Chapter 22

Dóchas’ Badb Cruiser Macha-D01 was in position to intercept the interstellar probe when it dropped out of hyperspace. They had been monitoring this sector for the last 2 clock cycles.

Alana’s and Cathan’s Clans held their breath when they saw the signs of something emerging from hyperspace. Once they confirmed that it was the probe, they cheered. After verifying it was alone, they began accelerating to intersect its predicted path. As they moved toward their intercept point, they scanned the area behind the probe several times.

It was several minutes later when Sorcha of Cathan’s Clan said, “Intercept in 312 minutes.”

“Aye,” replied Cathan.

Alana of Alana’s Clan said, “Sensors are not detecting anything coming out of hyperspace behind the probe.”

“Drone1 and Drone2 confirm that,” added Cathal of Alana’s Clan.

During Macha-D01’s pursuit of the probe some of the crew rechecked the spiders and ferrets that would be sent to examine it. Several were monitoring the sensors scanning the probe to determine if it had a hitch hiker or beacon attached.

“If this goes like it is supposed to,” said Todd of Cathan’s Clan, “we should buy the programmers a drink.”

“Yes,” replied Cathal, “being able to physically collect the data really shortens this section of our trip. Well, at least this part, as we still need to wait two clock cycles after we finish.”

“Think anything is following it?”

“Well we haven’t detected anything yet. I see it as a slim possibility but I think we are doing the prudent thing, considering how much we don’t know.”

When Macha-D01 was within 10 km of the probe, Cathan said, “Reduce speed to maintain distance.”

“Initiating thruster,” replied Blanche of Cathan’s Clan. After a several minutes, she added, “Distance stabilized.”

Cathan looked at Alana and Cathal and nodded as she said, “Initiate recovery sequence.”

Alana said, “Launch 6 Spiders.”

“Launching,” replied Vera of Alana’s Clan. Both Clans watched the Spiders leave the ship heading toward the probe. Several minutes later they settled on the probe and began surveying its exterior. The Spiders soon told them that all systems were intact and showed not signs of tampering.

“Launch Ferret1,” said Alana.

“Launching Ferret1,” replied Vera. They watched as the Ferret proceeded toward the probe. When it gently settled on the probe the Spiders shifted to counterbalance the change in the center of mass.

Sheelah of Alana’s Clan then commanded the Spiders to shift their position again. By repositioning them the probe’s course would be slightly altered so that in 4 weeks it would just intersect the edge of the solar system before heading off into space.

In the meantime, Ferret1 connected to the interstellar probe’s control systems and began downloading data. Once the downloaded was complete Ferret1 separated from the probe, giving it a small shove in its new direction. After connecting to the cruisers systems the it began transferring the data. As the data was downloaded, multiple validity checks were run to verify its integrity.

“The data is valid,” said Macha-D01 AI. “Ferret1 is ready for next step.”

“Affirmative,” replied Alana. “Vera, launch Ferret1.”

“Ferret1, launched.”

The crew again watched the monitor as Ferret1 reattached itself to the probe. This time it connected to the probe’s control systems. It initiated a routine to erase and then reformat the data storage system. While that routine was running, the control systems were reprogrammed. The new settings would send the probe on another trip through the universe to look at prospective solar systems further out. Like the last trip, it would loop around before arriving back at this relative position in a decade’s time, with minimal consumption of resources.

Once the programming was complete and the data wipe confirmed, Ferret1 released its hold and gave the probe another shove in its new direction before drifting behind it. When Ferret1 was a hundred meters behind it the Spiders detached from the probe and drifted back to attach themselves to it. Once they were attached, Ferret1 slowed its momentum to let Macha-D01 catch up.

A short time later, Cathal said, “Ferret1 and Spiders secured.”

“Invoke thrusters for starboard drift and reduce speed,” said Cathan.

“Thrusters invoked,” replied Enya of Cathan’s Clan.

“Star Fighters, status?” inquired Claire of Cathan’s Clan.

“Our systems are still not detecting anything,” came four replies.

“How are supplies?”

“We will need to connect in one clock cycle,” said a pilot. “It will be nice to stretch out.”

“OK, two at a time to connect in one clock cycle.”

“Affirmative.”

“Elyse,” said Alana, “let Dóchas know we have collected the data.”

“It is being prepared for transmission now, although I suspect they already know.”

Calvin walked into the Dóchas medical center with Kathy and Kathryn. “Calvin,” said Kathy, “relax, everything will be just fine.”

“Hi, Emma,” said Calvin, seeing his sister, “I am surprised to see you here.” She walked over to him and gave him a big hug.

“Are you here to see me start my conversion?” she asked.

“You’re starting today?”

“Kathy told me yesterday that they were going to begin performing conversions again.”

“Kathy told me the same thing last night.”

“Calvin, you didn’t answer my question,” replied Emma.

“Yes and no.”

“What?”

“Well, I will only see you start if you begin before I do.”

Emma threw her arms around her brother and said, “This is so neat. We’re going to be doing it together. It seems like it has been forever since we did something together.”

“Well, I don’t think we will be ‘doing it’ today.” Emma began to blush as she realized what Calvin was alluding to. “I will look forward to ‘doing it’ afterwards.”

“You’re twisting my words, Calvin,” chided Emma. “I was referring to the conversion, not to physically sharing our love.”

“Emma,” said Keriann with a smile, “we have no objection to you physically sharing your love with either your brother or his spouses.” Emma blushed some more. “It is not unusual for clans to share the physical side of love. It is also acceptable for siblings to share the physical side of love.”

“Cool,” replied Emma, “as long as Kathryn’s Clan is agreeable.”

“We won’t mind,” said Kathryn, as she stepped over and put her arms around Keriann and Emma. “We will just make it one big gathering.” She turned Emma and kissed her. The three of them turned together and began kissing passionately.

“Later,” said Kathy, after a few moments. “We need to get the two of you started. Emma, go with Johanna. She will help you prep. Calvin, Kathryn can assist you in prep area 2.”

When Calvin and Emma came back, they said, “Hi, Clancy. Hi, Jasmine. Clancy, I take it you are here for the conversion too?”

“Yes. I have to admit that I still have some apprehension about all of this.”

“Apprehension?” replied Emma.

“Yes. Oh not about being with Jasmine’s Clan. Just about the process. It is just mind-boggling.”

“Emma, are you ready?” asked Kathy.

“Yes, doctor,” replied Emma, and stuck her tongue out. “Your next victim awaits your command.” As soon as she finished speaking she began laughing.

“Ah ... so you want to be my masterpiece,” replied Kathy with an evil smile while wiggling her eyebrows before joining in with the laughter.

When the laughter subsided, Emma turned and kissed Keriann and Kelly before walking over to the lift next to the tube. As soon as she gripped the handle, she began to rise until she was over the tube. She was slowly lowered into the tube, which was filled a third of the way up with the clear green gel. When her feet reached the bottom, she placed them on the foot pads, and then let go of the lift handle. Two dildos began to rise until they touched her crotch, and the tube was filled with more gel until it reached her waist. Emma pulled her labia open and moved her hips slightly to aid the dildos’ entry. She sighed as they slid in and then shivered as she felt the green gel begin entering her body. Emma then placed her hands on the supports. When the green gel reached her chin she said, “Love you all. See you in a week or two.”

When the green gel covered her mouth she began swallowing. The level stayed constant until she stopped swallowing, it then began rising in the tube again. She was soon fully immersed in the gel. Her eyes were open and there was a smile on her face.

“Her lungs will gradually pull the green gel into them,” said Kathy. “While she is undergoing the conversion she will maintain her mind-link with Keriann’s Clan. During this time it is preferable that you do not direct thoughts toward her. This is also true for Calvin and Clancy.”

“So, you think we are a clan now?” asked Kathryn.

“From appearance and functional standpoint, yes, we have just not found all of our abilities yet. Ready, Calvin.”

Calvin walked over to the lift and reached for the handle. He was soon being lowered into another tube which was also a third full of clear green gel. As he entered the gel, Kathy coached him so that he guided his feet toward the foot pads. By the time his feet were on them, the gel had risen above his waist. Once his feet were positioned on the foot pads, a dildo rose to enter his ass. He gasped when he felt it, but his attention was distracted as another support rose to hold his cock in its erect orientation. With those positioned, Kathy told him to place his hands on the support pads. As soon as he did the gel began rising again. Remembering his instructions, he began swallowing when it covered his mouth.

“I love you guys so much,” said Calvin. “I look forward to holding all of you soon.”

“We love you too,” replied Kathryn’s Clan, Emma and Keriann’s Clan.

With Calvin completely immersed in the green gel, Kathy went to check the control panels on the two tubes. Johanna took Clancy over to the prep area. When he returned a few minutes later, he gave Jasmine a long passionate kiss before walking over to the waiting lift. Clancy’s immersion went as smoothly as the other two, and he was soon fully immersed.

Kathy said to the three clans, “I know all of you are familiar with the conversion. But please remember to not actively contact your spouses while they are in the tubes. The reason is that we don’t want them to move, or try to move. They will still be in your mind-link, so they will not miss out on your activities.”

“That whole conversion process is so neat,” said Jasmine.

“You know this isn’t its original purpose,” said Kathy.

“I think I saw something about that.”

“Originally, it was developed as a method to cure chronic diseases and genetic defects,” said Johanna. “It was also used as a means to repair a body after an accident or battle injury. The eight of Sarah’s Clan were the first to be treated by this process who weren’t Connemare. As you know, the results were the creation of Órarduine breed. We are fortunate it worked, or we probably wouldn’t be here.”

“Looking back on the experience,” said Jasmine, “I am surprised I adapted so quickly to the changes in my body.”

“There are some changes to your brain during the conversion,” said Kathy. “Basically, it strengthens the neural network along with an increase in capacity. While it is doing this, you are provided with the control parameters needed to manage your new body.” Jasmine looked puzzled. “These would be balance, walking, sensory feedback, vision control and so forth.”

“So, that is why I just felt like I had gotten up from a long nap afterwards.”

“Yes, pretty much. By the way, you can come by and check on them at any time. You will only be able to see them on the monitor since the conversion tubes will be moved to a quieter location in a few minutes. That area is much darker, so distractions are reduced.”

“Well, we need to get back to work,” said Keriann and Kelly. They gave their friends a hug and a kiss before leaving.

“Me too,” said Jasmine, giving Kathy and Kathryn a hug and a kiss before she also turned to leave. “Let’s sit together for dinner tonight. We like being around you guys. Oops, I should have said something to Keriann and Kelly before they left.”

“So tell them now,” said Kathy, smiling.

“I will. Sometimes, I forget about this communication mode, even though I use it all the time.”

“I think it has to do with context of the thought or idea. After all, you relied on strictly verbal communication for 20+ years, so it is not surprising that you revert to the old way sometimes.”

“You’re right. See you tonight.”

“See you at lunch,” said Kathryn, as she kissed and hugged Kathy.

“Really nice people,” said Johanna, as she came up and put her arm around Kathy. “You know, I couldn’t do this at BCH, because of the PC police.”

“Do what? Work nude, or give each other a hug?”

“Both, but I was referring to giving each other a hug. Working nude is something I would never have considered, then. Now I find it very comfortable, more so than I would have ever expected. I think that is true for all of us.”

“Have you noticed how quickly new arrivals adopt our dress style?”

“Yes,” replied Johanna. “At first I thought it was peer pressure, but I have come to the conclusion that it isn’t. I do know that once you accept the idea of being naked all the time, your interest in fitness increases. Judy told me that several visitors became quite fanatical about exercise while they were here, and continued their routine after returning to Earth.”

“I wonder if we could publish details of that in a medical journal,” said Kathy, laughing.

“Maybe in a physical fitness or physical therapy publication, even then the religious nuts may go crazy.”

“They probably wouldn’t accept it, because I am a surgeon.”

“Let’s talk to Sam or Marge, because this is really more about lifestyle.”

Kathy gave Johanna a thoughtful look, before replying with, “Okay. But before that we should talk to Judy and the other doctors about the idea of writing an article.”

“Good idea. Although, considering the response to the TV special Melinda and Sam did about us, I think we should also talk to Sarah’s Clan.”

“What’s this?”

“Melinda and Sam participated in a TV special that basically gave a broad overview of us. I think it was around a 3 hour program, with very few commercials. After the program, Amy, Erica, Melinda and Sam answered questions, both from a live audience and from phone calls. The Grand View TV station selected the audience from those who had authored stories about us, or had contacted the local paper for more information. The special was well received, based on the audience’s response and most of the reviews. The questions from the audience were very good. All asked meaningful questions. It was clear that many of the audience had difficulty with the concept of telepathy, and its importance to us. The phone calls were much more varied. Many calls were from people with a genuine interest in us. There were only a few really nasty calls.”

“It sounds like the special was successful. So, why the concern?”

“You’re right. It was successful, but it is what’s happened in the days that followed which have caused the concern. A number of conservative groups have begun a campaign that essentially claims we are the ‘devil’s agents’. Our nakedness is an issue. Our family composition is an issue. The fact that we control when we are fertile and always have multiple births is an issue. The fact that we use our milk in our diet is an issue. Our tail and leg structure has been used as the basis for claiming we are nothing more than freakish animals. Since God created ‘them’ in his image, we should bow down to them, as we are not in God’s image. When we didn’t respond, several other radical groups branded us as agents of the devil and called for our annihilation. Some extremely conservative Islamic and Christian radical groups have supposedly offered a bounty to anyone who kills one of us or anyone associating with us.”

“What about GISS? We’ve been pretty open about them being able to contact us.”

“One group in the US has made the claim that GISS is part of us, and that all agents should be killed in the most painful way possible.”

“I agree, we need to talk this over with Sarah’s Clan. I hope we can still do the paper, though.”

“Oh, I think they will agree. However, since it could affect our friends on Earth, we need to consider the impact.”

“Johanna,” said Kathy, with a puzzled look, “I am surprised I missed the stuff about the special and the other issues.”

“You see the news summary the Communications puts out, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Well it was in an issue of one of those, but if I remember right there were several other, more significant, events at the same time. The reason I am aware of the other stuff is from my spouses. Several of them work in the Communications. The last I heard Melinda is worried about the two hosts for the broadcast.”

“Why?”

“Primarily their visibility. I suspect they’ve hired body guards and made other adjustments in their activities.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that GISS was doing that.”

“I can’t think of anyone better. However, if that is the case it adds substance to the claim that GISS is really us.”

“Well since Rusty, Sarah, Sally and Terry started it, it makes it kind of hard to say it isn’t.”

“True.”

Once Dóchas, Eagle and Phoenix completed their operational exercises, they met outside Uranus’ orbit. They spent two clock cycles evaluating the various formations they had found in the library, as well as some they had created. Initially their spacing in the formations was kept very loose to minimize the chance of collision. This also gave the ship’s pilots a chance to hone their skills at holding position as the group maneuvered. Initially their movements while changing formations were a little ragged, but that quickly improved. As their skills grew, the formation spacing tightened up until they were at an optimum distance.

As they finished up on the last clock cycle Siobhan suggested that they return to Mars as a group. This would give them more experience with traveling in formation as Mars was now on the far side of the solar system. When the Navigation Departments began plotting the course Jasmine commented that, since they were going near Earth, why not do flyby. All three liked the idea, so they mapped out a course that would take them around Earth and on to Mars. The whole trip would be flown with the three of them in formation and cruisers deployed. They would operate and maneuver as if they were a single entity.

“Phoenix, Eagle,” said Rusty, “are you ready?”

“Aye,” said Siobhan.

“Aye,” said Maureen.

“Cruisers, are you in position?”

“Aye,” they all responded.

“Star, are we synchronized with Eagle’s and Phoenix’s AIs?”

“Yes. We are now operating in matrix form. The Macha cruiser AIs are linked to their parent ship.”

“Okay, let’s do it.”

With that, the group of ships began their voyage toward Mars orbit. Eagle and Phoenix were on each side of Dóchas and slightly behind it. The cruisers had taken positions above and below their respective ships. The voyage would last 4 clock cycles as the loop around Earth added a day to the trip.

“Jasmine,” said Sarah, “how close does our path take us to the International Space Station?”

“Right now, we are projecting a 10 km separation from the edge of our formation.”

“Okay. We should alert them well before they can see us.”

“I’ll advise Communications.”

As the group progressed along their path, Security departments on all three ships monitored the data from the SNB array and their picket line. This was another way for them to evaluate the detection limits of their systems. It also provided a way to understand the SNBs role in the WP.

The crews on the ships were in a festive mood, as they were on their way home. During the several clock cycles waiting for the cruisers from Eagle and Phoenix to return they had reviewed the results of their operational exercises. Besides reviewing their data they had conferred with their sister departments on the other ships to compare notes. As a result, they found a few more improvements to make, but all the changes were minor. These were scheduled to take place after returning to Mars orbit. The departments were collaborating on a summary of changes to be sent to An Clochán for inclusion in their new ships.

All unnecessary activity dramatically slowed early on the third day as they approached Earth. The observation systems on each ship transmitted images of the approaching scene to monitors throughout the ship.