Calan - The Immortality Paradox

Chapter Fifteen: Storm on Crin Peak, Part Two

The radio crackled into life, despite the storm.

'...the anticipation for the Calan-Human summit has the Chapter in two distinct minds. Half of us believe the whole ridiculousness is just an exercise in playing politics; wasting precious Leonian resources for the sake of celebrities' egos; the other half think of it is an opportunity for E'blanche to gain new reputation among contemporaries in this diverse Universe. My question remains, what is the Calan's ulterior motive? For almost three generations, they've adhered to their statutes and kept their extremely large horns out of our business, but suddenly they want to help. Suspicious to say the least. Now...I understand many of my critics will point out that the Incubus is the motivation behind their altruism. This summit was only arranged to help the civilisations in need. To you, I say this: how do we know the Calan weren't responsible themselves? I say it's highly likely for a species with unnatural abilities - such as immortality - to conjure a demon to take advantage of us all. Why are we so quick to deny their involvement? Perhaps because they've already convinced the majority of us, and the Gathering is the final stage of indoctrination...'

Gregon added the finishing touches to the antenna installation on the satellite, ensuring that it was properly protected from temperature damage. It was relatively similar to the original telemetry device, but with slightly more reliable protection. A lack of staff meant that Gregon was forced to complete everything communication-related alone - Harissa concentrated on the bulk of the satellite, including a store of nickel hydride batteries, easily rechargeable from the solar cells she'd positioned on U2's Tanwen-oriented array. Remaking a machine previously built was the easy part, the next problematic step was getting the satellite in orbit without any confrontation from the government. To both their relief, Harissa's parents were agreeable of the plans and were happy to piggyback the satellite on their next launch.

Taking a moment to unwind and slump in his seat, Bowers noticed for the first time how cluttered his own laboratory had become. Made worse by the invidious stench of body odour and rotten food that had coagulated around him. Several weeks in the confinement of one room, surviving on savourless nutrition sachets from the emergency storage. He would never have guessed some eight years ago that he'd be living inside the Astronomy Base and jointly running the construction of a satellite without the supervision of the Professor. A promotion he would never have imagined.

Professor Steale's smile was on a much younger face in a photograph on the wall. Almost a stranger, but the warmth of that smile was unmistakable. It was practically hidden beneath a thick, uncombed moustache that did not suit him at all. One hand was oustretched and joined with another, that of Administrator Xavier Bernard. Typical politician; smartly dressed, and an expression of accomplishment; usually forced, but this one genuine. In the background, a clump of fervent civil servants watched. The photograph hung proudly above the semiconductor printer which had seen better days.

Whilst daydreaming about a successful launch, he was distracted by something on the photograph. In one shadowy corner of the laboratory in which the gathered, celebratory group convened, there was a faint gleam of blue. He'd never noticed it before in all the years he'd worked at the Astronomy Base, but he knew his eyes did not deceive. Bijoubleu. It had been there all along. A legacy of wealth, hidden in a photograph, buried at the peak of a hostile mountain.

Another voice joined the first on the radio. It was hard to ignore the self-importance oozing from the speakers. 'It has been too long since the Leonis Chapter made an impression on other Chapters. Draconians and Scorpions alike sneer at us and treat us as primitives. Not since the days of the Bijoubleu-Steale Industries has our identity, let alone our economy, been respected. Mining was our entire reputation. It defined our success not just here on E'blanche, but across the systems. I'm ever thankful for the appointment of Dominic Drindlock, an unwavering champion for the traditional way. Without his mind for preservation, we would have capitulated to this interplanetary idea of seeking cooperation with other Chapters, replacing our traditions with the so-called unified regulation and unified objectives. The Administrator's presence at the Gathering gives me hope that the Leonis Chapter's values are safe.'