Quest for the Conestoga (Colony Ship Conestoga Book 1) by John Thornton
Authors: John Thornton
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program and that might help us find thousands of people and help them. That is why we have come to talk to your teacher, John. May we borrow him for a few minutes?”
“Yes John, we hate to interrupt, but can we have a few moments of your time. It is an urgent matter,” Jerome pressed.
John could tell by the looks on the adventurer’s faces that something was seriously happening. He then turned to the class. “Children, please divide into three person groups. Then go to the discussion questions on your desks and come up with three solutions to problem number six. Be sure to have solid rationale behind your proposals. I will be back after a while and we will discuss your solutions.”
The children did as instructed.
John led Cammarry and Jerome into a side room where they sat down around John’s own desk. “What has happened?”
The door shut behind them.
Cammarry gave a concise and succinct review of what had been learned at the Committee meeting, as well as describing the restrictions on the AIs they both used. Both she and Jerome confessed to their own parts in what had happened, including Jerome’s clandestine observations from the restricted areas.
“So what do you think?” Cammarry asked.
“I think that you do not have permission to share this information with me. Yet, here you are.” John pondered for a moment. “Time is of the essence in this case, that is clear.”
“Well, we must consult with Murial on this,” John said. He adjusted a data stick that sat in the reader on his desk. “Please connect me with Murial. This is an emergency.” He then looked to Jerome. “I must follow the proper procedures.”
Murial’s face appeared on a flat display projected from the data stick. “John, what kind of emergency are you having?” Her eyes shifted to look at Cammarry and Jerome. “Oh, no need to explain. I understand. You have full access to my records and my own AI, Mishna. I have entered authorization for you. Help them all you can. I know you can keep things to yourself, and trust in your continued discretion.” A weary smile crossed Murial’s face.
The image of Murial faded out.
“Murial and I knew each other….. well when she was just a young woman. If not for my partner Amber….” John’s voice trailed off.
Cammarry was astounded. She knew that John’s life partner, Amber, had been a teacher as well, who was widely admired. Since she had died, John had poured more of his time into his students and into personal reflection. Cammarry never knew about the connection between John and Murial. She had to suppress her urge to ask more about what sounded like a juicy bit of previously hidden information.
John pushed the side of the data stick. He then got up and walked back to his classroom. “Children? This will take longer than I anticipated. You may all go out to the playground for an extended time of fun.”
The children’s faces showed a mix of surprise and joy. Then came elation.
John smiled and laughed with them. “Yes, I am serious. Head over there and make some happiness! I will come and get you when I am finished here.”
There was a rustle and a babbling of exultant voices as the children departed.
John returned and sat down. He initiated the data stick which displayed a two dimensional image. John quickly reviewed the information on the colony ships, and on the proposed faster-than-light quests. When he read the report showing only one-hundred and twenty days left for the Dome 17 systems his face turned ashen.
“Oh my, what a development. Well, I will help in whatever way I can. I am no adventurer, and everything I know comes from my teaching or from data sticks, books, or records from the Old World.”
“Should we volunteer?” Jerome asked.
“It looks like the
“Yes John, we hate to interrupt, but can we have a few moments of your time. It is an urgent matter,” Jerome pressed.
John could tell by the looks on the adventurer’s faces that something was seriously happening. He then turned to the class. “Children, please divide into three person groups. Then go to the discussion questions on your desks and come up with three solutions to problem number six. Be sure to have solid rationale behind your proposals. I will be back after a while and we will discuss your solutions.”
The children did as instructed.
John led Cammarry and Jerome into a side room where they sat down around John’s own desk. “What has happened?”
The door shut behind them.
Cammarry gave a concise and succinct review of what had been learned at the Committee meeting, as well as describing the restrictions on the AIs they both used. Both she and Jerome confessed to their own parts in what had happened, including Jerome’s clandestine observations from the restricted areas.
“So what do you think?” Cammarry asked.
“I think that you do not have permission to share this information with me. Yet, here you are.” John pondered for a moment. “Time is of the essence in this case, that is clear.”
“Well, we must consult with Murial on this,” John said. He adjusted a data stick that sat in the reader on his desk. “Please connect me with Murial. This is an emergency.” He then looked to Jerome. “I must follow the proper procedures.”
Murial’s face appeared on a flat display projected from the data stick. “John, what kind of emergency are you having?” Her eyes shifted to look at Cammarry and Jerome. “Oh, no need to explain. I understand. You have full access to my records and my own AI, Mishna. I have entered authorization for you. Help them all you can. I know you can keep things to yourself, and trust in your continued discretion.” A weary smile crossed Murial’s face.
The image of Murial faded out.
“Murial and I knew each other….. well when she was just a young woman. If not for my partner Amber….” John’s voice trailed off.
Cammarry was astounded. She knew that John’s life partner, Amber, had been a teacher as well, who was widely admired. Since she had died, John had poured more of his time into his students and into personal reflection. Cammarry never knew about the connection between John and Murial. She had to suppress her urge to ask more about what sounded like a juicy bit of previously hidden information.
John pushed the side of the data stick. He then got up and walked back to his classroom. “Children? This will take longer than I anticipated. You may all go out to the playground for an extended time of fun.”
The children’s faces showed a mix of surprise and joy. Then came elation.
John smiled and laughed with them. “Yes, I am serious. Head over there and make some happiness! I will come and get you when I am finished here.”
There was a rustle and a babbling of exultant voices as the children departed.
John returned and sat down. He initiated the data stick which displayed a two dimensional image. John quickly reviewed the information on the colony ships, and on the proposed faster-than-light quests. When he read the report showing only one-hundred and twenty days left for the Dome 17 systems his face turned ashen.
“Oh my, what a development. Well, I will help in whatever way I can. I am no adventurer, and everything I know comes from my teaching or from data sticks, books, or records from the Old World.”
“Should we volunteer?” Jerome asked.
“It looks like the
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