Sins of the Fathers
Prologue
29th Septus, 2493 Galen Province, Northern Sector
The night sky erupts with a thousand pinpoints of light, followed by thunderous cracks as the sound waves of the detonations reach me.
Fireworks. Celebrations. Commemoration of the arrival.
I turn in disgust and move from my small balcony back into my apartment. I reach for the bottle of Pinchin on the counter, pour myself a glass and quickly swallow it down. It burns an oily trail down my throat and I try not to gag. It’s cheap shit but as I am Native it is all I can afford. I was once someone, something other than “Native”. I was a scientist and a medic. A genetic engineer. Brilliant. Respected. Now I am simply Kalin Morvern, archivist. Kalin Morvern ‘Native’. I am Kalin Morvern, Δ7-9α-69120, nothing else.
I walk to the bathroom a little unsteadily. Over doing the Pinchin again. That’s nothing new. The light flickers into life as I enter the room. The sickly glow from the strip light is not flattering and I wince as I stare at myself in the mirror. I am drunk. Again. I make myself a promise that I will not touch another drop, but how many times have I said that? I splash cold water on my face and stare again at the image in the mirror. My auburn hair hangs limp and un-brushed. My blue-grey eyes framed in red. I look as though I have been crying. Maybe I have been? Crying at what I have lost. Crying for who and what I once was.
Self pity does not become me.
…15 years earlier…
29th Septus, 2478. Galen Province, Northern Sector
They came unannounced and unhindered. Their ships so advanced, they breezed past our planetary defence network. The night sky lit up as their aerial bombardment began, like the fireworks of our summer festivals. These bright lights however, where not greeted with awe and wonder but with fear and horror as they started to kill us.
We had done nothing! We are peaceful! We have barely breached the outer edges of our solar system, yet they have covered countless light years and without warning they started to eliminate us.
Many millions died during the initial attacks. Atmospheric devices erupted in the air above us and those outside were struck down where they stood.
Incinerated.
Vaporised.
Murdered.
But they were clever, oh they were smart! Those out in the open were killed, all humanoid matter targeted. Buildings, transports and utilities left unharmed. Those of us indoors where spared in the initial attacks.
The aerial bombardment eventually stopped, but the killings did not. They set down in transports and their troops poured out, detaining and killing as they saw fit. The invaders. The monsters. They look similar to us, we could even be kin! Yet they are taller than us and with finer features. The palest of eyes and fairest of hair. They could be angels. How beautiful these monsters are!
And so they rounded us up. They scanned, they probed, they checked their lists and many individuals including myself were ‘selected’ and reassigned. Of those not selected, we never saw them again. As for me I became Δ7-9α-69120. Strange designation, but I shall never forget it. It says so on my arm.
Part 1
Bioengineering Institute, Galen Province, Northern Sector
Commander Helkovaara strode down the corridor towards the proteomics laboratory and stopped outside the entrance. A slender hand was placed onto the biometric lock and the doors swung open.
“Ah! Commander, so good to see you. How is the research coming along?”
“My my Lord. I..I did not expect your visit” stammered the young woman.
“Come, come Jerryn. There is no need to be so formal. I am merely checking on my favourite protégé. Have you solved the resolution issues?”
Jerryn walked towards the older man and picked up the autorads from the work bench and placed them on the light box. “As you can see my Lord I have been able to tighten the focusing. However the phosphorylation of the enzymes you supplied me with is atypical. Kinetic studies also show that they are incompatible. They…” her voice faltered momentarily. Clearing her throat she began again “My Lord, the enzymes share very little homology to ours. I am afraid they are of no use. They will never be suitable catalysts.” She stood to her full height and looked him in the eye awaiting his wrath. Instead he broke into a full grin. Laughing, “Jerryn my child. I did not expect you to.”
“But..”
“Jerryn,” Lord Calderan interrupted, “we are not simply going to solve this problem overnight. Now these enzymes are of no use but you are now capable to fully identifying their characteristics and kinetics. Six months ago we were unable to do so. Your work is invaluable my dear.” Jerryn stiffened as he brought his hand to gently caress her cheek. “You are like a daughter to me Jerryn. Now answer me truthfully.” He asked his face set in a frown. “How long have you been working? The biometric scanners indicate you have been here for 47.5 hours. Why have you not rested?”
“My Lord,” Jerryn began “This work is important. I must continue…”
“No. Go home. Get some rest. You will not find the solution if you run yourself into the ground! We may be bigger, stronger and faster but we still need rest.”
“Yes, my Lord.” She replied, a small smile playing on her lips. Jerryn turned to walk from the laboratory. “Oh, and Jerryn.”
“Yes?”
“I have taken the liberty of removing your access to the laboratory for the next 48 hours. Get some rest!”
“But..” and before she could protest further he dismissed her with a wave of his hand and turned his back to her. Turning she continued her way out, along the corridor, her foot steps ringing out. Whilst standing in the lift as it descended to the ground floor, her mind worked through the myriad of puzzles she was determined to solve. The solution is here on this planet, she was told. But why? What is so special about this rock? A frown furrowed her forehead, deep in thought and she barely registered the lift coming to a halt and the door opening.
“Commander, Ma’am?”
“What?” as Jerryn snapped out of her trance, she shot a quick salute at the nervous young Ensign who had addressed her and she marched out of the lift, across the foyer and out into the cool night.
They set out from their home planet Valerian twenty years before. For Jerryn, Valerian was a distant memory. She was only six when they went into space. Set off on the great adventure. She, along with her mother, father and so many others boarded the silver ships and set off into the endless night to find the solution. To search for the cure. By then there were so few of them. It had started gradually. A sickness, a slow breakdown in the immune system of those afflicted. Many of the planets resources were poured into finding a cure and they did. A simple mutation in an essential enzyme had caused the illness. There were planet wide celebrations and everyone infected was treated and the all other citizens were vaccinated. Happy times returned to Valerian. That was fifty years before. The great Valerian plague had been cured, but at a terrible cost. When the enzyme had been identified, antibodies had been raised against it. These antibodies inhibited its mode of action but they were not specific. As a race the Valerian are blessed with long life and until the plague, good health. One benefit of extended life span is the ability to delay procreation. So it was not until sometime after the mass vaccination of the population that the reduced fecundity was documented. As the years passed and fewer offspring were produced, the high council called for research to identify why there were no children being born. After ten years they had their answer. The vaccine! The cure for the Valerian plague not only prevented the illness, but it decreased fecundity and robbed them of their children. Twenty six years ago Jerryn had been born, a precious and so desperately wanted child...and she was the last. Since her birth no other children had been borne unto the Valerian and so they left their home planet, climbed into their silver ships and crossed the vast expanse of space to find the solution…to find the cure.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn walked toward the entrance gate where the guard stood to attention at her approach. “At ease before you hurt yourself” she said grinning. The guard smiled:” You be careful on your way home Commander Jerryn, the Natives have been restless. Why do you live planet side anyways? Safer on the ships, plus you don’t have to mix with the vermin.”
“There have been more incidents?” asked Jerryn.
“Yeah, they hit the eastern landing pad this afternoon. No losses thankfully, but it’s out of action for a week.”
“Well I think I can handle myself Sergeant, besides I prefer to breathe fresh air, I’ve spent far too much time in space.”
“I hear you Ma’am. You take care anyways.” He replied saluting again.
“Goodnight” and with that Jerryn turned and walked through the gates and out into the deserted streets to begin the walk home.
Jerryn’s apartment was only a ten minute walk from the institute along a tree lined street. The wind rustled the leaves and scattered the light from the street lamps, casting shadows which moved as she walked among them. Her footsteps rang out as she continued her journey. Not another soul could be seen. Not unusual, it was 11.30pm after all. The Natives had been under curfew since the arrival. Their continued hostile actions against the Aesir had demonstrated the need for a ‘firm hand’ when dealing with them. As a result, a curfew of 10pm had been instigated and all Natives had been relocated to the more built up, down town areas. Easier to contain and control. Here on the northern side of the city, with the larger dwellings Aesir families had made their homes. Those who chose to remain planet side that is. Some still wished to live on their ships and since the increase in insurgent activities, more and more where choosing to do so. But not Jerryn. She had fallen in love with her apartment, with its large balcony and views of the bay. She smiled as she thought of sitting on her balcony, glass in hand watching the twin moons rise over the bay. As she neared the corner she became aware of ‘other’ shadows moving. Shadows not caused by the light breeze. Three of them…no wait, four. Sighing she flexed her hands and continued walking, waiting for them to make their presence known. She did not have to wait long.
Two Natives appeared in front, a third behind her. The fourth, smaller and younger than the rest hung back and shifted his weight nervously.
“Well, well, well what do we have here?” sniggered the larger of the group. Jerryn stopped walking, and as always, marvelled at how dissimilar these Natives are. Great variations in eye and hair colour, facial features were varied also. So different from the Aesir, who were all pale skinned, fair haired and fine featured. Ever the scientist her mind delighted at what she was seeing.
“Oi! Talking to you?”
Snapping out of her reverie, Jerryn turned to face him, then slowly turned to the younger, more nervous Native and fixed him with a steely glare. Eyebrow arched in question. He could not hold her gaze and quickly turned and fled.
“Rick! Rick! You get back here you twat!” roared the Native behind her. Jerryn turned to face him a small smile played upon her lips.
“Enough of this shite,” said the larger “let’s teach this bitch a lesson” and with that the Natives advanced toward her, and then, for the Natives, everything turned black…
Prologue
29th Septus, 2493 Galen Province, Northern Sector
The night sky erupts with a thousand pinpoints of light, followed by thunderous cracks as the sound waves of the detonations reach me.
Fireworks. Celebrations. Commemoration of the arrival.
I turn in disgust and move from my small balcony back into my apartment. I reach for the bottle of Pinchin on the counter, pour myself a glass and quickly swallow it down. It burns an oily trail down my throat and I try not to gag. It’s cheap shit but as I am Native it is all I can afford. I was once someone, something other than “Native”. I was a scientist and a medic. A genetic engineer. Brilliant. Respected. Now I am simply Kalin Morvern, archivist. Kalin Morvern ‘Native’. I am Kalin Morvern, Δ7-9α-69120, nothing else.
I walk to the bathroom a little unsteadily. Over doing the Pinchin again. That’s nothing new. The light flickers into life as I enter the room. The sickly glow from the strip light is not flattering and I wince as I stare at myself in the mirror. I am drunk. Again. I make myself a promise that I will not touch another drop, but how many times have I said that? I splash cold water on my face and stare again at the image in the mirror. My auburn hair hangs limp and un-brushed. My blue-grey eyes framed in red. I look as though I have been crying. Maybe I have been? Crying at what I have lost. Crying for who and what I once was.
Self pity does not become me.
…15 years earlier…
29th Septus, 2478. Galen Province, Northern Sector
They came unannounced and unhindered. Their ships so advanced, they breezed past our planetary defence network. The night sky lit up as their aerial bombardment began, like the fireworks of our summer festivals. These bright lights however, where not greeted with awe and wonder but with fear and horror as they started to kill us.
We had done nothing! We are peaceful! We have barely breached the outer edges of our solar system, yet they have covered countless light years and without warning they started to eliminate us.
Many millions died during the initial attacks. Atmospheric devices erupted in the air above us and those outside were struck down where they stood.
Incinerated.
Vaporised.
Murdered.
But they were clever, oh they were smart! Those out in the open were killed, all humanoid matter targeted. Buildings, transports and utilities left unharmed. Those of us indoors where spared in the initial attacks.
The aerial bombardment eventually stopped, but the killings did not. They set down in transports and their troops poured out, detaining and killing as they saw fit. The invaders. The monsters. They look similar to us, we could even be kin! Yet they are taller than us and with finer features. The palest of eyes and fairest of hair. They could be angels. How beautiful these monsters are!
And so they rounded us up. They scanned, they probed, they checked their lists and many individuals including myself were ‘selected’ and reassigned. Of those not selected, we never saw them again. As for me I became Δ7-9α-69120. Strange designation, but I shall never forget it. It says so on my arm.
Part 1
Bioengineering Institute, Galen Province, Northern Sector
Commander Helkovaara strode down the corridor towards the proteomics laboratory and stopped outside the entrance. A slender hand was placed onto the biometric lock and the doors swung open.
“Ah! Commander, so good to see you. How is the research coming along?”
“My my Lord. I..I did not expect your visit” stammered the young woman.
“Come, come Jerryn. There is no need to be so formal. I am merely checking on my favourite protégé. Have you solved the resolution issues?”
Jerryn walked towards the older man and picked up the autorads from the work bench and placed them on the light box. “As you can see my Lord I have been able to tighten the focusing. However the phosphorylation of the enzymes you supplied me with is atypical. Kinetic studies also show that they are incompatible. They…” her voice faltered momentarily. Clearing her throat she began again “My Lord, the enzymes share very little homology to ours. I am afraid they are of no use. They will never be suitable catalysts.” She stood to her full height and looked him in the eye awaiting his wrath. Instead he broke into a full grin. Laughing, “Jerryn my child. I did not expect you to.”
“But..”
“Jerryn,” Lord Calderan interrupted, “we are not simply going to solve this problem overnight. Now these enzymes are of no use but you are now capable to fully identifying their characteristics and kinetics. Six months ago we were unable to do so. Your work is invaluable my dear.” Jerryn stiffened as he brought his hand to gently caress her cheek. “You are like a daughter to me Jerryn. Now answer me truthfully.” He asked his face set in a frown. “How long have you been working? The biometric scanners indicate you have been here for 47.5 hours. Why have you not rested?”
“My Lord,” Jerryn began “This work is important. I must continue…”
“No. Go home. Get some rest. You will not find the solution if you run yourself into the ground! We may be bigger, stronger and faster but we still need rest.”
“Yes, my Lord.” She replied, a small smile playing on her lips. Jerryn turned to walk from the laboratory. “Oh, and Jerryn.”
“Yes?”
“I have taken the liberty of removing your access to the laboratory for the next 48 hours. Get some rest!”
“But..” and before she could protest further he dismissed her with a wave of his hand and turned his back to her. Turning she continued her way out, along the corridor, her foot steps ringing out. Whilst standing in the lift as it descended to the ground floor, her mind worked through the myriad of puzzles she was determined to solve. The solution is here on this planet, she was told. But why? What is so special about this rock? A frown furrowed her forehead, deep in thought and she barely registered the lift coming to a halt and the door opening.
“Commander, Ma’am?”
“What?” as Jerryn snapped out of her trance, she shot a quick salute at the nervous young Ensign who had addressed her and she marched out of the lift, across the foyer and out into the cool night.
They set out from their home planet Valerian twenty years before. For Jerryn, Valerian was a distant memory. She was only six when they went into space. Set off on the great adventure. She, along with her mother, father and so many others boarded the silver ships and set off into the endless night to find the solution. To search for the cure. By then there were so few of them. It had started gradually. A sickness, a slow breakdown in the immune system of those afflicted. Many of the planets resources were poured into finding a cure and they did. A simple mutation in an essential enzyme had caused the illness. There were planet wide celebrations and everyone infected was treated and the all other citizens were vaccinated. Happy times returned to Valerian. That was fifty years before. The great Valerian plague had been cured, but at a terrible cost. When the enzyme had been identified, antibodies had been raised against it. These antibodies inhibited its mode of action but they were not specific. As a race the Valerian are blessed with long life and until the plague, good health. One benefit of extended life span is the ability to delay procreation. So it was not until sometime after the mass vaccination of the population that the reduced fecundity was documented. As the years passed and fewer offspring were produced, the high council called for research to identify why there were no children being born. After ten years they had their answer. The vaccine! The cure for the Valerian plague not only prevented the illness, but it decreased fecundity and robbed them of their children. Twenty six years ago Jerryn had been born, a precious and so desperately wanted child...and she was the last. Since her birth no other children had been borne unto the Valerian and so they left their home planet, climbed into their silver ships and crossed the vast expanse of space to find the solution…to find the cure.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn walked toward the entrance gate where the guard stood to attention at her approach. “At ease before you hurt yourself” she said grinning. The guard smiled:” You be careful on your way home Commander Jerryn, the Natives have been restless. Why do you live planet side anyways? Safer on the ships, plus you don’t have to mix with the vermin.”
“There have been more incidents?” asked Jerryn.
“Yeah, they hit the eastern landing pad this afternoon. No losses thankfully, but it’s out of action for a week.”
“Well I think I can handle myself Sergeant, besides I prefer to breathe fresh air, I’ve spent far too much time in space.”
“I hear you Ma’am. You take care anyways.” He replied saluting again.
“Goodnight” and with that Jerryn turned and walked through the gates and out into the deserted streets to begin the walk home.
Jerryn’s apartment was only a ten minute walk from the institute along a tree lined street. The wind rustled the leaves and scattered the light from the street lamps, casting shadows which moved as she walked among them. Her footsteps rang out as she continued her journey. Not another soul could be seen. Not unusual, it was 11.30pm after all. The Natives had been under curfew since the arrival. Their continued hostile actions against the Aesir had demonstrated the need for a ‘firm hand’ when dealing with them. As a result, a curfew of 10pm had been instigated and all Natives had been relocated to the more built up, down town areas. Easier to contain and control. Here on the northern side of the city, with the larger dwellings Aesir families had made their homes. Those who chose to remain planet side that is. Some still wished to live on their ships and since the increase in insurgent activities, more and more where choosing to do so. But not Jerryn. She had fallen in love with her apartment, with its large balcony and views of the bay. She smiled as she thought of sitting on her balcony, glass in hand watching the twin moons rise over the bay. As she neared the corner she became aware of ‘other’ shadows moving. Shadows not caused by the light breeze. Three of them…no wait, four. Sighing she flexed her hands and continued walking, waiting for them to make their presence known. She did not have to wait long.
Two Natives appeared in front, a third behind her. The fourth, smaller and younger than the rest hung back and shifted his weight nervously.
“Well, well, well what do we have here?” sniggered the larger of the group. Jerryn stopped walking, and as always, marvelled at how dissimilar these Natives are. Great variations in eye and hair colour, facial features were varied also. So different from the Aesir, who were all pale skinned, fair haired and fine featured. Ever the scientist her mind delighted at what she was seeing.
“Oi! Talking to you?”
Snapping out of her reverie, Jerryn turned to face him, then slowly turned to the younger, more nervous Native and fixed him with a steely glare. Eyebrow arched in question. He could not hold her gaze and quickly turned and fled.
“Rick! Rick! You get back here you twat!” roared the Native behind her. Jerryn turned to face him a small smile played upon her lips.
“Enough of this shite,” said the larger “let’s teach this bitch a lesson” and with that the Natives advanced toward her, and then, for the Natives, everything turned black…
