by Sarah Noffke
Ha-ha. I can’t wait for all the games.
I’m a player, what can I say.
Let’s be serious for a moment. Can you control my body? Eddie asked.
Yes, I believe so.
Eddie smiled. “He says he has control.”
Hatch let out an annoyed sigh. “I work in the world of provable facts. Will you please have him show us?”
Eddie’s hand lifted without his consent and waved at them.
“There you go,” he said, watching his hand being waved as if by a puppeteer holding invisible strings.
Knox laughed.
“Are you serious?” Hatch nearly yelled, his face brightening with pink.
“What?” Eddie asked, confused.
“How do we know that’s Pip waving your hand and not you?” Julianna asked.
“I didn’t do it,” Eddie explained.
“We need a better way of testing this.” Hatch rotated in the direction of his computer station, reviewing data as it scrolled on the screen.
“Maybe we give him a sedative?” Knox offered. “Pip is supposed to be able to control the captain’s body even if he’s unconscious, right?”
“Although that’s an excellent suggestion, I think there’s an easier way,” Hatch said, peering deep into Eddie’s eyes like he was trying to find the AI inside of him.
What’s he talking about? Do you know? Eddie asked Pip.
I sure do, Pip answered.
What is it?
You’re not going to like it.
Eddie laughed. Are you going to make me stand on my head?
“Pip,” Hatch interrupted. “Remember what we discussed? You want me to fulfill my end of the bargain, you’ve got to fulfill yours.”
What does he mean? Eddie asked.
Sorry about this, captain.
Before Eddie could reply, his own hand shot up and slapped himself across the cheek. The assault was so hard it whipped his face to the side.
Like struck by a close friend, Eddie blinked in disbelief for a few seconds, the whole room having fallen silent.
“And there it is!” Hatch cheered. “The moment I’ve been waiting for. There’s conclusive proof that Pip is controlling Teach’s body.”
Eddie shut down any access Pip had over him. I can’t believe you slapped me.
I believe you slapped you, Pip said, his tone sassy.
Wasn’t there another way?
That’s what Hatch told me to do.
Eddie shot an accusatory look at the mechanic. “You told him to slap me?”
“That I did,” Hatch sang, turning and waddling for the other side of the lab. “Keep up your side of the bargain, I’ll keep up mine, Pip.”
“What bargain?” Eddie asked, jumping off the lab table. What is he talking about, Pip?
We made a deal, Pip answered.
What kind of deal?
It’s a secret.
Eddie grunted, catching Julianna’s amused expression. “I’ve been set up,” he told her.
She nodded, not at all looking surprised. “Which is exactly why I wasn’t dumb enough to allow that psychotic AI to have control over my body.”
Pardon me, Captain, Pip said. I’ll be right back. I’ve got to go crazy on someone’s ass.
Chapter Seven
Intelligence Center, Ricky Bobby, Tangki System
A loud voice boomed from the Intelligence Center when Julianna and Eddie rounded into the space. Julianna had half expected to find a large man with a round stomach, smoking a pipe. Instead, only Chester and Marilla were in the large work area. A voice with a thick British accent boomed over the surround sound speakers, his articulation impressive and tone captivating.
Chester had his head reclined and his eyes closed as he listened to the audiobook, which Julianna recognized as a Sherlock Holmes novel. Marilla, on the other hand, was engrossed in her work, not even seeming to notice the theatrical audio playing overhead.
“Ricky Bobby, would you pause Chester’s book?” Julianna asked.
The AI didn’t even respond, only halted the audio, making the room fall silent. Chester cracked one eye open, his lazy gaze finding the captain and commander at once.
“It is ever a wonder that no one besides you two want to work in here,” Eddie said, twisting his finger in his ear and trying to dispel the ringing from the loud voice.
“I’m not an easy person to share a space with,” Chester admitted, opening his eyes and sitting up all the way. “I make no secret of the fact.”
“Marilla, how do you put up with this guy?” Eddie asked, throwing a thumb in the hacker’s direction.
“I have the ability to tune out all unnecessary noise and focus despite my surroundings,” Marilla said in a monotone voice, her eyes never leaving her computer screen.
“That proves there’s someone for everyone,” Eddie sang, pulling out a rolling chair and taking a seat.
The captain doesn’t think that anyone will ever put up with his annoying habits, Pip informed Julianna.
He’s probably right, she responded, her tone neutral.
Interested to hear about some of those habits? I’ve made a list of them.
Eddie had no idea what he was getting himself into when he invited you into his head. And no, I don’t care to hear about his annoying habits.
Yeah, he wasn’t interested in hearing the list of yours either.
Julianna ignored Pip, pretending to pay attention to the current conversation between Eddie and Chester.
Or maybe the captain didn’t have the time to hear your list. It’s rather long.
You’re wicked, goat-licker.
Name calling, I’ll add that to the list.
Why don’t you. I’m kind of busy right now. Make yourself scarce.
Eddie and Chester had fallen into an easy conversation about the Hound of Baskerville, chatting excitedly about their favorite parts.
“Can we table this discussion?” Julianna interrupted, looking directly at Chester. “We need to find out what you discovered about the Nihilist organization.”
Eddie’s exuberant expression dropped, replaced with a more acceptable one. “That’s right. But hook me up with this audio when you have a chance, Chester. My eyes are too tired to read at night.”
“Teach, when did you take up classic literature?” Julianna asked.
Eddie looked up at her. “Since Chester gave me a reading list.”
Julianna gave Chester a sideways expression full of disbelief. “I took you as more of a science fiction reader.”
Chester pointed at Marilla without looking at her. “That’s all Marilla. She’s read everything of Asimov’s.”
“Your mind is blown, isn’t it, Jules?” Eddie asked.
She shook her head. “I’ll admit, you two are breaking stereotypes.”
“When it comes to films, we are more predictable,” Chester admitted. “I prefer action, and Mar watches mostly foreign films.”
Julianna’s brow wrinkled. “We’re in space, crossing between solar systems on a regular basis. What exactly is considered ‘foreign’?”
“Stuff with subtitles,” Chester said, like this should have been obvious. He bolted forward in his seat, typing on a keyboard. “But you came to learn about evil terrorists, not to discuss the post-classic era crossover of noir into science fiction.”
“You didn’t make a lot of friends in school, did you?” Eddie asked Chester lightly.
“Not a single one,” the hacker said with a laugh before hitting a final key, his bright eyes darting to the largest monitor. An aerial image of a giant compound guarded by a tall fence illuminated the screen. “I present to you the Nihilist compound, also affectionately nicknamed by its leaders as ‘the Jungle’.”
Julianna rolled her eyes. “My disdain is growing for this group. A bunch of guerillas, hanging out in ‘the jungle’.”
Chester fired a finger gun at her. “Bingo, Commander.”
“How did you find all this out?” Eddie aske
d.
“I established contact by selling them a bunch of nukes,” he answered.
“Which they will be expecting,” Julianna guessed.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “Once I established contact, I was able to hack into their network and learn that they plan on bombing Onyx Station in two days.”
“Over my dead body,” Eddie argued.
“Which is why I set up for the nuke exchange to happen the day before,” Chester countered triumphantly.
Eddie beamed, his eyes buzzing with excitement. “Great! So Jules and I take them their supposed nuke, instead giving them a rude awakening. I like it.”
“That would have worked, but the leader, Conway, wouldn’t go for a delivery. There’s a rendezvous spot where they’ll pick up the nuke. They’ll transfer half the funds for the weapon when I deliver it, and the other half once they have it securely back at the Jungle.”
“Then scrap all this,” Julianna stated. “We’ll invade the headquarters and be done with it.”
Chester’s eyes narrowed, a skeptical expression on his face. “That would be a good solution, except that the Nihilists have much better weapons than you do. It would be like storming one of the Federation’s strongholds. You might be enhanced, but you can still get shot in the head.”
“So what are you proposing?” Eddie asked.
“I looked the plan over with Hatch, and we both agreed this was the best option.” Chester typed several commands on his keyboard, bringing up an image of a fifty-five-ton missile. “I’m going to deliver them this.”
Marilla’s chin whipped up, her eyes wide. The crazy scheme had made it through her selective hearing.
“You?” Eddie asked. “Why would you deliver the weapon? Why not us?”
Chester let out an exaggerated sigh. “Because then you can’t be hiding inside the missile.”
“Uhhh…riiiiiiight,” Eddie said, drawing out the word.
“We have an intercontinental ballistic missile sitting around for us to deliver?” Julianna asked.
“Hatch says that if he skips lunch, we will,” Chester stated.
“And we’re going to hide in this missile?” Eddie asked.
“Think about it,” Chester implored. “You could infiltrate the compound and most likely get caught—I’ve done searches on the security protocols for the Jungle, and breaking in there isn’t easy. Or I can sell them a fake nuke, you could stow away inside it, and once you’re behind the gates, make your move.”
“What’s the catch?” Julianna asked, immediately skeptical.
“Right, you caught me,” he admitted. “Since testing the weapon is impossible in the field, Conway is going to have his scientists evaluate the nuke once it is transferred. So you have a tiny, miniscule window to get out of the nuke and take control of the compound before they find you.”
Eddie gave Julianna a measured look. “It would be much better to be in place and ready to kick ass than to have the door opened on us.”
“Is there room for Fletcher’s team inside the missile shell?” Julianna asked, pointing to the screen. The missile was loaded on an eighteen-wheeled vehicle, comprising most of its trailer.
“And then some,” Chester sang.
“And you’re delivering the weapon?” Marilla asked, apprehension dripping in her tone.
Chester’s eyes fell, the light in them dimming slightly. “The only way I could make the deal with Conway was over a video conference. He insisted I be a part of the exchange, since he knows what I look like. If I don’t show up, he’s going to be immediately suspicious.”
“What if we hadn’t gone for your idea?” Eddie asked.
He huffed. “It’s kind of a brilliant plan. I knew you’d like it.”
“We didn’t ask for you to strategize our access into the Jungle, though,” Julianna said, unable to keep the disapproval out of her voice.
“No, I realize I overstepped my bounds,” Chester stated. “But when I was told to track down the compound, one thing led to another. You still have to figure out the strategy once you spill out of that missile, so…good luck with that.”
Marilla crossed her arms in front of her chest, her eyes hard. “I don’t like it.”
“There is a lot that could go wrong,” Eddie agreed.
“And yet,” Ricky Bobby chimed in overhead, “when I run different simulations, this scenario has the least amount of potential threats. Storming the place, or even trying to sneak in by disabling the security, led to absolute annihilation of the squad.”
Julianna gave Eddie a long, weighted look.
“Eddie, what do you—”
He thinks we ought to do it, Pip cut in.
Julianna gritted her teeth and shook her head.
“Did Pip just tell you I think it’s a good idea?” Eddie asked and then grunted. “Never mind.”
Isn’t it wonderful! I’ve streamlined your conversations. Pip sounded entirely too proud of himself.
Please tell me you’re going to get tired of this, Julianna pleaded.
Yes, especially if the captain is serious about the threats he just made to me.
Julianna smiled at Eddie. Pip might think he had the upper hand, but he couldn’t keep playing them against each other.
Chapter Eight
Loading Dock, Ricky Bobby, Tangki System
“Whoa,” Eddie exclaimed when he rounded the corner. The missile was larger than he’d expected, taking up a huge portion of the loading dock. “You built that?” he asked Hatch.
“It’s only the case,” Hatch said. “It’s not like there’s actual nuclear technology inside of it.”
Fletcher’s team filed out of the front end of the missile, one after another, like clowns from a car at the circus.
“Is your team ready?” Julianna asked the lieutenant.
“Yes, we’ve run through the mission a dozen times,” Fletcher answered, clapping his hands together and rubbing them eagerly. “We’re ready to go.”
Eddie wasn’t sure if it was the nerves connected to the mission, but Fletcher seemed a bit too excited for this, if that was possible.
Julianna has the same opinion, Pip informed him.
Eddie cut his eyes to Julianna, a knowing expression in her gaze.
Maybe there is something good about you sharing a place in both our heads, Eddie stated.
There’s a lot of good things. Just you wait. Pip’s tone sounded ominous.
The crew began to load the missile into one of the two transport ships they’d take to Kezza, where the Jungle was located. One ship for the missile and team, and the other for the store of weapons they hoped to take from the Nihilists. If this worked out, they’d disband a corrupt organization and have state-of-the-art weapons. Eddie loved pirating supplies from the enemy. It was a win-win.
Hatch’s tentacle stretched through the air, waving a key in front of Eddie’s face. “Here, take this.”
“What’s it for?” Eddie asked.
“You need to secure an eighteen-wheeler on Kezza to transport the missile,” Hatch informed him.
“Aw, and you’ve already gotten me the key. Sweet,” Eddie guessed, taking it from Hatch’s tentacle.
“No, that’s to your ride to the semi,” Hatch said, bustling around. “Pip knows the details.”
“Why don’t I know the details?” Eddie asked, irritated.
“Because you’re an idiot who’s on a need-to-know basis,” Hatch mumbled.
Eddie gave Julianna a questioning look.
“What about me, Hatch?” Julianna asked.
“Don’t you worry, Julie,” Hatch said, his tone softer. “I’ve got you covered.”
Julianna shrugged, her worry disappearing from her expression.
What’s going on, Pip? Eddie asked him.
Nothing much, just playing Minecraft.
I meant what’s going on between you and Hatch?
Oh, that? It’s nothing. Just boring logistics. Silly transportation details.
Sounds lik
e I should be worried.
Don’t you trust me, Ed?
Don’t call me that.
Running footsteps stole Eddie’s attention, and he and Julianna turned to find Chester jogging in their direction.
“I’m here!” Chester said, shoving a laptop into his backpack.
“What’s that for?” Julianna asked, indicating the bag.
“Figured that I could communicate with you all over the comms once you’re in place,” he answered, panting. “If I’m in close proximity, I’ll be able to hack into the Jungle’s security mainframe and bypass some of their protocols.”
“You keep making our jobs easier,” Eddie said with a whistle.
“All right, people, look alive,” Julianna commanded, clapping her hands together. “Let’s load up and move out.”
Planet Kezza, Tangki System
The transport ship set down in a wide valley that gave coverage from spying eyes. Eddie had spent the ride to Kezza watching Fletcher nervously fidget. Something had the XO more on edge than usual, and it was hard for the captain to believe it was only the high stakes. Yes, they would be battling their way out of a large compound where the terrorists held better weapons than them. However, it was impossible that these anarchists were better trained, even if they had railguns.
Julianna gave Eddie a curious look as they disembarked.
“Fletcher caught your eyes too, I heard,” he said from the corner of his mouth.
“Yeah, but I can’t figure it out,” she said, casting her eyes over her shoulder. “And there are others I’m more concerned about.”
Chester trotted down the ramp behind them, a little ways off. He wasn’t used to battle, but he’d also never let them down. He was a guy who knew how to rise to the occasion.
Eddie halted when they were on the ground, and waited for the hacker to join them. “You ready for this?”
Chester choked on the first part of his answer. “Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “I was born ready.”
“All right,” Julianna exhaled, looking around. “Where’s the transport to the semi that Hatch promised?”
Jules and Edward, it’s right behind you, Pip stated in both of their heads.
