The Ice Warrior

Chapter 25

Rose wasn't sure what she found more shocking, the fact that Wir Eis offered help to those who tortured his kind, or that the usually shy Jack was hanging off the alien's neck.

"What can you do when your ship is not even working properly?" Rose asked, stating the facts.

"Humans help Wir Eis fix the ship. Ship help humans find a warm place." Wir Eis said.

"How can your ship do that?" Joe interrupted.

"Their ship, Evanescence, is part sentient. If we manage to bring it back to its full glory, I am not sure if there would be anything it couldn't do." Silv answered, aware of how much Wir Eis struggled to explain things in a language a human could understand.

"Well, that's just great! A sentient ship. What's next? Walking furniture?" Joe inquired, exasperated.

After all, he was a man who treasured the old ways and was not able to cope with all the technological advances. Thus, his decision to stay in sector 15, though he could have done much more. When they offered him a job with the sector three engineering department, he refused since he preferred to be free.

Besides, machines were becoming more modernized with each passing day, to the point that barely any engineers were necessary.

"Our scientists have developed a prototype..." Rose started to say.

"No, Vi... I mean, Rose. Please don't tell me. I am not sure how much of this I can take." Joe interrupted.

"It's fascinating to hear that the ship is part sentient. And part machine, I am guessing?" Justin said, intrigued.

"Yes, it was unusual communicating with the ship. It was like nothing I've ever experienced before when dealing with any other vehicle," Silv said excitedly.

"I don't mean to ruin your fun, children, but I still have to know what exactly is your alien friend talking about," Joe said.

"Ship's mapping system perfect. Help find place suitable for human." Wir Eis said.

"We already have good maps, thank you very much," Joe said indignantly.

Joe had spent years studying old maps and using new technology to map out the changes caused by the ice age, and he didn't want an alien to come and tell him how to do his job.

"Human map above ground. Eis Neu map above ground and underground." Wir Eis said.

That made Joe pause. It was a well-known fact that the Earth's core was still hot. The heat was just buried deep down, unable to break through. However, Joe wondered if they would be able to find the mining tunnels of the past. If they did, perhaps they would be able to reach deep down and hopefully find parts where Earth was warmer. A place where there was a chance to survive without the Government's technology.

"Alright, alien. What are your terms?" Joe finally asked.

"His name is Wir Eis. After everything that our people have done to his kind, he at least deserves to be addressed properly." Silv said firmly.

Silv might not have been in charge, or as resourceful as her grandmother. However, she refused to let them treat her friend with anything but utter respect, the same respect he gave to everyone.

Joe seethed in anger for a while. He hadn't been addressed so severely by anyone for a long time. The last person who managed to put him in his place when he was wrong was Rose, and even though he was angry at Silv, he admired her integrity.

"Wir Eis, what do you need us to do in return?" Joe asked after a while.

"Humans help fix the ship. Wir Eis help humans find heat." Wir Eis said simply.

"That's the gist of it, anyway," Rose said.

"What we need specifically from you is a way out of here. We are stuck, and we need to reach Wir Eis's spaceship with all the supplies to be able to fix it." Rose added.

"That can be arranged. Anything else?" Joe asked.

"Well, we could use an engineer. I have gathered a lot of knowledge over the years, but I still don't see myself as a good engineer. We need the best if we are to do this quickly and efficiently." Rose said.

Joe stroked his chin, thinking. Even though he appeared lost in thought to everyone else, he could still see Justin's excited look, and it made him even less sure of what was the best thing to do.

However, he had to protect his people, and it was imperative for people from sector 15 to leave the Government's control, especially since it was trying to take over using any methods they could think of, without raising too much suspicion among other sectors.

"Very well. Justin can go with you. I taught him everything that I know, and he might be an even better engineer than me since he can adapt to changes more efficiently." Joe said.

"That sounds good," Rose said.

"That is, of course, if Justin agrees?" Joe said, hiding his smile.

He knew that since the moment a partially sentient ship was mentioned, his grandson was enthusiastic by the concept and would embrace any opportunity to see it firsthand.

"Yes! Absolutely! When do we leave?" Justin said eagerly.

"Slow down, my boy. I am sure being chased by the Government can make one ravenous, so why don't we offer our guests some sustenance and then you can set off." Joe said.

"I'll get the food ready right away," Justin said, moving around hurriedly, eager to set out on a new adventure.

"Can I go, too?" Jamie asked, finally emerging from his riveting conversation with Arthur.

"No, I am afraid not," Joe said firmly.

"Why not? I feel like I never get the chance to do anything fun anymore. Just because Justin is the oldest doesn't mean he should get to have all the fun." Jamie said, almost pouting the way his little brother did when he didn't get something he wanted.

"How many times do I have to explain? You and your brother have a different set of skills. I just do my best to give you tasks that suit your set of skills the best. In this case, your brother is going since he is the best engineer other than me." Joe said as if explaining it to a small child.

"Alright, but why can't we both go? I am sure I could find a way to be helpful." Jamie said.

"I don't doubt that, but I need you here. The Government is sneakier by the minute, and I need someone with a good eye to spot a trap. Besides, some protection wouldn't hurt. I am not as good in conflict as I used to be." Joe said.

Seeing the reasons behind Joe's decision, Jamie could do nothing but agree. After all, he couldn't leave his grandfather and younger brother all alone to fend for themselves.

"Fine," Jamie said defeatedly.

"It was delightful conversing with you, Master Jamie. I do hope to get an opportunity to do so again. I haven't had a chance to communicate with many humans except for my mistresses, so it was a true pleasure." Arthur said politely, as Jamie stood up to help his brother in setting the table.

"You, too, Arthur. You are the most interesting AI I have ever met. But then again, you are the only AI I ever met." Jamie said, laughing.

They all quickly put their hands to their ears, expecting Arthur's screeching laughter. However, it didn't come. What came out of his voice circuits was something more similar to coughing than anything else. It was much better than the screeching they expected.

Once the boys set the table, they all partook in the meal, except for the AI and the alien.

"Don't you need to eat?" Silv asked Wir Eis.

"No thank you, I ate three days ago." Wir Eis said as if that explained everything.

Still, Silv chose not to question him further since she was unsure how much she wanted to know about the eating habits of aliens.

The rest of the meal was quiet, as everyone struggled with their fears and worries.

"Alright. Where do we start?" Rose asked the moment the meal was over.