Chapter Twenty-Five #2
The next day, I watched protected by shade, as Dad worked alongside the Sandari.
He chopped wood with surprising efficiency and hauled logs to a central pile.
His shirt clung to his back, drenched in sweat and backed by the desert sun.
A group of Sandari observed him with quiet approval, and Karel's mother handed him a water gourd with a smile.
Parker filmed a B-roll of my dad for the documentary, although I suspected it was to escape Brody's presence, who was at a larger settlement.
A crack filled the village as wood splintered, and a quiet pride filled me. He traveled to another world, had a son about to deliver, and lived among well, aliens, and he just kept going.
Zephyron stood beside me, arms crossed. "He works hard," he finally said.
"It's a Southern thing," I replied. "You don't want to be a burden or put anyone out." He nodded in understanding.
I gestured to the split logs. "I got to know. There are Sims, drones, genetic engineering, and all this advanced tech. Why so...?" I searched for a polite word, but nothing came. "Primitive?"
Zephyron didn't answer immediately. "When the Volardi journeyed out to the stars, we saw what happens when civilizations rely on ease and simple solutions.
One world, Othoi, built Simulacrums like ours.
The machines did everything, and their creators stopped living with purpose. Eventually, they disappeared."
"It wasn't just one example, was it?"
"No," said Zephyron. "We found worlds destroyed by their own progress. Some unleashed self-replicating nanites that devoured ecosystems for upgrades. Others altered themselves until they were sterile. The Sandari themselves created creatures."
"Zerlites."
He nodded.
"But the Volardi? You used nanites and genetic engineering to make our child possible. You travel faster than light."
He tilted his head slightly. "In moderation, and not for everything.
We labor to stay strong. Simulacra assist, but they do not rule us.
How many have you seen on Sudo besides your friends?
We build and send mechanical assistants across the empire with purpose, not excess.
We do not create life to serve. Nanites are for emergencies.
Slow healing in peace, and faster in war.
A life without pain or consequence would destroy us. "
"So the person has to do most of the work?"
Zephyron gestured toward my father, who split another dried log with a grunt. "Would he gain more by watching a Simulacrum do it, or by working through it himself?"
"Back on Earth, my implant tried to give me guitar tips or surfing advice. I ignored it. It always felt better when I figured it out myself."
Zeph smiled with approval.
***
Axios and Solis stood in our Sandari red-stone home, assisting my former Volardi medic with his equipment.
Axios kept a meticulous track of readings, and Solis flittered around doing minor housework while chatting.
"Dear Thomas, you are progressing splendidly!
" Her faceplate morphed further with a deeper smile.
"You and your Soturi will meet your little one soon! "
Varek remained all business, still feeling the presence of his former leader. From a crystal tube, he projected a medical hologram, displaying our child in utero. The monitor beeped with the rapid flutter of our child's heartbeat—steady, strong, and much faster than mine.
Tessith, my former Sandari medic with the allergy-triggering fur, stayed silent in the shadows.
Outwardly, he was there to ensure relations with the Sandari remained smooth, a sign of respect.
Personally, I think he just wanted to be seen, the way he had, when performing his announcer duties at the trials.
"Everything is within normal parameters," said Varek. "Now for your decision."
I shifted slightly on the cot, reaching for a bowl of dried fruit that tasted like a battery terminal on my tongue. The mild euphoric effect helped with the back pain. "Decision?"
"You may wait for the natural birth cycle in approximately three more days, assuming there are no triggers. However, I will not remain here for long."
He could, but it was all about protocol and appearances. Zephyron's win meant giving up everything, including staff. My DuraMetal friends had a grey legal area because of their unusual memory crystals and connection to Parker.
Varek could visit daily under the excuse of checking on the Sandari, but he might miss the delivery.
"Your other option is induction. Solis and Axios can assist with the process."
I exchanged a glance with Zephyron. "Is that safe? Allowed? Won't the baby come out when, uh, done?"
"Your child will survive whether born naturally or induced," said Varek.
"On many worlds within the empire, induction is an accepted practice.
Some cultures view it as an affront to nature.
Others see it as necessary for high-risk situations.
Here on Sudo," his shoulders lifted with pride, "we value practicality, and our children are strong. "
He explained the procedure carefully. They'd give me a fruit-based drink that would speed things along. More than once, he emphasized that there would be no harm to our child.
Zephyron crossed his arms. "The choice is yours, but Tydalos could strike during your labor to weaken us. If we control the timing, we can protect ourselves and our child."
Not just our family, but Earth from being ruled.
I sighed, feeling political and family decisions settle on me. "Alright, I need to talk to a few people first."
***
Inside the hut, Parker, Dad, and to my surprise, Ryan and Wyatt showed up. They all gathered around, and I laid out the situation, debating the pros and cons of induction.
"Well," Parker said, scratching his head while his camera-drone captured the moment, "The less time Tydalos has to mess with you, the better. Plus, our Sim buddies are capable, right?"
"Capable?" Solis gasped. "I am the very definition of competence! Axios and I will deliver his child with the utmost care."
Axios sighed. "Yes, though there is still a non-zero probability of complications. I estimate a 92.3 percent likelihood of a controlled outcome. Therefore, a 7.7 percent chance of—"
"Got it." Such a small number, but my chest tightened.
Ryan crossed his arms. "It's not about numbers.
You need to decide how much risk you're willing to take for yourself and the kid.
Personally, I'd say minimize surprises. Tydalos is calculating and won't hesitate to strike at your weakest moment.
" He nodded. "Yeah, I know... It's what I would do if I were evil. "
"Oh, Hon. You're not evil, just calculating.
" I heard Brody had ambushed him and asked if he had any thoughts about 'leaving' Volardi Industries back on Earth.
Despite Brandon and Alen's help, he wasn't CEO anymore.
To his credit, he had the universe open to him along with wealth and connections, yet he came here to see me.
I turned to my dad, who had been quiet. He stared at the floor for a moment before speaking.
"It's not my place to tell you what to do, Tommy.
But I think... if it were me, I'd want to take control where I could.
You've got a lot riding on this. We all do.
" His voice hitched, "For Pete's sake, make sure you have a doctor around you. So..."
You won't end up like Mom.
"Wyatt," I said, taking in a gulp. "What do you think and... it's weird that you're here."
"I was in the neighborhood."
I smiled, just taking him in. So far, he hadn't found his place. He must have been on a trip like Dad, since his skin had tanned. "Any advice?"
He licked his lips. "No... because you know what to do. You always do." Again, I expected snark, but a phantom twinge went through me, grabbing my attention.
"Thanks," I said softly. "All of you."
There was nobody left to ask. Karel could come in, but Sandari fur made me sniffle. Tessith thankfully stayed far away in the corner, but any closer would have me sneeze out my kid.
"Give me a moment," I whispered and grabbed more dried fruit. My eyes soon closed. "I need to think."
It's hard to remember Mom's face. I can replay notes from songs, whistle chimes, and favorite tunes, but her face fades more each year, like a dream slipping away. Only the golden brown of her hair stayed sharp in my mind.
Zephyron speaks of his ancestors like they're just waiting to be heard. Maybe they were.
I never tried. What if it's time?
Mom? If you're still listening, what would you do?
***