by TJ Viola
As he entered the transporter and activated the console, the power to the unit failed. He savagely pushed on the controls without avail and realized he had fallen into a trap. Slowly, deliberately looking up, he saw Doran smiling at him with at least ten guards all armed with Gasers pointed in his direction.
“I expected you would try to escape and warn your friends,” Doran said. “Besides dereliction of duty, you’re now guilty of high treason, and if I’m not mistaken, that’s punishable by death.”
He turned to the security leader and gave the order to secure Muglar and take him to a maximum-security cell. As they approached Muglar, the transporter room became filled with streams of brilliant, colorful lights that engulfed Muglar. In an instant, he had disappeared and the lights faded.
*****
Muglar rematerialized in Zucan’s private meeting quarters and was greeted warmly by his new friend.
“Welcome, Muglar. Sorry for transporting you without your permission, but it appeared you were in serious trouble.”
“Zucan, we don’t have time for formalities. You must prepare for battle immediately.”
“I appreciate your concern, but our culture is one of peace. We will not destroy others when it is not necessary.”
“I don’t understand. When we talked not long ago, I had the distinct impression you would stop at nothing to save your planet, and I believed you could actually defeat us.”
“As I told you, Grillion has no future, but the future is forever changing by the actions of today. I’m quite certain my civilization’s future will not improve by senseless acts of violence; it may simply hasten our current destiny.”
“You are the leader of your people. You have a moral obligation to protect them. You can’t just sit back and let Doran destroy all you believe in—a counterattack must be mounted now! I believe you are the only hope for my people, but to accomplish that you must fight!”
“Muglar, you are a warrior. You have sacrificed your life to find a way to save your civilization. Why are you encouraging me to fight and possibly destroy your vessel and so many of your men?”
The warrior and the statesman stood toe-to-toe searching for the essence of the man, trying desperately to understand and to trust.
“Zucan, I have indeed spent many years searching the Universe for a way to save the Ammagans. I failed them once; I don’t intend to fail them again. I believe you, your people, are our only hope for survival. I don’t know how, but I know this to be true.”
Zucan stood in silence looking at this mighty warrior, this fierce-looking hulk of a being, thinking that there might still be hope for all civilizations as long as there were those, like Muglar, who could finally realize the futility of seeking dominance over others.
“I have much to tell you, my friend. But first, why don’t we sit and refresh ourselves with some food and drink?”
Muglar was about to protest, but was halted by the force of Zucan’s aura.
“Let me assure you, neither Grillion nor your vessel is in any immediate danger.”
Muglar had difficulty understanding how this was possible, since he knew Doran would launch an attack in a matter of moments. He had, however, come to appreciate the enormous capabilities of Zucan and his people, and if Zucan believed they weren’t in imminent danger, then there must be a logical explanation.
For the first time, as he tried to relax, Muglar took in the detailed nature of his surroundings. He realized the technology visible in this modest room just scratched the surface of the Grillions’ capabilities, yet it was very impressive. Every item in the room responded to thought, even inanimate objects. It was as if their every thought were being anticipated. The chair he sat in immediately conformed to his body; refreshments were delivered by an android that seemed to appear out of thin air. The most amazing sight occurred when the walls of the chamber transformed into a panoramic view of the control room aboard his spacecraft.
“Zucan, how is this possible? It feels as if we’re actually in the control room. Is this happening now?”
“It is. I’m in complete control of your craft, every function, every system, and every weapon—complete and total control.”
Muglar was speechless. He didn’t know how this was possible, but he clearly understood the military implications. Zucan could destroy his vessel at will.
“I know you’re wondering once again why we don’t just fight back and defend the Universe against the tyranny imposed by the Ammagans,” Zucan said. “The answer, I’m afraid, is always the same. Ultimately, we would both lose: my race destroyed, yours inflicted with heavy losses leading to extinction. We must find another way!”
Muglar’s mind was spinning, but then he remembered something Zucan said about their options going forward. He thought he said it in jest, but now he wasn’t so sure. “Is that what Zeiss and his team are working on, finding another way?”
Zucan didn’t expect this question so soon, but then again, he realized that Muglar had a very high intellect. “Yes, he is. One that has a very low probability of success, and if he is successful, the consequences are unpredictable. But let’s not concern ourselves now with Zeiss, I’ll provide you with all the details later. What we have to discuss now is what to do with Doran and his crew.”
While they were talking, the scene from the spacecraft intensified.
“Fire the main Gaser,” Doran commanded.
Doran watched without emotion for the horrendous explosion to take place—a sight he had witnessed many times over the years on his monitor.
“I said fire! Do it now!”
“Commander, the Gaser is malfunctioning and not initializing the firing sequence. The manual override system has also malfunctioned.”
As Muglar watched, he was inwardly proud of the discipline demonstrated by Doran. He held no grudges, even though he had betrayed his trust. Doran was simply doing his duty, as he had trained him to do.
“Launch the auxiliary spacecrafts and execute attack sequence seven immediately.”
The crew went into action, scrambling the flight crews, downloading attack sequence seven to each onboard computer system, and establishing a more strategic orbit around Grillion.
“Commander, I can’t fully execute your order. You are not authorized to use your weapon systems unless under direct attack.”
All activity stopped; everyone looked from one to another trying to determine who would have the audacity to counteract Doran’s direct orders.
“Sorry, sir. I should have introduced myself. I’m your computer network and I control all onboard systems and electronic devices at your disposal. My name is Web, sir.”
Doran summoned his systems network engineering officer, who reported that all attempts to untangle Web from the network had failed. All security features were activated but unable to prevent Web from infiltrating the network and taking control of all hardware, including the life-support systems. As Doran was digesting the implications of what was just reported, Zucan spoke over the network.
“Doran, this is Zucan. I can assure you that it’s impossible to override Web’s directives. Web isn’t simply a software virus; it’s also what you might call a hardware virus. Actually, your hardware has been physically altered and reprogrammed.”
“That’s not possible!” Doran shouted.
“I’m surprised by your reaction; you know just about anything is possible somewhere in the Universe. There is an unlimited diversity in species, cultures, and technologies. I suggest we not debate what is or isn’t possible. What is important for you now is to understand your options.”
Zucan’s voice was heard throughout the vessel, all activity had ceased, and every Ammagan was listening intently trying to comprehend the implications.
“You can return to Ammag; however, Web will make sure you will not arrive for many years. You can also continue your mission and explore the Universe for a new source of radiation. Under no circumstances will you be able to use your weapons for offensive purposes
. If attacked, however, you will be able to use your full complement of defenses. I might add that if Web detects any attempt to override his ability to control your spacecraft, he will immediately shut down the power grid and all life-support systems.”
Doran was about to respond but was interrupted by Muglar. “Doran, I suggest you continue the mission; returning to Ammag would accomplish nothing.”
“Muglar, you’re a traitor,” Doran shouted. “I don’t take orders from you anymore.”
“Before you make your decision,” Zucan continued, “you should know that Web will be communicating on your behalf with Ammag, so they will believe everything is in order.”
Zucan terminated the communication channel with Doran and was visibly relieved that the current threats to Grillion and Zeiss were over. However, he had no doubt that more Ammagans would come in the future, probably sooner than later, so he still needed to maintain his defenses and continue to prepare Grillion for an uncertain future. His immediate concern was Muglar. Was everything that happened on board his spacecraft just a charade to gain his trust and confidence or was Muglar a truly enlightened warrior adrift in a stormy sea unable to gain his bearings?
Zucan was not one to delay making decisions and decided to trust Muglar. If he was wrong, then he would deal with the consequences as they arose. For now, he would continue to take him into his confidence in the hope that someday Muglar would be able and willing to help Zeiss complete his mission.
“Muglar, I know this is difficult for you—losing your command, having your second-in-command taking over your spacecraft, and being branded a traitor for siding with Grillion. You can retire to the quarters we prepared for you now or would you like me to answer questions you might have?”
“As I said before, I believe you’re our best hope for survival. You have skills and capabilities far exceeding any I’ve encountered in all my years of space travel. But don’t doubt for a moment where my allegiance lies; I still have an obligation to my people. I also realize this is not the time for self-indulgence, so I would appreciate some answers.”
“Muglar, the future of our two civilizations is interwoven probably in ways we will never fully appreciate. You put yourself in great peril because of your convictions and belief in our ability to assist. I’m about to do the same, because I believe you also hold the key to our survival. Ask your questions.”
“How did you take control of my vessel? We believed our software security was impenetrable.”
“When I first materialized aboard your spacecraft, I had company.”
“You were alone!” Muglar interrupted.
“It appeared so, but in fact thousands of nano-machines, actually they are more akin to nano-androids, also materialized and disseminated throughout your vessel. They are invisible to optical sensors and were able to infiltrate all hardware onboard, not just your computer network.”
“Once inside the hardware, how did they take control?”
“They analyze the functionality of the system or hardware they infiltrate and then physically modify the electronics based on instructions from scientists on Grillion. Once the hardware was modified, it was a simple matter to bypass your protocols and download our Web software and take control.”
Muglar was amazed by such advanced technology and wanted to know more.
“If these nano-androids are so microscopic, how do they modify the circuitry?”
“These nano-androids have the ability to link together, change form, and conduct electricity. But enough said on this topic, what are your other questions?”
Muglar sensed there was more to this technology than Zucan was willing to share and certainly understood his hesitation. He wasn’t sure he would have revealed so much.
“With this capability alone, you could control the Universe without ever risking any personnel.”
Once again, Muglar never thought he would see the day when a civilization with such power would not use it to dominate others. Zucan didn’t respond; he felt he had already answered this question.
“Tell me about Zeiss and his project. It seems obvious it’s related to altering the current outcome of events, which you believe will lead to Grillion’s eventual destruction.”
“It should be equally obvious,” Zucan said, “that if his efforts are successful, they will also have a positive impact on Ammag. It all comes down to time because eventually, Ammag will discover the condition of your spacecraft and send reinforcements. If that happens it is probable our current futures will be fulfilled. We don’t have the capability to stop a massive attack.”
Muglar agreed that the path they had chosen together certainly led to a future with dire consequences. But it was equally clear to him that Zucan believed there were many intersections along the way to the future that could lead to potentially different outcomes.
Zucan got up and indicated that Muglar should do the same.
“It is getting late and the answer to your last question is best left to another time.”
Shock and Awe
Earth
2050–2060
Grillion and Ammag 2080–2090
(in Earth years)
Chapter 30
Reflections
EARTH
After the invasion of the American research base, the UN had become dysfunctional. The specter of a new space-age weapon in the hands of one of its member nations tore asunder the already frail fabric that held the organization together. The world fractured into isolated blocs, paving the road to the degenerative conditions similar to those Muglar would find in the not-too-distant future.
With every passing year, Danny and Crystal saw the future of their shared nightmare unfold, often wondering if they were simply the catalyst for the eventual destruction of Earth, or if they were truly involved in pioneering a new trail into the future.
The only belief they were confident in was there was no turning back; destiny was hurling them closer toward the horrific future they had witnessed years ago.
After parting with Mrs. Fitzgerald, the Homeland Security forces assigned to protect Danny and Crystal spirited them away to their new destination. Preparations had been made to reinitiate their research in anticipation of continued funding from the National Security Council. Unbeknownst to Danny and Crystal, arrangements had been made to deal with them if funding were refused. The US couldn’t afford to have them fall into the hands of a communist country. As they were taken away, the shadowy figure that had listened so intently to the hearings watched as they drove away with frustration clearly etched in his facial grimace. He slowly turned and stealthily blended into the recesses of anonymity, gleefully thinking—a third opportunity will eventually come his way.
DORAN
The choices presented by Zucan were indeed limited, and the irony of it was not lost on Doran. He had taken over command of Muglar’s vessel only to have it taken away from him by the ship’s own computer network. From Doran’s perspective, his intentions were honorable. Muglar’s new strategy had been flawed, and he had personally failed by refusing to attack Grillion for their indiscretions. Doran believed he had no choice; it was his duty to act, assume responsibility, and aggressively pursue their primary objective.
Once the reality of his situation became clear, it was easy to choose between the options presented by Zucan. To return home, meandering through space, not knowing how long the journey would last would be akin to dying an agonizing death and would accomplish nothing as Muglar stated.
He came to realize the real irony of his situation only after he started writing a personal journal, documenting his journey with Web as he solicited assistance from planets where space probes indicated they had deposits of uranium. Only then did he realize he had been implementing Muglar’s strategy, finding peaceful means to find new sources of uranium.
AMMAG
Vorlov was distressed by Doran’s accusations. He was inclined to believe Muglar had good reasons for maintaining relations with the Grillions. Unfortuna
tely for Muglar, political realities took precedence over his personal feelings; therefore, he approved of Doran’s actions.
Now reflecting back over the past five years, this decision seemed to be the catalyst for the political and social deterioration taking place on Ammag. Communications from Doran had been infrequent and the flow of new technologies, so numerous under Muglar’s leadership, ceased altogether. This void was noticed by the general Ammag population and taken as a sign the mission to find an alternative life-sustaining energy source had been unsuccessful. In addition, the general unrest and political tensions had increased tremendously when an anonymous source from the Power Grid Ministry leaked to the surviving public that the demand on the uranium grid had increased in recent years causing the projected uranium reserves, previously supplied by Muglar, to be reduced to only fifty years. The source of this energy drain was unknown at the time of the announcement.
Unfortunately, the reason for the power grid drain had only recently been discovered: a simple children’s game known as Radiation Tag was the culprit. Until this game became popular, the Ammagans seldom used their ability to emit radiation in everyday life activities. The game was eventually banned, but not before the reserves had been reduced to approximately twenty years.
The Supreme Commander commissioned Zard to construct another spacecraft, more advanced than The Exterminator, and announced to the general public that he would personally lead a new expedition. This aggressive action by Vorlov stabilized the deteriorating conditions on Ammag, but the reality of their predicament had a devastating impact on their civilization. The birth rate had fallen precipitously, industrial productivity decreased sharply, and crime rates set new records each year.
