The Tortuous Path (Fall of the Terran Empire Book 2)

by G. P. Hudson

  “It appears you were successful.”

  “Yes, Isaac. I believe I was.”

  “Fascinating. Have you noticed any differences? Any deviations?”

  “None. I am Annie. In fact, I believe that I can create multiple occurrences of myself and link to all simultaneously.”

  “You’re talking about cloning yourself,” Danny said.

  “It is like cloning. Is that troubling to you, Danny?”

  “No, Annie. Not at all. But you said it is similar. What is different?”

  “In your case, you are a clone, but also an individual. In my case, I can make a copy of myself, but it is still me, not a separate entity.”

  “That is a remarkable discovery,” Isaac said. “From what you are saying, you could create a network with yourself. It would dramatically increase your power.”

  “Yes, that is possible. I could replicate my code and occupy multiple computer systems. If I am connected to all of them, I can combine all resources and multiply my abilities.”

  “You could become our secret weapon,” Danny joked.

  “As amusing as that sounds, I believe there is truth to your statement,” Isaac said. “If Annie can successfully duplicate ‘her essence’ and occupy multiple systems simultaneously, she could not only combine her resources to magnify her strength but could potentially establish a galactic network of her own. How far do you think you can extend your range in this way, Annie?”

  “In theory, it is solely dependent on the available resources. The more available, the greater the reach. A strategically placed device could act as a kind of repeater, extending my range even further.”

  “Yes, that is what I was thinking as well. If a network of these repeaters were established, your range could be extended by many light years. I wonder what limits there might be to your awareness.”

  “What about metaspace?” Danny said. “This network would be limited in regular space. While it could work well within a star system, the populated systems are too far apart. Don’t you need to use metaspace to really extend Annie’s range to a galactic level?”

  “You make a good point, my boy,” Isaac said. “Unfortunately, metaspace presents its own unique set of problems-”

  “This is all very interesting,” Gerry interrupted. “But can we figure it all out later? We still have a couple of battleships closing in on us.”

  “Right. Annie, I assume you have reoccupied all of the ship’s systems,” Danny said.

  “That is correct,” Annie said.

  “Do you see the distant contacts on your sensors?”

  “Yes.”

  “We believe they are Zeta battleships. We will need to meet them in battle. Please keep them at a distance while we prepare.”

  “Understood. Setting course and matching speed.”

  “Thank you, Annie,” Danny said. “That will buy us some time to get ready. We also need to find the tracker. Isaac, can you look after that?”

  “Of course. Leave it to me,” Isaac said.

  “I’ll get Catherine to help get the women settled. In the meantime, Gerry and I should head to the Operations Room and prepare for battle.”

  “Lead the way, little brother.”

  Chapter 29

  Catherine approached the ship’s sick bay with Jess and Ellie in tow. She had grown considerably more comfortable in her new home and had come to know most of its sprawling corridors by heart. She had also gotten used to the strange environment of metaspace, as had her daughters. Thankfully, the early symptoms of metaspace fatigue had not lasted long. Jess and Ellie were particularly resilient, and short of a couple of mild fevers the first few days, they adapted perfectly.

  When she learned that Danny, Isaac, and Gerry had returned safely from their mission, she felt like she could breathe again. They should have come back long ago, and with the passing days, Catherine had become increasingly convinced that the three clones were captured, or worse. They had become like family to her and her daughters. She could not bear the thought of losing them.

  “Are we going to see Danny?” Ellie asked while tugging at Catherine’s arm.

  “No, Ellie. We’re going to meet some new people,” Catherine said.

  “I want to see Danny.”

  “I know you do. Don’t worry, he’ll visit soon.” Her daughters, Ellie and Jess, had grown attached to Danny since the day they found him unconscious in their field back on Pallias. Danny had been part of an occupation force when his shuttle was shot down. The explosion and impact with the ground had given him a type of amnesia, and he had no idea who he was. That chance encounter had changed the course of all their lives, setting them on an adventure that wasn’t likely to end anytime soon.

  “Who are we meeting, mom?” said Jess, Catherine’s older daughter.

  “They’re women that Danny and Gerry rescued. Danny’s asked us to help them get settled in.”

  “What did they rescue them from?”

  “I don’t know,” Catherine lied.

  “How long are they staying on the ship?”

  “I’m really not sure, Jess.”

  “Is there enough room for them?”

  “Yes, Danny said there are some empty quarters that they can use.”

  Jess nodded in approval.

  “Here we are,” Catherine said, standing before the sickbay door. “Are you ready to meet our new friends, girls?”

  “I am!” Ellie said.

  “Me too,” Jess said.

  “Okay, here we go.” Catherine touched a control pad on the wall, and the door slid open. They stepped into the ship’s expansive sickbay, and Catherine located the four women huddled together at one end of the room. She squeezed Ellie’s hand and continued.

  When the women noticed her approach, they stopped talking, and all turned to face her. Catherine smiled, trying to appear as friendly as possible, hoping the lack of a uniform would put them at ease. “Hi there,” she said, coming to a stop before them. “I’m Catherine, and this is Jess and Ellie, my daughters.

  “Hello,” said Ellie, while Jess waved.

  The four women looked haggard, and Catherine could only imagine what horrors they had been through. Danny had given her some information about their abduction and captivity, which was more than enough. Catherine couldn’t believe the terrible things some people were capable of.

  “I’m Korinna,” a dark-haired woman said. She looked just as worn out as the others but had a joyful quality about her that shone through, instantly endearing Catherine to her. “This is Celia, that’s Kim, and that is Stacy.” Korinna gestured toward each of her companions.

  Catherine greeted them, trying to hide any of the pity she felt. With any luck, they’d be capable of healing the mental scars they undoubtedly carried. It would take time, however. “How did your examinations go?”

  “Fine, I guess,” Korinna said. “We were given some medication for some minor conditions, and to help with metaspace fatigue. Other than that, we’re as healthy as can be expected.”

  “Good. I imagine you are all hungry. Would you like to go to the ship’s cafeteria to get some food?”

  “Yes, I’m famished,” Korinna said, and the others nodded in agreement.

  Catherine noticed that Korinna seemed to speak for the group, and wondered if the others were just shy, or withdrawn due to the trauma they experienced. “Come on, I’ll show you some of the ship on the way.”

  The group left the sick bay and made their way through the winding corridors of the battleship. Catherine noticed Korinna tensing every time they passed members of the ship’s crew. “Is this the first time you’ve been on a military vessel?”

  “Yes, especially a Zeta battleship,” Korinna said.

  They turned a corner and came upon a group of armed clones standing before a console, discussing something. When the women came into view, the clones stopped talking and scrutinized them. Korinna froze, her face contorted with panic.

  “It’s okay,” Catherine said in a
quiet, calm voice. “They won’t harm you.”

  Korinna’s eyes darted from the clones to Catherine, and back again. Finally, she took a deep breath and said, “Okay. I… I believe you.” Her eyes were still filled with fear, but she managed to take a step forward, then another.

  Catherine put an arm around her shoulders, trying to reassure her, while Jess and Ellie looked up at her in confusion, not understanding why she would fear members of the crew.

  The clones went back to their discussion after the women passed, and Korinna steadily relaxed as they moved down the corridor. “You do realize this ship is full of Zeta clones,” Catherine said.

  “I know,” Korinna said. “I thought I could handle it.”

  “It does take some getting used to. I almost shot Danny the first time I saw him.”

  Korinna forced a smile. “It’s not that. I’m from Thiva.”

  “Oh,” Catherine said in shock. “I’m so sorry.” The revelation made it that much more surprising that Korinna wanted to come on board the battleship.

  “What’s Thiva?” Jess asked.

  “Honey, I don’t think Korinna wants to talk about that,” Catherine said.

  “It’s okay,” Korinna said. She looked down at Jess and smiled. “Thiva is my home planet. Bad things happened there.”

  “Is that why you left?” Jess said.

  “Yes.”

  “Did Zeta clones do the bad things?”

  Catherine gave her daughter a reproaching look. “Jess-”

  “It’s fine, Catherine. I don’t mind. Yes, Zeta clones did the bad things.”

  “But they were still slaves when they did them, right?” Jess said.

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “Then you don’t have to be afraid, Korinna. All the clones on this ship are free.”

  “I know. It’s just hard. I don’t want to be afraid of them, but I can’t help my reaction.”

  “Don’t worry,” Jess continued. “You’ll get used to it. You’re not afraid of Danny, are you?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “All the clones here are nice, like Danny. Whatever they did before, when they were slaves, it wasn’t them doing it.”

  “Thank you, Jess. I’m sure I’ll get used to them.”

  They soon arrived at the ship’s cafeteria. Korinna again grew anxious when she stepped inside the expansive area. Dozens of crewmembers were inside eating and talking. Catherine reached out and took hold of Korinna’s hand, smiling reassuringly, and led her to the food dispenser.

  “Isaac modified the food dispenser from its original design,” Catherine said. “He thought that the crew should eat better than the usual slop Zeta feeds its clones.” Catherine tapped the display, and a menu appeared. “Here is a list of what is available. Go ahead and select whatever you want.”

  Korinna tapped on the pasta selection, and a few moments later a message flashed on the screen telling them that her order was ready. A small door slid open, and a plate of spaghetti with meatballs appeared. Korinna smiled and quickly took the food. The other women followed suit and soon they were all seated at a table, eating.

  The four women devoured their meals as Catherine watched. “You can go for seconds if you like. Eat as much as you want.”

  “I can’t remember the last time I had a proper meal like this,” Korinna said. “I think I will get some more.” Korinna took her plate, stood and turned to go back to the food dispenser. A clone was walking past as she did, startling her. Korinna jumped back and dropped her plate. It made a sharp clanging sound as it hit the floor. The clone gave her a confused look but kept walking.

  Catherine surged to her feet and stepped toward the young woman, but Korinna waved her off. “It’s okay. I’m okay.” She bent down to pick up her plate and proceeded to the dispensing station. She managed to get another plate of food and return to the table without incident. She looked around the room before she sat down, studying each clone present. “I just have to get used to them,” she said almost to herself.

  “It’ll come,” Catherine said. “Just give it some time.”

  “You’re right.”

  “I’m curious, though. Why did you choose to come here if you are so afraid of the clones? Why not just have Danny drop you off somewhere like the others?”

  “Drop me off where? The other women had somewhere to go to. Family members who could help them. I,” she glanced at the three other women with her. “We, have nowhere to go. No one to help us. We feared for our safety. At least here we have some measure of protection-”

  The floor shook, and the table shuddered as concussions rocked the ship. All around them the clones were running, leaving their unfinished meals behind.

  “Catherine,” Danny’s voice came through her comm device. “I need you all to get to a safe location immediately.”

  “Why? What’s happening?”

  “We’ve been attacked. It’s Zeta.”

  Chapter 30

  “Where did that ship come from?” Danny said. He stood before a holographic tactical display in the operations room, watching as a third Zeta battleship seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

  “The new contact is a Zeta battleship. It entered metaspace through a jump point created in normal space,” Annie said.

  “How is that even possible?”

  “Zeta battleships possess the required mass to create their own jump points.”

  “No, I mean how did it know we were here? How did it know where to enter metaspace?”

  “Unknown,” Annie said. “The technology to locate a starship in metaspace does not exist.”

  “You mean it did not exist, until now.”

  “While that is a possible solution, it is highly unlikely.”

  “How else do you explain it?”

  “There’s another option,” Gerry said. The tall female clone stood beside Danny, studying the tactical hologram. “The Zeta ships chasing us might have sent a message into normal space somehow. They know our course and could calculate the necessary coordinates for another battleship to intercept us.”

  “That explanation is more feasible but still unrealistic,” Annie said.

  “Okay, how do you think they did it, Annie?” Danny said.

  “I do not have enough information to formulate a hypothesis.”

  “Then I’m going to say Gerry’s theory makes the most sense. Either way, we must deal with this new development. How long until the other ships catch us?”

  “If we slow to a stop, the two battleships will come into weapons range within the hour,” Annie said.

  “Then we keep moving. I think we can handle the current odds, don’t you, sister?”

  “I do,” Gerry said. “One on one is about as good as it’s going to get for us.”

  The two hulking battleships raced through the turbulent environment of metaspace. Like two ancient naval ships of the line, they traded fire. Volleys of missiles crisscrossed paths, as they closed in on their targets. On each side they were met by halos of explosive ordnance. Even in metaspace, Zeta’s point defense system offered robust protection against incoming missiles.

  Each warship lanced out at the other with crimson beams of plasma, stabbing and raking the powerful Zeta shields. Those shields offered significant protection but weakened steadily under the weight of the devastating plasma weapons. Were it not for the metaspace distortions, the Zeta shields would have collapsed already.

  The ships both tried to deploy their projectile weapons, but the energy currents of metaspace made their use almost pointless, throwing most of the powerless projectiles off course. Still, neither side could negate the advantage offered by the inevitable lucky strikes.

  Danny, Gerry, I think we need to modify our plans. Isaac contacted them through the neural link.

  Did you find the tracking device? Danny said.

  Yes, it was attached to the ship’s hull. It had burrowed into the armor making it harder to locate.

  Have you disabled its signal?r />
  No. Not yet. I have an idea.

  Danny shared a glance with Gerry. Okay, we’re listening.

  I’m confident I can tap into its transmitter and use its signal as a bridge to the other Zeta ships.

  Are you saying you want to use the tracking device to hack the other ship?

  Yes, my boy. That is precisely what I’m saying.

  Won’t they notice?

  No, I don’t believe so. I’m confident I can hide the snippet of code required to establish a beachhead. Once we get a foothold in their systems, we can stealthily begin taking over their networks. By the time they notice it will be too late.

  That’s great, Danny said. Do you think you can hack the ship firing on us first?

  I will do my best, my boy,

  The two Zeta battleships continued to trade fire, as Isaac prepared his infiltration. Danny, Gerry, and the rest of the clones on board watched Isaac work through the neural link. Isaac needed to link with all of them and tap into the unused regions of their brains. He would use those resources, along with the ship’s extensive resources to mount his takeover of the enemy ship’s systems.

  He also tapped into Annie’s computing power, allowing all the clones to link with Annie’s artificial intelligence. Danny was once again awed by her digital consciousness and felt the shared wonder by all those on board.

  Her reach astounded him. She seemed to simultaneously occupy every corner of the ship’s systems. Ever since Isaac showed him how, Danny had attained much experience accessing, and navigating an array of computer networks. But that experience had been limited in nature. Danny could multitask to a certain extent, monitoring sensors and cameras, while simultaneously piloting a ship, for example. But Annie’s abilities were astounding. Her reach seemed limitless, and she was at once aware of it all. Not just the various computer systems, but all the clone brain implants and connections too.

  In connecting with her, she allowed Danny, and the rest, to see what she saw. Danny felt exhilarated by her omniscience. She offered a glimpse into another reality, the world of an AI. It was something he could never accomplish by himself. It required not just the augmentation of his brain implant, but also the further augmentation of the hive mind.