Condition Evolution 4 by Kevin Sinclair (parable of the sower read online .txt) 📗

was expecting, but yeah, fuck it. I’ll buy that,” Ember said, hardly knowing where to put herself.

“If that is cleared up to your satisfaction, I will continue. Our preliminary plan is based on our confidence that we can successfully defeat the fleet that currently hunts for you. Our scouts have informed us that they have 2000 ships currently 300 lightyears from our borders. We also have reports of their Hunter ships scouting close to our borders. Your old ships have been destroyed, but it appears the Fystr wish to be certain of your demise. If we can show them you are alive, then they will bring their fleet forward where we are able to better inflict significant losses upon them, severely damaging their war machine. What happens after that is down to fate, but I believe this is a beginning we can all agree on?”

“How are we going to let them know we are still alive?” Ogun asked.

“It would involve you traveling to the border and trying to make contact with one of the scout ships,” Jezai responded.

“Would the response from seeing one of the Apochros not produce the same result?” Ogun said. Clearly he didn’t fancy flapping his gums anywhere near the Fystr, but considering the torture they’d recently put him through he had my sympathies. He also made a fair point.

“As for why not us, the simple truth is that I would like our appearance to be a surprise. Our best chance of defeating them quickly and decisively will be if they are unprepared to face us. While I accept it is an awfully underhanded method, we must use all advantages that we have. You can be sure the Fystr will.”

“I see the sense of your plan,” Ember chipped in, “but what I just can't fathom is how that entire fleet is just for us?”

“Yeah, I was wondering that too,” I said, backing up Ember’s curiosity at the huge number. “It seems overkill, for sure, unless they’re planning to conquer some of the Galactic Empire while they’re on about catching us?”

“If I had to guess, it would be the opposite,” replied Jezai. “The numbers will be to deter any attacks from the Galactic Empire. They clearly want you back very badly; nonetheless they must avoid losing ships to opportunists outside of their own space. That may start a war they have no interest in fighting.”

“Why wouldn’t they want to take more of the Galaxy? I thought that would be an ambition of theirs.”

Ogun cleared his throat. “Perhaps I can answer this question.”

Jezai nodded in response. “I’d be interested to hear an opinion on that from a recently defected Fystr.”

“Simply put, it is an administrative issue. The larger their empire becomes, the harder it will be to rule over with absolute authority. Their stringent birth control restrictions would have to be relaxed to produce more Fystr to rule over the larger area. More Fystr, far away from the ruling classes, represent the potential for rebellion. This is how the suppression of our own people began, after all. Further expansion would also require the removal or extermination of other occupying races. The Fystr elite are notoriously xenophobic and would not tolerate other species living among them. In conclusion, they are extremely confident in their ability to destroy any alien threat. The only threat they fear is that of their fellow Fystr. This is why they’re so determined to reclaim us. As to why they have not sought out the Apochros, I do not know.”

Jezai replied, a serious expression written on his face, “A chilling reminder to us all of the attitude of the Fystr and their danger to us all. As for searching us out, Fystr society was in chaos when we left and with so few of us leaving as quietly as we could, it is quite possible they did not know the full extent of our departure. They may have even searched for us. But we ran and ran and ran without ever looking back.”

“Kinda like what we tried to do, but with more success then?” I pointed out.

Jezai laughed. “Very much so. If we do go through with this, we will be announcing a presence that we have spent a long time attempting to hide.”

The room fell silent at that. I didn’t like silence. “Well, if you change your bloody minds on us, just let us toddle off this time, yeah. No more mindwipes, please.”

“I promise you, we will not turn on you. I wish there was a way to ease your concerns, but I am at a loss. Only time will prove that.”

“Not quite, Father.” Ialos spoke from the end of the table. “I have requested and been accepted to be a member of Uprising.” She turned to us now. “If they were to alter their approach to you, they would also be turning against me.” She smiled.

All the Apochros turned to look at her in confusion and surprise. “You’re joining them? Why would you do such a thing?” Galivea said abruptly.

“Why wouldn’t I? I want to be amongst the urgency and passion, and want to see the events that unfold around the… Va—” She looked at me quickly. “Shaun,” she quickly amended. “I believe in their great cause and wish to help them succeed.”

“And what of your duties here?” Herial questioned next, just as abruptly.

Jezai, I noticed, had not yet spoken. He just looked at his daughter with a wry smile.

“We don’t need a doctor here, or anywhere on Accre,” replied Ialos. “I’ve been called upon three times in 2000 years, and my apprentice Abrial is 3000 years old! He was as capable 1000 years ago as he is now. It’s all a farce. At least on Uprising I will have a purpose.”

“I cannot find fault in your logic, daughter. These newcomers have certainly had an effect on us all. Imagine fighting and beating the Fystr, even if it is just once. How sweet a victory that would be.”

“So you agree?”

“Would it matter if I didn’t?