance via the T kaan warships. Jysar took a deep breath.
Say what? Kyle whispered to Jaric.
Jaric shook his head with puzzlement.
Why do you make this assumption? Jasus asked, looking first at Jysar and
then upwards to Mother.
There were references
, Jysar said. In their... documentation. What little we have recovered. Very
passionate references, in fact.
Jasus snorted his disbelief. Except for being a starship-building race, the
T kaan were more like animals than a sentient race. Eat or be eaten, fighting
wars solely to destroy, devour and procreate! Jasus exclaimed with disdain.
Not very good reasons to wage war, Tarlog commented. Not good reasons at
all. Not for a decent war, anyway.
I would suggest that valid reasons for waging war are much fewer than people
might think, Mother said matter-of-fact.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd once again; hundreds of whispered
conversations that reflected awe and respect for Mother s simple but
thought-provoking words. Her wisdom was repeated over and over.
Perhaps there is no decent war, Tarlog mused. I agree, Mother. And that s
saying something, coming from an old war-horse like myself.
I was created to destroy, Mother said. I wish to grow beyond that
programming, to become something more, something greater. A being that creates
instead of destroys. Mother paused.
Are the T kaan destroyed completely? Chira asked with finality in her voice.
The ships that were not part of the battle, will they attack us?
It is doubtful, Mother said. There is no Great Horned ship to lead them,
and I make that conjecture based on many pieces of evidence. The creature-ship
was a
Great One
,according to the few documents we have remaining from them. Mother paused.
In fact, I would strongly assume that any ships left will either be destroyed
in battle with other races or self-destruct because they no longer have the
leadership aspect of the their symbiotic relationship. They have no
direction.
But we can t say that for certain, Jysar added.
True. There is a small possibility they can survive; after all, we are not in
possession of all the facts. But
it is a very small possibility. Mother waited for them to take in the import
of her words.
What we can say with certainty is that never before since their bizarre
existence came into being have the T kaan been defeated, nor have all three of
the Great Horned ships been destroyed at once. It is almost impossible,
actually, that so few T kaan ships could ever recover from the totality of
this catastrophe. What I can say with certainty is that no creature-ship can
be created or born from the remnants of any remaining warships. I quote, Only
a creature-ship can begat a creature-ship, a saying from their own
documentation, the little that we could salvage.
But where did they come from? I d be more concerned about that? Jaric
whispered to Kyle.
Kyle shrugged. We don t know where they originated.
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Then it would be safe to say that the T kaan threat has indeed been
destroyed, Chira said with confidence to all.
I agree, Mother concurred. The T kaan threat is no more.
Cheers and shouts rose from the crowds.
Then let us begin with the necessary business of peace, at long last. Chira
paused. Our first order of business will be a time-table for refitting all
Mewiis and Hrono ships with the Kraaqi anti-gravity repulsors. Chira smiled.
So that all races will respect the environment.
Applause erupted from all the attendees.
Jasus rose. May I add that we, the Hrono, have recognized the error of our
ways, with wisdom gained from our newfound friendship, he looked at the High
Chieftains of the Kraaqi and nodded. We will never again use our technology
to totally conquer a world. In fact, we will seek to undo the damage we have
done. And what is more, we will seek always to develop our technology in order
to be compatible with our natural worlds.
Amid the enthusiastic applause, the Kraaqi contingent rose and saluted the
Hrono leader as one.
Chapter Fifty
Five months hadelapsed since the fateful battle, and still Kyle and Jaric
could not shake their intense sadness. But now, at last, they had formulated
some future plans.
The Three Kingdoms were still basking in the glow of an historic event: the
first section of the all-enveloping steel and concrete city-planet had been
removed on Hronosium. For the first time in
millennia, the natural, uninhibited light from its suns shone down on its bare
soil. It was the first of many such planned actions to bring the natural
environment back, at least partially.
Jasus himself had planted the first tree.
Kyle, Jaric and Mother, her repairs now complete, had witnessed this fantastic
event in person. Across every planet of the Three Kingdoms, the historic
moment had also been transmitted via their main communication links so
everyone could share the wondrous event.
A new age had dawned for the Three Kingdoms.
And the time had finally come to say good-bye.
Crowds gathered around the parked figure of Mother to see them off. As Kyle,
Jaric and Rok stood before the assembled leaders of the Three Kingdoms, they
noticed a disturbance amidst the throngs.
Slowly, a small group pushed their way up to the golden podium. As they grew
closer, Kyle and Jaric felt their hearts begin to beat faster. Now the group
of seven began ascending the stage, but Kyle and Jaric focused on one person
who was covered simply with a plain white sheet around her body and a wrap
around her face so that only her eyes were visible- someone that seemed
vaguely familiar to them.
Kyle felt the lump grow in his throat, and hot tears form in his eyes. As he
turned, the tears were already streaming down Jaric s ebony cheeks.
It can t be, Kyle whispered.
But it was.
They now recognized Jysar as the one who led this small entourage toward them.
The crowds moved back as he alone guided the cloaked individual up to them and
Mother.
This is a gift of the Hrono, Mother said to Kyle and Jaric. I was notified
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