Who has the gold?

“If Thorium reactors are so wonderful why aren’t Vulcans and Humans using them? Sorres, I was here just 12 years ago. There is no reason this society should need nuclear power. They don’t use fossil fuels, combustion engines, not even steam engines.”

            “I cannot answer philosophical questions, Admiral. We are a science vessel and are simply researching and gathering facts on your behalf. It appears the population has embraced the Tellarite technology and is moving forward with industrialization. Of course, we would never have contacted them in the first place,” Sorres stated with what Archer felt was a silent reference to Enterprise’s visit in 2151. “But, their culture, however, is now on a new trajectory.”

            The Soval remained in orbit around Akal while Archer, Samuels, and Laskin were deposited on the planet a few kilometers outside of the city at coordinate zero-forty. The three humans walked along a primitive road towards the center of the town. Over the foothills on the opposite side of the valley a large plume of white smoke betrayed the reactor they sought.

            “That’s a day’s walk,” Samuels said. The three of them stopped to consider their plan.

            “Our mission’s to figure out who interfered in this culture and try to limit any further exposure and contamination from not only the reactors but also the species that brought them here. Look for anything or anyone that doesn’t seem to fit – technology that is far ahead of an agrarian society. Motors, engines, electric anything would be suspect.”

            “Admiral,” Samuels began, “how long do you expect us to be here?”

            “As long as it takes.”

            “The Vulcans didn’t report any health related problems caused by the reactors. Do you expect we could still find something?”

            “I always expect to find exceptions to anything the Vulcans tell me. After years of working with them, I understand they still don’t tell all.”

            They continued walking towards the city. A crisp breeze fluttered the leaves of trees that lined their path. Their sun, more than an AU from the planet, began to sink below the horizon from their perspective.  Tilted just 13 degrees, the seasons on Akal were less pronounced than on Earth. The climate varied in any given place by less than 25 Celsius the entire year, but the distance from the star limited the high temperatures to something in the 20 degrees.

            It wasn’t long before they met up with some Akalli. They waved, Archer waved back.

            “How are you?” he addressed them, the party stopping to ask a few questions.

            “We’re good. I don’t know you,” the youngest man said.

            “We’re from another city. We heard maybe we could get jobs at the new energy factory.”

            “Ah,” said an older man, shifting his cloak around his neck some against the breeze. “They are always looking for people to work at the new electric factory.”

            “Do you work there?” Archer asked.

            “Goodness no! I prefer the old ways. Not these new strange machines and mystery lights.” You’ll pardon us; we need to get home before the night comes.”

            “Of course.” Archer looked at his crew.

            “Would you know of a place we can lodge overnight?” Laskin asked. “We, uh, expected to be there before dark.”

            “It doesn’t look like we will make it,” Samuels added.

            “On the edge of the town you will find rooms for overnight; not too much gold is needed. Half a kilometer.”

            “Thanks, we hope to see you again”, Archer smiled, patting the man on one shoulder as they parted ways. “You don’t happen to have any gold on you, Samuels? Laskin?”

            “We thought you brought the gold, sir,” Samuels chuckled. Archer’s humor was high and the sarcasm wasn’t lost on him nor did it irk him in the least. He had gotten to know Ensign Laural Samuels over the weeks spent traveling on the Discovery. Laskin had spent most of his time in the infirmary, and they had not quite learned to read each other as well yet.  

           “They can cure everything else! Why not Clarke’s Disease?”

            “It’s genetic, Jon.”

            Jonathan Archer heard his mother’s words, but they only floated around his head. His mother’s hand alighted on his shoulder. He wanted to brush it off, he wanted to grab her and hang on. When he looked at her, Lorelei looked back.

            “Put him into stasis and when they find a cure he can come out and be cured. He doesn’t have to die.”

            “Goodbye, Jon,” Lorelei said, and she faded to white around the edges and then to black.

            “Dad!”

            Archer woke with a jolt, not quite sure of his surroundings. He saw Crewman Laskin asleep in a bunk next to him. A faint bit of daylight seeped through the window coverings. Apparently he’d slept the night through in this room…on Akal. He was on Akal. Still wearing costumes to match the population, Archer swung out of bed and stretched.

            “Laskin. Let’s get a move on,” he said to a snoring roommate. He walked a few steps and put his hand on the crewman’s shoulder to wake him. Laskin opened his eyes and quickly sat up at attention. “At ease,” Archer said, holding up a hand to keep his subordinate from leaping out of bed. “I’ll go get Samuels and we’ll be on our way.” He threw on a heavy, hooded cape, his period styled boots, and left their room.

            On the first floor of the boarding house, on wooden floors covered in braided rugs, Archer and his team gathered for a morning meal that was customarily served with the overnight lodging. An Akaali man brought them a pitcher of water, some bread cakes, small cubes of what appeared to be cheese, and cooked eggs still in their bright blue shells. 
            “So you are from outside Tamilynnal province?” the fellow asked.

            “Yes, we all heard there might be jobs at the electricity reactor,” Archer said, taking the opportunity to gather some information. “Do you know if they’re looking for workers?”

            “They’re always looking for workers. There’s not a reactor in your city?” The group exchanged subtle glances.

            “No,” Archer said, trying not to look the man in the eyes. He reached for an egg and with an almost imperceptible hesitation he cracked it open. It appeared like any other egg except for the bright orange yolk.

            “Well, it’s only as far as the sun will reach in the sky if you’re walking. Enjoy your meal,” he told them with a smile, leaving them in privacy.

            “Admiral, no one seems terribly concerned about the reactors. Do they simply not know, or do you think they’ve been fed some propaganda, or…” Laskin asked, spreading his hands in search of an answer.

            “Well, we’re not going to find out until we get there and start asking more questions. Sounds like we have a long trek ahead. Let’s get going soon.” He took a bite of the unusual egg and nodded with approval at its taste. 

            “Aye, sir,” came the dual reply.