Merkiaari Wars: 03 - Operation Oracle Read online

  Aboard Grafton, on route to Snakeholme

  “Are you sure, Shima?” Chailen said worriedly. “Healer Hymas says she can make you sleep through the entire journey. You would wake at Snakeholme. There’s no need to start this testing now.”

  Grafton had been in foldspace for only a few days—and yes, the jump transition was as bad as all the warnings said it would be—when Shima realised she had a serious problem. She really should have expected it, but she had been so excited to be on her way to Snakeholme, that she had ignored common sense. The reason she had spent so much of her time in her garden was that she had become morbidly claustrophobic since losing her sight. It was stupid, but spending all of her waking hours in darkness was driving her insane, and there were no gardens to hide in aboard ship.

  “Chailen is right, Shima,” Lieutenant Hymas said. “I can easily administer something to make you sleep. You would fall asleep here and awake on Snakeholme. It would be as if no time had passed for you.”

  “Tempting, but no,” Shima said. She would not be a coward, by the harmonies she would not! “I really do appreciate the thought, but if we can do this now, it will save time later.”

  “True. If you’re sure, then?”

  Shima flicked her ears affirmatively. “I’m sure.”

  Chailen sighed. “Always so brave, always so impatient. Why can’t you take the easier path once in a while?”

  Varya snorted. “She’s The Blind Hunter. What do you expect?”

  “She was my sib first, and she’s always been like this.”

  Sharn picked up the syringe preparing to take the blood samples. “She must have been a terrible trial for your father.”

  “Hey, sitting right here!” Shima protested over the other’s laughter.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind the audience?” Hymas whispered to Shima. “I can have them out of here in a blink. Just say the word.”

  Shima’s tail lifted and gestured a shrug. “I don’t mind. My people are more group orientated than Humans I think. James mentioned it to me once. He said his people preferred more alone time. Privacy doesn’t mean the same to us as it does to you.”

  “No?” Hymas said.

  “Shan like living together. We groom each other and like to touch,” Kazim said. “That’s especially true between sibs. Haven’t you noticed how Chailen always stands very close to Shima, and holds her hand or touches her shoulder?”

  “Well, yes I did but I thought it was because Shima couldn’t see her.”

  “I can sense her near, I don’t need touch for that,” Shima said. “I feel when she’s nearby and can smell her scent, and the harmonies let me see all of you if I use it that way. I can see anything living that way, but nothing else.”

  “Fascinating. I can hardly wait to chat more about the harmonies. Humans don’t have such gifts. But back to your situation. Are you sure you want them all here, even Kazim and the camera? He’s not family is he?”

  “Not family,” Shima agreed, “but he’s a friend. I’m used to him and his little annoying habits.”

  “My camera is not an annoying habit!” Kazim protested. “It’s a tool. Without it, I’d be like a warrior without his beamer.”

  “It’s true,” Shima said. “When we first met he was aiming the thing at the Merkiaari in Zuleika just like a weapon. I didn’t realise he was mad when I first saw him you understand.”

  Varya chuffed in amusement. “I remember watching that broadcast in the keep. Everyone loved it. It was very funny.”

  Shima growled low. It hadn’t been funny for her at the time. She had met Kazim at the end of a long chase, and she hadn’t been doing the chasing. She had barely escaped a Merki death squad after she killed one of them, and had run straight into a firefight that Kazim was filming. She was glad he was here with her. Varya as well of course, but she was very fond of Kazim despite his being annoying. Perhaps a little more than fond. Maybe.

  Varya and Kazim had joined Chailen and Sharn as her chaperones only segs before Grafton got underway. They were the last to board after Kajetan asked Burgton for his permission to send them along. It was Shima’s understanding that Kajetan wanted them to investigate the possibility of a follow up mission to Snakeholme to found a colony there—a small one to begin with. Kajetan was being unusually coy, but she had many pressures on her right now. Burgton’s direct offer to her had fallen on fertile ground it seemed. Kazim was a popular figure. His films and shows would be seen widely on Harmony. When he returned home, Shima had no doubt he would have enough stuff to persuade even the most militant traditionalist that a colony on Snakeholme was a good idea.

  “So, what’s first?” Shima said bringing things back full circle.

  “Blood and tissue samples,” Sharn said. “It won’t hurt.”

  “Healers always say that,” Shima said to Chailen who chuffed in amusement.

  “No really,” Sharn assured her. “Kazim and I have already done this. Didn’t hurt, did it Kazim?”

  “Well...” Kazim hedged. “It stung a bit.”

  “Nonsense,” Sharn grumped. “Take no notice of him, Shima. He’s just being annoying now.”

  Shima rolled her eyes. Kazim was Kazim. Not even the harmonies would ever change him.

  Hymas chuckled at the by-play and patted Shima’s shoulder. “Just lay back and enjoy the rest.”

  Shima did as she was bid. She swung her legs up onto the couch and settled back. Chailen adjusted the thing so that she was reclining comfortably at an angle, more sitting than lying down. Unlike Humans, Shan found laying flat on their backs very uncomfortable; they preferred doing it on their sides or fronts.

  Sharn took four vials of blood and then used some kind of scraper in Shima’s mouth for tissue samples. It tickled the roof of her mouth but didn’t hurt. It didn’t sting either except perhaps for her pride. She didn’t like being poked and prodded but it was soon over so that the more interesting tests could begin.

  “Okay Shima, the next part will be strange for you, but I assure you Humans have this test all the time without being harmed.”

  “I trust you Healer Hymas,” Shima said. “Just tell me what you’re doing as you do it. I’ll be fine.”

  “Right then. In just a moment, I’m going to put a helmet on your head. You’ve seen the helmets that Human soldiers wear, yes?”

  “Of course.”

  “Well this is similar in shape to those you’ve seen, but it isn’t for protection. It’s used to scan brain function. What it does is use micro-magnetic induction to stimulate various parts of the brain, and display the results in real time on my wall monitors over there.”

  “Can I ask a question?” Kazim said.

  “I suppose so,” Hymas said.

  “Thank you. Why is this scan necessary? You already know Shima’s eyes are the problem, not her brain.”

  “Good question,” Hymas said sounding surprised but approving. “Although the plan is to use regen to fix Shima’s vision, there’s a chance we may not succeed. Some Humans can’t use regen and it’s possible Shan are the same. It won’t matter if that turns out to be true. We can build her a pair of biomech eyes like vipers use. For those to work, we need a comprehensive map of the brain to find the vision centres where the eyes will send their data. Does that answer your question?”

  “It does, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Are you ready, Shima?”

  “Ready,” Shima said.

  Shima tensed as the helmet lowered onto her head. It was overly large and not at all a good fit. She had imagined a padded and visored helmet the same as Gina and the other vipers used, but this thing must only be vaguely similar enough for Hymas to liken them because it didn’t feel right at all. Hymas asked her to lower her ears if she could do that voluntarily. Shan could and Shima did. The helmet settled upon them, pinning her ears down. It was uncomfortable but not really painful. Hymas fussed with the fit, making some adjustments so that when she let go, the helmet stayed in place. Hymas mutt
ered something about designing a proper scanning unit to fit Shan, and getting someone named Stone to make it for her, but a short while later she pronounced herself satisfied.

  “Now don’t move please,” Hymas said. “A proper fit would let you walk around if you wanted, but we have to make do for now.”

  “All right,” Shima said, her voice sounding muffled as if she had a bucket on her head. Her breathing sounded loud. “I’ll try.”

  “Good. I’m going to send a standard calibration program first. It won’t hurt. Ready?”

  “Go ahead.”

  Shima didn’t feel anything, but she certainly reacted. She couldn’t help it. Eternal darkness was broken for the first time since the atomics had blinded her on Child of Harmony. She yelped in surprise and shock, and she couldn’t stop herself from moving. She was so excited. The darkness slammed down again and Shima heard concerned voices shouting.

  “I’m all right, Kazim!” Shima yelled over Kazim’s cries. “Shut up, all of you! I’m fine. I’m sorry I moved Healer Hymas. Did I ruin your test?”

  “No,” Hymas said sounding a little shaky. “Did it hurt? It shouldn’t have hurt. It never does, but the system is designed for Humans. Perhaps we should wait—”

  Harmonies no! She wanted more of that wonderful light. To see again, even through this strange medium... it was wonderful.

  “... didn’t hurt, Kazim,” Varya said. “Calm down. You heard her. She’s fine.”

  “But she yelped in pain,” Kazim said. He had moved to Shima’s right side and was standing within reach. Shima carefully took his hand trying not to move her head. Kazim squeezed her hand. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I’m fine, just excited. I saw light, Kazim! I haven’t seen any for so long. I was surprised that’s all.”

  “Light you say,” Hymas said sounding professionally calm again. “Hmmmm. What colour, how bright? Did it flash or was it constant? Did you hear anything? What about smells?”

  Shima felt swamped. She had been too excited to concentrate. She said so, and Hymas said it was fine. They would start over. Shima heard the disappointment in her voice though, and was determined not to mess up this time.

  “Here we go, Shima. Concentrate now.”

  The light appeared again. “Blue.”

  “Good!” Hymas said. “And now?”

  “Still blue... its turning green... green now.”

  “Excellent,” Hymas muttered and Shima heard her typing something rapidly. “Keep going.”

  “Green... slowly turning to yellow... yellow coming up... now!”

  “Very good!” Hymas muttered. “Shan appear to see colour a little differently to Humans. We’ll have to make allowances for that. Shouldn’t be hard... need to fully map... and then change the parameters in the database. Program a Shan option to upload the correct set at the start of each session. Yes, that’ll work. I wonder if they can perceive different spectrums.... hmmm. Very interesting. Depth perception might be different too. I bet they see in the dark like Avalonian badgers! Hah!”

  Shima might have laughed if she had known what Hymas was talking about, but the Human healer was lost in the data and Shima was too happy luxuriating in the light to interrupt. She knew her eyes were dead, or damaged beyond seeing, but the helmet put the light directly into her brain. To her, it seemed her eyes were suddenly working again and she was looking straight into a coloured light. There was nothing but the light. It filled her vision and pushed out the panicky claustrophobic feeling she felt all the time. Her emotions lightened as the smothering dark lifted away from her. She couldn’t help silently weeping tears of joy.

  “Are you crying?” Chailen said in concern, and Hymas suddenly sounded worried again.

  “What was that, crying?” Hymas said. “What’s wrong, tell me!”

  “Nothing,” Shima blubbered. “It’s wonderful.”

  “Hmmm. Well that was the first in the series. Ready for the next one?”

  “Can we keep the light on?” Shima said hopefully.

  “Sorry no. It would ruin the data.”

  “Oh,” Shima said sadly. “Let’s get it over with then.” Darkness smothered her, but she forced herself not to cry out. “What’s next?”

  “Sound. I know what you’re going to say, but it will all make sense later I promise. We’re mapping your entire brain not just one part. The more we know the better.”

  “Fine, but my ears are trapped. I can hear you, but not very well.”

  “Don’t worry about that. It will be like the light. Here take these controllers,” Hymas put a small cylinder into each hand. “Feel the button on the top?”

  “Yes.”

  “In a moment you will hear various frequencies of sound. When you hear something in the right ear, press the button in your right hand. When you hear it in your left, press the left button. Okay?”

  “Sounds simple enough.”

  “You’ll have to concentrate. The frequencies might be so high or low you can barely hear them.”

  “I will,” Shima said.

  “Here we go then.”

  Shima listened intently, and as Hymas said, she began hearing various tones. It was strange because she could tell her ears weren’t hearing the sounds. Her ears were fine, but flattened upon her head the sound would be muffled and not clear. The sounds in her head were clear and pure. She used the buttons as instructed and the test was soon over. Hymas pronounced herself satisfied with the results.

  The next phase of testing was quicker. It was scent and the follow up test for taste was equally as quick, but the results confounded Hymas. She said that Shan were nothing like Humans for taste and smell, and that because of the scent glands at the back of the Shan throat, taste and smell were intimately connected. The areas in the brain activated by the tests had what she called crossover.

  “It’s like your people have two noses,” Hymas explained. “You can smell a scent with your nose but also taste it with the scent glands at the back of your throat. Your taste buds are like ours, but your noses are unbelievably sensitive. I can’t think of any other species that come close to Shan in that area.”

  Shima was glad Hymas was excited, but it was all old news to Shima. She used to hunt with her father regularly, and had done so since her first nameday. She used her nose and scent glands all the time. It was part of being Shan.

  “This next test will require you to be completely passive, Shima. Can you do that?” Hymas asked.

  Kazim made a sarcastic noise and Varya laughed. Sharn chuffed, but turned his laugh into a cough.

  Chailen squeezed Shima’s hand. “Take no notice of them. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

  “When you say passive, what do you mean?” Shima said.

  “The test will find your motor functions. The helmet will search for the areas that move your body. So for example, it will try to make you lift an arm or leg. All you have to do is let it work. Don’t try to move your body or stop from moving. It will feel odd, but that’s all.”

  “Sounds easy enough,” Shima said doubtfully.

  “Oh yes, it’s easy,” Hymas said. “Here we go then.”

  Shima let herself relax as if in meditation and that seemed to impress Hymas as the test progressed. She didn’t struggle as each of her fingers and toes moved without her willing it. Her claws sprang out and retracted. First her left fist all at once, then her right. Then her feet. Lastly, each claw slid out one by one and back in. It did feel very odd, but not as odd as when her entire right leg lifted and the knee flexed.

  Shima let the helmet run its test and when it had moved every part of her body, even her tail and ears—even though they were pinned down she felt them trying to turn and lift—she flexed every muscle to throw off the phantom feelings the machine had left behind.

  “Good! Well done, Shima,” Hymas praised. “We can take a break now if you want. You could start again tomorrow?”

  And spend another cycle in darkness with nothing to do?
Shima shuddered at the thought. The journey to Snakeholme would take about ninety cycles. That was an entire season. She had plenty of time to contemplate the dark. At least the tests were a distraction.

  “If it’s all right, I’d like to continue.”

  “It’s more than all right with me,” Hymas said. “But there’s no rush. We have time.”

  “That’s what worries me, Healer Hymas. I’m in the dark all the time. I hate it. I need the distraction.”

  “Hmmm, I think I can help with that. These tests will have a side benefit for you. I think you’ll be very surprised and happy with the result.”

  Shima didn’t know what the healer could mean, but if it distracted her she would be happy.

  Hymas removed the scanning unit and Shima rotated her head on her neck to ease tension. It hadn’t been heavy, but the effort not to move had begun to tell. It felt good to move her ears. Chailen helped her off the couch and they wandered the room for a bit. It was called sickbay or medical by the Humans. Hymas worked her data, collating and assessing while Shima worked the kinks out of her body.

  A short time later, Shima was lying on her side practically falling asleep as another machine swallowed her into its guts. It was a computer tomograph machine, and produced detailed internal scans of a body. It was a restful procedure. All Shima had to do was hold still and breath regularly as the CT scan progressed. She was inside the thing for perhaps a half seg, no more than that.

  After the full body scan, Hymas put the helmet back on Shima and asked a lot of questions. She was asked to recall events from her past, and other more recent events. Sharn helped with the questions. Lastly Hymas posed puzzles and math questions, nothing difficult, but enough to make Shima think carefully upon her answers.

  There were no lights or sounds, just questions and plenty of whispering between Sharn and Hymas as they discussed what her answers revealed. When it was over, Shima asked about the last test. Sharn explained that it filled in a few blanks on the brain scan by locating the long term, short term, and logic centres. Hymas had expressed her surprise that Shan healers had not already mapped the brain as they were advanced in other areas of medicine. They were already advancing into genetics for example, but Sharn explained that mind healers used the harmonies in their work, not machines. Mind healers were specialists, and used their gifts to bring their patients peace and guide them back to harmony. Hymas questioned Sharn extensively about that and seemed very excited by it for some reason, but when she asked about brain chemistry and surgery, Sharn had no answers. Brain surgery was unknown to the Shan. That shocked Hymas into silence for the longest time, but then she explained that Humans used nanotech for surgical procedures, even in a patient’s head, but before that, they had used laser scalpels and skilled hands.