Free Test of Magnitude (The Torian Reclamation) by Andy Kasch Page B

communications are often worded in ambiguous language. The field teams probably continued to perform their existing routines until an official set of instructions made the change in policy clear. Old habits are difficult to break, unless done so forcefully.”
    “Seems like a terrible waste,” Mip7 said. He then lowered his voice even more. “Unless, of course, the polar axis shift indeed happened, and was truly an extinction-level event. In that case, the additional hundred abductees will prove to be a great asset for the re-propagation of this race.”
    “Their planet is too far away for our scopes to know that, unfortunately, and there have been no missions to that area for nearly two decades. Even so, two decades is such a short period, the orbital change may well still be a pending event. I was not aware of this before, which is why I assumed the Sheen was fabricating the story when he first brought this subject up. Now that I have reviewed the geological data we have gathered on Earth, I concur that the event was indeed overdue. When the last subject was taken,” Yob3 motioned toward the Earthlings, “there had been a rapid increase in the frequency and severity of all natural disasters, indicating the beginning of an orbital disruption. In my opinion, if it hasn’t happened yet, it will, soon. Perhaps the Earth abductions were not carried out in the true spirit of a rescue operation—but, in all practicality, they can justifiably be viewed as such in arrears.”
    “Now we just need to convince them of that,” Mip7 said.
    Yob3 nodded. “Your assumptions about species re-propagation, however, are presumptuous. My director, as you doubtlessly are aware, is steadfast against any such notion, and will likely fight against all efforts to resuscitate any further subjects. I know he has been lobbying for that policy already, and will have the C2 governor on his side—being as they are close friends, and the governor is in the habit of approving all of Director Markin1’s requests.”
    “I don’t understand why a scientist would be opposed to such an interesting science project,” Mip7 said, “especially one with such obvious ethical demands.”
    Yob3 laughed. “Obvious ethical demands? I’m not sure others will agree they are so obvious. Besides, aren’t you a space station attendant? When did you become a political activist?”
    “Maybe I’ve found my true calling.”
    A soft beeping sound from Professor Yob3’s lightpad alerted him to a new message.
    “The white room is ready,” he said. “I am having them open the door.” He tapped back on the lightpad.
    Mip7 turned around just in time to see that door reopen. He looked back across the room to watch the subject’s reactions. They looked over at it, but remained seated together in their natural defensive position.
    “Also, the Sheen has returned,” Yob3 said. Mip7 was glad to hear that.
    “Why don’t we feed them, and let them be for the night,” Mip7 said. “I want to meet with Arkan9.”
    “Very well. I have the videos you requested queued. Would you like the honor of informing our guests?”
    “Yes, thank you.”
    Mip7 stood up and walked—slowly—to the middle of the room. As he did, the subjects leaned to the edge of their seats, as if they were getting ready to run or defend themselves. Mip7 went as far as he thought he could go without causing a confrontation, and then spoke in a loud but friendly voice.
    “My name is Mip7. My partner sitting at the table is Professor Yob3. We are leaving for the night, but will be back again tomorrow to sit at the table again, available to answer questions. We will henceforth announce our arrivals a short time in advance, so you will know when we are coming. More food is being brought in now, and you already know how to use the waste rooms.”
    Mip7 turned to see Yob3’s assistants wheeling in a new food cart, perfectly timed. The doors to the corridor remained open behind them. They took the