1896 Airships: Change of Guard Above Earth, Pt 2

A few days later Balam's aide contacts me, "Meet Balam at dock 17." When I get there Balam Ninma and Doctor Chamiabac are waiting. I do not see Alom and ask where he is. Ninma meekly answers, "Oh Alom is running a few errands for Balam." Balam turns away smiling leading us to another dock, "The scruma have been inserted into the vimanas and are ready to go. We will only send four up today and control them from my vimana. Outpost 3 has control now."

We board his vimana and see the scruma going out one by one into the sea on their way up to the surface. The dock fills with water and the crew starts our vimana. We go out the tunnel with several escorts following behind. As we head up to the surface the doctor explains, "The scruma's main duties will be performed outside the atmosphere. Today we will test their basic functions." Crashing out of the sea Balam notifies the watchers of our approach. We pierce the atmosphere and climb towards the northern continent. The four scruma are hovering in line when we get there. We fly above and get into position.

Taking over scruma control the doctor sends them in different directions. He places them in a rectangular pattern and presses several buttons. Each scruma displays four screens with views of the planet below. Then the information begins to come in. Weather conditions. Topographical reports. Population counts. Language variations and a whole slew of information processed in an instant. Balam turns to me in delight, "They may be stupid but they can sure send information a lot faster than your watchers. The best part is that they do not whine doing it." He smiles and turns back to the control panel. I give him an evil glare. My pride is hurt but I have to admit these creatures do an efficient job, "Yes Balam and it relieves me of your constant nagging."

He begins to turn back but the doctor diverts our attention, "Look. The scruma in the northeastern sector has detected a Second Breed flying device. I will adjust the camera and get a closer look." It is difficult to tell anything from above so the doctor cautiously lowers the scruma into the atmosphere. The camera moves in. We can vaguely see that the device has a mechanical motor onboard. Satisfied the doctor moves the scruma back out of the atmosphere into formation. He proudly says, "I would say these are positive results for a first run." Balam is filled with curiosity, "I am impressed doctor. Let me control them." We spend the entire day taking turns controlling scruma and send them here and there. We even lower them into the atmosphere and examine Second Breed cities. At one point Ninma flies one over some animals. A few of the poor beasts fall down from fright and cannot get back up. Feeling guilty she repeats apologizes out loud to the dumb animals gliding the scruma elsewhere.

Having had our fill Balam contacts the outpost and turns scruma control over to them. They will stay up here. We will gradually send more as testing continues. Flying back and submersing to base we are standing outside the docking station. Doctor Chamiabac announces, "Tomorrow we will attempt close range testing. If things go well we may even try a remote outside the vimana. So I am off to finish a few details." The doctor says farewell and steps inside. Balam generously offers me a ride and I go back with them.

After preliminary testing half the scruma are eventually orbiting in a grid pattern over the western sector. We will not place any over Eresh's side until scruma control is properly operating. I am afraid Doctor Chamiabac was a bit optimistic. There have been problems with the scruma and their vimanas ever since putting them up. Besides technical issues coordinating so many scruma from a single outpost has been difficult even with several troopers at the controls. On one occasion we lost control of three scruma when flying them in tandem. One vimana plunged harmlessly into the sea. It was later retrieved but the event points to a serious problem that must be resolved.

The solution is that several security outposts will have to control groups of scruma and watchers will again be necessary. The irony makes me laugh out loud, "You mean to tell me that you want the watcher program reinstated? Surely you are joking Balam. Why the sudden turnaround? I thought your scruma are faster and more efficient than us simpletons. I am sorry but the watchers are already packing. I will not let you do this to them. No. They are volunteers remember?" Balam looks frustrated by this turn of events. Yet in his own way he humbly explains, "It is apparent that I had underestimated the numbers needed."

I interrupt, "And your brave and proud troopers are not willing to sit and control scruma right? The same reason we have watchers in the first place." I admire Balam's tremendous restraint knowing I have the upper hand, "All right Kumo. I will admit that may be part of it. But watchers are already familiar with the information. They process the data faster and more efficiently than a trooper. There. I said it." I finally let him off, "Fast and efficient eh? Okay Balam. I will speak to the watchers but it will take something sweet to convince them." Suspiciously he asks, "What is it that you want Kumo?" I answer, "Not very much. The watchers must first be allowed to go home. I would say a toh of rest and relaxation should be long enough. Your troopers can control the scruma until then. Think they can handle it?"

Balam just gives me a sarcastic grin as I continue, "I intend to formally resign from watcher administration and will work independently of it. Oh yes and you may have authority over the program until I do." Balam is surprised by my meager demands and regains his normal composure, "Just be sure that your watchers are fully trained when they get back. They will be expected to assume their duties immediately." I smile, "Yes Balam. I will see that they are properly trained on Vacub." He asks me in anticipation, "Will you be going back too?" I answer in amusement, "No Balam. You will still have me around. I am curious to see these scruma in action. Besides the information is necessary for the instructors. I will be by your side the whole time." He gives another sarcastic smile and says nothing.

The watchers are agreeable with being reinstated although it took some convincing. Not as many watchers are needed to control scruma so we can finally schedule duty rotations. This welcome factor and the toh off to relax finally swayed them enough to remain with the program. My partner Alom will coordinate the training on Vacub. He complained for a while but is just happy he does not have to orbit in space anymore. With everything in place I hand over administrative duties to Balam. We have agreed to inform Anem later when the transition is complete.

Scruma testing continues and adjustments are constantly being made. Most of our experiments have been conducted over the sea or coastline. Our tests are now focused on landing and remote ground maneuvers. There have been reports of motorized Second Breed devices in the vicinity so we hope to get a glimpse of one while testing. Usually we conduct ground maneuvers during the evening or at night. This vimana is crewed by four scruma. It is beginning to get dark. It lands and three scruma with living modules attached exit. The vimana lifts off and hovers over a nearby river of water. The scruma are ordered to walk over a wooden bridge and down a dirt path. Balam tells the trooper to move the scruma and investigate an animal near some trees. The scruma begin to walk to the trees when a primitive vehicle comes up the path. Balam has an evil grin on his face, "Never mind. Have them walk up to the vehicle."

Immediately we receive information from the scruma as they approach the vehicle and its occupants. The small vehicle is being pulled by what is called a horse. Two male Second Breeds are riding on it. Getting closer they begin speaking to the scruma. The scruma report it is the dominant language they call English. The animal rears and stops refusing to go any further. I ask Balam, "What are you doing?" He continues to watch the monitor, "Calm down. Let us see how ugly they truly are." Apparently the scruma do not frighten the primates. They are more curious than anything else.

They dismount and walk up to the scruma. The Second Breeds try to communicate so Balam tells the trooper to have the scruma speak. The doctor intercedes, "They cannot speak that language Balam." He just smiles, "It does not matter. It will be interesting to see how they react. Look. They just have blank looks on their faces." and begins to laugh. This is amusing Balam. Like he is playing with a toy. He has the trooper command the scruma to examine the primates and their vehicle.

Balam laughs and tells the trooper, "Have a scruma try to pick one up." The scruma attempts to lift a primate but is too weak. The doctor scolds Balam, "They are not designed for that! Stop this immediately!" Balam reluctantly gives in and has the scruma release him but is still not finished, "Have them motion towards the vimana." I finally put my foot down, "No Balam! This is going too far!" Balam hushes me, "Quiet Kumo. It will not harm them to see the vimana. Who will believe them anyway?" The scruma try to lead the Second Breeds back over the bridge. They will have no part of it.

Balam finally relents, "All right. Send them back and fly it to us." The scruma hurry off and board the vimana. It quickly flies out of sight and back to our position. The doctor and I angrily reprimand Balam, "That is not what these creatures are to be used for!" Balam chuckles "Calm down. This may have been for amusement but ground operations will be necessary. My fun did have a purpose. It serves as an example of how primates react when coming into contact with scruma. Now we know that some are not frightened by the ugly creatures as we had hoped."

A few days later we catch an up close look at a Second Breed flying device with a motor. It is early in the morning. We cannot use the scruma because it is daylight and the device is sailing over populated areas. Balam has the scruma hover by our side as we watch from a distance. The doctor has never seen one up close, "What a strange vehicle and yet very ingenious considering their intelligence. Not very practical but the desire is obvious." It floats out of sight and we continue on our way. The doctor decides to conduct testing further inland using other scruma in the grid. The region is less populated here and it will be easier to avoid detection during daylight ground maneuvers. The scrumas' data indicate that there are more flying devices in the area too.

One day Alom contacts me. He needs help with the watcher training, "You have more experience operating the scruma and are better suited to develop the hands-on curriculum. Can you come to Vacub and help me?" He is right so I agree, "Sure Alom. I will leave tomorrow." I make the arrangements and go back to Vacub. Little do I know that Alom uses this as an opportunity to visit Ninma, the little jerk. Arriving on Vacub I am told that Alom left for Tula the previous day. To make a long story short I develop the curriculum on my own.

Needless to say I am in a foul mood on my return. The first person I find is Ninma, "Calm down Kumo. Alom left yesterday. He needed hands-on experience with the scruma anyway. You put him in charge of the training program remember? Anyway I assure you that he did not gain anything from the trickery. Balam was with us the entire time and all he did was test scruma. Alom could not wait to get back." Somewhat satisfied with his punishment I ask, "So how are the scruma coming along?" Ninma tells me several scruma have crash-landed while I was away. I employ a sarcastic smile, "Did Alom have something to do with it?" Ninma's eyes lower, "No. Well yes but only one of them."

I smile, "So tell me about the crashes." She informs me of one incident at a scruma crash site. They were not able to recover the vimana or scruma and the incident has only been of local interest. Ninma says that they came into contact with two Second Breeds. Face to face. I do not know how she talked Balam into it but she managed to have the primates spend the night with them for further study. One of them was a youth and Ninma did not want to risk a mind erasure. So she is convinced that they will keep their word and not say a thing. We will see. They have since completely redesigned new scruma vimanas as a result.

On the next day of testing it is our vimana that has the problems. We are not testing really. Balam is in the mood to eat real meat. I have to agree. It sounds more appetizing than the military food we are eating now. Ninma is naturally against the idea of slaying undomesticated beasts but better heads prevail. Balam has a unique and rather cruel way of hunting for food. He snares them from above with a hook and raises the animal into the vimana. They butcher it there on the door. After carving out what they want the beast is shoved and plunges back down. We are dining on our feast when Balam notes, "It may seem cruel but it is quick practical and not as easy as it seems."

He takes another bite and chuckles, "One time we were near a primate village with our dinner on the hook. We are about to lift it higher and realize we have already reached the village. Just as we get over their loco-motive docking station the beast gets stuck in between two of them! The vimana suddenly stops in mid-air. There we were tethered to the ground and no place to go! I had to send a crewmember down and cut us loose. Too bad because it was a fat beast and looked delicious." He and the other crewmembers laugh out loud. I lose my appetite. Get up and go to my chamber. Suddenly our vimana rocks back and forth. Sending everything and everyone to the floor. After a moment or so the vimana stops rocking and we try to stand. Then another jolt brings us back down and the vimana roughly lands.

Balam gets up and clicks the intercom, "What happened?" He is told that the controls are not operating correctly. Balam says he is on his way and leaves with the crew. It turns out that the mechanisms in the control handles have dried from the arid conditions. This is usually not a problem. The crew thought nothing of it so they did not bring any lubrication. We also learn that the hinges on two of our landing pads are damaged. The monitor shows that the pilot has landed near a primate dwelling. The owner is standing in front holding an explosive projectile weapon. The pilot asks, "What are your orders, sir?"

Balam contemplates when I offer a suggestion, "We have plenty of data about them. Ask the Second Breed for assistance." Balam looks at me dumbfounded, "Are you insane?" Ninma defends, "It is not so unreasonable. The primate does not appear frightened. We can further entice him by offering a compensation of some type." I have another idea, "Sure! We can access the data and print the paper Second Breeds use to exchange with. It is better than trying to get off the ground and risk a crash." With few options Balam agrees to the plan.

He sends his aide to make contact with the primate, "Okay Jano. Do you have the language modifier set? Stay in contact with me. I will be watching and listening if you need help." Jano leaves the vimana and slowly walks to the dwelling. The Second Breed raises his weapon. Balam warns, "Be careful. The weapon is primitive but deadly." We see from Jano's perspective on our monitor and hear him plead, "Please sir. Lower your weapon. I am not armed and come in peace. I do not mean you any harm. Please. I need your help." The primate slowly lowers his weapon and asks who Jano is. We quickly look up common names and find Smith. Balam instructs Jano, "Tell him your name is Smith and nothing else. Try to refocus his attention on why you are here."

While conversing the primate inquires about the vimana. Balam says, "Never mind that. Offer him the paper and send him for the items." I look for possible locations and find a nearby building that has the items, "The lubrication can be found in what they call a sawmill. There are also cylindrical metal tools there that may work for the hinges. They are called chisels." Ninma pushes me aside to access the data, "Wait Balam! I want to get Alom a gift. One of those blue stones he likes so much. Look! A local Second Breed has one in his clothing! He is in a nearby building they call a western union." Balam looks at her, "Ninma we do not have time for this." Ninma persuades sweetly, "Please Balam? I have not had any time off and have not complained. Allow me this one small request so I may bring a memento home on my upcoming leave. Please?" Balam rolls his eyes and returns to the intercom, "Give the primate the paper. Send him to the sawmill for the metal and lubrication. Describe the metal as a chisel." Balam pauses and sighs, "Then send him to the western union for a blue stone."

Jano manages to convince him and he takes the paper. The primate runs to mount a horse and rides off into the night. In a while, the Second Breed returns. He has the lubrication and metal but did not find any blue stones at the other location. Balam looks back, "Sorry Ninma. Okay Jano come back." Jano instructs the primate to stand away from the vimana and returns. Balam decides to risk a crash and we leave for another location to make the repairs. It was a strange experience but it further validates the need for scruma.

After a few more days of testing we head back to base. Before leaving for my quarters Balam asks for my assessment of the scruma program, "I am curious. Do you think the information will be of any value?" I answer confidently, "We have learned valuable information about Second Breeds already. I am sure that with time the scruma program will be a complete success. The best part is that our people will no longer be at risk. As for the primates, they are no doubt heading to a point when we may have to consider relocating the base." Balam considers my statement, "Yes. This is a possibility. Let us hope that it is not too soon."

The transport voc pulls up to where we are standing. Getting in I remind Balam, "Oh and by the way. Anem said I would be assigned a new vimana. Now that the scruma program is coming along I would like to get back to my duties. So. Where is my new vimana?" Balam smiles and closes the door behind me, "Oh. I have personally chosen one worthy of your important status. You can find your vimana in dock 17. I am sure you will find the new and improved models most satisfying." The door closes and before I can say anything the voc pulls away. Damn that Balam! He assigned me a scruma vimana!