CRISIS

Olivia and Matt slept late, waking slowly. Yesterday’s launch had been a lot. 

We’re traveling in space! Olivia thought, I should be scared. But strangely she wasn’t.

Olivia waddled into the kitchen, “Kitchen, coffee, full caffeine. “Make favorite breakfast for the whole family, to be served in fifteen minutes.” Olivia said to the AI of the house.

“Yes, ma’am.” The coffee appeared, rising from the counter in front of Olivia. 

Olivia could hear Matt grumbling down the hallway. He stopped at each boy’s room, pounding on the door.

“Time to get up.”

Two muffled responses showed life existed inside the bedrooms. Matt grinned and strolled into the kitchen. 

“Breakfast will be ready in fourteen minutes,” Olivia said.

Looking at his wife, who was standing there drinking coffee, he knew Kitchen was making it.

“Technology,” Matt looked around. “It’s weird, but I think I’ll get used to it,” he said chuckling.

“It’s more than tech,” Olivia said. “Kitchen, aren’t you more than tech?”

“Yes, ma’am. Human technology reached the Alexa level but I am far more.”The voice came out of nowhere, all around the couple.

Matt teased Kitchen,“Show-off?”

“I am very grateful, and I know you are, too,” Olivia said. 

Matt sighed, “I can’t believe we are here.” He hugged his wife.

***

CELEBRATION AND CRISIS

Olivia and Matt slept late. Launch Day happened yesterday, and everyone was exhausted. The prep was enough to freak anybody out, but having trouble breathing or moving finished you off. As she roused, Olivia thought about where they were in space. She should be scared, but strangely, she wasn’t.

The Mom shuffled into the kitchen, “Kitchen, coffee, full caffeine. “Make the family’s favorite breakfast, to be served in fifteen minutes,” Olivia said to the AI of the house. “Yes, ma’am.” The coffee appeared, rising from the counter in front of Olivia. 

Olivia could hear Matt grumbling down the hallway. He stopped at each boy’s room, pounding on the door. Two muffled responses showed life existed inside the bedrooms. Matt grinned and strolled into the kitchen. 

“Breakfast will be ready in fourteen minutes,” Olivia said.

Looking at his wife, who was standing there drinking coffee, he knew Kitchen was making it.

“Technology,” Matt looked around. “It’s weird, but I think I’ll get used to it,” he said, reaching for a cup that had just emerged.

“It’s more than tech,” Olivia said. “Kitchen, aren’t you more than tech?”

“Yes, ma’am. Human technology reached the Alexa level but I am far more.”The voice came out of nowhere, all around the couple.

“Show-off!” Matt teased Kitchen.

“I am very grateful, and I know you are, too,” Olivia said. 

Matt sighed, “I can’t believe we are here.” He hugged his wife.

***

Such a short time ago, Olivia had returned to sort out her parents’ estate in Mesaland. She was still numb from the shock of her parent’s death, and growing up here made it surreal on two levels. The deaths weren’t directly related to the asteroid, but the upheaval and chaos from the strike and the advanced age of her parents probably made it inevitable. Olivia shuffled around the boxes when the sheriff showed up with Elizabeth and Danny. Olivia had known Liz and Dan for much of her life, but they seemed the same, unlike her. The Sheriff, John Bascom, was a new fixture here. She felt a tightening in her stomach.

“Can we talk to you?” the sheriff said, nodding to Matt and Olivia.

Olivia had met the sheriff when he had informed her of her parent’s death. When John came to Olivia’s house, he delivered the news gently, but that couldn’t take away the shock and pain. Such a short time ago, Olivia had returned to sort out her parents’ estate in Mesaland. She was still numb from the shock of her parent’s death, and growing up here made it surreal on two levels. The deaths weren’t directly related to the asteroid, but the upheaval and chaos from the strike and the advanced age of her parents probably made it inevitable.

Olivia shuffled around the boxes when the sheriff showed up with Elizabeth and Danny. Olivia had known Liz and Dan for much of her life, but they seemed the same, unlike her. The Sheriff, John Bascom was a new fixture here. She felt a tightening in her stomach.

Olivia was wrenched back into the reality of this new visit. “We wish to offer you a place here. You both have much to offer, and we can offer something in return,” Elizabeth said, looking at each of them with a broad, warm smile.

Olivia had heard things had changed in the subdivision. The conversion to an autonomous village was a smart move, considering the lawlessness that had erupted. Life wasn’t so bad here in Northwest Tucson, but you still couldn’t travel at night.

“Offer? What offer? I’m only a server at the Desert Rose. I like the job, but what does that do for you? I was a lawyer, which, in my opinion, is even less appealing,” Matt said. “Do you need laborers?” 

“And I’m a housewife, which is something that is valued less and less. Especially now a-days,” Olivia lowered her eyes. “I was a teacher, but that was a while ago; I used outdated methods back then.”

“Olivia, adding a housewife and teacher is critical for us, and Matt, being a lawyer is just what we wanted to talk to you about,” John said. 

“Old teaching methods are just what we’re looking for,” Elizabeth added.

“What do you want a lawyer for? I won’t do any strong-arm stuff. I’ve had enough of that!” Matt said. 

John took a deep breath, “I think I need both of you to read our Constitution, see what we are doing and plan to do. Talk to the people here. Then, I want you to see the plans for the new colony.”

“What, I thought you wanted to talk about Mesaland?” Matt said. 

“We do; we’re taking it with us,” Danny piped up, “And we want you to come.”

***

Asher, their nine-year-old son, bounced into the kitchen. “What’s for breakfast?” he asked.

“Pancakes, eggs, and bacon,” Olivia was pulled back into now and managed a smile for her son.

“Oh, Kitchen, could we have the orange juice and the blueberry syrup like last time?” Asher asked the AI. 

“Yes, Master Asher, coming right up.” 

Next, Jude, their twelve-year-old, who was much more dignified, strolled into the room, “I’d like coffee. Dark and rich.”

“Not until you are well into high school,” Olivia wagged her finger at Jude and then took him into a hug.

“M-o-o-o-m!”

Laughing, they all sat down. Kitchen had brought up the plates in the middle of the table, much like a lazy Susan, and the boys were the first to take theirs.

“Mom, when is the party?” Asher asked, speaking around his food.

Scowling, Olivia said, “It’s set for three o’clock, and it’s a feast. Make sure you are good and hungry, both of you.” 

“I can’t wait; I missed going out to Desert Rose!” Jude said.

“For what, three days?” Matt said.

“Dad, it’s been longer than that,” Asher said.

Matt sighed, “I was swamped here, sorry, but now it will be a savory treat. Maybe Kitchen could get recipes.” 

“No, I like going out, like we used to do when you worked,” Jude said.

“Well, you won’t have to wait too long. I think the people from Desert Rose will open a restaurant across the street from the school,” Matt said, looking at Jude.

“And I bet they are preparing the lasagna for today,” Matt said, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Cool,” Jude stuffed another slice of bacon into his mouth.

“Okay, we need to take down the launch prep, and I have a meeting with Elizabeth,” Olivia said.

“Mom, are you really gonna be a teacher?” Asher said.

“Don’t you use those puppy eyes! We all have to adapt, our world will change drastically, and for the better, I hope,” Olivia said, turning to Matt giving him her own pleading look.

“Yes, it’s a whole new life. You will have much more freedom, but with that responsibility,” Matt said, winking at his wife.

The boys looked at each other, searching for meaning, then shrugged their shoulders and continued to stuff bacon.

“Ma’am, Deputy Rodgers is at the front door,” Kitchen said.

“Let her in,” Olivia said, rising from her chair and meeting Zoe at the front door. Zoe was new to Mesaland, but Olivia had known Zoe’s grandmother, Betty, well. She was sorry Betty didn’t come, but her granddaughter looked solid and confident in the deputy’s uniform. Zoe was attractive, with red hair and sparkling green eyes, and usually quite bubbly. Today, though, Zoe’s face was professional.

“Is Matt here?” Zoe said.

“Yes, what’s going on,” Matt said as he walked up behind his wife.

“There’s been a crime. John wants you to come to the police station.”

***

Andrew, Elizabeth’s Kitchen, had told her what was happening. Her family had named the AI rather than calling it such a generic name because they felt it was awkward and wrong not to. Whether or not the AI had feelings about this issue was debatable, but the family agreed it was right.

Each house had an AI, mostly centered in the Kitchen, and there was a dominant AI which coordinated all the houses. Andrew had told Elizabeth what the dominant AI had communicated to him that someone had committed a crime, and she was requested down at the Council House. Andrew delivered the message with some trepidation, which worried Elizabeth. Why would an AI care? That was another reason Elizabeth felt it needed a name. Zior gave them this technology and Elizabeth could sense how more advanced Andrew was beyond Alexa.

Elizabeth rushed down Sage Street to the Council House, formerly Mesaland Elementary. As she reached the station, John met her at the door. 

A crime, echoed through her mind.

“John, what happened?” Elizabeth’s voice trembled.

“One of the AIs picked it up. There was a tap on the Mayone communications,” John said. 

“A tap. Before or after we left Earth?”

“Dylan’s pretty sure that the surveillance had started before we left Earth, but it wasn’t a strong signal and did not stay on long enough for Dylan to trace it. It suddenly increased in strength and duration,” he looked at his watch, “twenty minutes ago. At that point, the AI at the location informed Dylan.”

Dylan was the main AI for all the biomes and the most powerful. Elizabeth had been instrumental in naming him, too. Dylan was her beloved and fierce grandfather, someone she wished could advise her now. She got the impression that Andrew was in awe of the superior AI.

“Do we know…” Elizabeth started. 

John nodded, “Yeah that part was easy; the AI of the location found it. Too much Big Brother for me, even with the safeguards, but it’s a lucky thing now.”

Zior assured them that the AIs were entirely under human control. Still, the sheriff maintained strict surveillance.

“I’m afraid Zior is taking this personally. It specifically asked me to speak to you. It’s very upset, running around in circles, literally,” John said.

“Why did It want me?” Elizabeth asked.

“Because Zior trusts you, and It was the one spied upon. Also, you know the responsible party.”

That wasn’t a surprise; she knew everyone around here. 

“It would be easier to tap Zior’s broadcasts to the other Mayones since there would be a lot,” Elizabeth said.

“It was Cynthia, Harold’s granddaughter. The Mayones’ broadcasting is pretty secure; we haven’t broken it. Our engineers are trying to figure out how she accomplished it. The craziest part is that she’s a kid.” John shook his head. “Go talk to Zior. It’s in Its office waiting for you.”

Elizabeth ran out to Zior’s office in the trailer used for extra classrooms. No one else worked out there. The administration of the Mayone and the Council was kept small on purpose, which was part of the philosophy of the government they had developed. Also, people naturally gave space to their alien out of deference and some fear. She surged up the stairs, slowed down, went over her hair, and straightened her shirt before knocking on the door. Zior called out to her, and she went in.

“Thank you for coming,” Zior said.

Its room was not in perfect order, which was Its habit. The office felt messy. Today, there were computer sticks all over the desk, and the books were on the floor in a neat stack—but on the floor. It disturbed Elizabeth; she could feel the tension.

“Zior, what happened?”

“I don’t know, Elizabeth. I just found out. Is this dangerous? What is the human doing?”

“Dangerous?” She paused, trying to seem calm for It’s sake. “Zior, humans are curious; maybe that is all this is. The young are often adept at computer hacking, all for fun. Is there anything else going on? Do your people know about the hacker?”

“Yes they do and they’re not too pleased with me. It happened in Mesaland!”

“The Mayones blame you?”

“This has been an agitated time. My people want to get on with the human project, but I…” It paused. “I have been worried about these Hagor. They’re following us. I don’t know what this human was doing, but my fellows consider it a break in trust with the human spying.”

Elizabeth sat down, “Shit, that’s not good. You’re people aren’t worried about the Hagor?”

“No, they think it is the nature of things.”

“I don’t like that, especially after my encounter with one.”

“I agree, but my people just want to get you all settled into your new colony. You should be in charge of your own defense when you occupy the new planet and they can go on to other projects. The whole thing is a bit distasteful for them now.”

Distasteful? Elizabeth worried about the look of Zior. It definitely seemed to be a different color than usual. Paler if that was possible.

“Can I do anything for you?” Elizabeth asked in a soothing tone.

“Please, talk to this human. I need to know what….” It didn’t finish.

“Okay. We have a procedure, not yet tested, but we do and Cynthia is being assigned a lawyer,”

A slight smile crossed his thin lips, “If anyone can handle this it’s you, Elizabeth, I thank you.”

“I will get right on it.” She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.

***

Elizabeth paused in the hall, hand on the doorknob. She stared in disbelief through the window in the door to the interrogation room.

No, a tear fell down her cheek.

Wiping the tear away, she straightened her spine and entered. Sitting in the farthest corner at a table was Cynthia. Her kids’ favorite babysitter. She had been attending the University of Arizona when the asteroid hit. She was still very young, the youngest granddaughter of her old friend, Harold. Elizabeth had been so busy that she had lost touch with her, but Harold was on the Council, the administration of the human colony flying through space.

Cynthia looked up and stiffened. She sat ramrod straight; her mouth formed a grim line. Elizabeth gave her a helpless smile and sat down across from the child. 

“Well, this is a pickle,” Elizabeth said. 

Cynthia looked away, while her core stayed frozen in place.

“Cynthia, why?”

The young woman dropped her head and balled her fists. 

“There must have been a reason,” Elizabeth pressed.

Cynthia looked up at her, “How could you trust IT? I had to find out.”

“Find out? What?” Elizabeth’s stomach tightened. 

“I wanted to know what he and his freakish pals are plotting.”

Elizabeth had to admit she had the same fear, which she suppressed. Elizabeth took a deep breath, “Did you find anything… suspicious?”

“Not much,” Cynthia shrugged, “It always spoke in their language.”

Elizabeth didn’t respond.

Cynthia leaned forward. “But I did hear one thing,” she paused for the dramatic effect. It worked because Elizabeth’s heart stopped waiting to hear, “It said Hagor!”

“That’s it?”

“Well… They seemed very upset about it. Sounded like an argument. What if they are in cahoots with these bugs? We can’t trust them.”

“Cynthia, they have to discuss the Hagor. They threaten the Mayones’ projects as well as our own. Which Mayone were you listening too?”

At first, she just tightened her lips, and then Cynthia said, “I tapped Zior’s line to Its fellows, but I couldn’t get into the other way; it wasn’t as easy. Zior was sure to be upset about the whole conversation.”

“Did you do all this on our own?” Elizabeth paused. “This stunt will mess things up,” Elizabeth asked. 

Cynthia clenched her hands again and turned away. The door opened, and Matt walked in.  

“Matt, with a curt nod towards Elizabeth, declared, ‘I need to confer with my client.” 

“All yours.” Elizabeth nodded back and left the room, taking a last look as she shut the door. 

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END OF CHAPTER 4