Zherosha Chronicles- Unknown Origin Read online

  Amnika looked at Natia in the cooking area, who watched intently at the bedroom. She then looked at Rhada who walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. She leaned on him, and they waited for what felt like a long time. Finally, her parents walked out of the bedroom.

  Her mother looked energetic. Amnika looked at her father, and he smiled back. She glanced at Natia who shrugged and turned to finish the preparations.

  Looking up at Rhada, she sighed. She knew that it wasn't uncommon for Inersiens to marry old since society valued life experience. Her father married old, and Amnika wondered if it was already time for her mother.

  Chapter Two

  Amnika and Rhada hung out in the project room as the adults worked on dinner. Amnika did her best to make her project look presentable. When she realized that she couldn't do anymore, she grabbed the necklace.

  Putting it on, she walked over to the display to check the length.

  "What is that for?" Rhada asked.

  "It's an idea that I had for my project." Amnika tugged at the chain a little and traced the side of the panel. The mirror image of herself disappeared. "I think it might be a little too long. I'll have to check with the vendor if she would find something shorter since you cannot cut this one."

  "The Hemerians have terrible data crystals, but some of their metals are very strong." Rhada picked up the chain and kneaded it between his fingers. "This seems to be the one that's forged in one piece."

  "That's what the vendor said."

  Rhada let the necklace drop. "We don't trade for this metal, so I have to guess that one of the youths traded it for something with the vendor. Hemerians like their trinkets."

  Nodding, Amnika chuckled as the front entrance buzzed. They could hear the door slide open. She paused and glanced up at Rhada. Rhada motioned towards the door of the project room. She walked out but stopped within sight of the front entrance.

  "Glondikia," Amnika heard Zakkon say. "It's so good to see you."

  She watched as her father greeted Zakkon and Anias. Zakkon looked over at Amnika. Feeling a little intimidated, Amnika wished that she stayed in the project room.

  "Come, now," he said, "You don't have to be like that." Zakkon motioned her to go closer, and she did.

  He grasped Amnika's hand and put his head against hers. He shared that she is going to formal education and he expects her to act like a citizen.

  She shared back that she was still intimidated by the thought, but she was glad that he saw her as an equal so soon.

  Anias greeted her the same way, except he showed a lot of emotions. She could feel his happiness and his excitement in seeing her project. She could also sense that he was happy to see her.

  "So you are wearing our data crystals like the Hemerians, now?" Zakkon asked as they moved to the table. Amnika gave him a confused look at first. Groaning softly, she put her hand on the pendant hanging from her neck.

  "I had almost forgotten about this," Amnika confessed, embarrassed. "It was an idea I had thought of when I saw it in the market."

  "For your project?"

  "Yes. I put it on to test the length. I was having trouble trying to figure out how to secure the A.I., so someone doesn't teach it the wrong thing."

  "Who would teach it the wrong thing?"

  "The young Hemerians come to mind," Amnika said, "They come for a visit and cause all kinds of delays."

  Amnika could hear her father sigh, "Zeh, Zeh, Zeh," while covering his face with his hand. Since he was Advisor, he had to deal with the problems they caused first hand.

  They all sat at the table. Natia arranged it so that Rhada sat on one side of Amnika and Anias sat on the other. Natia sat closest to the cooking area. Her mother sat on the opposite side next to Natia, her father sat next to her, across from Amnika, and Zakkon sat next to Father.

  "The A.I. will be taking in verbal input only at first. The Hemerians have a few rude words that the young ones like to use frequently." Amnika straightened her necklace so that it fell under her cape.

  "Yes." Zakkon chuckled. "It's likely with them around. The A.I. will be saying rude Hemerian words before it learns to translate Zherosha Standard."

  "Data crystals hold information, but they can also absorb and give off low levels of rikta energy," Amnika continued. She stopped for a moment to think of what she was going to say next.

  "Go on." Zakkon leaned forward a little.

  "Well," Amnika said, and she paused again. "This is where I haven't worked out all the details. The data crystal can pick up rikta energy by the wearer if they're a high enough level. I have to figure out how to translate that energy to transmit back to the receiver. I would rather it be independent of the health-monitor suit."

  Zakkon nodded. He folded his hands on the table. "Ideas are easy. Sorting out the details are not. When I worked in engineering and design, I had to rely on others to help out with the smaller things."

  Amnika picked up the crystal and looked at it. It had a lot of imperfections.

  "I don't think I will be using this crystal. It's too big, and the quality is terrible. I'll have to pick up a better one from the market."

  "Well, that won't be necessary," Zakkon said. "That is if you want to share your project with the city."

  Leaning back, Amnika gave it some thought. She wasn't an official citizen, so the project was hers. She could keep it for herself, sell it to the city, or sell it to someone else.

  If she kept it for herself, she would become of age and run out of funding. Most relatives won't give monetary gifts after a child is old enough to fund themselves. Since she planned on becoming a citizen, once she starts formal education, she would not have enough time to work on it. The city won't give her the extra time to work on it. The time that she does get off will go towards family if she chooses to have one.

  If Amnika sold it to someone else, she could make a lot, depending on if any buyers value her project. Again, it wouldn't be her project to keep, an option that she couldn't even consider.

  If she sold it to the city even if she became a citizen, her superiors might not assign her to the project. They might if she asks, but she would not be in charge. It would not be her project.

  There was a fourth option. Amnika could share it with the city when she starts formal education. Every student is to work on one project throughout their studies. Some students will bring a project that they already started with them. Some students will come up with an idea after they start. Some have to assign a project because they couldn't think of anything. Amnika could bring her project with her.

  Once she registered the project, she will receive whatever resources she needed. The project will always be the city's, but Amnika didn't mind that. She could imagine that every time someone talks about her work, they would remember her.

  Of course, it would have to work, first.

  Amnika took a food container out of Rhada's hand and looked into it. It was almost empty. She looked at Rhada who had a mischievous grin.

  "That's okay," Natia said, "There is plenty more." She took the container back to the cooking area and returned with another full one and handed it back to Amnika.

  "I'll probably share my project," Amnika said as she took some food. "It would be useful for gathering and analyzing data. I plan on teaching it risk assessment as well."

  "So it can help determine if exploring an area is worth the risk," Anias said. He took the container from Amnika and served himself.

  Amnika studied him. His hair was no longer the light blonde of children, but the dark blonde of adolescence. It won't be long before it's black, like every other Inersien adult. "Yes. Exactly."

  "Do you know what this means?" Zakkon clasped his hands together. "We could have the A.I. integrate into our system. He could predict problems that might happen and change the schedules accordingly. I can't imagine how many conflict and delays could be avoided. I would love to see it tonight. Rodgistan could be over soon to register it."

  Amnika clear
ed her throat. "There are still some problems, though. It's supposed to speak, but I can't seem to find where I went wrong."

  Zakkon held up his hand.

  "It's okay. I'm going to check your code. I may be able to find the problem. Sometimes it takes someone else to find what you missed."

  Amnika smiled.

  "That's exactly what Petrez said," She said. "I would appreciate the help, thank you."

  "Speaking of Petrez," Father piped up. "He united today."

  "Oh, good for him." Zakkon took a sip of his water. "You know, I visited the mining community recently. They were very flirtatious with each other. I'm surprised they didn't unite sooner. She's a good fit for him."

  Everyone agreed.

  "Just in time for the end of cycle celebrations." Father chuckled. "I guess there's a lot good going on this cycle. It's always a good sign."

  "Not all that's good," Rhada said.

  "If you are talking about the virus that hit the caves, that was taken care of. We even sent medical to the outer tribes to make sure that it doesn't spread anymore." Father took another bite of his food. "I try to keep ahead of the problems."

  "That's why father likes you as Advisor." Rhada stood to reach for more food. Natia growled at him, and Rhada sat back down. She picked the container and walked it over to him.

  "Ask," Natia said in his ear. "Do not reach."

  "I saw that you were speaking with Trinka Today," Mother said to Amnika.

  "Oh yes," Amnika finished her last bite of food. "Rodgistan brought her to the market. I guess father told them of her parents returning. She is especially excited."

  "She was very relieved when I told them that they were coming back unharmed," Father said. "We were fortunate this time. If we don't figure these new raiders out, I may start delivering bad news the next time." He pointed towards Amnika, "You do not have to be intimidated by Rodgistan. He wants nothing but good for you."

  "I know." Amnika looked at her food. "I don't want to upset him, that's all."

  "Do what is right," Zakkon said. "If you are doing what is right and you upset someone, then that's their problem."

  Everyone looked at Zakkon. He finished the last bite on his plate and sat back. "The raiders are quite a nuisance."

  Mother and Natia took this as their cue and got up. The two women grabbed the containers and started to clear off the table. As citizens, they have access to all of what the leadership is doing, but because they are not officials, they don't contribute unless they are asked.

  Amnika wasn't even a citizen yet, so she got up to go into the project room. She knew that if she closed the door wouldn't hear anything there, and Rhada got up to join her.

  "No, Amnika." Zakkon put his hand up. "Stay here. We may need your input."

  Baffled, Amnika looked at her father. He waved his hand towards her seat. She sat back down. Rhada stood behind her.

  Amnika didn't think she could give any input to the conversation. She had no experience with strategy or defense, but she listened anyway.

  "These raiders had attacked a staging base near Mahla," Zakkon started to explain.

  Amnika glanced at her father. She knew he was in charge of making sure the line was set up.

  "Two Natisien died saving the lives of some of the Inersiens," Father said. "Other than that there were a few injuries. Everyone else is coming home safe."

  Glancing up at Rhada, she nodded. "Yes, I heard that."

  "Their attacks are much more sophisticated than the usual raiders. We've analyzed their weapons and their strategy." Father straightened his chair.

  Still not understanding why they would tell her this, Amnika remained silent.

  "The problem is to predict whether they will come here," Father said finally. "I say we can't take chances with these new creatures."

  "I say we need not worry" Zakkon added. "After all, Mahla is far. We are in a part of space where no one ventures to unless we invite them. The meteor wall seems to scare many off."

  They both paused, looking at Amnika. They were expecting a response.

  "I'm not sure if I…" Amnika stopped for a moment and shifted in her seat.

  "Even the wrong input is good input," Zakkon said. "It still gives us a different perspective. We may come up with a third option."

  It took a moment for Amnika to think of what they said. She tipped her head to the side. "Did they attack Mahla?"

  "Well, we aren't sure," Zakkon answered. "The commander pulled everyone out before they could do any damage. The staging base wasn't even finished. We had nothing of value there."

  "You don't suppose the raiders found some help?”

  "What makes you think that?" Zakkon crossed his arms. Amnika marveled how many wrinkles he had on his forehead when he furrowed his brow.

  Amnika mulled over the information they gave her.

  "If they only attacked our staging base with Mahla close by then you know they were targeting us." Her speech was slow. She had to think while she spoke.

  Amnika then took another moment to gather her thoughts for the rest of her idea.

  "If they attacked Mahla, then either they're an enemy of Mahla we weren't told about," She said finally. "Or they are an unknown race trying to insert dominance."

  Zakkon and Father were quiet.

  "If they are only an enemy of Mahla, we may have nothing to worry about," Anias added after an uncomfortable silence. "We should send a research ship to find out."

  Amnika turned to him. He was very quiet. She almost forgot he was there and she was glad he spoke up.

  "If it's only an enemy of Mahla, maybe, we won't have to get involved." Amnika remembered the many times Father explained how Zakkon didn't like to spend resources on fighting another planet's problem.

  "But, If it's some unknown race we should keep an eye out to see what they do but be ready in case they do try to come here," Anias suggested. "Of course, if they could be helping the raiders. We may have to improve our strategy, just in case."

  Father and Zakkon looked at each other. Zakkon looked pleased, and Amnika could sense her father's pride.

  "Well, I will consider what you both said," Zakkon remarked. "Perhaps in a few days, you can come with your father to discuss the details of our next move."

  After everyone finished their meal, Anias excused himself from the table and offered his hand to Amnika. Zakkon waved them off, and they both went into the project room.

  Amnika followed Anias to the project room. She could sense his excitement.

  "So you think there's something wrong with the code?" He walked around the table. He leaned over and peaked into the open side of the box.

  "Well, father took a look at the base code," She said. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it. The dynamic code might have problems with it, but no one was able to check it yet. Everyone is busy."

  "The new raiders and celebrations," Anias agreed. "They had to happen at the same time."

  Amnika noticed something unusual about the display that sat on the table. She checked it.

  "What's wrong?"

  "It looks like it's trying to edit the code. It's scrolling a little fast. I can't seem to keep up." Amnika studied it as lines of code slid down the screen. She followed a few of the lines with her eyes.

  "Oh!" Amnika exclaimed. "It's editing the language portion of the code! Maybe it won't…"

  Before she could finish speaking, Zakkon walks into the room, followed by Father.

  "So, shall we check the code?" Zakkon ask. It was as if he was a child about to taste a sweet.

  "I think I'll be okay, thank you." The voice seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time.

  Everyone looked at each other for a moment, then they all turned to the box.

  "So you were editing the code for language." Amnika used all of her strength to contain her excitement. She didn't want to cause a scene.

  "Yes," it said, "There were only a few errors. Afterward, I edited the voice module. Eve
n though I could not speak, I could see what was going on. Amnika seemed to respond best to Petrez and Father. I used their voices and made a slight variation."

  Amnika laughed. "So you could sound like family."

  "He does, now doesn't he?" Father chuckled.

  Rhada scoffed a little. "Family, that wasn't born?"

  Father glanced uneasily at Rhada who looked amused. Rhada shrugged, and Father looked back at Amnika.

  Amnika could feel his pride towards her. She couldn't stop smiling.

  "If you want, we can schedule your project for sharing now, and we can set you up with the supplies that you need." Zakkon voiced wavered, and he shifted from one foot to another. He rubbed his hands together.

  "And she's going to need it," Anias said as he peered into the box. He poked a little at the wiring. "Most of the components are several cycles old! There are too many wires here."

  "I would love that," Amnika gushed. The idea of expanding the project seemed surreal.

  "Good," Zakkon said. "I'm going to send Rodgistan here after the celebrations to register your project." He motioned that he was ready to leave.

  "I look forward what can come of this." Zakkon left with Anias following him.

  Amnika's Father still had his arm around her. "Congratulations," he whispered in her ear.

  Chapter Three

  With the visitors gone, Amnika began to help with the cleanup, but Natia stopped her.

  "We got it," She scolded. "Go with Rhada! Show him your project." Natia waved them off.

  Confused, Amnika took Rhada back into the project room.

  "So everyone is excited about a box that can talk?" Rhada scoffed.

  "It's more than that. It's a computer that can practically think for himself."

  "What does it know? It has to know something to think for himself."

  Amnika pointed to a box connected to her project. It had slots with some containing flat data crystals.