Chapter 4

*Planet Lamu*

As they disengaged Warp speed, a Sapphire blue Lamu appeared on the horizon. A Methane dominated Planet, Lamu glittered in a resplendent glow from the rays of its 3 Suns as they bounced off the Planet’s atmosphere, dancing mischeivously in Space.

One of the main reasons Tindo appreciated his job at the Citadel is because it gave him regular opportunities to tour Space, and so on this trip he would be taking quite a few image crystals to show his Wife and daughter when he got home as he wondered what souvenirs Lamu had in store.

The anticipation was too much to bear as Juju transmitted the Universal Federation Code to the Lamu Control Tower so they could be cleared for docking.

They were soon given the all clear, and directed to a landing dock. A smooth docking was assured with Juju at the controls. Not only was Juju a fantastic Pilot, but he’d chosen Juju for this particular mission because he needed Juju’s jaded perspective.

After the last meeting with the Savants, he feared he could be a little naive, and Juju would provide the perfect antidote to his unchecked optimism. He was secure in Dimpo’s ability to run things smoothly at Kingu Station while they were away. Although Lamu’s gravity was similar to Kingu’s, they still needed Gravity Suits and Atmospheric Breathing masks.

“I’ve never really trusted the Lamu, and I suspect they are somehow involved in causing the Neural Feed anomalies. Don’t forget that they were the last to join the Federation, holding out against the Juluka more than any other Federation Planet.”

Juju said breaking the silence with typical skepticism as they prepared to step out of their docked transport Ship. Unlike Kingu which was built mostly from Pyramid Shaped Stone, Lamu’s harsher atmosphere and terrain required the use of enclosed glass dome structures.

“We’ll see, lets face it, we can’t really say until we’ve heard from all the gathered Federation representatives”, was Tindo’s terse response. He had to seem objective and unbiased for now, but was glad Juju was on top of his game because he needed that if he was going to arrive at a realistic assessment of the situation.

“If you say so Boss”. Juju sarcastically replied as they walked towards Lamu’s main Conference Dome where representatives from all the Kingu Federation States had gathered. Due to Planetary conditions, the Lamu had evolved tall, slender frames and a dark Skin tone with eyes that provided infrared vision.

Life on Lamu surely didn’t look the same as it did on Kingu, but the Juluka were their common yoke and burden.

“I hope you had a pleasant trip. The microwave storms in the Xai Xai belt can be rough around this time of year”, the Lamu Temple Engineer remarked as he ushered them into the Conference Dome.

“We made it through just fine thank you”, Juju replied.

They had no time for pleasantries today, and Tindo was glad Juju had taken the burden of playing nice off him. Tindo and Juju immediately took their seats at the long Conference Table.

Meanwhile on Planet Kingu, at the instance of the Juluka Lord Bindu, Timati and Jinda had gathered for another separate meeting to discuss the Neural Feed anomalies, and the investigative mission dispatched to Planet Lamu.

“Look, I don’t think we’ve got anything to worry about. We’ll soon find out if the Federation Planets are up to something once Tindo returns. He’s never failed us.” Timati reassured Lord Bindu and Jinda in the Planet Kingu Conference Room via an Interstellar Feed connection to Juluka.

“We can’t afford any disruptions with the Zig supply at this stage. The situation on Juluka is fragile to say the least. Our shift to Zig energy is almost complete, and any problems with the Zig supply puts all our plans for Juluka and the entire Federation at risk” Lord Bindu interjected.

“The Neural errors are a concern for us as well. Our Immortality depends on our ability to extract Life Force from the Confederation Citizens. As you already know, since the inception of the Savant program, us Savants have been heavily dependant on the people’s Life Force Energy. We agreed to accept synthetic bodies as part of the Savant Program so we would not age, but without the people’s Life Force to energise us we will surely die.

If a solution is not found we may have to be retired, and without us there’s no-one else to ensure that the Federation Planets properly implement the Juluka Protocols prescribed in the Configuration Templates given to us during the Savant Program when this whole project was initiated”, Jinda said reminding everyone of what was at stake.

Timati felt compelled to give the impression that the situation was under control.

“I don’t think it will come to that. We’ve made an early intervention and its best to wait on the outcome of Tindo’s report. Meanwhile our Intelligence gathering continues, we already have a few leads and whoever is behind this wont be at it for much longer.”

“Let’s hope so, and I suggest you start working on a cover story for the Federation Citizens in case this thing spirals out of control. The Savant Program remains above Top Secret, we can’t afford a leak”, Lord Bindu cut in with a curt response.

“We’ll keep dangling the prospect of Elevation for as long as we can to motivate our people here, in the meantime lets see what comes out of the Lamu Conference…”

Lord Bindu abruptly terminated the feed as Timati finished his sentence.

Next: Ambushed

Artwork Credit

DeviantArt

Doce:Noone