Meru by S.B. Divya

Author:S.B. Divya [Divya, S.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 47North
Published: 2023-02-01T05:00:00+00:00

Nakis drifted for an unknown amount of time, zir body working hard to repair itself with what little nutrients it had, until zie received a signal. A cry for help . . . from a construct. What can I do to help someone else? Zir wing had given zir a trickle of power, and zie expended a good amount of it to triangulate the source and chart the being’s course. They would almost intersect in four kaals, passing each other within less than two kilometers.

Zie would have to use zir vents to get closer to the construct. That meant diverting some of zir body’s water back to zir lungs, as dangerous as it was. The reverse osmosis process would expend more of zir precious power, as would the subsequent electrolysis to make hydrogen for zir bladders, but between that and the extra oxygen, zie would have enough gas to alter zir heading such that they would meet. If the construct had water or bhojya, it could save Nakis’s life. Perhaps they could help each other.

After making the adjustment and confirming zir new direction, zie transmitted a short message via emtalk: “I’m coming.”

With the sun’s light behind zir, Nakis spotted the construct, a shiny blur against the stars. That indicated an old being. No one in recent history would build a reflective outer coating. As they approached each other, its form resolved into a long, sinuous coil, with an obvious kink toward its back quarter. Every segment of the rings was covered in golden sun-gathering scales.

Zie almost couldn’t believe zir eyes. This was the legendary Karkothaka, the only construct to ever have this design. Why could zie remember that? Ah yes, zir maker had told zir stories about him—how he had taken humanity past the Solar System with the help of an ancient propulsion system, the first of its kind, that could sense thamity fields and use them for energy. Unlike alloys or other construct designs, Karkothaka didn’t need any other fuel, only photons and thamitons.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Nakis sent via emtalk. Zie contorted zirself to match zir speed and heading with the construct’s, until they flew side by side. “What kind of help do you need?”

“I was struck by a micro-asteroid and took some damage. I need a tow to the local heliopause.”

At twice zir size, giving Karkothaka a tow should have been no trouble. Nakis’s phores glowed with bitter amusement. “I’m afraid I’m injured and adrift, as well. I have almost no water left. I’m sorry.”

“Come around to my front side so I can scan you.”

Nakis obliged with the last of zir hydrogen.

“Your arms and hands show signs of heat or radiation burns,” Karkothaka sent. “Can you use them?”

“Yes, but I’m badly dehydrated. I can’t maneuver much. Do you have any water or bhojya?”

“I’m afraid not, but if you would be so kind as to repair my damaged segments, I can tow you somewhere.”

Nakis agreed to the ancient construct’s offer. What alternative did zie have? Zie hoped zie had the energy to take care of Karkothaka’s needs.

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