A Show of Force by Ryk Brown Read Free Book Online Page B

cores.”
    “From what little I have seen thus far, I am sure you will not be disappointed,” Yanni assured him.
    “Then you have seen what knowledge the Ark holds?”
    “Not all of it, of course,” Yanni explained. “However, I have scanned several of the directories, and even read a few of the more discipline-specific summaries… Mostly at the request of Deliza, I have to admit.”
    “Yes, she can be quite persistent,” Casimir agreed. “So, based on what you have seen, the technologies contained within the Ark are more advanced?”
    “Not all of them,” Yanni warned, “but, yes, many of the technologies are far more advanced than anything Deliza knows to exist in the Pentaurus sector, and more advanced than anything known to exist in the Sol sector as well. Of course, the ability to exploit such technologies first requires the implementation of lesser levels of technology, in order to support the more advanced production methods needed. This is why the people of my world decided to establish the Ark Foundation, to better control the release of these technologies to the world. Some of them, if not carefully controlled, could have easily led to our own destruction,” Yanni further explained. “In fact, many believe that the sudden, explosive, technological growth that occurred on Earth is what brought the Jung to our doorstep. So you see, their concerns were not unwarranted.”
    “Yes, yes,” Casimir agreed. “Technology often requires wisdom and maturity. Unfortunately, they never seem to be a prerequisite. The Followers of Origin believe that it is this very lack of wisdom and maturity that led to the downfall of humanity due to the bio-digital plague.”
    “Many on Earth believe much the same,” Yanni said. “They believe that God brought the bio-digital plague onto them because human technology had already far outpaced human maturity.”
    “And who is to say that they are not correct?”
    “Others believe that the ability to develop technologies capable of wiping out the human race acts as a self-limiting evolutionary device. If humanity is out of control, and its technology is surpassing its maturity, an event such as the bio-digital plague will serve as a trigger, resetting technological levels accordingly.”
    “Interesting concept,” Casimir admitted. A small laugh left his mouth. “I can see why my daughter enjoys your company.”
    “Deliza is a delightful young lady,” Yanni said, somewhat awkwardly.
    “Yes, she is,” Casimir agreed. “I wonder, at times, if Takara is mature enough, responsible enough to be entrusted with the knowledge contained with those files,” he said, shaking his head in doubt.
    “More so than the people of Earth,” Yanni said, “at least from a technological standpoint.”
    “I was thinking more about the political and socioeconomic ramifications of that knowledge.”
    “I would think that much of the knowledge contained within the cores would change Takara for the better,” Yanni surmised.
    “Some of the nobles fear what is on those cores.”
    “Why?”
    Casimir sighed. “They fear that newer, more advanced technologies might replace the ones upon which their financial successes depend.”
    “Even if such technologies improve the lives of every Takaran?” Yanni asked.
    “Takaran nobles do not care about every Takaran,” Casimir explained, “only a select few… Usually ones that share their family name. I have no doubt that some would do whatever it took to bury whatever technologies might jeopardize their revenue streams, regardless of the ‘good’ it might do for Takara, or for that matter the entire cluster, as a whole.”
    “It is hard to imagine that anyone could be that short-sighted.”
    Casimir laughed. “Do not go into politics, Mister Hiller. You will be greatly disappointed if you do.” Casimir leaned back in his chair. “Tell me, how much do you think the nobles know about the contents of the Data Ark?”
    “Security at the