Change by Design Read online

“Off the project? Why? That's not a positive step here.”

  “Neither is arguing with your chain of command. Nothing I say helps anywhere.” She pushed past him, but he grabbed her arm. Sharply she asked, “What do you want Private?”

  “Don't let her push you around. You're the voice the psionic corps needs speaking on their behalf. The designs are better because you're here. If you go, who's going to protect the team from the start?” PFC Palrion let go of the Commander.

  “It's over. The director wants to manage this, let her do it. Besides, we don't have enough bodies for testing, your own reports show that. That's the best option.” She shook her head and turned away. “Go. Have a good conversation with the director. I'm sure she'll love talking to the senate liaison officer.”

  Dak took a breath, pausing briefly before he called after her, “Don't abandon the others like you. The ones fighting to keep our way of life.”

  Kei didn't pause her steps. She continued to the transport terminal and went home. By the time she reached home, she found herself wondering how the soldier was so sure she was psionic. Once the door was closed a four legged, tail wagging friend came running toward her. She dropped the items in her hand on a nearby table and leaned over to pet him. “Hey boy... it's good to see you too.” Scooping him into her arms a moment, she rubbed her nose along the top of his head, “Unfortunately, mummy has some research to do. How about you play with your alter ego for a bit.” Smiling she put the dog down again, scratched behind his ears and thought about another dog. After a moment, a four legged, long eared dog appeared next to her own. “There you go, Bull.” The dog ran off after the second, as they chased tails and played.

  Kei watched them for a while before she gathered her things again. She slid into a chair at the table with her data tablets. Looking over the information, she felt a twinge of sadness for Private First Class Palrion. She noticed how many of his new team were on the list. She reviewed the data from the latest injury due to equipment malfunction. The summary of the report read:

  “Ensign Jox activated the psionic gun and fired. He repeated the process two additional times successfully. When he placed the side arm against his leg to use a different weapon, the psionic gun exploded, taking the ensign's leg, and arm, and part of his side with it. After inspection of the situation, it was determined repeated use of the weapon resulted in overload without discharge.”

  She typed in a note following:

  “With a designer on-site or nearby during initial use, an overload could have been detected prior to explosion. This step would protect the invested and trained soldier.”

  Kei shook her head as she put down the data tablet. She started to search through the various items around her desk for a secured communications tablet. When she finally located one, she sat down and started to transcribe a letter to the senate oversight of the psionic project. After several attempts, Bull ran over and climbed in her lap. “Yeah, you don't like this idea much either, hu?” Scratching his head, she reread what she had created thus far. Unsure if her wording was accurate, she put the tablet down without sending. “Bull, I should just end this career of mine. I spend too much time away from home and not enough with a life besides my job.” She placed the dog back on the ground and walked to the kitchen to make dinner.

  Just as she finished preparing her meal, her comm panel lit up with an incoming connection. She shut down the kitchen and walked to the video screen. Private First Class Palrion appeared on the live image, “This is unexpected, PFC. How can I help you?”

  With an emphatic smile, Palrion responded, “I'd like to treat you to lunch. Tomorrow.”

  She arched an eye brow, “You’re a bit young for me. Besides, aren't I the one who should be requesting that sort of thing?” a hint of a smirk danced at the corners of her mouth.

  He chuckled uncomfortably, “I don't mean it in that way. I just want to speak without other pressures.”

  She nodded and nearly smiled, “Of course, PFC. Otherwise would be an uncomfortable breach. Perhaps you'll be able to help me write my resignation to the senate.”

  “No. That's what I want to discuss. I have a few ideas that you might appreciate. I'd also like your thoughts on something.” He looked to the side of the screen and acknowledged something before finishing, “Alright. Meet me in Quly Square tomorrow about lunch time. I'll be in civilian attire.”

  “I can do that. It's been a while since I've worn civilian clothes.” She looked over at the dog sniffing her food, “I should go. I have dinner waiting. We will speak tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight Commander.” Palrion ended the communication.

  Kei finished her meal, fed her pup and laid down for the night. Rest didn't come. Her mind remained on the last report about Ensign Jox. Every time she replayed it, she could visualize the accident. The images finally faded out of view and mind in the hours just before sunrise. When she finally woke it was only minutes before she was scheduled to meet with the soldier.

  She showered, dressed and ran out the door for the nearest public transport to Quly square. When she arrived she stepped off the transport and onto a small platform in the center of the square. Turning around, her eyes scanned the crowd. The sheer number of people in the area made it impossible to find one man among so many.

  She considered her options and came up with a simple solution. A few minutes later a line of young women and men in Xenonian uniform marched into the square. The crowd moved out of their way, respecting their dedication to the salvation of their race. As the crew filed through the square, many stopped, while others simply walked in a different direction. The lack of motion made it easier for Kei to locate the Private First Class she was looking for.

  When she approached him, he was leaning against a wall on the far side of the square with an amused grin on his face. “Hello PFC. Sorry I’m late. I overslept a bit.”

  “It’s quite alright and out of uniform, it’s just Dak.” He stood up a bit more as the crew marched out of the square. “You have unique control of your gift.”

  Annoyed, “I have no idea why you insist on the idea that I’m remotely psionic.” Kei's jaw set.

  He nodded toward the soldiers marching through the square, “Kinda quiet aren't they?” He chuckled before adding, “Let’s take a walk, please.”

  She nodded and followed Dak out of the square and down a path near the remote districts of the city. When they were more or less alone, she asked, “What’s this about, Dak?”

  “You... our people and the unique position you and I are in.”

  “I’m not one of your recruits, Dak.”

  “No, you’re not, but you’re the highest ranking psionic in the fleet. You’re also the best trained astro-projector I’ve ever encountered.”He remained casual and relaxed in demeanor and tone.

  “Why do you insist that I’m an astro-projector?”

  “Are you familiar with psionic sensors?”

  “Yep, it’s equipment to detect those with an active psionic lobe.”

  “They are also people who are psionic and able to detect a specific psionic impression. We are not otherwise psionic in nature, but we are able to identify those who are and what they are.”

  “People like that are myth. Fables told to drive us to reveal psionics.”

  Dak stopped short and looked at her, “I am no myth, Commander. I am a psionic sensor. I can identify your astro-projection skills without effort. Getting you to admit to them is a whole other story.”

  “Psionics are herded out to the front lines to be slaughtered or captured by the Ven. They are being experimented on by our own people, and killed in so called friendly fire incidents. Your Ensign Jox had his legs, part of his torso and an arm blown off his body because of an otherwise avoidable situation. There is no way any psionic should want people to know they are. Some can hide their abilities, while others can’t for different reasons.” She resumed walking.

  Following suit, Dak shoved his hands into his
pockets, “This is true, but why turn your back on your people if you don’t have to?”

  “I’m not turning my back on any Xenonian. I’m just not going to admit to being one of the most shunned and murdered aspects of our race.” She continued to walk, staring into the horizon, trying to sort her thoughts clearly.

  “Your people are psionic. Some of us more so than others. Few are controlled or trained. This is part of why there are so many dying out there.”He gestured toward the sky. “If someone were speaking for them before they are subjected to the dangerous situations, it would prove helpful.”

  “Yeah, well I’ve been speaking for them for a while. Not been much help. We see how many are dying and being injured. Nothing I say matters here.”

  “That’s not true. Your voice is respected. You are respected and experienced. None could have the impact you can and do.”

  Kei stops again and looks at the young man beside her, “If that were the case, the director would be working with me more than not. She’s got her own production ideas and it’s not helping with making sure things are as they should be. I can’t take it anymore. I can’t sit here and watch them sentence so many to death by their lack of proper preparation.”

  “Then don’t. Move into a new role. Take a lead spot, not a subordinates.” Dak looked skyward. “When was the last time you were in