“Open communication to the Primary Executive.”
One of the blimp bots was waiting as if anticipating the request. The second bot had also approached with its own light. The Cordice had wanted to talk. But short of them handing her a solution, she couldn’t take the time to slog through more of their deliberations.
She was ready for more bluster. Ready for the Melded worm to shout, make demands, and deliver an ultimatum. What she wasn’t prepared for was her mother to be on the other side of the translation light.
“I saw what you did, Carmen. It was incredible.”
“Mom? What’s happening over there? Why did they attack us?”
“To take the harvester, of course. It was the Primary Executive’s last order before the Melded on the Framework nullified his position in command. His first officer aborted the last missile. They’ve yet to decide on a new leader. The Melded asked me to talk to you.”
“How many Melded are we talking about?”
“Thousands. This is only one of their vessels, their biggest and least damaged. But I don’t have much time to explain. All I can tell you is that you did the right thing in not destroying their ship. The priority on their agenda right now is to restore relations with the Cordice and bring everyone back to discuss how best to use the resources available.”
“The Primary Executive tried to kill all of us and now the Melded want to talk? Are they insane?”
Her mother paused. “They’re desperate and scared. They’ve had two years to repair and resupply and it’s gone slower than they hoped. The Primary Executive had the loudest voice. The Melded listened. But now there’s no agreement on how to proceed. It will take them time to find a new leader.”
“And what’s to stop him from taking over again?”
“Many of the Melded were shocked when he departed the Framework to pursue the Cordice. And when the feeds of his actions on board the home ship began to circulate, they ordered an election. It’s chaotic, but they can act when motivated.”
“And we’re just supposed to trust that he doesn’t get voted back in and start launching missiles?”
“They’ve invited an arbiter from the Framework to inspect their ship. The remaining missiles are disabled. This vessel has been recalled and will reconnect with the Framework. I’m recommending you tell the Cordice to do the same and join us. I’m going to do what I can to get them on the same page.”
“Why you? You’re a prisoner there. I saw it. Am I to believe you’re able to act as spokesperson now?”
Her mom’s voice held a note of sadness. “Honey, it’s complicated. I see what’s at stake here and understand what’s going to happen. The Melded were willing to save my body in exchange for a chance at the harvester. I’m alive because of them and out of the Cordice simulation. And enough of the Cordice understand that they can’t run from this enemy. We also can’t wait much longer. With the Cordice home ship and its simulation back at the Framework, we can consolidate resources. The harvester will be used for everyone. No one needs to be left behind. With you and Jen here, we can be reunited. We can live.”
“Inside a computer world.”
“If need be, yes. The Cordice will allow it. With their last blight they’re barely in control of their own vessel. The Melded have repeatedly offered to crew their ship. But there’s other ways we can be together. I’m told that Jen isn’t well. She may not have long. But the Melded can help if she’s brought to the Framework. I believe this is the best choice. Come with us. There are others in the Framework who want to chase down the enemy and take the fight to them.”
“You were hooked up to their machines. Are you still you?”
“I’m me. They’re repairing what the Cordice can’t, that’s all.”
“According to the Cordice, you’ve left part of yourself behind.”
“And they’ll give that to me when we’re back together.”
The second red light was still waiting. Carmen had put the Cordice on hold. No doubt they had heard and seen what had almost befallen them. Annihilation, and their world would have ended a second time.
But they had waited this long, so they would keep for a few more minutes. She went to Jenna’s bed. Opened it. Her sister had sunken eyes and dry froth on her mouth. Her abdomen wound was stitched up with the white webbing, but the skin was horribly dark and shot through with red and deep purple splotches. An antiseptic smell barely concealed the fetid odor of sweat and urine.
So there were limits to what the cockroach robots and the bed could do. That Hamish Townes and her mom had survived so long was a miracle. No doubt Jenna was fighting infections. Carmen understood enough to know that sepsis was as big of a threat as the wound. Jenna needed antibiotics, doctors, a human hospital.
But according to her mom there was another option. The Melded.
“She Who Waits? I want privacy. I need to talk to my sister without anyone listening, including my mother.”
The two waiting lights vanished. The blimp bots remained nearby. If they could hear or record, then no doubt anything Carmen said could be relayed. There was no helping that. But she trusted the translator.
Jenna’s eyes were dull as she looked up at her. “Hey, Car. How are you holding up?”
“Like when I was seven and I crashed your bike all over again, a hundred times over. How are you?”
“I miss my boys.”
“Look…Jen…I have to bring this up. I don’t know how to make you better. The Cordice can’t. We have options. You can go inside the Cordice world. Live there, according to
