by G. P. Hudson
“By that logic, why would you question your own role? Why not just stay a Zeta soldier and not trouble yourself with any of this?”
“Point taken,” said Gerry. “Continue.”
Isaac took a deep breath. It was the first time he gave any indication that Gerry’s questions had gotten to him. Regaining his composure, he resumed his story. “In time, it became too risky to continue our work within the Empire’s borders. The Empire had already given up on some of the outer colonies, so Zeta acquired a stake on a remote system. There we continued our work, unfettered by any pesky Imperial laws. It was there that I invented the implants that are in all Zeta clones today.”
“What about you?” said Danny. “Are you augmented?”
“Indeed I am, my boy. It wouldn’t be right for me to invent all that technology, and not try it out, before inserting it into others.”
“You really are full of surprises,” said Danny. “I guess you have the same implant that you put in my finger too.”
“Of course. How else could I guide you through the whole experience?”
“Hang on a second,” Danny said suspiciously. “If you have a brain implant, then why weren’t you affected by your weapon back at your house?”
“I took measures to shield myself from the weapon when I built it.”
“And what about the drone swarm? Why didn’t you hear it?”
“I did hear it, but I am not a military clone. I didn’t know what the sound was, whereas you recognized it as the threat it was.”
“I suppose that makes sense,” said Danny, taking Isaac’s word for it.
“What about this clone hive thing you were talking about,” said Gerry. “I’m guessing that’s not new either. Right?”
“Right,” Isaac said sheepishly. “In fact, that very concept became a main source of conflict between Masterson and myself. Where he saw the clones as a weapon to be sold to the highest bidder, I saw them as an opportunity for something greater. Their enhancement need not stop at augmentation. They could use their implants to develop a higher level of community.”
“A hive,” said Danny.
“Yes. Unfortunately, Masterson saw things differently. What I proposed was dangerous, and couldn’t be controlled. Masterson’s attitude toward me changed after that. He became increasingly hostile, and started reducing my responsibilities. In the end, I was forced out of the company, and he moved forward with his military program.”
“That’s quite the story, Isaac,” said Danny. “You’re the original clone, and you invented our implants. Does that make you our father, or something?”
“I’m not sure,” said Isaac.
“There’s a problem with your story,” said T199.
“What’s that?” said Isaac.
“You said that the UEDF outsources to Zeta. That is no longer the case. Just before you captured me, we were informed that Masterson had canceled the Empire’s contract. Zeta no longer works for the UEDF.”
“Who does Zeta work for now?” said Danny.
“They have sided with the Frontier Alliance. Since Pallias was a member of the Alliance, Zeta is claiming that it falls under their protection. Fighting has broken out across the planet between the UEDF and Zeta troops.”
“So where does that leave us?” said Danny.
“No different than before, I’m afraid,” said Isaac. “We still need to get off this planet. Even more so now. Once Zeta deals with the UEDF, there will be nothing to hold them back. We need to leave before then.”
“Then we need to hurry up and modify our implants,” said Danny. “I give you permission to do so with mine.” Danny looked over at Gerry. “How about you, sister?”
Gerry frowned. “If we become his slaves it will be all your fault.”
“So you agree?”
“Yes, little brother, I agree.”
They turned to T199 expectantly, who stoically returned their gaze. “We’ve already started this dance. Let’s see it through to the end. But I need one more thing before we continue.”
“What’s that?” said Isaac.
“A name.”
They turned to Catherine, who seemed surprised by the reaction. “Why are you all looking at me?”
“You named me,” said Gerry. “Would you do the same for T199?”
“I don’t know,” Catherine said reluctantly. “Don’t you want to pick your own name?”
“I’m not sure,” said T199. “Did you pick your name, Danny?”
“No. A woman at Zeta gave it to me.”
“How about you, Isaac?”
“Masterson gave me my name,” said Isaac.
“I would be honored if you would give me my name, Catherine,” said T199.
“Well, okay.” Catherine was quiet for a moment, and then Jess whispered something in her ear. Catherine smiled and nodded. “How about the name Tom? It was my grandfather’s name.”
“Tom,” said T199. “It’s perfect.”
“Congratulations,” said Danny. “Now you are officially a free man.”
Chapter 44
“There,” said Isaac, finishing work on Danny’s brain implant. To Danny’s relief, Isaac could access the implant without cutting into his skull. He used a wand-like device to activate and deactivate features on the implant.
“You’re finished?” said Danny.
“Yes. All done.”
“I don’t notice anything different.”
Can you hear me? said Isaac, from inside Danny’s mind.
Yes, said Danny.
Do you recognize me? said Isaac.
Of course. I know your voice.
Not just my voice. Do you recognize me? My mind.
Danny thought about it, then began to recognize Isaac’s presence. It wasn’t just a matter of hearing him. Danny could pick him out, and direct a thought toward him. Or not. He allowed that realization to flow to Isaac.
As you can see, my boy, you can control what you allow others to experience. Just as you shared that thought with me, you could also block me from accessing your thoughts.
I understand, said Danny. I can see how important that would be. So, you’re saying that no one can access my implant, and my mind, unless I let them?
Yes, and no, said Isaac. Within a group such as ours, where we are voluntarily connecting to each other, you can block individuals, or the entire group, from accessing anything you don’t want them to access. That said, there is the potential for abuse. Especially external.
What kind of abuse?
By activating this feature of your implant, you have created a vulnerability. When I initially hacked into your implant, I used the headband to gain physical access to it. I needed to do so to establish a connection. Now, however, your implant can be accessed without the aid of something like my headband.
You mean I’m vulnerable to being hacked?
Technically, yes. But it’s unlikely. The defensive features I installed to prevent Zeta from gaining control of your implant, will also protect you from anyone else. And I seriously doubt you’ll face anything more sophisticated than Zeta.
You’re saying the potential exists, but for that to become a reality, someone would have to figure out a way to get past your code.
Correct. You would also have to accept the connection. And, even in that case, the group could pool its resources to defend against malicious access.
Sounds like a long shot.
I’m just making you aware of all the possibilities.
“Okay,” Gerry interrupted. “I just want you guys to know that this staring thing you’re doing is really weird.”
“It works,” said Danny. “We’re talking to each other telepathically.”
“It’s still weird. Can you not do it without staring at each other like a couple of zombies? It’s not exactly subtle.”
“Gerry is correct. We need to behave in the same way as you did when you accessed Blaine’s network. We need to interact naturally with our surroundings while connected, otherwise we will ra
ise suspicion.”
“Understood. We’ll need to work on that.”
“How about you, Gerry?” said Isaac. “Are you ready to join our cerebral network?”
“Little brother? What do you think of it?” said Gerry.
“You should do it,” said Danny. “It’s a fascinating experience.”
Gerry frowned. “It’s a good thing I trust you. Alright. Let’s get this over with.”
Isaac proceeded to activate both Gerry’s and Tom’s brain implants. When finished, the four clones connected telepathically with each other. The group spent the next few hours learning the details of their network. They practiced how to control the flow of information, including how much they allowed others to access, and how much they allowed someone to send them. They practiced interacting with their surroundings, and others, while maintaining their connection.
During all of it, the four Pallian resistance fighters watched them with growing unease. Danny had been so immersed in learning about the technology that he hadn’t noticed, until one of them finally spoke up.
“What kind of range do your implants have?” David said suspiciously. The Pallian soldier seemed visibly uncomfortable with the technology, and Danny couldn’t blame him. He had no way of knowing if he was talking to one, or all of them.
“They can connect over several kilometers,” said Isaac. “Much farther if using external technology to amplify the signal.”
Danny didn’t ask the next question, yet Isaac allowed him to see the answer. To know it, without asking. With access to a starship, and its communications array, the group could communicate over the same distance as the starship. He didn’t know if what he saw next was his own thought, or Isaac’s, but he was mesmerized. A fleet of starships, operated by clones, all connected with each other. A celestial hive.
The group experienced the thought simultaneously, and they understood the possibilities, while David and the Pallian soldiers still struggled to grasp what they were dealing with.
They fear us, Gerry said to the group. They consider us alien. A threat.
They are the threat, said Tom. There is no reason for them to continue helping us. No reason for a resistance. It is in their interest to join Zeta and help them remove the UEDF from this world.
You believe they will betray us? said Danny.
They won’t betray us, said Isaac. Our implants make them nervous, but they were already nervous about your augmentation.
David who had seemed to relax somewhat, frowned. “What you have accomplished is a tremendous military asset,” he said. “The potential is incredible. I’m surprised Zeta doesn’t activate this by default.”
“Zeta fears rebellion,” said Isaac. You see, he said telepathically to the group. He is not hostile toward us.
“Zeta and the Empire have that in common,” said David.
“Speaking of which,” continued Isaac. “What will you do now that Zeta no longer supports the UEDF?”
Yes, let’s hear their answer, said Gerry.
“We follow orders,” said David. “Right now, we are still charged with your protection. This hasn’t changed, and since the threat to your safety is coming from Zeta Corp, I don’t see it changing any time soon.”
Then you will help us get off Pallias?” said Isaac.
“Yes. We will help you.”
“I’m happy to hear you say that.” You see? They are honorable men, Isaac said to the group.
For now, said Gerry.
Chapter 45
“There it is,” said Danny, as the vast expanse of the Pallian shipyards came into view. The site felt eerily dark, in sharp contrast to the flashing lights of battle on the horizon. Concussions followed each flash like distant thunder. Zeta and the UEDF had taken the gloves off, and fought hard for control of the planet.
They had driven in darkness to the shipyards, avoiding the main roads, doing their best to stay as far as possible from the fighting. To their benefit, the battle kept Zeta occupied with more pressing concerns than locating a few wayward clones.
Danny glanced at Catherine and the girls through the mirror. Jess and Ellie’s cheeks both moist from recent tears, looking nervously at the horizon with each new sound. The last thing he wanted was to take them into a dangerous situation, but he couldn’t leave them behind. They needed to get off the planet too, and their best hope of doing so was by acquiring a starship at the shipyards.
“We’ll leave the car here, and go the rest of the way on foot,” he said, coming to a stop behind some trees. They were a fair distance from the gate. Without lights, he was reasonably comfortable that the vehicle would remain hidden. “David, can you and your men stay with Catherine and the girls?”
“You can count on us,” said David. The Pallian men had proven to be solid, and Danny felt comfortable leaving the children to their protection.
“We can’t stay here,” Catherine said, holding Jess and Ellie tight to her side.
“It’s safer for you here,” said Danny. “We need to find a way into the shipyards. Once we do we’ll send for you.”
“Don’t worry,” David said grimly, readying his plasma rifle. “Nobody’s going to hurt your kids.” With that he slid his door open, and the four Pallian soldiers exited the vehicle. Outside, they spread out to establish a perimeter.
“What about Isaac?” Catherine said worriedly.
“I’m going with them, my dear,” Isaac said with a smile.
“But you’re not a soldier.”
“No, but I am augmented. I’ve also downloaded a military knowledge pack, so I’m well versed in weapons and tactics.”
“A knowledge pack? Isaac, have you ever been in combat?”
“I can take care of myself. Don’t you worry, my dear.”
“This is all very interesting, and touching,” said Gerry. “But we have to go.”
“Of course,” said Isaac. “Lead the way.”
The clones got out and streaked toward the shipyard gates, covering the distance in mere seconds. They had spent days going through all the ins and outs of functioning as a unit, with their implants connected. Approaching the gate, each knew where the others were, what they saw, heard, and felt. They were four, and one.
They spread out, screening for guards, or security drones. When none were found, Isaac moved toward the security system. A DNA scanner. He placed his finger on the panel, careful to avoid the biometric sensor. Through his implant, he saw the security system’s processor. They all did, watching and learning as Isaac went to work.
The system blocked his first attempt at bypassing the DNA scanner. Unperturbed, Isaac tried another tack, and attempted to fool the system into thinking he had passed the DNA check. Again, it denied him access.
We are going to have to do this the hard way, Isaac said to the group. I’ll need to borrow some of your resources.
What does that mean? said Gerry.
The security system is more sophisticated than I expected. I’m going to use the combined power of all our implants, and brains, to overwhelm it.
You can do that? said Danny.
Of course, said Isaac. Our brains are extremely powerful computers in their own right. The implants allow us to harness that power.
This is more of that hive thing you keep talking about, said Danny.
Correct, my boy. But I need your permission to do so. Do you consent?
Each clone granted Isaac their permission, and he harnessed their brainpower to mount a massive attack against the security system. The experience confused Danny. He knew Isaac was using his mind for the operation, yet he felt nothing.
Sensing Danny’s question, Isaac answered. You use only a small percentage of your brain, my boy. I am tapping into large, unused regions for this attack. That is why you can’t feel it.
The security system buckled, failing under the weight of Isaac’s onslaught. Isaac quickly moved through the security system, and attacked the network itself. The network locked down, ignoring his requests.
Isaac refused to be ignored. Using the power of their combined minds he sought out and found a node on the network, forcing their combined will onto it. Sweeping aside any defensive measures, he injected himself into the target system.
Again, Isaac noticed Danny’s interest and responded. You are correct, my boy. This has not been done before. At least not by anyone other than myself, and even then, I did not have access to the combined power of four minds. It all comes down to one simple reality. Force of will. I am forcing my will onto the target system, and it does not know how to respond.
I don’t understand, said Danny.
Look at it like this. Computers rely on logic, calculations, and processing power to out-think humans. Even AIs fall back on their algorithms in the end. The human mind is capable of so much more. By combining our brain power, we take away any edge the system has in processing power. That’s when the magic happens. It turns the tables on the system, and allows us to out-think it. Only we have an even greater advantage. Creativity. Something that will confound any machine in existence.
Thanks Isaac, said Gerry. I am learning a lot. Now can you hurry the hell up?
Yes, of course. I have gained access to the network. Now we just need to find what we’re looking for.
They needed to open the gate, but more importantly, they needed a ship. For that, they needed information. So, Isaac proceeded to burrow deeper into the network, using the power of their merged implants to process information at what felt like the speed of light.
The operation fascinated Danny. The group absorbed the information in real time, as Isaac processed it. They were one mind. They overcame the security system together, and downloaded the information stored on the network together.
When the Pallian soldiers began firing their weapons, they saw the plasma bursts together too.
Chapter 46
Go help them, said Isaac. I’ll finish up here.
The three clones didn’t need any more prompting, racing toward the raging firefight.
“David, what is your status?” Danny said over his comm.
“UEDF patrol,” came the reply. “We’re outnumbered.”
