Condition Evolution 4 Kevin Sinclair (top 100 novels of all time TXT) 📖

good-natured surprise on his face. “Never could I imagine at my age that I could be surprised in so many times in the space of ten minutes,” he chuckled. “A peaceful Fystr community, hidden away. How many are here? Can you defend yourselves?”

“Approximately 200,000 of us are left. We abandoned the name Fystr when we settled in this area and are known only as the Apochros now.”

“Ah,” Ogun said, eyes wide with wonder, “the departed. So very poignant.”

“Indeed,” Jezai said, a hint of sadness in his expression. “As for our defense, we are highly confident in the systems we have in place, but please, enough of your questions for now. You are safe with us, as are your friends. We can speak in greater depth later. For now, you should concentrate on resting. The quality of your regeneration depends upon it.”

“Regeneration? Is that what this is?” Ogun exclaimed, raising his jelly capped stumps.

Ialos stepped in. “We have carried out several procedures including the regrowth of your lost limbs. It is good for you to have spoken with your friends but you should rest now, for optimum recovery,” she said seriously.

Ogun nodded. “I can live with that, and thank you for everything you are doing for me,” he said gratefully to Ialos. Turning to us, he smiled warmly. “It brings me great solace to see you both alive and well. I am forever in your debt.”

“We’ll have a party once you’re well,” I said before leaving Ogun in peace to absorb the enormity of what we had thrown at him.

Chapter 3

For God’s Sake

Outside the medical facility, we stopped to speak with Jezai.

“So you seem like you’re pretty much the most important person around here, how come you’re here checking on Ogun and us?”

“I assure you I am not the most important person,” he laughed, “just one of 30 Council Elders spread across Accre. We strive to make sure that each member has equal sway in governing the Apochros. We also try not to attach social importance based on an individual’s function in society. As for why I am here, it is because I have an overwhelming sense of duty toward you.”

Ember screwed her face up at his explanation. “Sounds a bit like bullshit to me, but whatever you say.”

Jezai’s response was to laugh. “I can understand your uncertainty, regarding both our governing structure and my interest in you. But try to understand that your arrival is the most extraordinary thing to have happened here in millennia. What you represent to us, and the significant events you have set in motion, bring both intrigue and terror to us all.”

“Yup, that about sums it up. We’re always right in the middle of terrifying events,” Ember said with a sour expression. “So did anything Ogun said in there help with your decisions?”

“Nothing has really changed from the encounter. Though if I were to tell the council Samire is leading the Fleet heading in this direction, they would probably jump at the decision to send you back out in your ships and destroy you all beyond our border.”

“Fuck that!” I said, a hint of anger touching my voice. “I’ll warn you now, whether we would die or not, we’d not go peacefully.”

He smiled. “No, I wouldn’t expect you to. If it helps ease your mind, my proposal to the council is to extract a vow of secrecy from you all, leaving you free to go on your way. It means we would be taking a risk, but for me, any other option available would go against the foundation of the society we have built.”

“Well that sounds more like it!” I said with a touch of relief. “We were rather hoping not to find another enemy to add to our already fucking ridiculous list.”

“For me it is certainly the best option available for us all.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s the best option. You could call your entire sector to arms, build an enormous fleet, and go stop the Galactic Empire being dicks. Pick up the rest of the Veiletians and Torax and anyone else who wants to join with us, then go and retake the full Fystr Empire! Did no one mention that option? No?” I said with a shrug.

Jezai laughed. “What a brilliant and beautifully simple plan! However, our strength lies in the defense of what we have. While we could potentially be successful in a campaign against the Galactic Empire, we would not last long in open combat against the full might of the Fystr fleet. And while the other Alliance members have benefited greatly from our technology and play a large part in the safety of the region, a fight against the Fystr is not in their interests, nor with the Galactic Empire for that matter. We are safe and most people are content.”

“Damn, I wasn’t expecting you to agree, but that actually all made sense. I wouldn’t want to push innocent people into a war that’s not theirs,” I said, deflated. Jezai was about to respond, but I had to add one last thing that was playing on my mind. “But, as far as I can tell, aren’t you already at war with the Galactic Empire? They are continually trying to invade your territory. And the only reason you’re not at war with the Fystr is because you’re hiding from them.”

“I completely agree with you, Shaun. We have had a long period of peace, but that won’t last forever. You may have even hastened its end with your arrival and part of me is even glad. I still believe we have a duty to those we left behind.” He sighed. “But these are not my decisions to make alone. All I can do is voice my opinion.”

“So, apart from Shaun’s fantasy world solutions,” Ember said loudly, moving the conversation on. “What help could you offer, if you were to send us on our way?” Jezai laughed at Embers pragmatic interruption.

“You have an unusual natural harmony between you both. I can see