Family, page 16
~What is this?~ She asked as she moved forward, noting pipes inserted in the wall with jars under them.
~Those are our tisnes, what you call bees. They are not the same, but a similar insect species. Most houses keep a hive in the kitchen to provide honey during the year.~
The idea fascinated Toni. Your own honey? She moved forward and noted the insects had eight legs and the hives, rather than hexagons, were octagons, but the blue and black bodies and wings did remind her of bees. The subtle buzz and scent of the honey felt so real.
~Where is your fridge?~ McKenna asked.
Toni turned, curious and looked around the room. The only option was the square box. But that made no sense.
~I believe you refer to as a cold box? It would be over there, in the wall.~
Toni moved back and reached out a hand. To her surprise and delight she was able to pull open the door and reveal a box. The front of it glowed and she lifted her hand to touch it and it went right through, into the interior. Inside it was so cold that most of the items stayed at just above freezing. She didn't see any plastics, mostly glass and ceramic, or fruits and meats. But she didn't see a motor or hear one.
~How do you keep it cold? Surely it must take a great deal of energy?~ She cringed at trying to figure out how to create electricity plants and run them. The enormity of what they entertained scared her.
~Energy? No. It doesn't take any at all.~ Alinis sounded confused, but the science-oriented Cass jumped right on it.
~Then how do you maintain the temperature?~
~The household association supplies all the houses in every neighborhood with heat and cold. Most of us donate a quarter of the day to manage the paths to keep the homes supplied. The system is polished enough that we don't need to monitor it at night.~
Toni turned and looked around; the explanation made no sense to her. Manage paths? What did that mean.
~Oppay is not explaining this correctly. As you have seen, all Drakyn can create what you call portals, we call them paths. When you build a neighborhood or even a city, people are either hired or a schedule is worked out create micro paths to our sun and space. The sun provides heat to everyone by creating a tiny pool of plasma that our piping structures tap into to heat water, food, whatever is needed. The amount of heat needed is minuscule compared to the power of the sun. We do the reverse with the cold of space, sending cooled water and air past that path and it is enough to keep all the houses well-supplied. It is something most adults can hold for a quarter day without any effort, yet they are always aware of it, able to sever the connection in a millisecond if needed.~
~Holy shit, that’s how you cremated Ash. You pulled in plasma from the sun?~ Cass's voice was almost a screech, but Rarz replied with his normal calmness.
~Yes. So the two most basic issues of cooling and heating can easily be done with a few Drakyn. Or if you are capable of learning to control the paths, then you would be able to do it yourself.~
Toni spun around the room in awe. What had moments before seemed quaint and simple, now seemed smart and elegant. Free heat. Free cooling. A few hours a day. And they could show them how to do this. Hope jumped up as once again the idea proved not as impossible as she thought.
Alinis let her wander through the rest of the house. The sleeping chamber was a pile of pillows and blankets that would probably be more comfortable than most modern beds.
The bathroom, or as Alinis referred to it, the bathing room had a large tub in the ground. And by large, Toni figured it was about the size of a three-person jacuzzi. A large spout about six feet off the ground dumped water into it, and the entire ceiling looked like it was a mesh grate.
~Can we see that work?~ Cass asked, and Toni could almost hear her fingers typing as she took mental notes.
~The bathing chamber? Sure.~ Alinis seemed amused at their interest, but a minute later water sheeted from the ceiling. It looked like you would be standing under a rainstorm. ~The water intensity can be increased or reduced based on preference. All water is then processed and filtered going back into gardens or other needs. The bath itself has heating tubes around it to keep it at the heat desired. Most Drakyn enjoy soaking in the heat in most forms.~
The idea of soaking in a tub that didn't get cold sounded like heaven to Toni. She looked around trying to find the toilet. There, in a secluded alcove though it was at least twice the size of most bathroom stalls sat something that made no sense at all. A large shallow dish, with what looked like a grate at the base of it, sat in the middle of the room with three spokes over it like a tripod. Staring at it, she could see how you sat. And there looked like a waterspout at one point. But what about the rest of it?
Toni just blinked her eyes and shook her head leaving it as something to worry about later. They continued through the house. Their version of a living room looked more like a lounge with a fireplace and low chaise lounges. She didn't see any TVs but that didn't bug her. Most people lived off their phones. If they could create or replicate a cellular system? It shouldn't be that hard with enough time to plan. All in all, it was a building that humans could live in.
~How are all these built? The walls don't have visible seams and the swooping arches can't be easy to construct.~ Perc sounded thoughtful and his question caused Toni to look up. While most of the rooms had arches instead of square rooms, there were no doors.
~That, and where are the doors?~ Toni asked and she felt everyone notice that.
~All archways have privacy settings. Here, I will activate the one for the bathing chamber.~ A low blue light appeared in the archway and it darkened until you couldn't see through to the other side. ~All light and sound can be blocked, and the color can be changed to what is pleasing to each household.~ The light cycled through a variety.
~What tech is this?~ Cass almost sounded like she was on helium her voice was so tight with excitement.
~This?~ Alinis sounded confused. ~It is basic sound and lightwave control. Making sound and light into a visible being. Nothing that fancy. The solar collectors on the house power all of this and the lights in every room. We don't use electricity the way you do, but creating solar chargers for most of your technology should not be that difficult.~
~You have force fields?~ Somehow Cass's voice managed to squeak in the mindspace.
~I do not understand.~ Alinis sounded very confused.
Rarz spoke. ~Not like your stories have. But we do have solid light and sound barriers, though they will give with any significant force. A light touch they can withstand, the pressure of a hand they cannot.~
Toni began to see how advanced they were. Simple, yes. But when you didn't need machines for transport a lot of other things became easier. Imagine a world with no smog or exhaust?
~Our world smells awful to you, doesn't it?~
There was an uncomfortable pause, then Rarz spoke. ~Your world does contain more particulates than expected and that provides and discomfiting taste and odor.~
The mindspace filled with chuckles and giggles. ~Saying yes would not have offended us. Good to know.~ McKenna said into the laughter. ~Not needing cars could make a difference and is probably good. But if you want us to build spaceships, we'll still need factories. But that isn't anything I can really address.~ There was a thoughtful hum before she spoke again. ~How are these built? We got distracted with the doors.~
Toni could almost hear the mental shrug. ~There are machines that help. The plan is decided on, though most are one of about ten plans, and the machine lays out the house according to the plan using the various materials needed.~
Huh?
Toni couldn't figure out what she meant, though it was obvious the house had multiple types of materials in it.
~Wait. Rarz, have you seen our 3D printers? Like that but with multiple products.~ Cass asked and that caused it to snap into clarity for Toni.
~Very similar, though our machines are more complex. But yes, they are built at a few separate plants. We do have factories, but where you need electricity to generate heat or cold, we tap into the sun or space. Asteroids are harvested via the paths also. After your conversation about the ship and portals, I checked with others.~ His voice came a bit shame-faced. ~That is how we harvest elements. We snap off chunks of asteroids and bring them down. It never occurred to any of us we could do that to Elentrin ships.~
~Well that explains a lot. I feel better, I could even see living here. But what about the rest of the city?~ Toni asked, but part of her mind was already starting to go through what to keep and what to get rid of.
With a fade out and in, they found themselves standing in a town square. The layout reminded her very much of the wharf area of San Francisco or small-town art fairs. There were stores and booths, Drakyn walking everywhere.
~What are those large white squares on the corners?~ Perc asked, as Toni turned in a circle trying to see everything. The buildings were colorful and now that they had talked about power, it occurred to her there were no powerlines anywhere. The change this could make for everything astonished her.
~Those are designated areas for path creation. That way you don't create a path in front of someone walking. You can tell it is your path because it will resonate for you.~
~Your world is wonderful. So many problems that we have are taken care of. Honestly, I think entertainment will be the biggest issue. You don't use the internet or TV?~ Toni asked, trying to figure out what she would need to bring to keep kids busy in the evenings and on rainy days.
~Yes and no. Your moving stories have captured many people. We have never been fiction writers, so your stories fascinate us. The idea of all the books you have is amazing. There are many who could support themselves just on telling stories. All our stories are of times past or the great old ones. Most of us have what you would call hobbies. But remember, we also create most of our own necessities. While there are those of us that run the great farms, we often will travel there to pick what is needed for dinner with the same amount of effort as you expend to walk out your door. Then there are the math games. Many of us spend hours a day playing those.~
~It sounds like a paradise. What's the catch?~ JD asked, his voice doubtful. ~Storms? Tornadoes? Asteroids?~
~Besides our neighbors trying to kill us?~ Rarz's comment started another round of laughter and JD's embarrassed amusement tasted like kiwis for some reason. ~I suspect our economic system may create the most problem. I will try to explain, but understand I am not an expert. Those are the ones called to office.~ He paused and she could almost hear him marshaling his thoughts. ~This will be a huge oversimplification and may even be wrong in some aspects, but this is how I understand it. For the most part our government has the only employees. Everyone is expected to give some amount of time to support the needed portals for neighborhoods, but for cities, the government pays in what are called maka.~ An image of a small round silvery coin appeared in their mind space. ~They are the only currency used. For those who work in the machine plants the government runs or helps with setting up new worlds, warriors like me, we can exchange those disks for anything we need. Most of the time they are traded around for when you need something but have no time to barter or do it yourself. We had an economic system closer to yours a long time ago, but it became too difficult and most people prefer to deal with their own needs. While farmers will gladly trade food for makas, most would prefer cookies you baked with your honey, or bread, or even repairing his machines so he can focus on harvesting and keep the land happy. Our scientists work for the thrill of discovery and for every new technique or advancement, they receive credit. Housing, makas, other needed things. Many of our greatest spend their lives discovering new and better ways to do things.~
~So mostly a barter system? What do you store up your makas for? Most worlds have saving needs. What about winter or low harvest?~ Cass and her ever-inquisitive mind asked.
~Often works of art you would save up for, as the artist might take months to create it. Or for a new coldbox unit. Large purchases. For most day to day items, trades are made. Warriors, like I am, are the few groups that rarely barter. We're never here enough to create things to barter. Clothes for new nestlings, or to hire an emeryx to assist if you were very lucky with your hatching.~ Rarz listed all these things off casually, but it was clear that most needed little.
They don't have the greedy nature more humans do. How badly will humans corrupt them?
~Excuse me. What is winter?~ Alinis asked into the lull.
22
Cultural Differences
Funeral parlors around the world are busy as people are finally getting to mourn the family members killed in the attacks. Many religions are offering free services and finding exceptions to the religious tenets that govern body disposal or timeliness of the rites. While the fate of those not returned when the alien ship was crashed is still uncertain, people are trying to move on with their lives. Most cities have opened counseling centers but almost no time off is being given for funerals. Many businesses are on the edge of failing as it is. The bright side is more businesses than usual are hiring, but there is a marked difficulty for those who are known Shifters. The tide of welcome for differences is very slim, given the suffering most have faced. ~ TNN Economic news
* * *
"Wait, what?" The shock was enough that it pulled them out of the shared world and Toni found herself staring at Alinis and Rarz in astonishment. "You know, when it gets cold and snows?" Toni's voice held confusion and amusement.
Rarz shared a puzzled smile with his oppy, then turned back to them. "You mean the white frozen water falling from the sky in multiple places in your world? That wasn't one of your make-believe stories? Not just at your poles?"
"No. This is summer, well, late summer early fall. It will start getting colder soon. What was the temperature for where we were?" Toni asked her eyebrows raised.
"About 78 of your degrees. It varies from low seventies to high eighties during the year. The nights usually fall in the mid-fifties. The occasional ocean storm might bring rain that would lower it below the fifties. During an active solar flare it might hit the nineties for a few days." Rarz said, looking back and forth between all of them.
Toni figured they looked like idiots, but the idea of a world always at a tropical temperature. Her list of things just decreased.
"Does that mean you don't have any snow?" McKenna asked and Toni didn't know if that was longing in her voice or not.
"Well, there is ice and what you call snow at the poles, but we never build there, only in the middle of the planets. The planets we have colonized, and our home planet, have very little axial tilt. This makes season changes almost nonexistent and elliptical paths around the sun are rare."
"Huh." Was the general reaction from everyone as they tried to process what they had witnessed in the Drakyn's world.
It does sound perfect, but how will humans screw it up? Can they vet people well enough that only the good ones get through?
Silence reigned for a bit but if there was talking going on, it was close and personal.
"What was your other idea, Kenna? If this works, I mean." JD was still nibbling on the honey. While Toni enjoyed it, he and Cass seemed to find it addictive and were all but licking the container clean.
"Oh. Well. Okay." She paused for a moment as if trying to redirect her thoughts.
Toni took the opportunity to grab another slice of the lasm. The stuff was so good.
"America, well Earth as a whole, has a fascination with aliens. We've always wondered if there is life out there. We’ve talked and dreamed about it for centuries. The Elentrin proved there was, and they are stunningly beautiful. I suspect Thelia will be treated like a superstar for a long time to come, but there are only what, five or six others?"
[I believe there are at least eight. Thelia and the seven crew members that escaped from the ship alive to the planet. Not all of them survived.]
Alinis jerked her head up and hissed. "What speaks?"
Toni fought back a snort of laughter. For some reason the AI's 'voices' rubbed everyone the wrong way. The consistency was amusing.
[That was the AI called Wefor. I am known as Elao. We are being hosted by two of these humans. In exchange and in appreciation, we are doing everything we can to assist them. The sudden violence by humans towards Kaylid is disturbing to both of us. While we comprehend the Elentrin ingrained pogrom, we do not understand this drastic swing in attitude.]
"Welcome to humanity. Our name is inconsistency." JD's voice held mocking humor and resignation. "Our history is like that. Loved one day, reviled the next. All too often the scapegoats died."
The two Drakyn looked worried and McKenna shrugged. "We are not calm and logical. We try, but most of the time emotion and fear drive us. You need to be aware that we are a fractured world and few of us manage to live in harmony."
"But you have worked so well with others. I have seen little fighting among you." Rarz had his puzzled look.
McKenna shrugged. "Threaten us and we come together excellently. But once the threat is passed, the minor differences become more important." She waved her hand, brushing away the worry. "That is something for you to consider. Some of it can be dealt with. My idea was that if you stay looking like Alinis here." She nodded at his mother, her smooth scales reflecting the late summer light. "People will see you as aliens, not like us. I don't think your shifting has really gotten out, not with any proof. And people want aliens, friendly aliens. If more of you come and set up embassies, you can create gateways to any world. You'd be able to make sure you want to let them through, verify they understand what they are walking into. And do it all on what is legally your land. At least that is how we do embassies here."
