Flight of the Maita Supercollection 3: Solving Galactic Problems Collector's Edition Read online

  She giggled to herself and took the data sheets to Sop's room to give them to Jak. They talked for a few moments, then she went to her rooms and crawled into bed beside Hal, who reached for her in his sleep. She was as exhausted as she had ever been in her life, but was in that stage where she was simply much too tired to sleep. Her mind wouldn't slow down now. Things came from her subconscious she wasn't aware she knew – things she had heard and seen while working on her projects – things she had purposely tuned out at the time.

  Wait! Surely THAT one was wrong? She was certain that she suddenly remembered Sop Lett saying Hal would be elected National Chairman!

  Hal Korr, of all people? That couldn't possibly be right! What did that mean? Enn Far was acting chairman – but then, the constitution passed no more than six hours ago and tomorrow – today now – Enn Far would have to call for an election. She remembered something about that. Within a year or something.

  No! One hundred days! Here we go again!

  Surely she misunderstood it. She had been concentrating on something else and Sop had said "Hal, there is going to be an election for the National Chairman," not "Hal is going to be elected National Chairman!" That must be what she heard.

  She snuggled closer and drifted, finally, off to sleep.

  * * * *

  Hal looked into the lab around midnight and saw that Mi would be hours. There simply was no stopping her when she was doing anything like this and she had further promised she would give information to Sop before the following morning. The mere fact that she was on the dangerous point of dropping from physical and nervous exhaustion could be considered when she had nothing else to do.

  She was working far too much lately and there wasn't any real reason for it. The cure was in their hands. There is such a thing as being too careful in this. Hal certainly knew why others in her labs had so often decried her meticulous perfectionism. Why couldn't she see it wasn't fair to hold up this thing? So many people were dying now and she was worried the treatment would kill them in a few years. They could at least have those few years instead of only a few days.

  She patiently explained it was possible that, should the MW treatment itself prove dangerous they could perhaps modify it a bit so it wouldn't be dangerous anymore.

  She was right – but they couldn't know for years and people were dying at this very moment. Now. As he thought these thoughts a hundred people died.

  He dropped in on Sop Lett and Jak Tall, who were working on the cure release speech. Jak joked about Hal being placed into nomination for National Chairman tomorrow. He then went to the kitchen, had a bev and went to bed. He wasn't conscious of when Mi came to bed, but woke to find her sleeping soundly. He was most careful to not wake her as he turned off the alarm. If she could only get a good ten or twelve hours of deep sleep she would be fit to go for another halfyear. The work was done for now. There was no real purpose to be served in making herself sick.

  He slid out of bed, showered and went to the kitchen where he was joined by several others for dawnmeal, though it was already well past dawn. All talk was about the constitution. Sop and Jak were busily explaining various things about it to them. Many asked for copies with the personal signatures of Sop and Jak and, to his surprise, his own on the title page. Many of the farmers and fishermen were there, too. A sort of impromptu festive day was declared to watch the signing of the constitution on the large entertainment screen in the largest assembly/lecture hall. The signing was to take place at exactly noon and would become official as soon as it was signed.

  Jak and Sop acted like co-conspirators. They were being secretive about something. There was definitely, as the saying among the farmers and fishermen goes, more than their hands in their gloves!

  Hal walked around the mesa top awhile, then sat on a rock to watch the sea and the people of Sand Island. He decided first to invite the test people to the party, then decided it would be best to not do so, then decided to ask Sop and Jak. He found them again in Sop's room.

  "I think this is an occasion where people should be together as much as possible," Sop agreed. "I also think we must talk to all the people here first. There is one thing that is of vital importance to the future of the country. Call them to the assembly room on the P.A. Be sure that everyone knows about it."

  Hal called the operator to have it announced all were to meet at the assembly hall immediately. Exceptions were for emergency duties only and for the communications officer.

  Everyone on the island was there except the operator and Mi, who was still asleep, and the Sand Islanders. Hal decided he would tell her if anything important was said.

  Jak simply told them that the people from Sand Island were going to join them for the signing broadcast and they were to refuse to talk about the plague. Simply say it was too horrible and the escape was barely in time. The plague was in the past here and was to be left there. It was imperative this group, and this group alone, ever knew the stories of the plague on the islands was false. The people who were to stay there could depend on the story and fears among the mainlanders keeping most of them away so it was to their advantage to keep their mouths shut. It was the duty of all the rest to be absolutely certain this security not be breached.

  "If ever again any such steps are needed the people wouldn't believe the authorities if this example is ever shown to have been false," Jak admonished them. "Think of what we each owe our race, then think about whether or not we would've found the cure if people didn't believe the story. They would've overrun these islands and the race would die as a result. I'm counting on you to know when to keep your silence."

  There was no problem. All agreed, so Hal went to Sand Island to tell the people to all gather in the hall before noon for the ceremonies. He then went back to his room where he awakened Mi, who started to remonstrate with him for turning off the alarm. He grabbed her into his arms.

  "Love, shut up!" he demanded happily. "There's a festive day declared for the signing ceremony. Everyone on the islands will be meeting in the assembly hall to watch and to get drunk. There's no real need of research that's so pressing it can't wait until tomorrow. You are to conduct yourself like a common, everyday, normal housewife who knows nothing about science at all today. That's an order! Understand that, woman! That's an order!"

  She smiled and said, "Yes, husband and lover. I'll be the meek little housewife – just for you and only for today!

  "Oh, my! You asked the Sand Island people to come? Was that wise? They'll learn the plague here was a lie!"

  "No! Only if you tell them. That's been handled. You should know by now Jak Tall would see to it if no one else did! You're not our director today. You're an ordinary housewife. I expect you to make me proud of you because we'll have to be seen in public a great deal now. Your project has cured the plague and I'm expected to be elected chairman in about a hundred days.

  "Isn't life complicated?"

  "You really are running for chairman?"

  "No! Enn Far is running me! I could choke him, but it's my duty.

  "Love, I can't refuse. I have that duty as a citizen."

  "You don't, you know. You'll make a fine first chairman because of your silly sense of duty. You'll always do the 'right' thing no matter the personal cost. It's a large part of your noble nature.

  "I'm so proud of you!"

  *

  Enn Far listened to the recorder one more time. This must be done right. There were no second takes or edits.

  "Citizens, we hold ... historic events surround us.... I am the proudest Kroon ... document places power in the hands of you! and slam desk.... Wave the document ... mmmmm ... must hold an election. One hundred days.... I place in nomination...."

  "Well, I'll never know it better!" he declared with a sigh.

  He quickly called the council into session for an important announcement. The council chambers were where the ceremony would take place and he decided it would be unfair to spring the election thing on them unprepared. As soon as
they were all seated, expecting some kind of rehearsal, he called the meeting to order.

  "I'll be as brief as I can. I've been studying the constitution and have found one clause that can't be ignored. It will be dealt with at the signing. If anything unexpected comes up before that time I'll try to get the information to all of you. This has happened very fast. I can't keep up, it seems. Every time I think I've found the right words and path something comes up that distracts me.

  "From the moment I sign the constitution into force we'll have exactly one hundred short days to elect and seat the entire first government. We have the precincts and voting machinery in place now for the ratification so I'll use that fact and will announce how the thing is to be done.

  "In one way I'm glad we have this to fall upon at this time. The ratification is the only thing that has held this nation together for the past thirty days, but the signing will end that respite. Without something new chaos could be upon us in days.

  "We've all seen on the news the kinds of violent riots and savagery some countries are already beginning to experience. If a void develops in attention we'll have the same. We can't doubt that and we can't cross that void without, as trite as the saying is, a bridge to tread. We must make some kind of plans to control ourselves when the elections are over. Something to give to the first government.

  "I wanted you to know I was going to announce the elections at the signing. That's all. Thank you."

  There was a murmur as he made a quick exit. If questions were allowed now they would have to postpone the signing ceremony for days. These people argued about almost everything.

  His aide came to say he was wanted on the com by Sop Lett and should he be called today? Should Sop be told to call after the ceremony or that Enn would call back?

  "I'm to be called at any moment I'm wanted by anyone on the islands from Dr. Yinn to the farmers or fishermen," he answered quickly. "If I'm wanted and they say it's important I'll stop smack in the middle of signing the constitution. I'm to be called at any moment they wish! Get that clear! Anytime at all! I mean that!"

  He took the com and said it was Enn, so go ahead.

  "Enn? Sop here.

  “Listen, Enn. I think there is a thing you must do at the signing. Before the actual signing to be more specific. Immediately before. I cannot stress enough the possible importance of this.

  "We are in a time of deep crisis in the world and the constitution says two things that apply to the situation. I think you know one of the things is the health officer. We really must not allow any lapse of time before implementing that office and there is no way one can be selected after the signing until the government is elected and seated. That would mean we would have to go for one hundred days at the most critical and dangerous time this race has ever faced without a health officer. THAT IS NOT TOLERABLE!

  "The second item is you are the previous government, meaning all contracts, agreements and treaties you make must be honored until such time as the government votes them down.

  "I want you to appoint Mi Yinn as National Health Officer before you sign the constitution. You can explain we must not be without that office at this time. She can be removed later if the full government votes it. I think no one will object!"

  "Wait a second! Wait!" Enn cried. "What are you saying?"

  "I am saying something has happened here I cannot talk about until the proper time. I am saying there is a need for the officer now and you well know it. We cannot – MUST NOT – be without that authority at this juncture. The very survival of the Kroon race could well be held in the balance here. You, of all people in the nation, know it!

  "I am saying that Mi Yinn is by far the best person to appoint to that critical office. I can't think of anyone even qualified for second runner in that. That is another thing we all know.

  "I am saying that I believe this office to be far more important than all the others combined in our present circumstances and I am saying you can fill that office properly in accordance with the constitution before the signing. Your hands are tied for one hundred days once you sign it – and, Enn?"

  "Yes?" Enn was almost shaking from the implications of what Sop was proposing.

  "Be prepared to take a call at any moment from this island, starting now. If it comes during the parade to the council, stop the parade. If it comes during the time of the signing, stop the signing. If it comes when you are seated on the toilet, grab the com and wipe later. I mean that quite literally. You don't know how very close we are!"

  "Are you saying you have the cure?!"

  "I am only saying you are to be ready to take the single most important com call in the entire history of the Kroon race at any moment. At any moment and under any circumstances. That is all! Do not give anyone false hope. That could backfire and become the worst thing possible. That would ensure riots and worse. We have to finish some things here and many have reservations. Even Mi has reservations about whether we are being premature, but I think you understand that that fact means, IF THIS WORKS OUT, that it will be proven and indisputable. Just be ready!"

  They talked a moment more and Enn trembled as he went down the hall to head the parade.

  Who would stop HIM from running amok if this hope was lost? Didn't Sop stop to think of THAT? No one knew he had the plague except he and his doctor. That doctor was sworn to silence. Being the kind of man he was Enn Far didn't for one moment think of himself, but he was sure Sop wouldn't have said those things if the cure wasn't very near. The health officer would be the one to direct the treatment and must have the power. She must have as close to absolute power as any single person ever had or would have over the affairs of Kroon. Sop was, as everyone on those islands seemed to generally be, right.

  Enn Far was excited and happy but, as Sop had said, he must not give a hope that may prove false, but those suffering people out there would be saved! If it was to the point that Mi Yinn only had reservations about premature disclosure it was far past when another scientist would be claiming victory. He could allow himself hope. He knew too well how to deal with disappointment. His life had been fairly freely given its share of that! He was certainly no stranger to disappointment!

  He was also a man of unflagging faith and he had always known those people on those islands would come through.

  * * *

  Sop Lett put the com down and told the operator to leave an open line set on the special circuit to Enn Far when she went to see the ceremony. There was to be that line prepared and open at all times. She agreed and he sat back. Maybe this was the wrong way to do this. Maybe he was letting the constitutional question do his thinking for him, but he honestly believed the document and its implementation were of such immense importance to the Kroon people it must take precedence over all other things now that the cure was known.

  Was he rushing Mi Yinn into releasing this thing prematurely?

  No. It was, if anything, past time. Scientists of her caliber were far too cautious and this was a thing that really should have been released as soon as the Sand Islanders showed those positive results. That was enough for almost everyone. There was no one who would choose to wait. Leave it to the people with the plague to decide if it's worth the risk someday in the far future they may experience bad side effects. Jak Tall said the thing might temporarily sterilize the male subjects, but even that would pass in less than ten days.

  Life was too complicated. Why couldn't one simple thing happen without all this decision-making?

  Sop Lett wasn't the type to ask moral questions. Not when the simple truth was that morality equals a horrible death for many thousands, even millions, of people. Give those people life now and the morality would take care of itself in its own time. If the gods were really dead then the question of morality was one of the best course for the people – and who gave a damn what the churches said about it? Look at what those churches had done to Kroon throughout its entire history and ask if they were the ones who should be dictating policy!

&n
bsp; There would be a few against any cure simply because they really were stupid enough to believe gods would send such things as punishments. If that were true he would far rather be damned than to have to face such a sadistic vicious ... that was hardly a productive line of thought.

  Sop Lett was a very moral person, but he had no moral sense. What he did he did because that was the best course of action when he considered the logic of it all. It didn't take a church to tell him rape was wrong. It was an act of violence and anyone who committed such an act was admitting they lacked any qualities that made their lives worth living. They retained a negative value in the scheme of things. That was true of most criminal acts so far as Sop was concerned. Each such act was further evidence that the entire race would be better off without the perpetrator. It was admittance of failure by its very nature and one could not live a life of constant failure and remain among the higher lifeforms. Sop could never understand how supposedly thinking persons could degrade themselves in such manners.

  His mind wandered along strange paths. He didn't remember that he had ever contemplated such things in quite this way before. Did that mean he was unsure of his motives?

  Surely not! He was first to admit he was selfish and he would be first to admit he wanted his name in history. There was never going to be any question whatever of whether the Kroon race would have been better off if Sop Lett had never lived. As he was also willing to admit he had flaws and knew about them. He tended to be something of a coward in ways while being quite brave in others. His worst flaw was knowing he was flawed and how he was flawed and doing nothing to correct his obvious deficiencies. He knew that, too. It was his only shame in life.

  He was too nervous. This would make anyone nervous. That speech was thundering toward him and there would be no retreat once it was done. The bones would be thrown and fate would have to take the leftovers.