《Ophiuchans [Sci-Fi Drama]》


 Prologue

    <h2>Prologue</h2>


    When theorizing about the potential capabilities of extraterrestrial civilizations, philosophers were quick to classify them into various scales based on the amount of energy these civilizations could harvest and control. More energy would enable increasingly exotic technologies that would have increasingly complex implications that laid beyond human imagination. Most of this theory-crafting assumed an egalitarian civilization of some kind. Others outright dismissed the internal social structure of such a civilization as either unknowable or irrelevant. As a result, the possible implications of the raw amounts of energy concentrated in the hands of individuals in a highly stratified extraterrestrial civilization were overlooked.


    Consider the following. In the feudal systems we know throughout our own ancient history, individual nobles, kings, and emperors would have at their disposal the labor of ten thousand to up to a million human beings. A single Provider noble on the other hand, is an entity that controls an amount of energy ranging from the output of a star to the output of entire galaxies and provides for the billions, trillions, or even sextillions of commoners in its domain. Meanwhile, their Policies forbid us lowly citizens from putting a PV array on our own roof. Like the thousands of other species that went before, we discovered the Empire is like a singularity. The moment we stepped across the event horizon, the very concept of independent existence was forever eradicated.


    Critical excerpt from the reports of Dr. Otto R?nningen, dated shortly after the integration of the Messier 39 colony into the Provider Empire


    ===


    Ervin Sekhon stood atop the garden mound and let his hand cradle the pink ball of a cultivated allium flower. Just an Earth Year on this new world, and we already have a garden, he thought. While the topsoil was still sparse, the plants had proven tenacious. It was strange to think how these simple organisms had journeyed across the stars and went through the fiery descent onboard a drop pod. Ervin had been just as surprised as the rest of the colonists when they had opened the pod and found the inside packed with bulbs, shrubs, and trees. He had dreamt of a garden, but never explicitly asked for one.


    When the Providers informed the colonists that they could requisition anything they wished for their first Mover drop, the list had been quite barebones - additional prefab structures, industrial equipment, medicine, and a compact reactor came first. The colonists had not even considered luxuries. Yet the luxuries had come regardless. The reactor had not.


    The Providers know us better than we know ourselves. We have yearnings, yet we are unaware of our true needs, Ervin thought. As he inspected the ornate flower beds and noted where the still-budding hedges were in need of attention, the sun crept over the crater ridge and gently basked the colony in orange light. Ervin gazed at the vista. Thank you God, for this new day, he offered, as he began his morning prayers.


    As he finished, a distant rumbling rapidly grew louder. From his mound, Ervin could see two toploaders approach and roll past, heading for the quarry to begin collecting the previous day¡¯s worth of stone. While the Providers may give us unlimited life, I still thank God for every day. And while they give us unlimited material wealth, we still spend our days toiling, Ervin thought. Have we overcome temptation and remained true? Or is it only a matter of time before we turn to sin and hedonism?


    Ervin¡¯s communicator buzzed. He was still using the original wrist-mounted device from his original colonist outfit, rather than Provider implants that could effortlessly accomplish the same thing.


    "Sigrid to Reverend Sekhon," it said. Ervin answered it.


    "Sekhon here."


    "Hi, could you please report to the pub?", Sigrid asked in a concerned voice.


    "I''m on my way," Ervin said while starting to trod down the mound. "Could you tell me what is going on?"


    "Ya," Sigrid said. "Max is having issues again. Broke down crying for no obvious reason and ran outside shouting how he wanted to go back. We wanted to go after him but we thought we''d better call you first."


    "Who brought Max into the pub?", Ervin asked. It was obvious that Max would not have gone there on his own accord.


    "Well, we did. Pom and I and a few others of the night shift, but that was because he asked what people do during their off days...", Sigrid answered.


    "Did he drink?", Ervin asked.


    "Nay, just water..." Sigrid answered, much to Ervin''s relief. Having to deal with a drunk ex-disposable would be unknown territory.


    As Ervin cleared the corner around the base of the transference station he spotted a grey-robed figure leaning against the wall.


    "I found him," Ervin said.


    "Want us to come help?" Sigrid asked.


    "No, let me deal with it," Ervin replied. Being the colony''s psychologist, it was his job.


    "Thank you, reverend," Sigrid said, before closing the connection.


    Ervin observed Max from a distance. His translucent pale skin and large inverted black eyes with gray irises gave him the ghoulish appearance of the lowest class of disposable contractors on Maxproxemix. Even when offered an improved body, Max had refused to change. His robes were the kind Flow workers would wear, but lacked the symbol of his former service department. Commander Woodward had made him a free citizen with actual rights and an actual name, albeit a very unoriginal one.


    Despite their best efforts, Max seemed incapable of handling freedom. When asked what he wanted to do, he would ask for more tasks to work on or specific equipment that he thought would benefit his efficiency rating. It had taken tremendous effort to convince Max to accept personal living quarters, which Max tried to dismiss as inefficient. Except for his newly acquired tendency to talk back, Max was still behaving as a Flow disposable.


    Before long, Max had become the most productive member of the base. He had helped Ervin plant flowers in the garden, cooked meals in the cantina, driven vehicles, disassembled and reassembled machinery in the factory, sorted and recycled garbage, cleaned the sanitation facilities, helped Sigrid and doctor Qi sequence native plant DNA, and assisted doctor Otto in his laboratory.


    Ervin and Otto had concluded that Max might also be the most intelligent member on the base, which had made the world of Maxproxemix all the more horrifying to them. Ten million highly intelligent creatures like Max had been created to perform menial work in deplorable conditions, and after a handful of days, they were disposed en masse without a second thought.


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    "I am sorry, reverend," Max said, his voice betraying a wide array of conflicting emotions.


    Ervin squatted next to Max. "Don''t be," he said.


    "I should get back to work, but in this state, I can''t."


    Ervin turned serious. "We agreed that one out of twelve days would be your off-day, Max. You are not allowed to work today. You already work triple the hours compared to anyone else."


    "I also have quadruple the off-hours compared to Maxproxemix."


    "What happened in the pub, Max? Why are you so upset?"


    "It was loud. Many people were talking at the same time. People came and started bothering me with questions to which I had no answer to."


    "What kind of questions, Max?"


    "They asked what I wanted to drink. I did not need to drink anything. Then they started asking why. Eventually, I asked for water to make them go away. But I did not actually require water. It felt like I did something... wasteful."


    "You became upset because you felt you wasted one glass of water in order to make people go away?"


    "Yes. Wasting resources lowers one''s efficiency rating."


    "No one here judges you by your efficiency rating."


    "I do," Max said quietly.Ervin was silent and shifted his glasses. While simple in their design, they had been in his family for generations. A priceless ancient relic from Earth. Ervin currently had them configured to act as sunglasses, but he could adjust them to act as reading glasses as well.


    "Would it be possible for me to go back, reverend?" Max eventually asked.


    "You wish to go back to Maxproxemix?"


    "I was happy there," Max sighed.


    "Max, your contract got voided and you were killed there," Ervin reminded him.


    "My disposal is glory to the Providers," Max recited.


    "Your service department had you programmed to believe that, Max."


    "Of course. Believing such increases both my efficiency rating and my well-being, thus it is good programming," Max replied.


    "But what if it¡¯s not true?", Ervin asked.


    "It is true," Max said stoically. "If the Providers will my disposal, it is my pleasure to comply."


    "I seriously doubt any of the Providers are actively presiding over the daily disposal of countless billions on Maxproxemix," Ervin said, finding the thought repugnant.


    "Not countless," Max said.


    "I beg your pardon?"


    "The number can be calculated. Five hundred eighty-seven billion disposals on average per cycle, with an accuracy ¡ª"


    "Yes, I get it now." Ervin interrupted. He was once more taken aback by both the uncanny intellect the ghoulish creature possessed and the incomprehensible scale of affairs on Maxproxemix.Max had stopped crying and his confidence was waxing noticeably. Prompting him to defend his former masters has always been a sure way to get him back together quickly, Ervin thought.


    "At least one of the Providers built Maxproxemix, so whatever occurs there has the Provider''s blessing," he stated to Ervin. "Unlike birth-borns, disposables are created and sustained directly from the Providers energy allowance. They have given us everything, and in return, we will gladly work our hands to the bone and the bone to the marrow if it adds to their glory. You are a man of God, aren''t you, reverend? Do you not serve Him with equal dedication?"


    "The Providers are not gods! They have repeatedly said so themselves," Ervin objected.


    "Indeed. But you understand the imperative to serve unconditionally and without reservation."


    "I understand," Ervin said, fearful that this creature might one day come to outclass him in religious rhetoric just as easily as it had come to outclass the colonists in every work-related task.


    Both rose back to their feet.


    "Have you already recuperated before you went to the pub?", Ervin asked, referring to the twenty-minute maintenance process the workers at Maxproximix underwent daily in lieu of sleep. Max had been adamant in keeping up with it, asking for a recuperation pod in his quarters. It, alongside a locker for his robes, was the sole item of furniture.


    "Not yet," Max said. "I''m ninety-two minutes overdue."


    "Why don''t you get some rest and refresh yourself first. Come see me at the garden mound afterward."


    Max nodded but made no move until Ervin dismissed him with a gesture of his hand. While they had managed to make Max drop the Imperial forms of address, he had persisted with this display of etiquette towards everyone with a title, even the ones that technically no longer held any significance, such as ''doctor'' or ''reverend''.


    He watched Max speed walk around the corner with his odd gait that facilitated tight formation walking in the close confines of his Maxproxemix work environment, only to see him nearly bump into Elisa Woodward. Max excused himself to the commander and swiftly made off. Elisa''s eyes spoke thunder.


    "Welcome back commander," Ervin called out. "How was your trip to Earth?" he asked redundantly, already gleaning the answer from Elisa''s face, compounded by the fact that she had returned two days early.


    "The place is an utter shithole full of morons!" Elisa fumed. "The Providers use it to contain all the human garbage and prevent them from washing over the rest of the galaxy."


    "I am sorry to hear that, commander," Ervin replied. "Did you get any negotiation done with the feudatory about people transferring to our colony?"


    "No, didn''t you hear me? Earth is occupied by trash! We don''t want them in our colony. The feudatory used me as a pawn for his silly game. And then he banished me. I had enough of the place and self-disposed."


    "Elisa!" Ervin spoke in a barely controlled voice as he dropped formality. "Please don''t do that! It can''t be good for your mental well-being!"


    "I''m fine, reverend. Really," Elisa said in a manner that did not convince Ervin. "Besides, I got something in return for that."


    "Oh, you did?"


    "Yes, it allowed me to free my disposable hostess. She should be arriving soon. Her name is Oyana."


    Ervin cast Elisa a hard look. Having to deal with one ex-disposable''s complex mental issues was more than enough.


    Elisa understood what Ervin was thinking. "This one will integrate a lot better, I promise!"


    Ervin paused, re-adjusted his glasses, then changed the topic.


    "Commander, I would like to ask you something. I have an open invitation from my fellow faithful and would like to visit their world. It''s located in the 36 Ophiuchi system."


    "Sure, take some time off if you want to," Elisa replied.


    "I''d like to bring Max along," Ervin added.


    "Max? Why?" Elisa asked.


    "I have had great difficulty helping him. His values are often in conflict with ordinary human norms, at least in this colony. Perhaps if my fellow priests could observe him, they could offer some insight into what to do. After all, they have been living under the Providers for the past six thousand years. Dealing with all the complex issues that I personally have yet to resolve."


    "I can see why Provider technology is a difficult topic for any religious person to deal with. The free immortality it affords makes the concept of God and the prospect of an afterlife obsolete."


    "We do not obey God in anticipation of personal reward. We do so because we believe this is the duty of man.¡± Ervin explained calmly. ¡°What bothers me more is the Provider concept of the meta-personality driving individual sub-personalities. Especially since people refer to it as their soul. You yourself have been split into your original version and a conditioned Maxproximix commissioner with trivial ease..."


    Elisa''s face turned moody again.


    "I''m sorry," Ervin said.


    "Take Max to Ophiuchi if you want. I''m going to get myself a drink or two."


    "Commander," Ervin said, as Elisa walked off in the direction of the pub.

 Chapter 1

    Ervin wobbled around, the new, noticeably lower gravity making him unsure and unsteady. To make matters worse, his body felt a lot stronger than his original aging one.


    He waved when he saw Max enter the main terminal hall. Max awkwardly tried to make his way through the milling crowd and caught up. The Ophiuchi terminal was vast in comparison to the very barebones transference station of the Messier 39 colony.


    Max closely resembled what he looked like back at the colony, but Ervin had changed considerably. His new form was much younger and he lacked his characteristic beard and glasses. Unlike his body, his clothing was an identical reproduction of the original; a silk beige-golden tunic and turban and an emerald green sash embroidered with a mosaic of golden stars.


    It had taken three days to arrange the transference to Ophiuchi. The engineers from Flow had done a reasonable job to produce a suitable body for both of them. In the meantime, Ervin had caught up with Elisa and learned all there was about the disastrous encounter on Earth. He had mentally prepared for a similar worst-case scenario to occur at Ophiuchi, but thus far he liked what he saw. To him, its architecture felt familiar and homely.


    Max looked up into the tall atrium that made up the terminal hall. It consisted of curved white metal beams, golden filigree, and pale transparent blue-green material that let in a warm light. It somewhat resembled an elaborate, scaled-up woven rattan lattice. Transparent walkways and balconies lined the inner structure. Great ornamental golden and crystal decorations were suspended in the air, abstractly shaped into clouds and stars, while long burgundy red banners displayed the nine-sided polygon bearing the image of an arm grasping a coiling snake; the symbol of the Ophiuchan faction.


    "It¡¯s beautiful," Max said.


    "Indeed it is," Ervin answered, surprised at Max¡¯s mention of beauty while he was so indifferent about his appearance and personal space.


    Ervin noticed the non-human shapes that stood out from the crowd. He counted half a dozen winged bird-like humanoids, as well as two short, broad-shouldered creatures that wore enormous round brass hats and were concealed under ornately embroidered black robes. "Do you know what those are, Max? Are these alien species?"


    "Likely, reverend. I am not familiar with them. However, be aware they could also be humans that adopted more exotic body types."


    Ervin continued to look at the two stout black-robed figures as they moved past. The creatures slid across the floor without bobbing, which made him wonder whether there were legs under those robes or the creatures possessed some other manner of locomotion. Ervin caught himself staring and looked away.


    "Where do we go now, reverend?", Max asked.


    "Our guide is waiting outside at the blue meeting point," Ervin said.


    They walked toward the exit, Ervin at a careful pace and Max walking slowly for politeness¡¯ sake.


    Does the gravity bother you, reverend?" Max asked.


    "It is not bad, just slightly disorientating. I will probably be okay in a few hours. At least it¡¯s not the other way around¡­"


    "Don¡¯t overthink it and do not try to consciously correct your movements. Your body should be equipped with all the muscle memory to walk naturally in this environment. Try to rely on that."


    Ervin tried to forget how to walk, and just tried to move forward instead. It suddenly felt easier.


    "You are right!", he exclaimed, laughing. "How did you know?"


    "Just part of the general knowledge the service department preloaded," Max answered. "Many disposables would have told you this."


    "You¡¯re not a disposable anymore, Max," Ervin replied, as they walked towards the terminal main exit. "Despite all that preloaded knowledge, you¡¯ll now have to work on finding your own way in life. No service department to fall back on."


    "Equanimity," Max said, referring to the service department that, amongst other things, would assist and counsel people that found themselves lost or unable to deal with life in the Empire.


    Ervin laughed. "Right, but give life a try without them first."


    "I will, reverend."


    They stepped through the revolving doors that made up the exit and were greeted by the sight of a dim but vibrant salmon sky that turned silvery as it reached the horizon. Low in the sky was a relatively large red star. Ervin compared. It was smaller than when he had seen Proxima, but he estimated that it was over half again as large as the sun when viewed from Earth.


    They crossed a plaza to walk up to a stone fence and looked down. In the depths below, a river cascaded over several waterfalls. A series of white bridges crossed the chasm. Stretched out before them was a sprawl of terraced gardens as far as the eye could see, filled with trees, topiaries, and flower sculptures made of both Earth plants and a diverse range of alien flora. Ervin could make out various species of palm trees, ferns, and common flowers, and he marveled at alien plants with colorful glowing spines, which made them resemble enormous sea urchins.


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    A skyline of evenly spaced tall white and blue towering buildings surrounded the gardens, each a spire that expressed radial symmetry and was lined with balconies, terraces and capped with grey-blue domes. Opposite, a smooth pearly-white spire stood out from the rest of the buildings.


    "Max," Ervin pointed. "Is that a Provider structure?"


    "It does appear to be constructed of iridomite," Max agreed, referring to the human word for the exotic pearlescent material often associated with Providers. "But such a large structure would require vast amounts of energy to produce."


    "Well, it so happens that Providers tend to have ludicrous amounts of energy laying around," Ervin replied jokingly.


    Max did not reply to the statement and instead looked for signs that pointed to the blue meeting point. "Shall we go, reverend?", he asked.


    Ervin turned away from the view and followed. They went across a narrow bridge into a circular garden plaza, which had a small fountain at its center. At least a hundred people waited there for arrivals, some holding signs with names or organizations. Ervin began to worry that Max looked out of place, as some people gave him stares. Nearly all other people were dressed in traditional silk clothing similar to his, wore turbans, and had their arms adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls.


    Ervin made out their names on one of the signs and approached a group of three people. Max¡¯s presence made it obvious to the group that these were indeed the two people they were waiting for. The lead figure placed his hand over his heart and nodded. "Welcome to Istakarrudh, sers. May God smile upon our meeting," he spoke in the traditional greeting in a ringing, charismatic voice that gave him a strong aristocratic presence. He had an athletic youthful appearance, with a tan face that held grey-blue eyes and sported a noticeable aquiline nose. His stylish, shoulder-length dark brown hair was decorated with small golden ornaments, and he wore an embroidered half-cape over a golden silk shirt. Ervin noticed he lacked a turban, wearing a gold and pearl headband instead.


    "I am Halim Jehangir-Shawiri, Imperial knight of the Fixer¡¯s Guild", he introduced himself. Gesturing to the woman on the right, he continued. "It is my pleasure to introduce my companions to you. This is Luara Jehangir-Shawiri, court intendant to their Providence," he said, while Ervin and Max exchanged nods with the beige-and-blue robed lady. Her long chestnut hair swayed in the wind, and observant, deep green eyes were set deep in a round, mildly tanned face. She smiled warmly as she returned the greeting. "And this is reverend Charobim Moradi, court esquire to their Providence," Halim concluded, introducing the person to his left. Both exchanged greetings, with Max now imitating the gesture well enough.


    "If you¡¯ll be so kind to follow me, I¡¯ll conduct you to our family estate," Halim said, directing the group away from the plaza.


    Ervin recalled the complicated Imperial forms of address. Immediate knights like Halim were styled ¡®the honorable¡¯, while the other two were titled vassals of a feudal liege, thus styled ¡®the notable¡¯. But to his confusion, Halim had not introduced his companions this way.


    "Your honor," he began.


    Halim smiled. "Please, no need for further formalities. Just ser Halim. We are all equal before God."


    Ervin felt relief. The forms of address were intricate and made it all too easy to unintentionally cause offense.


    "You are too kind," Ervin said while pondering the interaction he undertook with Halim. Contrasting starkly to the rough, often rude speech of his fellow colonists, Halim¡¯s words were meticulously accentuated and evoked a contagious sense of sophistication. Ervin found himself compelled to use similar melodious, courteous speech in response. "If you would forgive my curiosity, we encountered some non-human-looking creatures earlier. Please tell me, are there aliens living on this world?"


    "There are some indeed. Our faith transcends culture and even species. We welcome every being regardless of background. It would appear certain alien species recognize the truth of our beliefs."


    "And what of the Providers?"


    "I beg your pardon?", Halim blinked.


    "I¡¯m sorry. I thought I saw what looked like a Provider structure in the city. Are they sympathetic to this world?", Ervin tried.


    Halim didn¡¯t seem to understand. "36 Ophiuchi has a Provider¡­", he replied.


    "There is one living here?"


    "Of course. The head of our family, Farshid Jehangir-Shawiri, is a Provider¡­ He has ruled this world for the past four thousand years..."


    Ervin stopped, his face displaying shock. "A human is a Provider? I thought all of them were all aliens..."


    Luara caught up, smiling proudly and subtly urging Ervin onwards. "We were the third human world to see one of our own ascend to the stratum of Provider. One of our faith, no less. It acknowledges the fact that our faith and values are truly universal, wouldn¡¯t you agree?"


    "There is no truth superior to God," Ervin nodded in agreement. "The other Providers¡­ recognize this?"


    "The Provider that previously ruled this world was also sympathetic to the faith. They had a great temple built in God¡¯s honor. But unfortunately, there are differences as well¡­"


    "The principle of equality under God...", Ervin sighed.


    "Indeed. The Empire does not operate in accordance with the principle of equality. But the Providers allowed us to operate our world without exploiting disposable slave labor and we strive to be self-sufficient where possible."


    "I see," Ervin said, as the party descended the stairs that were an entrance of the mass transit network. He marveled at the overall cleanness and the pleasant aesthetics of the environment. Every nook of the city was designed to be in harmony with the greater whole - planters breaking up the pavement in geometric sections, terraced white and blue buildings arranged in patterns from small to tall, all the while the rivers below still followed most of their natural bed. As they entered the subterranean environment, the spectrum of the artificial lighting shifted the colors more towards the blue.


    "What has brought you to our world?", Charobim asked Max. His voice was quiet and compassionate.


    "Your reverence, I am just here to accompany reverend Sekhon," Max answered. "He experiences difficulty in counseling me and seeks the opinion of others of his kind."


    Charobim smiled at hearing the formal form of address. "Here, it¡¯s just ¡®ser¡¯ for addressing a person, ser Max. No need for formalities after introduction."


    "You are most gracious, ser," Max said.


    "I am uncertain whether ser Ervin has come to the right place. We have never dealt with disposables before. The entire stratum is banned from all Ophiuchan worlds."


    Max was intrigued. "Then who performs the work people generally rather don''t want to do?"


    Charobim replied in a warm tone. "We have automated most manual labor, and we perform the remaining work ourselves. Our God demands it. A faith without works would be a dead faith before long."


    Max thought about it for a moment. "This is admirable," he finally said.

 Chapter 2

    As the group left the transit station the sun had sunk just below the noticeably nearby horizon, revealing the distant red binary Ophiuchi stars in the silvery-blue evening sky. Ervin took the opportunity to cast a glance over the Jehangir-Shawiri estate. Before them laid a vast sprawl of terraced gardens, domed structures, and pavilions, spread out between two hills. The complex looked like a village on its own, lanterns lining the footpaths that meandered between ornately decorated buildings. In the valley, a river carried strings of lantern-lit boats upstream, away from the ocean that lay beyond.


    "Do you have fish in your seas?", Ervin asked Luara, as the group left the station and descended a flight of stairs.


    "Unfortunately, our ocean water is too saline to harbor life. But the rivers and lakes do contain fish. And where the rivers flow into the sea, we cultivate various shellfish for their pearls. It is one of our exports."


    "That makes sense," Max said. "Small and desirable, worth the cost of lifting it into space."


    "Indeed," Luara nodded in agreement. "Although we export delicacy food products too. Cost-effectiveness is subjective."


    "I couldn¡¯t judge such things, as I do not have much experience in the way of food."


    "Please don¡¯t tell me they¡¯d dispose you before you would go hungry," Luara said with concern.


    Max appeared to find the idea funny and smiled.


    "It might work, but I suppose our schedule masters have already considered and rejected that plan as the decrease in productivity and the increase in accidents exceeds the cost of nutrients. We wear a harness to carry our supplies with us, which would be replenished automatically during recuperation. In addition to the nutritional solution, we would require a constant supply of liquid oxygen, as the atmosphere of a Flow microplant is sterile and unbreathable."


    "Charming place," Charobim said sarcastically.


    "Yes. I suppose it is natural to long for one¡¯s home. I was specifically created to thrive under those circumstances, after all," Max replied, his voice completely serious.


    Charobim threw a worried glance Ervin¡¯s way, who returned a telling look.


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    The group arrived at the entry gate to the estate. There was a slow coming and going of people. To Ervin¡¯s surprise, there were no guards.


    How things have changed while I slept, Ervin thought, thinking back to his time on Earth, where the elite of the Five Great Families lived in total isolation from the common folk, an insurmountable divide perpetuated by both the forces of economics and the muscle of private armies.


    Hedges of fractal-shaped plants lit by an arrangement of colorful lanterns gave the gardens a surreal appearance during the night. Halim guided the group over increasingly winding paths that led up the slope of the hill. Max became aware of a subtle, strange noise carried on the wind. As they got closer, he tried to make it out. It vaguely resembled the noise he had encountered in the pub and later the transference station, and assumed it must originate from a large group of people talking. The irritating, distracting cacophony grew louder as they walked under an archway that led them into an orchard.


    Ervin was moved. He had not heard the chanting of scripture verses since his youth. Amidst the olive trees and surrounded by hanging lanterns, a group of people was working to collect the harvest and prune the trees of dead wood. Ervin watched as they sheared the fruit from loaded branches with rakes, and others collected full tarps with a crane and loaded them onto a small, open-topped vehicle.


    "If one day our world has gardens a tenth as beautiful as yours, I¡¯ll be a happy man," Ervin said to Luara, as he sighed in the cool evening air. "Did your family gift us the plants we received recently?"


    "Not to my knowledge," Luara answered. "Our flora is genomed to be acclimatized to this gravity. Also, it seems our worlds do not share any Mover connections yet. Otherwise, we could send you some of our olive oil and food as well. But our world is open to your people. Any of your colonists are welcome to visit in person and enjoy our products."


    "Actually, this touches on one of the issues our colony is having. We only have a few thousand people. Our commander - I mean our feudatory - is carefully attempting to find people willing to immigrate. From what I gathered, her trip to Earth did not result in an agreeable outcome. And we already had a few people leave for more pleasant worlds."


    Luara¡¯s eyes flashed, but Ervin failed to notice. "It is the people and the culture that makes a world, not its comforts. Tragically, for the most part, those left behind on Earth lack any semblance of norms and values and are of a disruptive disposition. They will not fit into any of the cultures that exist on other Human worlds. Allowing them to immigrate unchecked will indubitably erode the native culture to the point of untenability."


    The group reached the top of the hill onto the final terrace with vast geometric water features that led to a palatial building. Ervin observed the water¡¯s behavior, with little streams and droplets of the transparent flickering liquid defying the low gravity, dripping slowly from fountains in long strands. Streams leaped back up after a drop and danced across carefully arranged ornaments of polished stone. Deep red pheasant-like birds observed from their roosts on the top of the central iwan as Halim led the group into the palace.

 Chapter 3

    Instead of heading into the bustling central courtyard, Ervin found the group was directed into a quiet side wing. He could perceive the faint tingle of spices in the air. Someone had been cooking. Following Halim under a decorated arch, he found himself in a modest dining hall overlooking much of the sprawling hillside and the distant city. An ensemble of eight tall chairs surrounded a rectangular carved wooden dining table that had an inlaid stone surface of speckled granite. The vaulted ceiling was covered in blue mosaic and radiated noticeable warmth. Cleverly disguised infrared emitters, Ervin thought.


    A silhouette appeared in the doorway opposite. As the person strode into the lamplight with a brisk, upright pace, Max jolted and wanted to throw himself to the ground, but a sudden flicker of black eyes froze him into place. Ervin was caught in a similar state of torpor, as the man that now stood in front of him was clearly anything but. While clad in a simple burgundy robe and plain headband of gold and pearl, his forbearance and perfect movements radiated an aura of seemingly divine majesty, making the embroidered silk finery of the others appear tawdry by comparison.


    "Welcome to Ophiuchi, sers," the figure that required no introduction said with a deft, immaculate voice that compelled attention yet conveyed a deep innate warmth. "Please, allow me to introduce my wife, Anuradha Jehangir-Shawiri," he gestured. Only now did Ervin and Max see the woman at his side. They had been so focussed on what could only be a Provider, that she had gone entirely unnoticed.


    Snapping out of the spell that had fallen over them, Max and Ervin exchanged nods with the green-robed aristocrat. An inviting smile blossomed on the otherwise stern and regal features of her face as she inclined her head towards the table. "Please be seated, sers," she said in a warm voice, soothing yet every bit as coercive as her husband¡¯s.


    Max nearly tripped over his own feet as he hurried to obey, despite the clear deviation from the standard Imperial forms that dictated that no-one was to even cast a glance at a Provider unless they were seated on a throne of state or carried in a litter. To his dismay, there appeared to be no seating order, and Max soon found himself at one head of the table, taking the chair offered by Luara. Ervin, Charobim and Halim took seats on his right, while Luara sat on his left.


    Anuradha and Farshid moved around, carrying mezze dishes from a buffet at the side and placing them onto the main table. As Anuradha seated herself next to Luara, Farshid began filling cups with a murky amber liquid. Ervin caught the pleasant aroma of citrus, saffron, tamarind, and a blend of other exotic spices, reminding him of his early youth, times during which he still enjoyed relative prosperity under the panoply of his family¡¯s enterprise.


    He looked across the table. "Did you cook all of this, ser Anuradha?" he quietly asked. She smiled back and shook her head, then looked in the direction of Farshid. Ervin gaped.


    "I would be poorly suited for my role if I were unable to provide my guests with the most basic of necessities," Farshid said, stressing every syllable in a manner that made all present accept the statement as a fact that was beyond questioning. He seated himself in the seat next to Anuradha, leaving the chair opposite Max empty.


    Ervin noticed that his hands were artificial, yet they moved with a flowing grace far exceeding anything he had seen. Everything the man that was not a man did was deliberate, Ervin knew. It shrouded Farshid with a layer of abstraction that made him stand a leap beyond the people in his presence.


    "And yet, I am not the one we must thank," Farshid continued. Ervin and the people in attendance bowed their heads, with Max following suit only a fraction later. Farshid began offering praise to God and His prophets.


    Max felt conflicted. Farshid spoke his words in ways that made them impossible to contest. Yet would they thank God for food that was clearly produced by the Provider? Why did the Provider thank God for light and warmth, when he commanded the power to birth and extinguish the stars themselves? Max wondered what the Provider meant when he spoke of God¡¯s eternal law. Was a Provider¡¯s very word not already law? As Farshid finished his prayer, Max looked up and caught a glimpse of him. In an instant, his doubts were washed away.


    Ervin waited until others at the table began serving themselves and then spooned a few unknown tubers stuffed with what appeared to be tabbouleh onto his plate. He noticed Max remained silent and did not object to the lavish food he would normally decline, struggling instead to remain dignified while carefully eating a piece of pita bread covered in baba ganoush.


    To his surprise, he saw figs wrapped in what appeared to be cured bacon amongst the delicacies on offer. None of the others had any inhibition towards consuming these, nor the other dishes that clearly contained meat. If they have the means to create this body, then they can probably create pork without pigs, he theorized. Yet, artificial meat was already a thing in his time on Earth, and his family had still shunned it, as it did not grow out of the ground.


    For years, I consumed all kinds of artificial garbage while orbiting Proxima, he thought. Why, of all times, be principled now, and think ill of my esteemed hosts?


    "It comes from a plant," Anuradha whispered from across the table.


    Ervin chuckled in surprise. Not at all economical, but the workaround neatly overcame all prohibitions of the scriptures.


    How had she known what I was thinking, Ervin wondered, as he sampled the previously forbidden dishes. Do they have technology to remotely read thoughts?


    Farshid leaned forward, inclined his head, and looked at him briefly, his expression subtle yet vastly nuanced.


    The face and posture spoke a thousand words. Ervin understood.


    I am pellucid to them. They know my thoughts because they can glean them from my eyes, my face, my body language, all the subtleties that I am not even consciously aware of. And through the same system of subtleties and expressions, they can imprint my unconscious. Not only are they beyond human, but they have also mastered everything there is about human nature and the underlying systems that make us human.


    He began to realize the tremendous opportunity he had to learn more about the Providers and the Empire at large, as the one other Provider he knew from Messier 39 had been distinctly alien. He found it hard to formulate a proper question to Farshid. The things that came to mind first were actually simple matters that, when asked, might earn him a reprimand and the directive to look up the obvious answers elsewhere.


    Most mind-boggling facts he already knew, courtesy of the delegation of dignitaries that had led the efforts to integrate their colony into the Empire. An empire of a trillion worlds, he thought. Extending all the way to the far side of the Virgo cluster, containing thousands of galaxies. Hundreds of millions of years old.


    Something irked him.


    "Ser Farshid, first of all, my thanks for receiving us as your guests. The food you have made for us is truly delicious."


    Farshid inclined his head, as if saying it wasn¡¯t any effort.


    "Would you be so kind as to indulge some of my questions," Ervin tried, cautiously.


    "If I was not inclined to do so, I would not have invited you," Farshid said, matter-of-factly. Ervin laughed nervously, reminded that the Provider was always one step ahead of him.


    "I am wondering about the following," Ervin asked Farshid. "The Providers have expanded constantly for hundreds of millions of years. Yet, in my absence, humanity has not." He stopped and counted briefly. "We had about a dozen colonies established or under construction during my time. But why is it that sixty thousand years later, when the Providers came, humanity had not even managed to settle thirty systems?"


    Farshid froze completely for a fraction of a second, an odd, startling glitch that made it seem as if some part of his advanced brain had malfunctioned and had to be rebooted. Ervin found it highly unsettling, as it further reinforced that the creature was inhuman, despite its human appearance.


    "Interesting," Farshid said, with a soft, amused tone in his voice. "That is the most interesting question I have heard in a very, very long time." He smiled, and for the first time, Ervin felt he saw Farshid display genuine human emotion.


    "There are several reasons why humanity was not prolific, in the end. My personal understanding is the following: The Centaurans declared independence from the Universal Economic Council in the 25th millennium. Sol initially had the intent to launch a punitive expedition and reintegrate Proxima.


    However, it was quickly realized that this operation would be impossible: Travel through interstellar space is expensive and arduous, as you well know, while the defenders have virtually limitless energy, resources, and reaction mass at their disposal. The invasion fleet would be unable to decelerate using the laser at Proxima, and in fact, the defenders could easily have weaponized this installation.


    While never officially confirmed, it is highly probable that Sol has considered destroying Proxima instead, which would have been possible and, in fact, trivial. Small, high-velocity warheads or a series of relativistic kinetic projectiles would have been undetectable and are quite capable of destroying colonies. However, doing so would guarantee a spiral of mutual destruction. It would set a precedent, and every world would have considered every other world a fundamental threat to their existence. The colonies would have destroyed Earth and possibly each other using the same means.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    The independence of Proxima set a precedent in itself. It made humanity realize two things: First, that one system could never control another system. Secondly, precisely because of the cost, duration, and difficulty of interstellar travel, the colony ships that were constructed would never pay anything back to the system that had built them. There had never been cargo ships that returned resources to the original worlds, and it would always be more economical to produce locally within each system.


    As Sol collapsed in on itself and Proxima rose to prominence as the most advanced human world, every human knew: It was every world for itself. Thus, the period of human colonial expansion thus ended around the 31st millennium. Humanity subsequently disintegrated into factions roughly based upon cultural and ethnic lines. In the 32nd millenium, the Ophiuchan worlds declared independence from the UEC, united under the Faith, but otherwise isolated from one another."


    Ervin had listened through the entire explanation with fascination. "Our commander Woodward reported incredible resentment towards colonists from the people of Earth, precisely because of the issues you listed. They even demanded reparations."


    Farshid nodded. "Such sentiments, while sounding inane at first, are grounded in reason. The interstellar ships took vast quantities of rare resources out of the Sol system. This was not just limited to material wealth; the colony ships also took many of the best and the brightest. This created a vicious cycle: the more deplorable the conditions on Earth became, the higher the emigration rates of the people that had the means to leave rose."


    Ervin nodded he understood. "Then what makes the Provider Empire so stable?"


    Farshid smiled, but this time it was but a wry formality. "The same way any system endures in nature. It co-opts everything that contributes to it, and it neutralizes everything that does not. The Empire has access to all information within it as per the terms of the Data Sharing Policy, which makes it trivial to empower the greatest contributors and constrain any detrimental factors. Ultimately, absolute control over energy and access to all information form the stable foundation upon which the Empire is built."


    "And what about threats from outside the Empire? Has it never encountered any other successful intergalactic civilizations?"


    "Extremely rare, but yes, it has. The Yortritan and the Imnu."


    Ervin was almost afraid to ask. "And what happened?"


    "They joined the Empire," Farshid answered, much to Ervin¡¯s relief. "The Imnu were an interesting case. They are native to the Hydra supercluster, and an oddity. Indeed, they were one of the very few civilizations broadcasting their presence. The Providers responded by sending them the plans to construct a transference relay and link it to the Empire proper. They were successfully integrated into the Empire eighty million years ago, expanding the Empire into the Hydra supercluster some three hundred million years ahead of the expansion fleets."


    Ervin was confused. "But¡­ I thought the Providers already have faster than light technology. The Movers travel instantaneously¡­"


    Halim laughed, and even Max¡¯ face twisted into a badly concealed grin. "Apologies ser Ervin, but if the Empire was not bound by an expansion front that propagates at a fraction of the speed of light, it would span the entire universe by now," Halim said.


    Ervin turned red and felt humiliated. With his secondary degree being in mathematics, he should not have made an assumption as flawed as he just had.


    "The Movers have severe limitations. For one, they require pre-existing infrastructure at their destination, as does transference," Farshid clarified.


    Remembering the earlier conversation, Ervin realized something. "Earlier you said that humanity realized that one system can never control another system, because of the overwhelming advantage the defenders have. If this is true, then how can the Providers ensure the compliance of all systems? One could simply destroy the local infrastructure and go rogue, and the Providers would be forced to slowboat to the system and be unable to retake it."


    Farshid smiled once more. "Very good. Very good indeed. The answer is that it is possible to use the transference system to convey energy."


    Ervin understood the implications immediately. "With the Empire the size it is, the Providers can bring amounts of energy that far exceed the output of the local star itself..."


    "Precisely," Farshid confirmed.


    "Going back one moment. I just realized the Virgo cluster and the Hydra supercluster are tens of millions of lightyears apart¡­ With the initial communications conducted at light speed, I don¡¯t assume there was much back and forth. Did the Providers really just give their advanced technology to the Imcehin, without having the means to ascertain who was on the other end?"


    Farshid leaned back. "You continue to ask the most interesting kinds of questions, ser Ervin. Indeed, they did, after the first signal."


    "I admit my next question is rather dull and predictable, but why did they think they could afford the risks?"


    "Any species that broadcasts their position is friendly," Farshid said.


    "Is it? How so?" Ervin wondered.


    "As humanity must have realized during its Centauran crisis, destroying worlds is trivially easy. The principle that destructive capabilities far exceed defensive capabilities remains true as technology advances, at least up to the point the Providers have reached. Within humanity, the positions of all settled worlds were known, as were all the unsettled nearby worlds with conditions agreeable to human life. Any inter-system act of hostility would have guaranteed the swift destruction of the entire human race. However, if a would-be attacker is unknown, it can strike without revealing itself, and destroy worlds without fear of retaliation."


    Ervin realized. "The Imcehin risked their very existence on the bet that the unknown was friendly. That is a very bold gamble to make."


    "It paid off," Anuradha said.


    "So it did, for both of us," Farshid acknowledged.


    "Could I ask what your view is on Provider technology? How has it affected the Faith?"


    Farshid¡¯s face turned into a barely perceivable frown. Too ambiguous a question, Ervin knew. He felt it also didn¡¯t help that there was no way to distinguish between the alien Providers and the former human sitting at the table.


    "The Provider technology is not at odds with the Faith. After all, the universe did not fundamentally change, did it?"


    "Our lives changed. We are now immortal, and the Providers take care of our needs. One might argue we no longer need God," he spoke as he gestured at Max, referring to his fabricated nature, "or even, that the Providers are playing God."


    Farshid answered quickly. "I embrace God with my whole being and will forever be His obedient servant. Never doubt this. What you see here today is a culmination of the work of God," he spoke, gesturing over the terraced gardens and towards the distant city. "When God created the universe, there was only one possible outcome: Some of His creations would eventually come to understand Him and obey His will. The Empire as a whole exists in concordance with God¡¯s eternal laws, thus triumphing and dominating all of creation. Anything less would inexorably have resulted in death."


    "What of the principle of equality that we hold so dear in the Faith? You a Provider, me a commoner. There are nobles, knights, and even disposables in the Empire¡­"


    "We are sitting here at this table as equals, are we not?", the Farshid reprimanded him.


    "It is not the norm from what I have seen. Ser Max used to be treated worse than a slave¡­"


    Max looked like he was going to object, yet he kept quiet, not daring to interrupt a conversation that involved a Provider.


    "If you seek to wield equal power, then you must possess an equal character," Farshid said, his voice calm as he explained. "If a lowly sinful human like myself had this opportunity to ascend, so does everyone else. Even ser Max."


    "Ser Max was destined to be disposed within days of his creation," Ervin protested. "What opportunity did he ever have?"


    "It was trivial for him to obtain citizenship, was it not? He could have applied at any time."


    Ervin was confused. He thought Elisa had leveraged her power to arrange citizenship status. He turned to Max. "Is this true?"


    "It is. A disposable can apply for citizenship," Max said. "But this is not what we are created for. Our disposal is glory to the Providers."


    Ervin sighed. "Ser Farshid, is there any hope of ser Max ever becoming a full citizen and living happily at our colony?"


    Farshid answered in his usual calm and controlled voice. "The cultural gap is too large, ser Ervin. You are projecting your own norms on ser Max, when these do not apply. Likewise, there are several ways to resolve this situation, but none of these will be agreeable to you."


    "I do feel ser Max has made a lot of progress adapting to our culture, these past months."


    "Evidently, you are mistaken," Farshid said, as he turned to Max. "Ser Max, am I correct in surmising that you and ser Ervin are close friends?"


    Max nodded enthusiastically, taken by surprise that Farshid had chosen to address him.


    "Tell me then," he asked. "Would you torture Ser Ervin to the best of your abilities, if I were to ask you to?"


    Max did not flinch. "Unquestionably, your Providence."


    Ervin cringed and shifted in discomfort. Charobim voiced a barely audible prayer against evil, but Farshid pressed on relentlessly.


    "How would it make you feel to hear his cries of agony and his pleas to stop?"


    "It would please me to know your wishes were being carried out, your Providence."


    "What of your own empathy and moral concerns? Do you not have these things? Would you not consider my command to be... unethical?"


    "It is not my place to question your will, your Providence, only to obey."


    "And what if there were two Providers, and one would issue a conflicting order and instruct you not to harm ser Ervin? How would you decide whom to obey?"


    Max did not require time to think. "A Provider is to be obeyed. A later command overrides the former. I will not distinguish between the two Providers nor the contents of their commands."


    "If I were to ask you to use your own judgement to decide whether to obey or defy my next command, and then issue the same order of torture of ser Ervin, how would you feel?"


    For the first time, Max found the question difficult to answer. He paused for several seconds.


    "I believe I would feel conflicted or even feel despair. I would not be able to decide on a proper course of action. Of course, I would prefer not to harm ser Ervin. But it would feel like I would act on the whim of personal preference, rather than sound judgement. I would not be sure whether it is the right thing to do."


    His point made, Farshid nodded to Max in thanks, and resumed his dining. Max bowed his head in elation, grateful for the opportunity to be of service to a Provider.


    "May the blessings of God be upon Compliance," Anuradha said.


    "Many blessings indeed," Farshid answered.

 Chapter 4

    Luara showed Ervin and Max to their quarters, small stand-alone pavilions amongst the gardens. She explained how the daily cycle resolved itself on the Ophiuchi world. "Our days are a little over fourteen Earth hours. So we sleep two to three hours on the nights of odd-numbered days, and another seven hours on even-numbered days. Today is an odd day."


    Ervin was relieved, as he did not yet feel tired. Max peered into the pavilion and saw that the small entrance was lit by a single burning oil lamp. The structure was made out of carved white stone and adorned with gold like most buildings they had seen. The floor consisted of deep blue stone slabs covered in rich carpets, and it was furnished with a bed, table, and chairs and had a terrace at the back with a low bench that held a row of cushions.


    Max looked distressed. "Ser Luara¡­ I am not accustomed to sleeping like this. I am not sure whether I am even able to."


    Luara returned a compassionate look. "I am sorry, we were not informed of your special requirements in this regard. Tell me how we can help you," she asked with her typical sweet voice.


    "Do you happen to have mindprobes of any kind? I am able to configure them for sleeping."


    "I¡¯m afraid that sort of equipment is restricted here," Luara said with a concerned frown. As a thought occurred to her, she brightened up. "But we do have an Elicitation commissioner on the estate. Would you like me to summon him?"


    "If it isn¡¯t too much trouble, yes please."


    Luara looked away for a moment. "He¡¯ll be here soon," she said a few seconds later.


    Ervin felt left out. He still could not get used to this advanced technology. Luara had just casually summoned another person with but a thought. Max was loaded with Provider technology as well. So many things he could be doing that totally escape my notice, Ervin thought. How can I help a being like him? He is beyond me in so many ways.


    Ervin snapped out of his thoughts as Luara spoke. Her soft voice rang pleasantly through the pavilion. "Ser Max, if you are okay, I¡¯ll show ser Ervin to his quarters. Afterward, I will return here with the commissioner."


    "Of course," Max said with a nod.


    "Ser Ervin¡¯s pavilion is in the field directly to the north," Luara said, as she and Ervin departed.


    "I sometimes feel a stranger to the current ways of life more so than ser Max is," Ervin admitted with a sigh. "The Faith has endured all these millennia, but everything else has changed. For the better, it seems. But where does that put me?"


    "God has a place for everyone in His Great Plan," Luara said. "If faith is all you have left, then trust in God."


    "I do," Ervin said, as they passed under arching hedges that led to the adjacent field. "I do."


    "What of the night skies of your home planet ser Ervin? Are they as interesting as ours?", Luara asked.


    Ervin took a moment to look at the 36 Ophiuchi AB binary pair, clearly visible as two distinct red stars, but too distant to provide any illumination of note. The whole setup reminded him of Proxima, where he had spent several years at an orbital before enrolling with the Dolya colony ship.


    Ervin gritted his teeth, caught himself, and then smiled. "Our world orbits only one star, but the sky is beautiful. There are many distinct nearby stars, as we are located in the Messier 39 star cluster. We are still in the process of mapping them. Unfortunately, it is not something that holds a high priority, as we must work to improve the infrastructure at our colony first and foremost."


    "All will come in time," Luara replied warmly, as she showed Ervin to the entrance of his pavilion.


    "You are probably right," Ervin said, "for our years are without end."


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    Luara smiled again. "Good night, ser Ervin," she said softly, just as the blue-robed silhouette of an Elicitation commissioner strode into the meadow.


    "Good night, ser Luara," Ervin answered as he returned the smile, and closed the door.


    When Luara entered Max¡¯s room, she found him reading from a massive printed tome at one of the lecterns that lined the wall.


    "These are your scriptures?", Max asked.


    Luara observed how Max rhythmically flipped through page after page, his eyes moving rapidly.


    "They are. I didn¡¯t know you were interested in¡­"


    "The wording is ambiguous and contradictory," Max stated bluntly, frustration and disappointment showing through his voice.


    If Luara was offended, she hid it well. "I have brought you the Elicitation commissioner you requested," she said with a cursory smile. "Allow me to introduce ser Davit."


    Max sprung up from the lectern and turned to face the guest. "Please forgive my impertinence, sers."


    Max and Davit exchanged the customary greetings. Davit was nearly as slender as Luara, but stood noticeably taller. He had a characteristic tanned, bald head and eyes that carried an innate light.


    Davit listened patiently as Max explained his problems and requirements, verifying he was indeed issued a Maxproxemix standard template disposable body specifically created for him. He followed up by making an inventory of all the cybernetics he was equipped with. While noting Max was in fact capable of natural sleep, it would prove to be less than ideal, resulting in a loss of acuity if he were to do so.


    "Do you mind me watching this, ser Max," Luara asked.


    "Not at all," Max said. "But I do wonder why you wish to see this."


    "It is just something new I have never seen before," Luara replied. "Simple curiosity."


    "If it makes you happy," Max said as he sat on the bed and began taking off his hardshell working boots, replicas of the mass-produced attire he wore during his time as a contracted disposable.


    "You sure you want ser Luara to see all of this? It¡¯s very confidential," Davit asked. His manner of speech was low in confidence, quick and unsophisticated. His smooth face bore a noticeable frown.


    "Back on my homeworld¡­ Maxproxemix, everything is public. You can show her," Max replied calmly.


    "This is Ophiuchi. For anything not covered by the Data Sharing Policy, you got privacy rights," Davit reminded Max.


    "I waive those rights," Max said as he laid down on the bed.


    "As you wish," Davit said, as he took a stool and sat down beside the bed. He attached a pair of mindprobes to Max¡¯s head and removed a datapad from the small white satchel he carried across his shoulder.


    Max closed his eyes and Davit began the procedure.


    He rubbed his ear as he browsed through the telemetry displayed on the pad, staring intently.


    "Is anything wrong?", Luara asked with concern.


    "No, nothing is wrong. That¡¯s the thing. Normally it¡¯s my job to address any problems that come up, but it seems the standard programs can deal with him just fine."


    "Oh, I see," Luara said. She paused and observed how Max¡¯s eyes moved rapidly under his eyelids. "Is he aware during any of this? Is he dreaming?"


    "In a certain way, yes. Not in a very coherent manner the way normal dreams are, though."


    Luara laughed. "I wouldn¡¯t say normal dreams are very coherent either. How long will it take?"


    "Twenty minutes of recuperation and then seven minutes for elicitation," Davit answered, referring to the mandatory process of uploading the information content of one¡¯s brain that earned his service department its name. There was no single standardized way to comply with this stipulation of the Data Sharing Policy. Most people would let their implants and dogtags handle it during their sleep, periodically handing in the Provider device at an Elicitation bureau so the contents could be copied. Others requested more personalized services like those offered by commissioners such as Davit.


    Davit remembered how initially, the human populace was skeptical, if not outright hostile to the idea. Yet, the immortality and conveniences afforded through the process were hard to dislike. As the centuries went on and the supposed negative effects failed to manifest, the objections had vanished. When people had learned that entities in the Empire had, amongst other things, been creating disposable personalities from the data, the reaction had for the most part been one of apathy. After all, such creatures had already been banned from their world.


    "I feel sorry for him," Luara said softly, but Davit remained silent and focused on his pad, as if not wanting to get involved in such sentimentalities. "They made him a citizen, yet he is still trapped in the mind of a disposable. I wonder, would it be possible to undo a conditioning?"


    Davit looked up. "For a normal person, yeah, of course. For a person such as ser Max, not really. He was built this way, not conditioned afterward. He¡¯d need to get some more experiences and different views first. Else he has nothing to fall back on. Why do you ask?"


    "Just simple curiosity again," Luara said through her smile.

 Chapter 5

    The early morning breeze had brought cold moist ocean air into the city, cloaking the garden terraces in nebulous tendrils of fog that deposited dewdrops on pristine varicolored leaves. From an office in one of the temple spires, Ervin had watched as the red sun had risen rapidly into the sky, casting its rays through the humid air. Ervin felt as if the diffuse orange glow was foreshadowing something ominous.


    "He¡¯s a difficult case," Charobim sighed. He and his fellow priests had spent all morning questioning Max regarding his behavior, interests, and interactions with other people at the colony and confirmed what Ervin already knew - Max had been created and conditioned for a very specific environment that was at great odds with his new one.


    They had concluded he was neither happy nor unhappy; work was not only something he enjoyed, it was escapism from the alien environment and difficult, undesired social interactions. Left idle, Max would rapidly become unstable, and he made it clear he outright hated his off-days.


    "To him, your colony feels threatening," Charobim continued. "If he wasn¡¯t so well-spoken, I would almost say he is hmmm¡­ autistic. But in other regards, he does not appear to be that way. He seems quite defensive of his views."


    "Our colony feels threatening," Ervin said with an irked frown. "Yet he likes his homeworld - that had him killed." He leaned back, looking out of the window. From his vantage point in one of the temple¡¯s spires, he could overlook most of the city below. Ervin noticed the sight of the large, red midday sun made him easily irritated. Way too similar to Proxima, he thought. He swore to pay more heed to his manners.


    "He likes predictability and purpose. He said that even though he enjoys working, there is little motivation for him to do so."


    "On his homeworld, his masters would grant daily blessings on behalf of the Providers. He is conditioned to obey them in all things, even if it costs him his life."


    "It appears he was fully aware that he was destined to be terminated after a few days, hmm," Charobim murmured while stroking his beard. "I had expected there to be some kind of deception or denial about that harsh fact."


    Ervin unconsciously mirrored Charobim¡¯s pose and moved his hand to his chin, only becoming aware of his motion when he found his own beard missing. He lowered his hand, embarrassed. "His efficiency rating is all that matters to him."


    "Permanent death does not worry them, yet a number does. What produces creatures like that¡­"


    "According to commander Woodward, the Providers are using our data to generate disposables," Ervin remarked.


    "That is a well-known fact, and one of the reasons why we banned disposables altogether. Although it¡¯s technically not the Providers doing the new people generation job, it¡¯s the Regulators responsibility."


    "Who are those?"


    "Artificial intelligence."


    "I was already surprised not to see any of those around, but it seems there is AI after all?"


    "The Regulators don¡¯t communicate with us lowly beings. Providers and Commissioners only. And some knights, such as ser Halim."


    "Immediate knights?"


    "Yes, those get their energy directly from a Regulator, rather than a Provider."


    "Interesting. Who has more authority then, the Regulators or the Providers?"


    "There is some separation of powers. The Providers are supposedly the ultimate authority in the Empire, although Compliance can overrule even them in case of Policy violations. And the Regulators process all of our data. No one is exempt from the Data Sharing Policy, not even the Providers."


    Ervin was fascinated by the subject, but realized he had come here for another reason. His curiosity would have to wait. "Back to the matter at hand. If it is AI generating disposables from our data¡­"


    He thought for a moment.


    "What if they are using a simple evolutionary algorithm?", he asked rhetorically, once again rubbing his hand against his bare chin.


    Charobim thought as well. "Hmmm. You are probably onto something there."


    "The disposables are not having children, so what if their efficiency rating determines the degree to which particular combinations of data get passed onto the next generation. You would end up with creatures that willingly throw themselves off a cliff, if that would increase their rating."


    "That would be very sad, if true," Charobim said. "Think of how many misfits that produces¡­"


    "What if he is such a misfit?", Ervin wondered.


    "You could ask him? Given the candor to which Maxproxemix treated him, he probably knows whether that is the case."


    "I dislike playing such a guessing game," Ervin said, staring out of the window and once again noticing he was becoming agitated. He paused, breathed himself to calm, and continued. "We are working against a system here. A system that has been running for hundreds of millions of years and is incomprehensible - at least to me. One thing is certain: Max was never intended to be reinstated on Messier 39. If we were to ask a Provider, they¡¯d probably say that we are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole."


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    "Hmm, quite likely," Charobim agreed. Rather than fondling with his beard once more, he withdrew his prayer beads from his pocket and started finicking with it. "One other thing of note. He has been reading scripture, last night."


    Ervin expressed his surprise and shifted in his chair. "Is he? That has changed; I could never interest him. Did he say anything about it?"


    Charobim told Ervin how he had found Max amongst the olive grove that morning, shearing the fruit from its branches onto a waiting tarp below. The vast quantity of trees he had already processed indicated he must have been at his work for hours without pause. Max had explained how he only required twenty minutes of recuperation, and had spent the night reading the rest of the scripture, and had then gone outside to ask one of the gardeners for work.


    "He found it confusing. I presumed that was because he cannot place it in its cultural and historical context." Ervin¡¯s astonishment grew, and he told Charobim of his earlier conversation, how Max had compared his duty to the Providers to the devotion of the faithful towards God.


    Charobim nodded and continued his explanation. "Ser Max thought that if the scripture would have been more logical and structured, they would have been more convincing, and the Faith would have prospered. I had to explain to him that in ancient history, when many of these texts were written, humanity was sadly anything but rational. And that just as he now found it difficult to understand the texts, so would the common people back then respond with ire to texts that were dry and logical."


    "Indeed, the principle of progressive revelation. As humanity advances, so does the Faith."


    "Without this principle, Faith would never have survived into this day and age," Charobim agreed. "God reveals to us when Humanity is ready to comprehend, allowing the Faith to adapt to new circumstances."


    "Perhaps this is an interesting point. What if Max is now reading scripture, because he is adapting to local conditions," Ervin ventured. "On Messier 39, I am the only person that holds the Faith. Here, to be faithful is the norm."


    "Wait - You are the only one of the Faith?" Charobim asked with concern. "Did... everyone else perish?"


    "I was the only one," Ervin admitted, lowering his eyes in shame.


    Charobim¡¯s eyes flicked left and right, expressing discomfort. His voice changed to a whisper. "How? I thought you were a priest... And¡­ and what of your family?"


    "I went to Proxima for personal matters," Ervin said plainly. "My family remained on Earth. Once the matters were resolved, I could not afford the journey back, nor did I have the means to stay. Thus I enrolled with the Dolya, and went along on its ill-fated voyage."


    Charobim was silent, looking at Ervin for a long time. Something had shifted in Ervin, and he appeared upset. Charobim assessed Ervin was not entirely forthcoming, but decided not to pursue the matter any further.


    Ervin raised himself out of his seat. "Thank you for your assistance so far, ser Charobim," he said formally. "Shall we follow up tomorrow?"


    Rather tired himself, Charobim made no effort to stop him. "Have a good evening. And enjoy the Festival of Light," he said.


    As Ervin left, he found Luara waiting for him outside.


    "Halim has already conducted ser Max back to the estate," she said. "He said the interview strained him, and that he had no interest in the festival. Would you like to travel back by river?", she asked. "There will be many events along the banks."


    "I would like that very much," Ervin said with a smile. Luara¡¯s warm voice had lifted his sour mood, and his spirit brightened by the moment.


    As they walked downhill towards the river, the festival atmosphere began to kindle. The sun moved quickly across the sky, which was already beginning to display its mellow silver and salmon evening hues. Ervin saw three young children chase each other, one carrying a glowing serpentine kite. As Ervin heard their playful cries disappear into a side street, he realized with a shock that this was the first time in millennia that he had seen children.


    He looked at Luara with a puzzled expression. She noticed and explained. "It¡¯s still possible to have children. Although the Providers made it a lot more complicated than it used to be," she added with a laugh.


    They made their way to the riverbank, navigating the docks until they reached a pier that held the sandolo that Luara had reserved. Luara helped Ervin board, as the small craft bobbed defiantly. Luara cast off and manned the single oar, swiftly directing the vessel downstream, where it was soon joined by a multitude of similar craft. As the sun sank below the horizon, lights engulfed the river banks. Boats dragged illuminated floating sculptures into position. Ervin watched in admiration as on podia along the riverside, as well as colorful floating barges, musicians and dancers began performing the arts they had spent centuries perfecting.


    Fireworks launched and people cheered. From the boats and riverside, people emerged with glowing orbs, casting them into the water in great numbers. The boats around them started to make way as a convoy of large barges emerged from the opposite direction, each conveying an ensemble of illuminated sculptures, priests, dancers, and musicians over the sparkling waters.


    As they got closer, Ervin noticed Farshid was on board the lead ship, this time dressed in ornate red-gold robes and seated on a throne of state, in stark contrast with his earlier appearance. Halim stood by his side. Large, colorful red birds flew above, circling effortlessly despite their comparatively small wings.


    "Shouldn¡¯t you be on that boat?", Ervin asked.


    "I must admit I¡¯ve not performed religious ceremonies in centuries," Luara replied cheerfully. "They get somewhat... repetitive," she added.


    "I can imagine," Ervin said, reminded that despite her youthful appearance, Luara was in fact thousands of years his senior. "What is it that you do in your daily life?", he asked.


    "City planning. Our population is growing slowly but steadily, mainly due to immigration. We have started developing the other continents of this world."


    "Do you enjoy your work?"


    "To a degree. Of course, everything gets repetitive after so long. The human mind does not appear to be created to last an eternity, but thankfully, the Equanimity has ways to address these issues."


    "I am still learning about all these supposed benefits the Provider technology afforded us. Have you seen much of the Empire?"


    "I¡¯ve never left Ophiuchi," Luara admitted, much to Ervin¡¯s surprise. "I have important duties to perform here. The burden of being part of an important family," she said with a smile.


    "You should come to visit our world someday," Ervin said, smiling back. "I am sure a diplomatic excuse could be found that requires your presence."


    Luara laughed and appeared to give it some thought. "I think I would like that very much," she finally said.

 Chapter 6

    The door opened.


    "Ser Max," Davit said, his eyes blinking as if they adjusted to bright light. "¡®tis a pleasant surprise. Please, come in."


    "Thank you, ser," Max replied, but he did not enter. "Is there anything I can help you with?", he asked.


    "What kind of question is that," Davit laughed. "You don¡¯t have to offer me anything in return for my services, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking."


    Max looked awkwardly. "It is just that I have off time until my companion returns. I am looking for work."


    "Oh no, can¡¯t be idle, can we," Davit smirked. "Come, come in," he said, reaching out to Max¡¯ shoulder and urging him to step through the lavishly decorated doorpost that marked the entrance to his apartment. Contrasting to the white of Max¡¯ pavilion, the interior was dark. Its walls were decorated with carved panels of black wood, illuminated sparsely by colored hanging lamps.


    Max took a moment to observe another elaborate paint job of a doorpost, but failed to translate the script that had been used to decorate it. Davit led him into a salon and invited him to sit down on a couch. "Want a drink?", he asked.


    Max declined and looked around the room. More wood carvings and a substantial collection of colorful figurines lined the walls. He could discern the faint but pungent smell of unknown chemicals. Finally, he sat down on one of the red couches, looking lost.


    "Man, I thought I was bad. They really did a poor job socializing you, didn¡¯t they?", Davit remarked.


    Max shrugged. "My duties on my homeworld did not require these skills." He thought, attempting to find a topic of interest to discuss. "Ser Davit," he asked in a direct manner, "could you tell me why mindprobes are restricted on this world? At my colony, I could procure them without issue."


    "¡®Tis because of the Exalted," Davit mumbled, yet his words were clear. Glancing up and realizing Max did not understand, he continued. "The Exalted, they have developed conditioning programs that make them behave more in line with the Faith¡¯s principles and inhibit them from performing sinful acts. While admirable, there is great concern that people perform increasingly strict conditioning on themselves. Especially after troublesome life events or under social pressure from friends and relatives. So to prevent misuse, such conditioning is now only permissible after passing an evaluation by Equanimity. Still, some desperate people travel to other worlds to have it done." He sighed audibly.


    Max thought how to reply tactfully, then decided to keep quiet, as his original question was answered. Once again, the room was silent. Davit observed him.


    "You know," Davit said, "You should find a hobby."


    "A hobby?" Max asked with curiosity.


    "Yeah. Something semi-constructive to do to pass your, heh, off hours. Something you find enjoyable."


    "I am conditioned to find work enjoyable. But I often feel my fellow colonists want to discourage me from working. What hobby do you have?" Max asked.


    "Well, I like my job too. Unfortunately, my services are not often called upon. So I have time for three hobbies. Gaming, woodcraft, and collecting Pashi-dolls. Come, look."


    Max got up and was led to a shelf of brightly colored figurines. He saw the heavily stylized shapes of humans, but also of various alien races.


    "I collect these," Davit said. "There are several ways to obtain them, and then you trade them until you get certain combinations and turn them in for rarer ones." He took a large sparkling green figure off the shelf. "The Emerald Queen," he said with pride. "She is extremely rare, it took me over a thousand years!" Putting the figurine back, he pointed at a silver winged creature, decorated with elaborate filigree and sapphires. "I also got one of the Heruwer¡¯s royal guards!"


    Max did not understand what the rare figurines were representing, but as he observed the loaded shelves, he could discern a simple pattern. As rarity increased, so did the size and material of the figurines. The smallest ones were fashioned out of plain colored polymer with cloth ornaments, while the two rare figurines stood four times the size and were covered in tiny artificial gemstones.


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    Davit opened the cupboard under the shelf. Hundreds of even smaller Pashi-dolls lay organized in baskets. He took a basket and held it out to Max.


    "Go on, pick one, heh."


    Max was intrigued. "Do you have any from Flow?", he asked.


    "Yeah," Davit said, returning the basket and dropping to his knees, rummaging through the cupboard. He pulled out a slightly larger gray figurine with yellow stripes. "Here, a Flow Schedule Master."


    Max accepted it. The figure¡¯s proportions were exaggerated, with an enlarged head and simple rounded hands, but it was clearly identifiable. He smiled briefly, then expressed worry.


    "I cannot take this home, can I?", he asked.


    "Oh yes you can," Davit laughed. "Pashi-dolls are transferable."


    "How?", Max asked.


    "Come, I will show you," Davit said, leading Max to the adjacent room. "Sorry about the mess," he said, laughing. The floor of one end of the chamber was covered in sawdust and curled wood chips, with tools and partially finished objects scattered over a workbench. The smell he had picked up earlier was noticeably stronger here, and Max could see its source: Rows of bottles and vials containing various oils, pigments, and lacquers. The other side of the room held a mysterious octagonal low table with a glowing purple dome in the center. More baskets containing small, undesirable Pashi-dolls lay strewn around it.


    "Here, put it in here," Davit said while shoving a basket out of the way with his feet. The table started glowing with colored symbols and the purple dome opened, revealing an orifice. Max placed the figure inside, and the dome closed, resuming its purple pulsing.


    Davit placed his hands on one end of the table and invited Max to do the same.


    To Max¡¯s surprise, the table requested all kinds of permissions. Max approved, and an interface appeared in his mind. He felt welcomed into the Pashi-doll community and was given an account. Then he received a notification of the pending transfer. Max understood. The Pashi-dolls were not just physical objects, they each contained a unique cryptographic token that bound them to a specific person. Max accepted, and watched how the physical Pashi-doll locked in the table was destroyed and became a virtual object associated with his account. The Pashi-doll platform would recreate its physical form on Messier 39, already scheduling a job at the local factory. Even for the most elaborate figurines, the production cost was negligible.


    Max observed Davit through the augmented reality interface and saw he was of high status in the community, having many notable accomplishments. Davit smiled awkwardly in embarrassment, then pulled away from the table.


    Despite acknowledging that the figurine was meaningless, Max felt happy. He browsed the virtual catalog that listed all the figurines. While many were unknown to him, he could make out some other service department representatives. He imagined collecting all the Flow figurines, and thought about what he wanted next. A Compliance Enforcer, he finally decided on, although the process of obtaining one would take many years¡­


    Davit¡¯s laugh pulled Max out of his daydreaming, causing him to release the table. The augmented reality overlay disappeared from his mind. "Looks like you found your hobby," Davit smirked.


    "It is very compelling, I must admit," Max replied. "Yet, it is also very distracting. It might hinder me in my duties."


    "Life is not all about duty, mate," Davit said. "All sunshine makes a desert."


    "What of your faith," Max asked.


    "Heh, what of it?", Davit shrugged. "Sure, I recite the customary prayers out of habit, but¡­" He thought for a moment. "Here," he said, leading Max back to the doorway, showing the intricately painted symbols. "These are texts from the scriptures of my faith."


    "It must have been a lot of work to render them in such detail," Max observed.


    "Yeah. You know why I have them on my doorposts?"


    "Because your God commands it?", Max ventured.


    "No¡­" Davit said with a wry smile. "It is because my parents had these exact same decorations in their house. I liked my parents. And their house."


    "If not for faith, then why do you work at all?"


    "Because I really like my job. I used to be a computer scientist, before the Providers came. All this advanced technology, it is really interesting. Now people¡¯s minds are pretty much the same as all the software I used to optimize. Just more complex."


    "I see," Max said.


    "You know, the baseline human brain is actually quite terrible at adapting to new circumstances. Most humans just want to perpetuate the exact same conditions in which they grew up and thrived. They repeat the same behavior. Keep pursuing the first thing that latches on to their mind and react quite badly to change afterward. Like this," he said while running his fingers across the doorpost. "I just wanted it to look like mommy¡¯s home. No faith or creativity, just banality, mate."


    Max was silent, as he reflected on his own condition. Was he really all that different? After all, he was still clinging to his former life as a Flow contractor.


    A notification appeared in his mind. Ervin had returned to the estate. Max thanked Davit for his time and the figurine, and made efforts to leave.

 Chapter 7

    "Is it true that some people are using Provider technology to brainwash themselves to the Faith?", Ervin asked Charobim in an upset voice.


    The night before, Ervin had met up with Max in one of the garden gazebos and overlooked the lantern-lit hillsides. Ervin had told how he dreamt of one day terraforming their desert planet and having lush gardens and streams similar to those on Ophiuchi. Max had expressed concern about the low population of the colony, and how despite their efforts, they had not yet been able to attract new settlers. Then he told about the visit he had made to Davit¡¯s house and recounted the things he had learned.


    "The Exalted, yes," Charobim began, unsure what to say.


    "So, why is this practice not banned? After all, the conditioned disposables are banned¡­"


    "The disposables are conditioned to accept conditions that we consider inhumane, ser Ervin. Exaltation is a different matter. How can we deny people that simply wish to become better persons? The method may be new, but..."


    Ervin shook his head. "Are you really trying to defend the position that brainwashing is fine, as long as we agree with the contents? We disavow proselytization and preach that every person should find their own path to God, but here we are, tolerating this practice? What about free will?"


    "They are making the choice out of their own volition, ser Ervin," Charobim reminded him. "They are tested to guarantee this."


    Someone knocked on the gilt door of the splendid office.


    Ervin glared at Charobim, but Charobim bade the person on the other side to enter. A tall, slender female acolyte opened the door and stepped three paces into the room. "The debate has already begun, sers."


    "Thank you for the reminder, ser Gayathri," Charobim said with a smile and a nod. Ervin forced himself to discard his foul expression and followed the lady out of the room, down the circular stairs and onto the balustrade that oversaw the auditorium below. He saw Max standing there, speaking to the assembled dignitaries.


    "I respectfully disagree with your assertion that disposables hold a lower status than citizens," Max said, his voice filling the locale with ease. "Each holds different responsibilities and privileges, but ultimately, everyone is a subject of the Empire, regardless of stratum. Additionally, I strongly disagree with the statement that disposables are mistreated in any way."


    "Once the Empire has no further use for a disposable, it is made to disappear forever. What further evidence do you need that the Empire holds the disposables in contempt," a blue-robed priest asserted.


    "That is not entirely true," Max answered. "All important data is preserved. Disposables that perform well tend to be reinstated, often in multitudes. I myself was reinstated, with most of my memories recoverable."


    "But you are an exception. Reinstated disposables typically do not have the memories of their predecessor. They are not the same person."


    Max thought for a moment. "I respectfully disagree," he finally said. "Instances of the same disposable will behave and respond the same, while the personality of a typical citizen continuously changes as they are influenced by their experiences and environment. In that light, a disposable is more of an integral person than a citizen is."


    "I would argue this makes a disposable less of a person. Without this continuity and ability to change, their existence is incomplete."


    This time Max did not need time to think. "That argument is contrary to your scripture. It is written that God is immutable and complete. Mutability is not required for a complete existence."


    A murmur rose in the conference room, but the priest raised his hand to bid for quiet. "I concur that immutability is a quality of God, but for a..." The priest paused. He was about to say mortal, but foresaw how Max would pick that word apart. "...a mundane person, this is a different matter. If a person cannot change, then they are unable to improve their nature. They cannot overcome sin and cannot become closer to God."


    "Would you say the disposables have a sinful nature that requires changing? I have read your scriptures and all of its laws. While I was a disposable, I have not broken any. Then, does a disposable require improvements? They are designed to be optimally acclimatized to the environment in which they serve. If I were returned to Maxproxemix right now, my efficiency rating would undoubtedly be lower than what it was prior to acquiring citizenship and accumulating all the experiences and knowledge that would be irrelevant for work as a Flow microplant contractor."


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    The priest stopped to think, unable to produce a satisfactory answer for the counterquestions Max had raised. He wrapped himself tightly in his robe and pondered. As a bronze-clad figure raised a three-fingered hand, the former nodded and sat down at his bench. The broad-shouldered, black-robed creature rose from amongst his peers and slid silently forward onto the floor.


    "It is truly that interesting points were made," the figure spoke slowly in a low, unnatural rasping voice. "It is I that is named Tarmoolgh," it introduced itself. "To you, it is that first I wish to ask this question. It is why that you perform your deeds? It is not that you enjoy any reward."


    "It is my duty. Doing so improves my efficiency rating," Max answered.


    Tarmoolgh continued his questioning. "Is it that others measure you by this rating?"


    "Yes... Well, at least on Maxproxemix they would," Max said. "But I also measure myself by this value," he quickly added.


    "Then it is that you perform your deeds as means to an end. Is it possible to perform the same deeds without personal attachment to the outcome?"


    "Disposables are generally engineered to enjoy their work regardless of the outcome," Max answered. "Thus, I suppose I would."


    "It is that so far, disposables were spoken of in very broad terms only," Tarmoogh told Max. "Is it that you believe you are personally without sin? Is it that you think you would not benefit from any change?"


    Max frowned. Scripture states judgment is to be left to God, the court of law, or the individual whom it concerns. Thus they seek to have me condemn myself. Like the psychology sessions he had with Ervin, he started to enjoy these discussions less and less. To him, verbal communication felt like a pointless shuffle of words. Yet, he did not want to embarrass Ervin. His eyes turned restless, and the attendees waited in silent patience as Max paced the floor in a silly, almost theatrical manner. For over a minute he paced, his dark eyes flickering as he strung together his arguments.


    Abruptly, Max stopped. As he turned to speak once more, the listeners turned attentive. "The Service Department¡¯s duties are standardized optimal solution packages for the basic necessities that are required for every world in the Empire. Maxproxemix is an outlier of extreme human culture and behavior. Its disposables are produced from the recombined data gathered from the human citizen population. I was created to be suited to perform the tasks the Service Department of Flow wished of me to perform, thus was programmed with human characteristics best suitable for these tasks; characteristics such as diligence, stoicism, obedience, and other attributes that humans typically regard as virtues.


    However, I did willingly and knowingly perform a violation of protocol. The fruit of such deviance is identical to the fruit of sin, death. If I were designed, why is it then that my Service Department¡¯s programming allowed me to even consider performing such an act? To answer that question, I would draw parallels with your scripture. From what examples I read about the forces of evil, these forces are created by and vastly inferior to God. Indeed, the agents of evil are shown to frequently ask God for His permission to carry out acts of evil, and God imposes harsh limits on the types of evil that these agents may perform. And, God promises to banish evil at the appointed time, destroying the agents once they have served their purpose.


    Concordantly, I believe the reason why I was given the freedom to violate protocol is similar in nature. It is part of a balanced, well-designed system. I, contrary to most of my peers, was given the freedom to perform a single violation when I deemed it necessary. I was designed to be a weak point, where the system of order would purposefully break down first, in order to prevent a greater degree of damage to the whole. The ability to disobey, to sin, if you will, was a free choice programmed into me.


    The answer to your questions is no, I was not without sin, for I was purposefully designed to be an agent of evil, one capable of sinning. For me as an individual, altering such to be unable to perform violations, would have had a benefit. After all, actually performing the violation would come at the cost of my life. But for the efficiency rating of the plant as a whole, the full absence of sin would have been a detriment."


    Various cliques in the auditorium engaged in excited, approving conversation. Max took the opportunity to drink some of his water.


    Max continued. "The more I begin to understand the principles of the Faith, the more I see that these are in fact very close to the principles the Empire holds dear. Despite having vastly different origins and cultural backgrounds, the Faith and the Providers share the same goals. You seek to understand God¡¯s will and His eternal laws and overcome sin, which would otherwise spell death. The Providers seek to optimize their environment insofar the laws of nature allow this, and maintain an order that leads to the perpetuation of life and civilization. There is no fundamental difference beyond the trappings of culture."


    "Verily, it is that your Service Department imparted you with great wisdom and insight as well," the bronze creature complimented, as it slowly inclined its large metal headgear.


    "I credit ser Ervin and your scripture for these things," Max spoke humbly. "When I had just been transferred to Messier 39, I was poorly equipped to deal with the radically different cultural and social norms. Ervin taught me, but I am still learning. Your scripture afforded me the framework to interact with your culture, and with humanity at large. I value that very much."


    After a few closing remarks, people began filing out of the auditorium.


    The debate was concluded, Ervin hurried down the stairs and caught up with Max. "That was very impressive," he said.


    "Thank you," Max answered. "I must say I have learned a lot during these past few days. I see potential options, moving forward."


    "I had hoped for that," Ervin said, but he lost his smile as he saw Halim make his way through the crowd, his face a stern mask.


    Before Ervin could ask what was wrong, Halim confirmed his suspicions. "Ser Farshid wishes to see you. Immediately."

 Chapter 8

    Ervin found Farshid in his study, with Luara waiting. Her face expressed the telltale signs of worry.


    "You both know why I have summoned you," Farshid said calmly from behind a central opulent desk, leaning forward. His dark eyes pierced Luara to her very soul, yet she found the mental strength to resist. She looked straight back at Farshid.


    "Father, I believe my path leads elsewhere. There is little I can contribute to Ophiuchi after all these thousands of years¡­"


    "Dear child, do not take me for a fool," Farshid said, his words still calm, yet he stressed the consonants to be as sharp as a knife¡¯s edge. "You are knowingly walking the path of sin. Out of selfish desires, you forsake your duty and invite God¡¯s wrath onto our family. You know better." Luara winched and lowered her gaze. She fought back tears.


    "You cannot hold me hostage to our Faith, nor to our family! I am free to leave this world if I so choose!"


    Farshid rose out of his chair to stand, his hands poised in perfect stillness on the unyielding stone surface of desk. "No one is free from the duties God Himself has ordained," he said quietly. "Now, you will wait outside and contemplate your transgressions while I have a word with ser Ervin in private."


    "Father, please," Luara begged. But a single glance from Farshid seemed to knock the air right out of her, rendering her unable to speak. With effort, she gasped and hurried into the antechamber.


    Ervin watched as Farshid¡¯s glare followed the young lady, half expecting those dark eyes to become alight with divine wrath and smite his errant child with fire and lightning. Luara vanished from sight. Unmolested in body but broken in spirit, her trembling hands softly, shakingly closed the door.


    The family patriarch loosened himself from the desk and turned to face Ervin. As he did, Ervin flinched involuntarily, but no discomfort befell him. Farshid raised his eyebrows in a composed expression of understanding. Then, he slowly approached Ervin with a measured, regal pace. Ervin thought of what to say, but Farshid spoke first.


    "As much as I appreciate you, reverend Ervin, there are certain limits my guests should not cross," he spoke, his voice oddly warm and pleasant, as if gently lecturing yet another of his children over a mischievous slight. He paused to let the words sink in, then continued almost jovially, "Why, you are no such guest. You are a man of God, and so, you will not take from God what rightfully belongs to Him."


    Ervin could not help but look into those dark eyes, now wide and benevolent. Rightfully belongs to him, the words echoed in his mind. He felt visited by shame, and bowed his head. Farshid was upon him, and raised his chin with a brush of his fingers. "Do not be afraid," he said as he forced Ervin to look into his eyes once more. His voice turned to a whisper that sounded, to Ervin¡¯s ears, identical to his own inner voice. "Verily, you have overcome temptation and remained true. You are not one to fall to sin and hedonism."


    With these words he released Ervin and began turning away, his eyes remaining eerily fixated on Ervin for great length. Ervin remained speechless. Had Farshid not told him to be unafraid, he would be fleeing in abject terror.


    Presently, Farshid strode to the door and opened it. Luara re-entered, but her beautiful face was streaked by tears and with no trace of her characteristic pleasant smile. Farshid put his hand on the small of her back and urged her closer to Ervin. The room remained silent. Then Farshid cast a brief glance at Ervin.


    "Luara, I am sorry," Ervin blurted. "Please, please, forgive me," he stammered.


    "There is nothing to forgive... my love," she said, professing the feelings she had held back, knowing full well this was the last opportunity she would have to utter these words. As Ervin¡¯s face contorted in pain, she instantly regretted her impulsiveness.


    "I cannot be yours," Ervin finally said.


    "Don¡¯t say that," Luara replied quietly. Her head shook in denial, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks.


    "Luara, please understand. I am a married man."


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    Luara gaped, her eyes wide with confusion.


    "My wife, she was employed by a Da Feng subsidiary. It was the reason I left for Proxima, to be with the Centaurans. For her, I abandoned faith and family. She was carrying my child."


    Luara just stared at him in shocked disbelief, as more tears welled up in her eyes. Ervin paused, overcome with grief. He continued, confessing his sin, feeling relief as Farshid¡¯s beatitude washed over him.


    "Once we arrived, she found another man. She divorced me and soon after, my son was taken from me. But to God, I will forever be a married man. I failed God, Luara, as I have now failed you."


    Luara broke into heaving sobs. Anguish roiled over Ervin as she ran from the room, Farshid giving her a wide berth. Her tormented cries lingered after her in the halls.


    As the red sun burned bright, clouds began to form.


    Seated on colorful cushions inside a small gazebo, Halim consoled Ervin over a cup of spiced tea. "I am sorry for my sister¡¯s behavior. It was¡­ inappropriate. I hope it does not soil the future relationship between our worlds."


    "I will not mention any of it in my logs," Ervin answered.


    "Thank you for that," Halim replied.


    "And I apologize for my role in this incident," Ervin added. "I was not acting in a professional manner either."


    He looked out over the gardens, and saw a robed figure approach. In the lantern light, he could recognize that it was Max, still wearing his dull grey robe. Ervin quickly noticed something odd about him, as his characteristic gait was gone and he had a white sash draped over his shoulder. As he got closer, Ervin saw Max was also wearing a golden circlet and bore a golden badge.


    "What is this?", Ervin asked, not understanding why Max had chosen to decorate his attire.


    "Congratulations," Halim said.


    "I was created an immediate knight and joined the ranks of the Fixers Guild," Max announced with a grin.


    Ervin whistled in astonishment. Save for Elisa, no one in the colony had yet managed to earn any title in the Empire. "Congratulations indeed."


    As Halim removed an extra cup from the gazebo provisions basket and poured tea for Max, Ervin felt uneasy about Max¡¯s radical change of personality. "Something has changed about you Max, and I am sure it isn¡¯t just the knighthood," he said.


    Max sat down on the gazebo bench and thanked Halim for the tea. "I have undergone Exaltation earlier this evening," he said. "Ser Davit performed it for me."


    Ervin stared, and his stomach turned. Not only did he lose Luara, but now he felt he had lost Max as well.


    "While I am thankful for all the effort you spent on me, we must both acknowledge that it was not going to work out," Max said. "I was becoming increasingly unhappy. Most of all, I was tired of being treated as if I was defective as a person."


    "No one ever said that, Max."


    "I know. But if you look at it objectively, everyone did act in this manner. There was always this blanket of pity. The incessant comments regarding my supposed mistreatment, or that I was programmed to believe this or that, all the while implying that programming was wrong."


    "We tried to encourage you to step out of that programming, to believe in yourself and make your own free choices as a free citizen. Instead, you let ser Davit brainwash you..."


    "No," Max said with a smile. "You simply wanted me to become more like you, justified from the bias that has you believe that your ways are better. That freedom is something everyone wants and benefits from. That is an illusion. There is no freedom. There is only programming and causality. The eternal laws of God, or His great plan. You see, the truth is, that I am freer than any of you, precisely because I never held attachment to this illusory self. And as a result, I have made more of a free choice than any of you ever have. I have decided to change my programming."


    Ervin was silent. Max was right, he concluded. He did have bias, as did others in the colony. People had condemned Maxproxemix¡¯s existence in the harshest terms and thrust Max into a position of victimhood. Anything Max had said to the contrary had been disregarded.


    "I see," Ervin finally said. "What happens now? Do you still want to return to the colony? We are scheduled to transfer back in the morning, but considering your new status, you can go anywhere you wish."


    "I plan to return to Messier 39, but I will not remain in the colony for long. Instead, I will use my energy allowance to have the factory produce the drones and material I require and move to the northeastern barren valley. I will toil day and night until the valley is terraformed, and lush olive trees bear fruit. I will erect a temple for God amidst a grove, and only once the oil lamps are lit with the pressings of the first harvest will I rest."


    Ervin sipped his tea. "I suppose you will be very efficient about it¡­" he paused, thinking. "Would you mind if I join you for a while," he finally asked.


    Max nodded slowly, "I welcome you to stay with me, but know that it will adversely impact my efficiency," he said.


    "No," Ervin said, "That¡¯s not what I meant. I want to work."


    "I am sorry," Max said with a slight hint of pity in his voice. "You don¡¯t have the means to interface with the drones in any efficient manner."


    Ervin drummed his fingers on the table, then eyed Max. "How about I pay ser Davit a visit before we leave?"


    Max smiled. "I will provide a list of the packages you need."

 Conclusion

    "Reverend," a voice behind Ervin called.


    Ervin turned around to see Farshid standing in the doorway of his pavilion.


    "May I come in?", he asked in a manner that sounded friendly, yet could not be denied.


    "Of course, your Providence," Ervin resigned.


    Farshid closed the door behind him. "I am sorry to impose myself, but I must ask you to hear me under the seal of confession, for I have wronged you," he said in a voice that sounded genuine and solemn.


    Ervin successfully managed to suppress his surprise. "Your Providence," he said, hurrying to gesture to a small seating area with colorful, embroidered benches.


    Farshid took a seat, staring at the bright carmine ocean sunset. Ervin sat down opposite. Suddenly, Farshid seemed to change noticeably. Ervin could not pinpoint it, for his appearance remained unaltered. As if a mask had dropped, Farshid turned from a figure of unquestionable authority to something that resembled an old, broken man. Ervin could see the sorrow in those dark eyes, and the crooked neck and shoulders that seemed to bear a terrible weight.


    "I have wronged you, for I withheld the full truth from you on the matter of Luara," Farshid began, still looking into the distance. "An unspeakable sin rests on this family, one for which we must all atone. This is the true reason we should not marry outside our family."


    Ervin remained quiet, letting Farshid speak his piece rather than interrupting him with questions.


    "Would you please tell me what you know of Earth¡¯s history, reverend?" Farshid asked. "What do you remember of our family, back in your time?"


    Ervin sighed. "Those were very different times. The masses were little more than indentured serfs subsiding under the regime of the Universal Economic Council. The five Great Families had stakes in every corporation and were the de facto rulers of humanity in all but name. They controlled all wealth and were above the law¡­"


    "This is the heart of the matter. We broke the very laws we set for others. We banned artificial intelligence, but we used it to retain our own wealth. We tightly regulated genetic engineering, but we freely enhanced ourselves. We held humanity back, so our control would forever remain beyond challenge. Worst of all, we condemned all of humanity to death, while we would live forever."


    "Forever? Back in my days, the members of the Great Families would live for over a thousand years, but death would catch up eventually."


    "Yes, ultimately, we died. But we stored our experiences externally. We created clones, engineered to a distinctly different appearance but identical in its responses, and transferred our experiences into it. This was all extremely primitive technology compared to what the Providers now offer freely to every human being, but similar in its outcome. There would be an entity perpetuating the same behavior and responses and contributing to and drawing from the same pool of experiences for all eternity."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Ervin thought of the implications. "Were you already around in my time?", he asked.


    "Indeed I was," Farshid admitted. "I was living on Earth, like most of our Great Family. I was egotistical and ambitious, but not particularly important yet. It took many lifetimes before I acquired the wealth and influence to fund the commissioning of my own colony ship. I arrived here in the 24th millennium and founded my own local branch of the Great Family. Much to our regret, we seceded from Earth in the 32nd millennium and became the leaders of the Ophiuchans. This abandoned the ideal of human unity, which we had always sought to accomplish as part of the UEC. While conditions for the masses were greatly improved compared to Earth, we did perpetuate the same method of control. We ensured the masses would eventually succumb to death, while we would live and rule forever."


    "All of this should have ended when the Providers arrived. It violates their Policies. Yet here you are? A Provider, no less..."


    "So it did. Compliance was quick to find out and arrest us for Policy violation, abuse of power. The choice given to each of us was simple. Be banished from our own worlds forever, or agree to be conditioned to the very faith we had betrayed, and serve the people we had wronged for the rest of eternity..."


    "Conditioning¡­" Ervin gasped. "You mean Exaltation, don¡¯t you?"


    "The basis for Exaltation was in fact not devised by religious extremists. The Providers did, within days of arriving here. They learned of the Faith and were quick to note how the rulers of society were hypocrites that eschewed many of its principles. Yet, we were the longest living and most advanced human beings. We could be redeemed and be of service to the Empire, if only we would become, and forever remain, faithful."


    "I assume you, as head of the family, were most strictly conditioned."


    "Indeed."


    "And as Max pointed out, the principles of the Faith and the Provider principles are the same¡­"


    "Thus in time, I became a Provider. The others now hold titles as well. We will remain here and serve God and our people to atone for our past sins. This is why you cannot establish a relationship with Luara. That path would ultimately result in her banishment and bring grief to her and to our family. I am sorry."


    "I understand," Ervin nodded.


    "There is one more thing I must tell you," Farshid said softly. "Your son¡­"


    Ervin immediately realized where this was going. "The Da Feng were using the same trick to achieve immortality?"


    "Indeed. I have already contacted them about the matter. I am sorry to say your ex-wife is not with us anymore. The Providers may have reinstated her somewhere, but I leave it to you to decide whether or not to follow up on that. However, your son did well and rose to prominence. He is still alive on Proxima and would very much like to meet you."


    Ervin was silent, thinking about the consequences of the revelation.


    "I must ask you to keep these words a secret. In time we will atone publicly for our sins, as the truth should not remain hidden. But that time has not yet come. We must first fulfill our duties."


    Ervin snapped out of his thoughts. "Your words are safe under the seal of confession," he said after a brief pause. "I forgive you for any wrongdoing against me and wish God¡¯s peace upon you."