Dr. Kizzie’s Confrontation
STUDENT SOCIAL
Dr. Bilden enters the Student Social and glances around. Across the room, he spots Doctors Marshon and Kizzie seated together.
He approaches and asks, “May I join you?”
“Of course,” he says. “She told me about the personal meetings she’s having with her new staff.”
“I don’t mean to intrude.”
“No intrusion at all,” she says. “Please, sit down.”
“Congratulations on your promotion,” Bilden says.
“Thanks, but I failed in my attempts to break down the barriers with my people. I sense they’re hiding something.”
“Well,” Marshon says, “you did get promoted and not them. Some are bound to harbor resentment. Others who aren’t acquainted with you might be uncomfortable with the unknowns of a new boss.”
“Perhaps, but I can’t succeed without their cooperation and trust. How do you suggest I proceed with your experience as seasoned heads of departments?”
“Well, I experienced similar problems when I received my current appointment,” Dr. Bilden says. “Inside any grouping, will be a leader and an informal one. The individual will demonstrate a lot of influence within the population. You can be the boss, but the other personality may be more influential. You need to identify the person and win his or her loyalty. You can do so with skill, and the rest will follow. Their allegiance and trust will come much easier.”
“Well put,” Marshon says. “Within the same crowd, might be a subordinate who’s trying to upstage the manager. Most of the people want power and influence, but sometimes the individual enjoys stirring up trouble.”
“Keep in mind, the person might want your post,” Dr. Bilden says. “The situation may be a curse or a blessing, depending on the personality. Should he want your job, helping you climb the ladder’s a good thing. Some, however, will try to knock you off.”
“Be cautious and alert, Kizzie, and you’ll do fine,” Dr. Marshon says. “The timing of Dr. Zea’s death was shocking. Unfortunate for us, he picked the particular day to visit The Dome Project. Many good people died in the crash. Did the investigators determine a cause?”
“Not to my knowledge,” she says.
“A confidant, who is part of Bhril’s organization, told me, he called an unscheduled assembly two days ago. In the meeting, he demanded answers. Kahnn didn’t address the problems with a convincing degree of detail, and he humiliated him in front of his staff,” Dr. Bilden says.
“Well, he’s the second in command and close friend. Bhril thought him trustworthy enough to oversee things while he spent full time with party affairs prior to the elections,” says Marshon.
“I understand he went after the wrong part of his boss’s business,” she says.
“You said what?” he asks.
“I should be quiet about rumors. Let’s not discuss the myth further.”
“Well, I must meet with my student team for breakfast. Afterwards, I’ll conduct a short briefing, and we’ll go out to the project. I can’t tell them much, except their assignments. The first few days, they’ll be reviewing the transaction logs leading up to the data loss. Dr. Bilden, I may need assistance from you and your staff. Remember you two, mum’s the word—I didn’t tell you anything.”
“Get us cleared and we’ll do all we can to help,” he says.
“Thanks, but I’m not sure you want any part of this mess.”
The doctor approaches his office and finds Jadan dozing on the sofa in his reception area. He touches him on the shoulder.
He jumps up with a startled expression on his face. “Sorry, sir, I didn’t sleep well—too many things on my mind.”
“I understand. Come on in and I’ll make some Kava while we’re waiting for breakfast and the others.”
Soon, the other students arrive.
Dr. Marshon begins more in depth introductions. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. I’ll assume you aren’t familiar with each other, so I’ll make the intros. Jadan’s the team leader. He demonstrates exceptional skills in mathematics and all facets of computer technology. Kraymer’s specialty is hardware. He’s among the top designers, and he’s doing research into the feasibility of organic circuitry to replace the current metal and mineral components in use. Surtat is a graduate student preparing to be a teacher. She specializes in software code. She’s one of the best in her field. Relo’s a specialist in system design and skilled at programming computer games and models. His acquaintances refer to him as ‘The Magician.” What you see is NOT WHAT YOU GET in many of his designs. Rueef Lorenz is an expert in encoding. She received THE STAR OF EXCELLENCE for an encryption program the professionals and mega computers are unable to break. Her friends call her Rue. Congratulations go to all of you for your selection. We’ll take a few minutes for each of you to get acquainted.”
The door opens, and an individual enters pushing a cart containing breakfast. Soon they sit and eat.
“Were you knowledgeable of one another before now?” Dr. Marshon asks.
“I shared classes with all the rest except Surtat,” Jadan says. “In fact, Kraymer, and I worked on a project together.”
“Right,” he says. “I recognize Rue from previous courses.”
With a chuckle, Relo says, “She tested one of my programs and shot quite a few holes in my work.”
“I’m not so sure. The program misled me—appearing to be a war game, in reality, a spy agenda revealed itself. He programmed in unique ways to get me to enter sensitive personal data. Beware if you test his software.” Rue says.
“I had not met any of the others,” Surtat says. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with you.”
“Well, I’m glad we’re familiar with one another. The task we face will tax your individual skills, and challenge us as a team. We’re under pressure to solve the mystery of the missing information and soon.”
The group chats as they eat. “One other thing,” says the doctor in a serious tone. “I believe certain parties want us to fail. Political agendas exist along with the overall project importance. I must be aware of anyone who doesn’t cooperate. In addition, you may encounter intentional deception.”
“Here’s the plan for the next three days. We’ll be staying in guest quarters, and other workers and management personnel are at work on site. Exercise extreme caution not to let others become aware of what you’re doing. Listen and you might learn valuable information from those who are off duty.”
“Are we to interact with off-duty individuals,” Rue asks?
“Yes, but on a casual basis. You can admit you are from the university, but they must believe this is an academic project. You’re telling the truth—of sorts.”
DR. KIZZIE’S OFFICE THE FOLLOWING DAY
“Come in, Mr. Eas and sit down. We are acquainted with each other by profession for quite some time.”
“We are,” he says with an attitude of neutrality and a stern frown on his face.
“I studied the overview of your department, and yours is an area of interest to me. I’m anxious to learn more about your programs.”
“I’ll answer your questions.”
His tenor and facial expressions startle Kizzie. He appears and sounds like a man who is ready to throw a temper tantrum.
“Mr. Eas, I gather from the tone of this conversation you aren’t going to make the transition easy.”
“I’ll respond to your inquiries,” he says in a more sarcastic character.
He is testing me. I let him get away with this obvious disrespect—I’ll never gain his respect. Esteem is by far more important than friendship. He appears liked by most of his peers, and his influence is evident.
Kizzie’s supervisory style relies on trust and empowerment. She never exerted her authority, but she can take a firm stand.
Eas’ face flushes and he purses his lips. In his anger, he grits his teeth. “With respect madam, I’m not sure how you got the appointment, but Dr. Zea groomed me to be his replacement. You got my job. Time is needed before I decide if I can work for you.”
“I’m not sure how I got selected either, but he didn’t groom and present you well. Furthermore, you’re out of time. I expect your decision by this time tomorrow. You’ll give me one hundred percent cooperation and respect, or I’ll demand your letter of resignation,” she says in a stern voice. “This meeting is over.”
She stands, and with authority, she escorts a stunned Eas to the door.
He leaves, and his anger begins to peak. He underestimated her, and she stood firm with him. He now realizes his job is in jeopardy. He must get his thoughts together and decide his next move.
Kizzie closes her door and says to her assistant, “Schedule a meeting at the same time tomorrow for Mr. Eas.” She walks to her desk and sits down. She leans back in her chair with her hands clasped behind her head. I might as well address this now. I must remain in control, or I am done before I get started. If he comes back with the same bad attitude, I will demote and transfer him.
Bilden said, “Well, I experienced similar problems...”
Marshon said, “Well put...”
Is Eas the informal group leader? Time will tell.
THE TEAM TRAVELS TO THE DOME
The group meets at the rendezvous at the designated time. A mixed sense of excitement and apprehension abounds as the doctor greets them. “I’m glad you’re all here. Is everyone ready to tackle the tasks?”
“About as prepared as I can be under the circumstances,” says Jadan.
“I didn’t realize the world functioned at this time of day,” Rue says.
“Sorry, but we need to be in Main Control when the first shift arrives and begins work. The CDC Administrator will brief us and show us around. He’ll introduce us to the key individuals with whom we’ll be working.”
“The ‘ALL-SEEING EYE’ is watching you,” says Relo in evil tone.
The MagnaTranz system is subterranean. A series of trains operate using electro-magnetism. The tracks are ‘T’ shaped, and the undercarriage of the individual cars straddles the top of the ‘T’ with safety angles with wheels wrapping under the head. The base of the track anchors to an insulated foundation, which in turn, bolts to massive concrete slabs. The electro-magnetic current creates a field and ‘floats’ each specialized undercarriage. The train is operational, and no physical contact takes place between the lower support and the superstructure. A ripple of magnetic impulses ahead generates the propulsion. To brake, the magnetism moves to the back and creates drag. The operator controls the energy and thus the amount of braking through a foot-pedal. The central computer can also control decelerating and accelerating. The ride, acceleration, and stopping are so smooth one finds difficulty telling when the train is moving.
Soon, a man in uniform walks through the car with a sophisticated instrument in his hand with flashing lights. He passes everyone, and the device chirps.
“The Central Data Computer is now aware of each person entering the secured area. Detection of an unauthorized person sets off an alarm, and the MagnaTranz can’t get underway until all onboard are cleared,” Dr. Marshon says.
A bell rings twice and the train starts to accelerate, until reaching cruising speed. The car rocks with gentleness when another passes going in the opposite direction. A short time later, the transporter begins to slow. Stopped at the platform, a female voice announces, “Main Control and CDC.” A door opens.
“I’m to escort you and your group. Please come with me,” the man says.
They walk across the deck to a waiting AeroBus, a sleek, metallic silver, cigar-shaped vehicle with one door in the side and seating for ten. The top half of the unit is glass. The bottom of the car is flat and is setting on the floor. Four alternating red and blue stripes, two centimeters wide, run in a horizontal direction around the center of the car. They approach, and the operator raises his left arm and touches a device on his wrist. The door opens. They place their bags in the racks at the back of the car, and take their places. All seat themselves, and the man says, “Main Control...Administrator’s suite.”
No controls are visible in the car. A small panel at the front displays a series of flashing red, green, and blue lights. The door closes and a melodious chime sounds, and a chirp informs passengers the car is going to depart. The unit rises about two centimeters and moves away. The car emits a faint hum when moving, and the pitch gets higher as the car goes faster. Parallel lines of varying colors mark the floor. Each is an AeroBus lane. Raised walkways run along the wall and provide a safe area for pedestrians. The car enters a long corridor and accelerates.
Soon, the vehicle slows, arrives in a large round silo, stops, and starts its vertical ascent. Twenty levels later, the unit arrives at the top and moves to a parking platform.
The man again raises his left arm and touches the device. The door opens. “Leave your bags. They’re to go to Guest Quarters ahead of you. Take what you need for your work.” Each retrieves an attaché containing a computer and an interface link. They follow the man through an automatic door and into a large room. The group enters, a door on the opposite wall opens, and a man comes out to greet them.
“I’m Keiver Belan, Administrator of Main Control,” he says as he approaches Dr. Marshon with his hand extended.
“I’m honored, sir,” the doctor says. “Allow me to introduce my team.”
Brief introductions completed, he says, “May I present the Division Supervisor. Her department maintains the history at all locations. She’ll explain the files, and the codes along with the encryption used. She is expecting you and assures me she’ll provide you with all the support you request.”
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,” she says. “Allow me to begin with an overview of the transaction logs. An encrypted list of cryptograms awaits each of you. The electronic tablets match your individual PICs and security bracelets. You’ll be able to make notes on your tablet. The F14 key will hide the screen if someone approaches, and you desire privacy.”
A long and detailed explanation follows, and the supervisor asks, “Questions?”
“Are any transactions not logged?” Relo asks.
“None—and all end with a confirmation code, which further defines the type of transaction.”
“Thank you for being thorough,” the doctor says.
“Call me at 5HD250 if you need my assistance.”
Kraymer and Surtat meet their assistant and guide. “We’ll catch you at dinner,” she says.
“Alright,” says the others.
Relo and Rue pick up their gear and follow their aide.
“Well Jadan, time to get started,” says Dr. Marshon, as they go to their temporary workstations. The transaction log auditing proves to be tedious. The hours creep by, and after what seems like an eternity, the time comes to stop for the day and meet for dinner. They go to the awaiting AeroBus and find the others waiting. “I hope you experienced a good day,” he says to Relo.
“Monotonous.”
“I understand what you mean. Leaves changing colors provide more visual entertainment.”
“This isn’t what you expected,” the doctor says. “The task must be done. Don’t let your boredom cause you to miss possible clues.”
“We’re looking for what?” Surtat asks.
“The transactions in the log tie together like the links in a chain,” says Marshon. “We’re searching for sections not fitting as they should. Some missing connections may exist where the data disappeared—unless someone’s covering something up. Ask if dates and times make sense, and if the confirmation codes fit the action. Let’s find the break in the information flow. We can back up and try to determine what happened before and after. We must understand the associations before we can decide if the data’s lost or displaced in the system.”
“Think this way. The non-verbal language tells a story,” Jadan says.
“Enough of the heavy talk. We’re going to do what after dinner?” Kraymer asks.
“Get settled into Guest Quarters, and the rest of the evening is free. You’re restricted to the area, but a number of activities are available. Go to bed and get plenty of sleep so you’ll be alert tomorrow. The next two days are important to our forming a strategy when we get back to the campus,” says Marshon in a suggestive but firm voice. “Oh yes, you’ll not be able to call the outside while you’re in The Dome. I meant to tell you before we came, but I forgot. Your communicators will, however, work within the structure.”
“I didn’t sleep well,” Jadan says. “I think I’m going to my room, shower, and go to bed. Breakfast meeting time is what?”
“We’ll meet at 0600. The AeroBus will pick us up at 0700,” says Marshon.
He is disappointed to learn he cannot call Kia. He is sure she will be waiting. Loneliness washes over him.
“Get settled in, and Relo and I are going for Kava. Would the rest of you like to go with us?” Rue asks.
“I need to get my notes organized on the day and prepare for tomorrow,” says the doctor.
“I’ll join you,” says Kraymer.
“Yeah, me too,” Surtat says.
“How about you, Jadan, are you coming?” she asks.
“Thanks, but no.”
At breakfast, Dr. Marshon informs the group the new supreme chancellor is touring The Dome Project. “He arrived yesterday, but he’s not satisfied with what he’s seen. A high probability exists he’ll want to talk to some of us later in the day. Stay calm and assure him we’re doing everything possible to find the problem should he come to your workstation. I learned the computer glitch is blamed for the MagnaTranz crash. We’ll be searching the connection also.”
“We’ll realign our teams. Jadan work with Rue, Kraymer will go with Relo, and Surtat will accompany me. We’ll meet for lunch at 1200,” the doctor says.
“Rue, lead on,” he says in a joking tone.
“At your service, sir,” she says in jest.
They reach their workspace, and she says, “Late yesterday, Relo got bored, and while I took a break, he scrolled through the database and found some files with no transactions logged for more than ten thousand years. He didn’t try to open any of them, but he said they’re in an obscure code he doesn’t recognize. Can you imagine the interesting history they must hold?”
“Strange—files not opened for so long. You’re right. They sound intriguing.”
“Do you think we might be able to get copies?”
“Sounds like a real challenge. With all the security sensors around, I’m not sure about the possibility. Is he aware you’re discussing this with me?”
“He is…”
“Well, we can discuss details later. Now, we need to focus on this business. The transaction logs are waiting,” says Jadan in a dreadful tone.
“Relo doesn’t want to let Kraymer, Surtat, or Dr. Marshon in on the plan. I would like your opinion.”
“I’m not sure. Let me think through the situation. How far did you guys get yesterday?”
CHANCELLOR JERKA’S TOUR OF THE PROJECT CONTINUES
The alarm sounds, and Kahnn reached to turn off the noise. The prior day and the lack of sleep the night before took their toll on him. With dinner over last evening, he excused himself and retired to his room. The quick shower relaxed him, and he collapsed in the bed. He awoke in the same position.
A few minutes later, he pushes back the covers, sits up, and puts his feet on the floor. A brief visit to the bathroom, he goes to the kitchenette and starts brewing Kava.
Betta stops before the door of the Managers’ Lounge. A waiter greets him. “Good morning, Monsieur Kahnn. Come right this way, sir.” He leads him to an exclusive meeting room.
He enters to find the chancellor and Bhril are present. A stone-faced chancellor stares up at him as he approaches the table. The nervous knot returns to his stomach. Kahnn’s explanations the previous day demonstrated detailed preparation, but Jerka’s displeasure showed. He didn’t want reasons.
“Good morning, Kahnn.” Jerka disposition is threatening.
“Good morning, gentlemen, I trust you slept well.”
His statement gets no response from either. Several attempts to lighten the mood failed. This day appears to be a continuation of the same. His stomach tightens even more.
The room is quiet as they eat.
The chancellor breaks the silence, “Yesterday’s tour I found interesting, but I’m concerned with the lack of activity taking place. The computer glitch and the material problems brought the project to a standstill. How do you plan to get things moving again?”
They turn to Kahnn, who is fidgeting on his seat. “A visit to the CDC and Dr. Marshon is first on the agenda. I arranged for an AeroBus to take us.”
They await the transporter, while the Jerka makes entries on his electronic tablet. Bhril reflects on the previous day’s activity. He expected him to fail and embarrass them both. He believes his failure will lead to his immediate dismissal as Manager of The Dome Project. Much to his surprise, Betta performed well. Not satisfied with the results, the chancellor failed to discredit his explanations. No doubt, his staff worked through the evening searching for inconsistencies in the presentations. His involvement in the political arena and his visibility in the previous elections would make replacing him more difficult for Jerka without a good reason. His neglect leading to the problems at The Dome would give Jerka the cause.
The election win was by a small margin. He must build a strong working relationship with the Foundation Party to accomplish his goals and campaign promises. To fire Bhril will be a political disaster for him. He must show unquestionable negligence.
The AeroBus takes them to Dr. Marshon and Surtat.
They arrive at Main Control, and Administrator Belan meets them. “Good morning gentlemen—welcome. Chancellor, good morning and may I congratulate you on your election victory.”
“Good morning, Keiver.”
Jerka greets an old friend. “Did you find the cause of the computer failure?”
“No, sir, not yet, but some of the best minds from the university are working toward a solution.”
“Yes, Bhril and Kahnn told me. Are they making progress?”
“They arrived yesterday. Most of the day went to get them oriented and introduced to the personnel with who they are assigned. The doctor will bring you up to date. Would you like Kava before we go?”
“We can and I would like you to update me with your assessment of the problem. I’m interested in hearing your response to the initial findings concerning the MagnaTranz wreck. You are aware. Dr. Zea died in the crash, and we became close friends and colleagues over the years.”
Bhril and Kahnn are surprised. More than a casual acquaintance is apparent between Chancellor Jerka and Keiver Belan.
He invites the party into his private office. “Take a seat, gentlemen. I’ll arrange for Kava to be brought in.” He buzzes his assistant and gives instructions.
“Where would you like to start, sir?”
“Give me a recap, in layman’s terms, as to what happened.”
“Well, business moved along as usual. All worked to specifications until some of the engineering programs began to send DATA NOT FOUND errors. At first, we thought the hardware malfunctioned. All the diagnostics on the CDC passed, and everything met the parameters. Attention turned to the program software. We expected to find a corrupted file or command. All the electronic tests were run, and everything turned up normal. We’ve gone through the programming line by line, but we found nothing abnormal. All the hardware replaced, we still get the same messages.”
“I understand the backup computers malfunctioned too. Tell me more.”
“The mystery deepens. The data missing from the CDC is also absent from the three in the Spider. How the problem happened baffles us. The systems failed with the engineering and construction information. All the others worked to perfection.”
“Are hard copy backups available for the lost information?”
“No. The number of transactions and the subsequent detail make paper copies impossible.”
“Did other programs fail?”
“No—specific ones malfunctioned. I must tell you, all The Dome’s critical information is part of those files.”
“The project is dead until the files are found?”
“In fact, yes,” Belan says.
“How did such a thing happen?” the chancellor asks, his anger evident.
Stillness fills the room. Lengthy silence passes and Jerka says, “Let’s go to visit Marshon. I hope he can give me a little good news.”
They get up and go to the awaiting AeroBus.
A REMOTE LOCATION
A horn sounds outside, and Jaan hurries to open the door to the old dilapidated barn. An individual riding a powered two-wheel vehicle enters. After moving inside, she parks with four other similar units.
“You’re late,” he says. “We discussed sending someone to search for you.”
“I experienced problems with the bi mobile. The attachment for section three kept coming loose at the coupling. The joint came apart as I crossed a ditch. I thought a patrol detected me, but they went on by.”
“The connection must be repaired before you start back. Are you sure they didn’t spot you?” Jaan’s worry shows.
“I’m almost certain. The troopers would stop to investigate if they did. Are all the others here?”
“Yes, they’re in the meeting room. We need to hurry. One must be back for an appointment with Dr. Lelan at 0800. The doctor is preparing for his one on one with Kizzie.”
They enter the room, and the other three greet them. “We worried,” Seth says with relief.
The Articles forbid private utilization of powered locomotion. The specific article went into effect millennia ago to force the use of public transportation as a means of minimizing further pollution of the atmosphere. Enforcement of the law is harsh.
The subterranean MagnaTranz network covers a large part of Okera. Still vast expanses lack service. They are barren, uninhabited wastelands.
Opaque is a male fraternity at the university—a social club with a reputation for wild parties and loose morals. Membership is limited to Commonuers and some Blendeds. Prior to an invitation to join, blood tests verify eligibility. Detection of the Annunaki gene, regardless of how weak, annuls one’s request to become a member.
A group of Opaque engineering students developed the bi mobile. They are temporary one-passenger vehicles assembled in three sections. The disguised segments, designed and built for other purposes, pull together into a functional unit. The attaching points convert the three modules into a bi mobile. They are rag-tag units, but they function and serve the purpose. In a non-active situation, they disassemble into the three individual parts, which are placed at random around the area.
The five seat themselves at a round table and Kaamren begins. “First order of business is our personal ciphers. Some fear the NEX detected the code and frequency of the present one. Here’re updates for each of you. Make sure all in your groups activate their revisions within the next twelve hours.”
“I’m new to this,” Le’gaan says. “Please explain to me the workings.”
“Okay,” Kaamren says. “We learned the NEX can monitor everyone’s movements through a network of concealed PIC readers. No doubt, we don’t want them to track us. The cipher’s a transmitting device put inside the timepiece you wear on your right wrist. The instrument uses an algorithm to detect the scanners and neutralizes the transmitter in your mechanism by sending an offsetting signal. We change the algorithmic program if we suspect the one in use may be compromised.”
“The cipher in the timepiece is off most of the time and allows normal operation of the PIC,” Seth says, “Activation is necessary when on the way to a called meeting here or at one of the other remote locations. The unit can also be used to disguise one’s presence anywhere.”
Le’gaan’s attendance became a last-minute decision. Commitments elsewhere tied her brother up, and she came for him.
Kaamren continues his update. “Masta Bhril commissioned Dr. Marshon to head a task force to try to find the lost engineering data. The doctor selected Jadan Kanzz to head a student group.”
“He’s brilliant,” Jaan says. “Who else is on the team?”
He gives him the names of the other students and faculty involved.
“I can’t believe two of our people made the lineup,” Seth says.
“Did he receive an invitation to join Opaque?” Jaan asks.
“He refused three invitations,” Kaamren says. “He stated he neither possessed the time nor interest in the frivolous activities.”
Within the fraternity, are three organizations, which include The Conversant, and The Commission. The latter two are secret societies, and a select group of Opaque’s members receives encouragement to participate.
The goal of The Conversant is to learn and understand the inner workings and objectives of the Annunaki and the NEX and exploit their weaknesses. The Commission controls the most sensitive information and sets the priorities. Its members come from The Conversant. Membership in both is a lifelong commitment.
A group of females, named Opaque Sisters, shares some of the secrets of The Conversant. They are a natural or half sister of a member of either of the higher organizations, and they go through the same tests and initiations as the male members. They cannot be officers or lead missions.
“Unfortunate for us, Jadan holds no interest. We need his expertise. He’s making connections, which will be invaluable in the future. Perhaps we need to try a different approach,” Seth says.
“I’m open for suggestions,” Dedra says.
“How well acquainted are you and him?”
“Not well—why?”
“An idea—what if we get him interested in the NEX without giving away any of our important secrets?”
“How do you propose we accomplish such a feat?” Jaan asks. “He isn’t in Opaque, so he can’t become one of The Conversant. Another problem—he’s infatuated with Kia Nuggen.”
“Ouch,” Le’gaan says. “Kia’s an Annunaki and a Blood.”
He says, “We’ll need to give some thought before we consider trying to recruit him again. Perhaps Rue can make some recommendations.”
“We might not be able to communicate with her for a while. The next item,” Kaamren says moving ahead, “is the crash of the MagnaTranz in The Dome. The preliminary finding from the Bureau of Transportation Safety’s a supercomputer fault caused the accident. The Conversant is worried. Kahnn’s trying to sell the chancellor the idea the malfunction and the loss of the engineering data are related. A strong possibility arises, if he’s successful, they’ll open a criminal investigation. The rest of The Commission needs to be made aware.”
“Are we finished?” Seth asks. “I need to go. Dawn will come soon.”
“Yes,” “Dedra, can you take Jaan to the spot where you encountered the patrol?” Kaamren asks.
“I think so, why?”
“You two go and sweep the area. The troopers dropped a locator beacon if they spotted her. Find and deactivate the device if one exists. Be sure to erase all your tracks.”
“Tell Rue I need to talk to her as soon as possible if you hear from her,” Kaamren says. “Let’s go.”