by Thomas Fay
Socrates and the Ionian
A John Tesh Novel
Copyright © 2019 by Thomas Fay
Amazon Kindle Edition
ASIN B07MBS9HM1
The right to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by Thomas Fay. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.
Cover Design by Art 4 Artists (www.art4artists.com.au)
E-books by Thomas Fay:
John Tesh Novels
Socrates and the Councillor
Socrates and the Sentinel
Socrates and the Ionian
The Founder Saga
Sirens Journey
Short Story Collections
Apothecary (Fantasy Anthology)
A Mind Supreme (SF Short Stories)
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank my editor, Dr Catherine Heath, for her impeccable work on this series and Yvonne Less from Art 4 Artists for her fantastic custom cover designs.
“We will face many challenges in the years to come—none will test our resolve more than the ones that come from within.”
Qallan Frost, Chairman of the Iona Corporation
The year is 2052 AD
One
The engine revved up to twenty thousand rpm, the twin Flux Cells providing seemingly limitless power to both wheels of the prototype motorbike. The sound of the engine reached a crescendo and faded away as the power was cut.
‘Does it work?’ John Tesh asked.
‘Yes and no,’ James Gleason, a Sentinel tech, replied. ‘We’re still trying to iron out a few issues with the power delivery, calibrating the wheel spin and the weight distribution. The weapons and EMP are proving a bit tricky with the additional shielding throwing our weight distribution off, which again means we’ve got to recalibrate the power delivery.’
‘So … not really.’
‘No, not really. But we’re getting close.’
‘How fast is this thing anyway?’
‘Hypothetically, if we can get the power to the road, which is a big if at the moment, the bike should go from zero to two hundred in about two point seven seconds and top out at well over four hundred.’
John eyed the prototype with a newfound respect. ‘That is very quick. How is anyone supposed to ride it?’
‘No human can.’
‘Of course. Socrates.’
‘We designed it for him. His superior reflexes and vision will enable him to maximise its full potential,’ James explained. ‘The fact that he’s practically indestructible also helps. You know, in case he falls off.’
John laughed. ‘Right. Best not tell him that when he takes it for a test drive.’
‘I’ll remember that. Thanks.’
John’s phone rang. He reached into his suit pocket and took it out. The caller ID read: Simone Greenberg. Smiling, he flipped the phone open.
‘I was wondering when you’d call,’ John said.
‘Did you miss me?’ Simone asked.
‘What do you think?’
Simone laughed. ‘So you do care.’
‘You know I do.’
‘I know. Still nice to hear you say it.’
‘Right. What’s up?’
‘Just checking you’re still coming to the launch this morning?’
‘I am.’
‘Sorry to be a pain but my father asked me to make sure you were there. And that you brought Socrates.’
John’s good humour suddenly developed a cold undertone.
‘Is he expecting trouble?’ John asked.
There was a momentary silence.
‘You know my father. He’s always expecting trouble and planning ten steps ahead.’
‘He seems to know what he’s doing. I’ll make sure both Socrates and I attend.’
‘Great. See you in an hour.’
Simone hung up. John closed his phone and placed it back inside his suit pocket. He was starting to get a bit worried about the Iona Corporation’s mysterious launch. All he knew about it was that it would showcase another revolutionary technology. Given the last time the Iona Corporation had made such a claim they’d unveiled the Flux Cell, he suspected Qallan Frost was right to expect trouble. Taking a deep breath, he turned to James.
‘Any idea where Socrates is?’ he asked.
The young tech shook his head. ‘I haven’t seen him all day.’
‘Okay, thanks.’
‘No problem. When you see him, tell him we’re getting close with the bike.’
‘Will do.’
John walked through the Sentinel tech lab towards the turbo-lifts. Located in the basement level of what had once been a food court and pedestrian access to the underground train station at Martin Place, it was now a state-of-the-art facility, filled with military-grade computer hardware and cutting-edge analytical equipment. All of that paled in comparison to the secret warehouse facility where Professor Daniel Holstein had activated Socrates, under the auspices of Qallan Frost. John suspected the lab had been set up, and continued to be funded, by the elusive Chairman of the Iona Corporation. The same man who had constructed his android partner. The man who had revealed the ultimate truth behind the most powerful corporation on the planet. A truth that John, along with a select few, was obliged to keep secret.
Reaching the turbo-lifts, John pressed the button for down to take him to the underground parking garage. At the same time, he pulled out his phone. Scrolling through his recent calls, he located the one he wanted. He hit dial. It was answered on the second ring.
‘Hello, John,’ Socrates said. ‘I’ve been expecting your call.’
Two
Iona Airport had been expanded considerably over the past two years. A large number of additional structures were added, including more hangars and administrative buildings. Undoubtedly the most impressive addition was the Aerospace Research and Development Facility. An unremarkable five-level building, its charcoal facade hid its true nature from casual observers. John had seen the schematics for the building. He knew the real facility was underground. It was here that the Iona Corporation conducted its most classified research and development of space-faring vehicles. Today, however, it was being used as the backdrop to the much-hyped launch of a new cutting-edge technology.
‘I wonder what this mysterious tech is,’ John said.
‘Based on the nature of this facility, I would postulate that it has something to do with aerospace. What exactly, I cannot determine from the little information that has been made available about the launch,’ Socrates said.
‘I’d say it’s equal parts exciting and terrifying, given that the last time they unveiled a new technology it saved the world but also allowed them to annex the city of Sydney.’
Socrates turned to look at him with eyes that only looked human.
‘Given the truth about the Iona Corporation’s nature, we should allow for the possibility that this technology, like the Flux Cell, is also alien in origin.’
John nodded. ‘That’s the part that scares the living daylights out of me. God only knows what they’ll unleash on the world this time.’
There was a momentary silence. Then Socrates said, ‘Like me, John?’
John, too, paused for a moment, then admitted, ‘I’ve been thinking about your origins and your purpose. I believe Frost intended you to balance the scales.’
‘I don’t understand your meaning?’
‘Humans are badly outmatched against the Ionians—their technology gives them an unsurpassed advantage in any confrontation. With you on our side, we at least stand a chance of fighting back. You’re e
quipped with the best of their technology.’
‘You are referring to the arc cannons?’
‘Yes. To be honest, I’m surprised you don’t have a force field generator built in.’
‘Perhaps I do.’
It was John’s turn to look at his partner. ‘Do you?’
‘I don’t know, John. There are parts of my programming that elude me. I know they are there but I am unable to access them.’
‘Great, just when I thought we’d figured it all out. Anyway, looks like we’re here.’
John parked the Sentinel cruiser on the side of the aerospace facility, in a bay reserved for law enforcement vehicles. Opening the door, he stepped out. The dark facade of the building dominated the horizon. A cold breeze blew across the airport, causing him to shiver.
‘Looks like everyone is gathering over there. Let’s go,’ John said.
They walked across the parking lot. The airport hangars were on their right side. A large number two was visible on the hangar closest to them. It reminded John of his first case with Socrates—the black-ops team led by the Rainmaker. They had apprehended or killed his entire team with John’s uncle’s help. The price had been high, though. Lauren had divorced him and his uncle had been forced to flee Iona after revealing himself to the intelligence community.
They reached the group of people milling around outside the aerospace facility, in front of a podium with the Iona Corporation logo on it, a sphere with two concentric rings around it. An attractive red-haired woman detached herself from a group of men and women and approached them.
‘John! You made it,’ Simone said, throwing her arms around his neck. Pulling back, she said, ‘Hello, Socrates.’
‘Hello, Simone. It is good to see you again.’
‘So, what is this all about?’ John asked.
Simone smiled as she mimicked her father’s voice: ‘Now that, my dear boy, would be telling.’
John laughed. Socrates did not.
‘You do realise you’re probably the only person on the planet who would dare to make fun of your father?’ John said.
‘Please tell me you’re not afraid of him?’ Simone asked.
John lowered his voice. ‘Are you kidding me? An otherworldly being who can build androids and a device that can tap into alternate dimensions to draw energy from them? How am I supposed to not be afraid of him?’
‘Good point. Still …’
‘What?’
‘It’s a bit of cliché.’
John grinned. ‘That’s me. Clichéd. Divorced detective, married to his job. A job that just happens to involve an android partner and acting as liaison between a futuristic police force and the alien corporation that annexed the city we live in. Definitely a cliché.’
It was Simone’s turn to laugh. ‘I just remembered why I like you so much,’ she said.
‘So, you do care,’ John said.
‘Maybe just a little. Come on, they’re starting soon.’
John and Socrates followed Simone as she led them over to the main gathering area set up in front of the podium. There were about thirty people standing around. Some wore press credentials while others John recognised from the holo-TV as Iona business leaders. A dozen Council operatives, their reflective visors glinting silver in the morning sun, stood guard around the periphery. Two more stood on either side of the podium. They were all armed and wearing the lightweight body armour that was their signature. John was grateful for the visors, which hid the partially formed clone bodies from view.
‘Is Alara here?’ John asked.
Simone shook her head. ‘We can’t risk someone recognising her. There’s no way we could explain the fact that she’s suddenly twenty years younger.’
‘Good point. So, you’re really not going to tell me what this mysterious technology is?’
‘Nope. You’ll have to wait along with everyone else.’
‘Right. Thanks.’
‘Don’t mention it.’
A pair of Ruling Council transport ships dropped out of the sky. Their quad engines rotated downwards as they alighted on the roof of the aerospace facility. Several people could be seen getting out.
‘John,’ Socrates said.
Despite the android’s inability to inflect any emotion into his voice, John had worked with him long enough to know when something was wrong.
‘What is it?’ he asked, his hand drifting towards his handgun.
‘I have detected a potential intruder.’
‘Where?’
‘Side wall of the aerospace facility. They appear to be searching for a way to enter the building.’
It took John less than a second to spot them. From where he stood, it looked like a woman dressed in a suit was attempting to pick the lock to an emergency exit. John looked at the Council operatives. None of them had spotted her. Everyone was focused on the podium, awaiting Frost’s imminent arrival. A perfect time to strike. John motioned to Socrates.
‘Let’s go.’
Three
Qallan Frost, the Chairman of the Iona Corporation, took the podium. He was dressed in a tailored three-piece suit, dark blue in colour with a faint pinstripe. His hair was grey, almost white. Official records put his age at eighty. The eyes that looked out from beneath deeply wrinkled brows were clear blue and radiated knowledge and understanding. He was a man that people instinctively listened to. Which probably had something to do with the fact that most people saw him as the saviour of mankind.
‘Good morning,’ Frost said. His voice had that strange out of breath quality while at the same time sounding confident and completely in control. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, distinguished guests: thank you all for coming to witness this historic event. Twenty-three years ago, the Iona Corporation announced the Flux Cell to the world. That technology ended the Global Energy Crisis and allowed access to clean, renewable energy to everyone on the planet.’
A polite round of applause permeated the audience. Frost held his hand up.
‘While we have ensured sufficient supply of the Flux Cell, we have also turned our considerable R and D to a new technology. One that will provide a viable alternative to the Flux Cell.’
A murmur went through the crowd.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, I give you—Project Icarus.’
****
John and Socrates reached the side of the aerospace facility. The charcoal wall loomed before them with the emergency exit the only feature in the otherwise monolithic structure. Qallan Frost continued to address the assembled guests. Of the mystery woman there was no sign.
‘She must have found a way inside,’ John said.
‘That is my assessment also,’ Socrates said. ‘The emergency exit appears to be the only access point on this side of the structure.’
‘The Sentinel override won’t work on a Ruling Council facility.’
‘That is correct. However, I would hypothesise that we will not require the override to gain access.’
John nodded, ‘If she got in then the exit should be unlocked.’
‘That is correct, John.’
‘What are we waiting for?’
‘You to draw your weapon.’
‘Right. Good point.’
John drew his handgun. Checking the safety was off, he said, ‘Let’s go.’
Socrates led the way along the side of the aerospace facility. They reached the emergency exit. The door was ajar. The locking mechanism’s casing had been ripped apart and the wires inside shorted.
‘Whoever she is, she’s clearly in a hurry,’ John noted.
‘I believe they are attempting to sabotage the imminent launch of the new Iona Corporation technology.’
‘We should hurry, then. From the sound of things, Frost is about to unveil whatever this thing is.’
Socrates opened the door and moved inside in one fluid motion. John followed, handgun raised. They found themselves in a narrow corridor. Sparsely lit, it was painted in the same dark grey colour as t
he exterior of the building. They made their way down the corridor until they reached another emergency door. This one too had been forcibly bypassed. Socrates opened the door.
‘Wow,’ John whispered.
They were standing in a five-storey-high chamber inside the facility. The chamber appeared to span the width of the facility’s above-ground structure. It was filled with crisscrossing walkways, rows of high-tech equipment and banks of instrumentation. There was a glass control room positioned at the far end of the chamber, about halfway up the side of the building. But that wasn’t what caused John to stare in wonder; the futuristic spacecraft positioned on a launch platform in the centre of the chamber was. It was about ten metres high with various mechanical appendages folded against its main chassis. The word ICARUS was emblazoned along the length of its main framework. There appeared to be no rocket boosters or other means of launching the spacecraft.
‘Okay, I’m officially impressed,’ John said. ‘Any idea what this thing does?’
Socrates’s head moved from side to side as he analysed the spacecraft.
‘I am unable to ascertain the vehicle’s function purely from its exterior design.’
‘I’m sure we’ll find out soon—’
John’s words were cut off as a deep rumbling sound permeated the chamber. The ground beneath their feet began to vibrate as a large section of the wall to their left slid aside. Outside, the assembled guests uttered a collective expression of amazement as they beheld the result of Project Icarus.
‘John, I believe I have located the trespasser,’ Socrates said.
‘Where?’ John asked.
‘Behind that row of controls over there.’
They made their way across the chamber floor, using the launch pad and adjoining equipment to hide them from view. Reaching the bank of controls, John got his first real look at the trespasser. The woman had black hair and pale skin. She was average height and of modest build. She was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt. She had removed the cover from one of the control stations and appeared to be tampering with the modules inside.
