They do. Now that they have been newly uplifted, they believe that the rest of the sentient races are to them as cattle are to humans.
Who were the Cettans and the Uglors?
They were the example. But people forget. ACE sounded sad.
Did you watch over them in any way?
No, ACE is much younger than that. But ACE learned much when ACE was . . . exiled. ACE is happy to be home with Kitty, protecting Jamie, watching over Earth. Earth is ACE’s home and ACE will not desert Earth. Ever.
You’re going to have to protect us from ourselves again, aren’t you?
ACE fears this will be true, yes. Jeff will do Jeff’s best, just as Kitty will do Kitty’s best, but some will not listen. ACE cannot do all that ACE would like. And even less than Jamie would like.
You do a ton for us already ACE. Jamie has to learn that no means no.
ACE cannot stop the Aicirtap from coming to Earth.
That’s okay, ACE. That’s not your job. Not really.
But ACE is here to protect.
I know. But you’re restricted by the Superconsciousness Council and also, even if they were all gung ho for you to protect us from everything, that would ultimately destroy you. And you matter, just like everyone else. You have a right to exist and be happy and safe, just like everyone else. And I don’t want you doing something that would harm you.
There is always risk. Kitty knows this.
Yes, but I don’t want to lose you, ACE. I don’t want you harmed, especially permanently, any more than I want Jamie or Charlie or any of the other kids harmed.
ACE knows Kitty and Paul would like ACE to return to Paul. But this cannot be.
We know. People just like to wish for things, even things they know they can’t have. And Jamie is safe with you and vice versa.
ACE was quiet. Not a good sign.
Um, she is safe with you and you are safe with her, right?
Others are watching. Watching ACE and Jamie. Watching Kitty. Watching . . . others.
Knew he meant Algar. Decided not to say that aloud, so to speak. We’re interesting, I guess. How much risk does all this watching create for us?
Much is happening here. Much more recently than has happened over time. The galaxy has taken notice of Earth.
That sounds foreboding.
Earth is about to take its place in the galactic community. ACE knows that Kitty knows this. But others do not. How Earth deals with all that will come will determine much. And ACE cannot help too much or ACE will doom Earth.
Because the other superconciousnesses would feel that we weren’t worthy or something like that?
Yes, something very like that. So ACE is limited in what ACE can do. Jamie is learning this, but still does not agree.
I understand, but you’re right. Can you prevent us from launching nukes at friendly aliens or each other?
ACE can do that, yes. That is what Kitty calls self-preservation. ACE cannot keep Jamie safe if the Earth explodes in nuclear warfare.
Was always impressed by the way ACE spun his way through the morass of superconsciousness red tape he was stuck in. If you can keep us from launching the nukes and such, that’s plenty, ACE. It’s more than any of us can do, and it’s vital to everyone’s survival.
What if the missiles are aimed at the Aicirtap?
The big question. And the one I didn’t have the answer for. Can the Aicirtap be saved? Unuplifted or something?
It is . . . possible, yes.
Then we have to try to save them, first. Muddy says they were kind and fun and friendly before. If we have the chance to save them, to at least give them the choice of being saved, then we have to try.
And if the Aicirtap will not accept the help? If the Aicirtap refuse to be retrograded back to what the Aicirtap used to be? Then what will Kitty do?
Whatever we have to in order to survive and protect our world and our allies’ worlds from being destroyed. And that does include the nuclear option, unfortunately. I’d offer a pacifistic choice, but cows are pacifists and we eat them.
Yes, Kitty’s analogy is good. Kitty’s analogies are always good.
Let’s hope. And if there is an option that doesn’t involve killing the Aicirtap, we’ll try it. The Neutral Zone might be out there, right?
Potentially, everything is out there, as ACE knows Kitty now knows.
True enough.
Kitty should look for the way to save the Aicirtap.
Um, okay. Where should I look?
In the obvious places. Once again, said with finality. Clearly that was all the hint I was going to get.
Will do. When push comes to shove, will we do what we should, rather than what we want?
ACE trusts Kitty and Jeff and the others to do their best. And Kitty is still ACE’s most beloved penguin.
Not Jamie or Paul?
Jamie and Paul are both ACE’s favorite penguins, too. But none are more important to ACE than Kitty. Kitty protects those who need it, even if they are not Kitty’s friends. Kitty thinks right. Never doubt that—Kitty thinks right.
I hope I do. You’re still the best decision I ever made, ACE.
And asking Kitty for help is still the best decision ACE ever made.
Together forever, ACE. I promise you that. Together forever.
Felt the warmth in my mind that was ACE’s way of hugging me. And then it was gone.
CHAPTER 51
THE REST OF MY SO-CALLED SLEEP was filled with weird dream fragments that I thought I’d remember but were whisked out of my clear memory by each dream fragment that followed.
Saw a lot of people who’d died in the line of our duty and many of them were talking to me, but nothing they said stuck. Just hoped I’d remember whatever when it mattered.
Felt someone shaking me again. “Oh my God, Mephs, are you back for round two?”
“Huh?”
Opened my eyes to see Mahin standing there. “Huh right back atcha.”
“Good morning. I drew the short straw and won the job of getting you out of bed.”
“So much is explained. I’d say nice to see you but I’d be lying. I can’t remember, are you with Jeff or with me?”
“With you,” she said as she pulled me up into a sitting position. “I’m from Iran. You’re going to my region. I’m going with you. Duh.”
“Right, right. Makes sense. Sleep brain just couldn’t remember.”
“Antoinette says you have an hour to get ready and see the children. How long you take to get ready is inversely proportional to how long you get to see the kids. Her words, not mine.”
“Please let Pierre know that I’ll be over really soon and would love some coffee.”
Mahin grinned. “He’s already got you covered.”
Took a hyperspeed shower. I was good enough with hyperspeed now that I could dry off fast, too. Hair still took a normal amount of time, though, especially if I was going to blow-dry it. Decided the Banana Clip Look was what I was going with. Looked like I’d taken time with the ’do, required the least amount of drying time, and was the best look for action. Getting a triple first thing in the morning said winning in my book.