Cuddy set Tow down on one of the metal seats at the most prominent set of consoles.
“Permission, Cuddy Perkins, to activate the ship’s core systems,” the AI orb then requested.
Tony, giving Cuddy a sideways glance, queried, “Why ask him for permission?”
Jackie answered, “Because Tow is sick, as you can see. He’s handed the command of the AI orb over to Cuddy. And before you make another smartass remark, know that Cuddy’s been… transformed. He’s probably smarter than all of us, at this point.”
Cuddy wasn’t at all sure he’d agree with that assessment, though over the last few hours he was conscious of experiencing improved mental acuity. He looked warily across at Tony, still wearing two, quite dirty, white strips of tape across his damaged nose.
“Thank you, Jackie… let’s all take a seat. Tow is very tired so we only get this one chance to listen to his instructions regarding the piloting of this ship. So let’s listen up. Tow…?”
It took Tow a full hour to explain the five major systems aboard the Howsh vesseclass="underline" Navigation, Environmental, Propulsion, Tactical/Weaponry, and Intelligence. In that regard, Cuddy knew their systems were similar to the Evermore, although weaponry was not part of the mix on the other ship. Quickly tiring, Tow had referred to the hovering AI orb to provide most of the more in-depth explanations, only adding a few pertinent details along the way.
Reviewing first the overwhelming amount of information thus far provided, the orb next took and answered questions. Cuddy gestured toward the various consoles around the compartment, then toward the strange-looking colorless screens. He asked, “Is there a way to change all the screen prompts over to English? And also for the ship’s AI to speak in English?”
“That has already been addressed, Cuddy Perkins.”
Tony asked, “Is there a way for you to stop saying both his first and last name every time you speak to him? I mean, if he’s now the captain… call him that. Just saying…”
“How about you just call me Cuddy, orb. You can call me captain when I’ve earned it.”
Jackie said, “Shouldn’t we go. Every minute we waste… the destruction—”
“I am sorry, but it is now time for me to leave,” Tow said. “I will need some help returning to the Evermore.”
“I’ll help you, Tow,” Cuddy said, and looking at the AI orb, added, “Do what needs to be done to ready this ship, then come join us on the Evermore.”
Chapter 31
Cuddy again picked up Tow, carrying him in his arms as they made their way back to the Evermore. Few words were spoken along the way. The wind had picked up as they left the ranch and entered the wooded pine forest. The tall evergreens violently shook and rustled around them, as if in the midst of throwing a rebellious tantrum.
The others elected to follow along, not wishing to breathe the rank air in the Howsh spacecraft any longer than necessary. Out of consideration to Tow, his failing health, they kept well back, fully aware his time was short and inappropriate for idle conversation. As they approached the Evermore, the AI orb, now joining them, drew close. Cuddy nodded to it in the direction of the ship. Immediately, the hatchway began to open, the gangway to descend.
Halfway up the ramp, Cuddy felt Tow’s gentle touch on his face. He looked down, surprised to see Tow’s arms hadn’t moved—were still down at his side.
“Thank you for this… Cuddy. You can take me below.”
“Below?” Cuddy looked at his friend and noticed he was smiling.
“It is time now… you too possess the knowledge. Knowledge that Soweng passed on to you.”
“But why now?” Cuddy asked. “Please… not quite yet, Tow, I’m not ready for you to go…”
“Now is a good time, Cuddy.”
“I’ve forgotten what to do! No… it’s best you wait.”
“Do not worry, all you need to know will come to you when the time is right. All Pashier instinctively know the Shain ritual of the rejoining.”
Cuddy hesitated at the open hatch and looked back as Jackie, Kyle and Tony entered the clearing. “Would it be all right if Jackie came with us?”
“Yes. That would be fine. They all should come…”
Jackie wasn’t really sure what to expect. And, if she was honest with herself, she was more than a little freaked out. What she did know was Cuddy wanted her there and for now that would be enough. The last one to climb down to the sub-level of the Evermore, she waited for her eyes to adjust to the near-darkness. After several moments, she recognized the dark silhouettes of the others nearby. Cuddy—tall and broad—was walking toward her, with Rufus close by his side.
He said, “I’m glad you’re here, Jackie. For you to see this… be a part of it.”
When she heard the emotion in his voice, it made her want to reach out, but she held back and instead hugged herself. Cuddy, now at her side, turned to face the center of the room and gestured toward a hovering blue light in the near distance. Jackie realized it was the AI orb. Tow now lay flat on the deck and the two were conversing in low tones.
“I’m sorry… Cuddy. I don’t really know what’s going on, but I can tell you’re hurting deep inside.”
He shook his head. “I just wish I’d had more time with him. Maybe… someday.”
Now Jackie was totally confused, but she held her tongue. She reached a tentative hand out and placed it on his upper arm. He didn’t acknowledge it—his eyes steadily locked on Tow and the orb. Then, taking in a deep breath, he sighed, “It’s time.”
Jackie watched Cuddy slowly walk in the direction of the AI orb and the still faintly glowing alien. She moved closer to Kyle and Tony, and even though she couldn’t quite make out their faces in the dark, she could faintly see the two bands of white over Tony’s healing nose.
When Tony leaned in to ask Kyle, “What’s with this crazy shit?” he answered back, “Maybe if you keep quiet long enough, you’ll find out.” Jackie, thinking somewhat along Tony’s line of thought, suddenly felt it—a soft breeze lightly stirring within the space. A series of sounds—pretty musical tones—suddenly became audible around them. Placing her palms over her heart, she felt its beat—so emotionally charged that it just might burst within her chest. Then, a large, organic object appeared in the middle of the compartment, becoming fully visible. So that’s the heritage pod, she thought in solemn awe.
Jackie gasped aloud as spectacular, sparkling white lights began fountaining upward in the air. Slowly, opening from the pod’s top, one by one large leaves curled backward and then, one after another, slowly extended outward, eventually coming to rest on the lower deck. So many leaf layers she lost count. By now, the soft breeze had turned into a steady cool wind.
Jackie smiled and then laughed at the spectacular beauty. She spun her body around and around—taking in the moving, sparkling, lights encircling them—so many dazzling lights. And then they became conscious of being present within a spectacular spiraling galaxy—of countless slow-moving stars within a universe of unimaginable depth.
Jackie’s eyes then caught sight of Tow, now standing. He was gazing at something deep within the distant swirling stars. Cuddy, next to him, seemed to glow even brighter than Tow. Beautiful subtle hues—pinks and blues and greens—emanated from him.
Jackie then could see what Tow was so enthralled with. A star was moving—getting closer—growing larger. As the glittering light took on form, the shape of an actual being, Jackie knew it was a Pashier. One like Tow… but instead, a beautiful female. Her features were small—her expression full of anticipation. Holding her hand out, she beckoned Tow toward her.