The Silent Society: Epilogue

Six months have passed since Arsis IV fell into the hands of the Alliance. The last bit of resistance has been
neutralized. The return of governance to the planet was being advanced as those who were under the influence of the
mind control drugs regained their ability to determine their own future. Arsis IV was progressing, however…

*********

Six months earlier

Plakia was aboard Illusion as Ariel took Defiance to Arsis IV; her mission was to determine KO's present mental
state. On the bridge Sarah and Plakia were discussing KO when Lyra sounded a medical alarm. Proceeding to KO's cabin
they found her lying in the bunk, eyes open, pupils fixed, dilated and unresponsive. Initially medical determined that KO
had suffer a stroke but when measures to reverse it caused little change in her condition it was then Jasmine discovered
the tumor on her upper brain stem that was applying pressure to the nerve bundle causing her affliction. Surgery lasted
eight hours; they came close to losing KO twice. An exhausted Jasmine left surgery, Sarah spied her and the
conversation began.

"How is she doing?"

"It was… we had a lot of… she's lucky to be alive. Prognosis, at the moment her maintaining life without intervention is a
positive. We'll know more when she wakes up, but, not to dash your hopes, there is a good possibility some of her
facilities might not function as well as before. The brain is still an object we don't understand completely. I do know we got
the entire tumor, relieved the pressure on the bundle and what we removed was benign. But…Sorry Sarah it's been a very
trying day, we'll talk more once I've rested."

Jasmine left, Sarah returned to where she had been sitting and sat next to her sister, who heard everything that
was said. Sari was about to speak when…

"She's alive, thank the makers, as far as everything else goes, I'll wait as long as it takes. Guess we're going to be docked
for an extended period, was there something planned for Illusion? If so, now would be the time to do it. Don't you agree?"

Sari looked at her twin and thought to herself, 'I'm so happy we ended up with separate personality's'. Resting her
head on Sarah's shoulder she said.

"We can schedule you for the balance of the upgrade once, keep a secret, Paveryua is launched."

Sarah's sudden movement almost left Sari on the floor. Turning to her sister, who was regaining her own balance
she said.

"I heard that was months off, what happened, why all of the sudden and who's going to command it?"

Rising to her feet Sari motioned Sarah to follow her, finding a quiet place Sari continued.

"Not command, a shake down cruise, since Pegasus is docked awaiting inspection and because its data banks are full of
Arsis IV information. It was decided Marjee would take the ship out and give it a thorough testing."

"You mean thrashing, Marjee will test that ship to its limits and beyond, and you and I both know that is a fact. Who's
going with her?"

"Samson's in refit, Discovery as well, following the open to space incident, that leaves Defiance and Independence our
only truly operational ships. Add in the Alliance meetings, that makes getting Paveryua operational as soon as possible.
Dai and Ariel are going with Marjee. Outside of that I have no more information."

"My understanding was a shake down of the prototype; refit Samson to its specifications, then replace our first line vessels
with 'Samson' class ships, is that still the plan?
"It is but on an accelerated schedule, so is getting Illusion and Pegasus up to date, look sis, I'll be honest, the future of the
Alliance is very shaky. Cassie wants us to be able to stand alone if necessary; accelerating this program is a top priority."

"What can I do to help?"

"Right now the biggest help you can be is to be someone I can talk to, bounce ideas off of and know they'll keep it
confidential."

Sarah hugged Sari, they both walked back to the Command Center.

*********

Doctor Sasoum was making her rounds, meeting with Jasmine, Saio, and Mio she had discussed their two 'star'
patients and was about to check in on them. Opening the door to KO's room she found her still sleeping, Lyra's remote
was monitoring her vitals. A quick check of the E.E.G. showed brain activity was increasing, hopefully KO would wake
soon.

Down the hall and opening the door Doctor Sasoum was greeted with an empty bed. Opening the door further
and looking to her right she saw Scholar standing in front of the window taking in the sun filled sky. Scholar turned, looked
at the Doctor with a confused look then said.

"Um, Doctor Sasoum, I presume?"

Acknowledging her and moving to her side she guided her back to the bed, sat her on the edge and started an
examination. Scholar's confusion continued with her saying.

"Doctor, physically I'm fine, mentally, I feel like I've been on a week long bender, and my minds not only fussy, but
extremely disjointed. If you don't object I believe you can steer me in the right direction."

Scholar reached up and made gentle contact with the Doctor. After a few minutes she removed her fingers and
said.

"I've never had a regeneration go so awry before, I thank you and Saio for remembering my ramblings. In a way you're
very much responsible for me being here. I saw what happened to KO. Can I see her?"

Helping Scholar to her feet they made their way to KO's room while getting stares of amazement from staff
members along the way. They entered the room as Jasmine arrived, seeing Scholar she said.

"Are you sure you want to do what I sense you're planning?"

"Yes, I'll not rest till I know for sure."

Sitting alongside KO, Scholar establishes a link. Monitors in the room jump as KO's brain activity spikes, opening
her eyes and focusing on Scholar she says.

"You don't look bad for someone who should be dead."

Scholar breaks the link and says.

'The same could be said for you as well, although a tumor like yours, I just regenerated, you almost died my dear."

KO raises her hand to her head just as Jasmine says.

"Don't panic, the hair will grow back, think of it as a small price to pay for you being with us once again."

Moving her hand across her head she said.

"Bald, you took it all off; just how big of a hole did you put in my head?"

Jasmine smiled and said.

"You know how big your ego is; I had to let it out before I could do my