Star Force: Zealot (SF87) (Star Force Origin Series) Read Free Page A

we need to start producing the chemical as backup?”
    “No. I have other concerns.”
    “Such as?”
    “If an immunity can be derived.”
    Paul’s eyes narrowed. “You worry about the Chixzon being able to create a Uriti that can’t be sedated.”
    “It was thought impossible, but they did not have access to the data on the sedated ones. All were spirited away before recapture was possible. Based on the levels I am seeing in Cardosan I am beginning to suspect there may be at least a way to make a Uriti…a new Uriti…at least partially immune. If the Chixzon return and discover this, they will pursue it.”
    “Is it worth us traveling to the containment site to see if the Hadarak is still there?”
    “No. If it was not released it would have starved to death by now.”
    “Unless someone else took custody.”
    “A small possibility. My fear is that the Chixzon may try to capture another.”
    Paul cringed. “That’s not going to be easy.”
    “Virtually impossible, but if the gains are of sufficient value I would not expect them to do anything less. If they do not discover the data the Ancients collected they will not think to try, but if they do…I fear their plans to conquer the galaxy will be germane once again.”
    “And they’d alter the new ones so you couldn’t control them?”
    “If they know I exist, yes. Perhaps so even if they don’t.”
    “Can the existing ones be modified?”
    “No. Unless the solution is a minor one, and even then it would require capturing one. That has never been attempted by the Chixzon. They made all adjustments prior to their release, then guided them where they wanted. They never had the control necessary to order one to sit still long enough for inspection.”
    “And what will you be able to do with the one that is free?”
    “Difficult to say. The stagnation incurred on this Uriti is significant. How it has affected their minds I cannot say. I will have to call to it and see how it responds.”
    “How much more time do you need here?”
    “I don’t know. I’d rather not leave too soon. There is still much for me to learn about what the Ancients did.”
    “What did you call them?”
    “Narshama.”
    “Translation?”
    “Those who would defy the inevitable.”
    “Without being able to kill the Uriti, I guess there’s some truth to that.”
    What I told them was not fully true , Nefron said, speaking telepathically so no one, including the Oracle, could overhear. There is a way to kill them. A way the Chixzon programed them to self-destruct if it was needed. I do not wish them killed, so I haven’t mentioned it before, but it is possible.
    How?
    A very different chemical that, once delivered, will induce a genetically programmed shutdown of vital systems. They will simply die without visible cause over the course of several hours, perhaps days or weeks. It was never tested outside the laboratory.
    We’re not going to kill them unless we have to, but if we can’t control them we can’t exactly let them run around smashing inhabited systems.
    Which is why I need to pull as much data from here as I can get.
    “Want some help?”
    “Obviously. What did you come here for, specifically?”
    “I’m not going to do the Uriti run, if that’s what you mean.”
    “A pity. I wanted to watch.”
    Paul smirked. “I’ve had enough headaches in life already to hit my pain quota, so I’m fine keeping my distance, thanks.”
    “Coward.”
    “I’ll go if you go,” Paul said sarcastically.
    “You know I cannot. I will not survive it.”
    “Can they turn the effect off?”
    “The Chixzon or the Uriti?”
    “Uriti.”
    “It’s a primitive defense mechanism that they can override with conscious effort, but relax and it will return. All of their communication is telepathic, so it’s natural to emit an aura that you and I don’t. We can if wanted, and in reverse, the Uriti can cancel its aura if wanted. And you haven’t answered my question.”
    “The