02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
some future time when computers ruled the galaxy and man would be called to
account.
The Ship described an enormous orbit of the binary system. It gave Kane time
to think. It was beyond comprehension, how many trillions of kilometres they
covered, or the speed they attained. Computer Control was silent on both accounts
and was probably sulking over the incompetents it was supposed to serve. They were
left to look and marvel, as the red giant decreased in size and the white pinpoint of
light resolved into an intense disk of indefinable incandescence. Kane knew that they
were looking at a heavily filtered image. It was as much as their human vision could
accommodate. Without the filter, they would have been blinded. The same filters,
were also shielding out the blast of tissue destroying radiation, which would have
given them terminal cancer within seconds.
"We have one hundred and seven of my days to get the entire population of
Jubal on to this Ship."
Hammadi's eyes widened a fraction. They were already popping in wonder, so
it was quite an achievement.
"The entire population? Surely, you don't mean to rescue those on the other
side of the Division, the traitors who follow that Sharta, Eridos?"
"The entire population, Hammadi! Not one is to be left behind. This Ship will
accommodate you all and somehow in the next one hundred and seven days, you are
going to have to find a way of ending the Division and Enmity. It has been going on
for far too long. Damn it! It started as a disagreement in policy about how long the
Ship would stay on Jubal and it's developed into a blood feud over the generations. It's
become a way of life! Can't you realise that you're squabbling about a petty dispute
which has been blown out of all proportion? The whole lot of you are facing
annihilation at the end of one hundred and seven days. Probably, the planet will
become unlivable well within that limit. That isn't all that many heartbeats, my son!"
"I wouldn't advise you to let Obeid hear you speaking like that. He would very
likely shackle you and order you to be flogged!"
"I'd like to see the bastard try!"
Hammadi was stiffly silent and Kane was left to reflect on the crass stupidity
of mankind - no matter what planet they inhabited. He wasn't in a very good mood as
they approached the red giant again. They eased into orbit around the planet and then
began the gentle descent which placed them neatly in the depression left by the first
rough landing. It was like settling into a nest. The whole process was effortless,
almost casual. Kane wondered about the genius race who had designed her and the
systems which still functioned effortlessly after more than twenty thousand years.
Their technology would have been phenomenal. The thought came to him, that it was
still phenomenal. Those people might still exist somewhere.
"Computer Control indicates that the scheduled flight is completed. Computer
Control awaits your further instructions."
Kane looked at the silent Bole.
"Why can't you have nice manners like that?"
His faithful companion didn't deign to answer.
Kane addressed the emptiness of the Control Cabin.
"Before the conjunction of the red giant star with the white dwarf, it will be
necessary to expand the Ship to accommodate in excess of ten thousand personnel.
Additionally, there will be a requirement to accommodate about one million Picun.
Confirm your capability to provide as requested."
Computer Control was silent for all of thirty seconds.
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