Knowing Read Online Free PDF Page A

jaw opened in amazement. “You never meant to help?”
    “It was a reaction to their attacks on our scouting ships. If they had not acted first we would not have intervened in their attack on your world.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because our involvement brought even more attention from the Tokkel to your world. Unless we find a way to gain commitment from our citizens, we will soon leave Gaia to fend for itself.”
    She blinked. “Fine. What did you mean by potential?”
    He slowed even more and the Nine marks for Medical started to appear on the doors they passed. They entered the main medical bay and a woman in the red tunic and black trousers of a nine medical officer came to greet them.
    “This is the one?” She was a giant but her voice was pleasantly feminine.
    “Yes, Dr. Meevin. This is Signy Alora of Gaia. Third generation colonist.”
    The giant smiled pleasantly at Ziggy. “Greetings, warrior. Councillor Rothaway has spoken very highly of you. Would you come with me please?”
    She looked up at the woman and smiled. “Of course.”
    Councillor Rothaway followed them and Ziggy could feel him at her back while she followed the seven foot woman. She still didn’t have an answer for her question and she wasn’t going to leave the mother ship until she had one.
    “We have a full body scanner here and you will need to relax while we take a baseline reading. It will not hurt and you need to remain relaxed and passive while the scan is in progress.”
    “Fine. Can I go in like this?” She gestured to her clothing.
    “Of course. This is for a biology baseline and a passive brain activity scan.” Dr. Meevin smiled brightly.
    Similar to a circular shower enclosure it had a gel backing and withdrawn doors. It was a fairly narrow column and Ziggy stepped into it, turning to face her observers. The door closed and the unit started to tilt, sending her back into the embrace of the gel bed.
    After the surprise of the tilt, she pressed her hands flat to the bed. Ziggy tried to relax and not to think.
    A whir started and then a light sparked across her body, illuminating her in a golden glow. A bright ring of paler pink lights started to hum and rotate and she closed her eyes to keep from getting dizzy.
    She didn’t know how long she had been in the scanner, but when it finally started to tilt upright again, she fought a yawn.
    “We need to observe your abilities in action. Would you allow me to attach this monitor?” Dr. Meevin smiled hopefully.
    “Of course.” She stepped out of the scanner and smiled politely. “Where would you like me?”
    The doctor showed her a station with the same comfort gel and after she settled, a halo of wires was carefully attached to her head.
    Councillor Rothaway, the man who had announced his intentions toward her was staring at her as the contacts were pressed to her skin.
    “Now, Signy, I need you to use your talent.”
    Ziggy focussed on Dr. Meevin and extended her hand. “Put your hand in mine and it will start.”
    Bemused the woman did as she asked and Ziggy let her mind do the rest.
    Formal regulations for medical examination of xeno-original species ran through Ziggy’s mind. Dr. Meevin wasn’t just a physician, she was an alien specialist.
    The giants had a very specific hierarchy and their rituals and formalities were extensive. Ziggy would never need them all but the sheer complexity of etiquette was fascinating.
    The doctor released her hand and stared at the readout. “Well, Signy Alora of Gaia, your species definitely has potential.”
    The giant turned to Rothaway, “I will file the reports with the Councils immediately. I don’t know how well the Gaians will accept the news, but they are definitely changing.”
    “Whoa, whoa, whoa. What does potential mean?” She lifted the gear off her head.
    Dr. Meevin looked at her and tilted her head. “You know that our races developed on the planet beneath us, correct?”
    “I do.”
    “We developed the way we did due