The War of the Artilect: Chapter 9

The crew of the Sparrow had once again traveled to the Artilect’s home world and were deep into a conference. Everyone was there, including Amy, although she appeared by means of an avatar. After the Sentinel took Adrian home the Artilect had immediately called the meeting in order to discuss what they had learned. As it had before, the Artilect recreated the beautiful surroundings of Amy’s world in order to give their meeting a setting of beauty and tranquility.

“You told him quite a lot about us,” Sergeant Howell was saying. “Are you sure that was wise?”

“I did not tell him as much as it seems,” Reverend Knight replied. “The things that I did tell him were necessary. He needed to know that there were only a few of us left; otherwise his people would have assumed that we could carry on the human race after their generation departed. They had to understand that the future of the Rangers depended upon them and them alone.”

“That’s a good point,” Richard said. “I was surprised at how old and frail he was. I can see why they’d be reluctant to come back. They can’t have much strength left.”

“They’ve been in those pods for thousands of years,” Captain Max pointed out. “Their bodies have atrophied. Frankly, I’m surprised that any of them are still alive! Is it even possible to restore their health?”

“It is,” the Artilect said. “I examined Adrian Garza’s physical structure while he was on Tonina and he has no biological abnormalities that I cannot repair. However, I cannot speak to his spiritual side. He may no longer have the will to live. That is a problem I cannot resolve.”

“I do not believe that is the case,” Reverend Knight said thoughtfully. “Once I showed him La Venta he started coming alive again. I think they’ve just been without hope for a long time. If we restore that hope – as I did with Adrian – then we may have a chance. I think he was genuinely intrigued at the possibility of living here. It fired his imagination.”

Sergeant Howell nodded. “As would be expected. Are you completely sure that he knew nothing of the swarms?”

“He did not try to deceive me. Everything he said was honest and complete. He told the Sentinel everything he knows. There was no hint of deception about him.”

Sergeant Howell sighed. “I understand. But – it just doesn’t make sense! How could they have not learned anything after all these years?”

Richard spoke up. “Five thousand years is a long time. It’s possible that the answers we are seeking have simply been lost forever. What if the swarms were created by some faction that died out long ago?”

“I guess that is a possibility,” Sergeant Howell reluctantly admitted.

“So what do we do now?” Amanda asked.

“We wait,” her father said. “Adrian is talking to his leaders right now. We’ll bide our time until we hear from them and then we’ll act accordingly.”

Amy spoke up. “What if they don’t want to come to the network?”

“That is possible,” Captain Max said. “They have been in their pods for a very long time. By now it’s probably the only world they know.”

“But they’ll die if they stay there!” Laura objected. “Their only hope is to leave them.”

“We can’t force them, dear,” Richard said. “If they don’t want to leave then I suppose that’s their choice. In that case we’ll clear the swarms and leave them alone. But I don’t think that will happen.”

“What do you think, Jones?” Captain Max said. “You haven’t said much. Do you really think that we’ve come all this way just to have them stay in their pods and die?”

Jones shook his head. “We’ve come to give them a choice,” he said quietly. “What they do with that choice is up to them. They may accept it or they may reject it. But that is why God brought us here.”

“I hope they accept it,” Laura said. “It would be such a waste if all of this was for nothing.”

Sergeant Howell turned to the Artilect. “How is the war effort going?”

“Very well,” the Artilect replied. “By the time we hear from Adrian again we will be ready to launch our attack.”

There was silence for a moment. “Is there anything else?” Richard asked.

Amy spoke up. “I’ll be glad when all of this is over.”

“Me too,” Amanda said.

“It won’t be much longer,” Richard said. “Just hang in there.”