Ces Ambre closed her eyes for several minutes. At one point it looked as if she had stopped breathing. Then those lovely eyes opened wide. It can. They are sending the reprogramming data.
We are receiving modulated graviton pulses, said Saigyô. Still no translation possible.
We dont need a translation, said Dem Lia, breathing deeply. She lifted Ces Ambre and helped her back to her couch. We just have to record it and repeat it to the Destroyer when we get back. She squeezed Ces Ambres hand again. Can you communicate our thanks and farewell?
The woman smiled. I have done so. As best I can.
Saigyô, said Dem Lia. Get us the hell out of here and accelerate full speed to the translation point.
The Helix survived the Hawking space jump back into the G8 system with no damage. The Destroyer had already altered its trajectory toward populated regions of the forest ring, but Den Soa broadcast the modulated graviton recordings while they were still decelerating, and the giant harvester responded with an indecipherable gravitonic rumble of its own and dutifully changed course toward a remote and unpopulated section of the ring. Far Rider used his tight-beam equipment to show them a holo of the rejoicing on the ring cities, platforms, pods, branches, and towers, then he shut down his broadcast equipment.
They had gathered in the solarium. None of the AIs was present or listening, but the humans, Ousters, and Templar sat in a circle. All eyes were on Ces Ambre. That womans eyes were closed.
Den Soa said very quietly, The beings on that world they had to build the tree ring before their star expanded. They built the harvesting spacecraft. Why didnt they just leave?
The planet was is home, whispered Ces Ambre, her eyes still shut tight. Like children not wanting to leave home because its dark out there. Very dark empty. They love home. The older woman opened her eyes and smiled wanly.
Why didnt you tell us that you were Aenean? Dem Lia said softly.
Ces Ambres jaw set in resolve. I am not Aenean. My mother, Dem Loa, gave me the sacrament of Aeneas bloodthrough her own, of courseafter rescuing me from the hell of St. Theresa. But I decided not to use the Aenean abilities. I chose not to follow the others, but to remain with the Amoiete.
But you communicated telepathically with began Patek Georg.
Ces Ambre shook her head and interrupted quickly. It is not telepathy. It is being connected to the Void Which Binds. It is hearing the language of the dead and of the living across time and space through pure empathy. Memories not ones own. The ninety-five-year-old woman who looked middle-aged put her hand on her brow. It is so tiring. I fought for so many years not to pay attention to the voices to join in the memories. That is why the cryogenic deep sleep is so restful.
And the other Aenean abilities? Dem Lia asked, her voice still very soft. Have you freecast?
Ces Ambre shook her head, with her hand still shielding her eyes. I did not want to learn the Aenean secrets, she said. Her voice sounded very tired.
But you could if you wanted to, said Den Soa, her voice awestruck. You could take one stepfreecastand be back on Vitus-Gray-Balianus B or Hyperion or Tau Ceti Center or Old Earth in a second, couldnt you?
Ces Ambre lowered her
hand and looked fiercely at the young woman. But I wont.
Are you continuing with us in deep sleep to our destination? asked the other green-band, Res Sandre. To our final Spectrum Helix colony?
Yes, said Ces Ambre. The single word was a declaration and a challenge.
How will we tell the others? asked Jon Mikail Dem Alem. Having an Aenean a potential Aenean in the colony will change everything.
Dem Lia stood. In my final moments as your consensus-elected commander, I could make this an order, Citizens. Instead, I ask for a vote. I feel that Ces Ambre and only Ces Ambre should make the decision as to whether or not to tell our fellow Spectrum Helix family about her gift. At any time after we reach our destination. She looked directly at Ces Ambre. Or never, if you so choose.
Dem Lia turned to look at each of the other eight. And we shall never reveal the secret. Only Ces Ambre has the right to tell the others. Those in favor of this, say aye.
It was unanimous.
Dem Lia turned to the standing Ousters and Templar. Saigyô assures me that none of this was broadcast on your tightbeam.
Far Rider nodded.
And your recording of Ces Ambress contact with the aliens through the Void Which Binds?
Destroyed, broadcast the four-meter Ouster.
Ces Ambre stepped closer to the Ousters. But you still want some of my blood some of Aeneas sacramental DNA. You still want the choice.
Chief Branchman Keel Redts long hands were shaking. It would not be for us to decide to release the information or allow the sacrament to be distributed the Seven Councils would have to meet in secret the Church of Aenea would be consulted or Obviously the Ouster was in pain at the thought of millions or billions of his fellow Ousters leaving the forest ring forever, freecasting away to human-Aenean space or elsewhere. Their universe would never be the same. But the three of us do not have the right to reject it for everyone.