by Luigi Robles
The pod sped up at first through two long corridors, then slowed down as they entered the third.
“There are small groups of officers gathered in this and the next corridors,” Kya said.
“Ready your anti-riot weapons,” Fain said as he pointed his weapon outside the pod, letting it show. “Kya, can you tell them to step away from the tracks?”
“Please clear the corridor tracks,” Kya said through the corridor. “Incoming pod.”
The groups of peacekeeping officers moved away from the center of the corridor onto the walkways. They looked expectant, but as they got closer, their blank expressions began to turn into looks of anger.
“Hey, wait a minute, they are from the bridge,” one of the officers said.
“Yeah, I know her,” another yelled. “That’s Lieutenant Pycca.”
“Looks like you are pretty popular,” Fain muttered. “Maybe you should address them.”
“Step away from the pod or we’ll shoot,” Pycca said as a few officers got near the pod. “Don’t test me.”
She fired a paralyzing round into the chest of an officer that didn’t want to stop. The officer fell to the floor like a log. The corridor froze; the only people moving were those on board the pod.
“Is there anyone else that wants to try it?” Pycca yelled, with the weapon ready. “Is there anyone else?”
No one else made a move, and within a minute, they had exited the corridor. The next corridor was more of the same, but this time, Pycca took a different approach. Instead of waiting for officers to approach the pod, she fired random paralyzing shots at those she thought were considering being stupid enough to try and board the pod.
Things were much different in the corridor where the council was located. As soon as Kya opened the door, a flood of officers exited, running fast and paying little attention to the three on board the pod.
“What is happening?” Pycca asked.
The answer to that question became evident as they neared the council room. The star-engraved door that led into the council room was lying across the corridor, bent out of shape, and debris were scattered everywhere.
“Stop the pod,” Fain said.
That’s when Pycca saw it—a large figure coming out of the council room, holding up what looked to be a council member in one hand. The humanoid figure was about eight feet tall, solidly built, and wearing a heavy type of armor. In many ways, it looked like the armor the ancient Roman warriors used to wear. Its neck was elongated and so were its mandibles. The beast looked rabid and angry.
“Help me!” said the person it was holding.
“Acram…” Fain said.
“Are you sure?” Pycca asked as she slowly reached for her assault rifle.
“I am sure that’s one of them,” Fain said as he lowered his anti-riot weapon.
The Acram tossed the council member to the other side of the corridor as if he was a rag doll. Then a second Acram emerged from the council room. At that point, it was easy for Pycca to imagine that all the council members were dead. The one the Acram had just tossed was the last surviving one.
Then a human emerged, perfectly unharmed, but he was not wearing the same attire as the council members. He was wearing … a lab coat? It was hard to see from so far away.
12
Serum
Jonathan sat in front of his computer, awaiting the results of his last experiment. This time, he was sure that he had gotten it right. He had finally developed a serum that was one hundred percent compatible with humans, which would allow him to finally learn the full extent of the Acram language.
“Computer, how much longer will it be?”
“The results will be clear in less than five minutes,” the computer replied.
They will never understand; they have never understood, Jonathan thought. They weren’t even able to identify the true might of the Acram. Since I first saw the subspecies, it was clear to me… They were no Acram. How could it not be clear to them? How could they confuse such a lowly species with the conquerors of the galaxy? This is why they don’t deserve such power; they don’t even deserve to command this ship.
Jonathan leaned back in his chair, unable to hide the grin on his face. He was so close.
Now that there is another subspecies attacking Sodenia, I wonder if there will be any Acram scouts among them, Jonathan thought. I think it’s time for them to show their faces. If I know anything about them at all, they will show. All the subspecies attacking this ship are just a show. They are savoring the moment they will bring this ship to its knees.
“There have been several attempts by the council to reach you,” the computer said.
“Just reply to them and tell them that I am busy! I’m in the middle of an experiment,” Jonathan said. “They should know that unlike them, my time is precious.”
“I’m afraid they are insisting,” the computer said. “They want you to stop your experiment so that you can answer them. They are threatening to send guards to your quarters to stop the experiment themselves if they must.”
“There are threatening to do what?” Jonathan asked.
“They insist that if you don’t answer the call, they will send guards to stop your experiment,” the computer said.
“I heard you the first time around,” Jonathan said. “Insolence! They don’t understand the value of my work. They don’t understand the value of knowing what the Acram are capable of. Fools! Let them try. We’ll see just how much resolve is in their words. Just keep replying that the experiment is of the utmost importance.”
“Very well, sir,” the computer said.
“It doesn’t matter anyway,” Jonathan said. “In a few minutes, I will be standing among the greatest entities that ever lived in this galaxy. I will be their equal, or perhaps better than their equal. For I have learned their most sacred ritual. No one taught it to me; no one handed it to me. I have learned it from nothing.”
“The test is complete,” the computer said. “Would you like to learn the results?”
“Would I like to learn the results of the test I have been waiting for? Are you sure you are an AI? Or are you just a program with clever little answers?” Jonathan said. “But of course, you blithering fool, give me the results.”
“It was a mere courtesy to ask,” the computer said.
“Yes, yes, I get it,” Jonathan said. “Don’t make me wait any longer. Just give me the blasted results.”
“The results are as follows: The simulation showed the Broca’s area of the brain being reconstructed to suit the Acram language in its entirety while leaving the rest of the brain intact. It also showed the human DNA string being reconstructed in segments to better cope with the language. While the pain caused by the change will not be tolerated by the conscious human mind, it will not kill the human body. Any physical changes to the body are unpredictable at this time. Further testing will be required.”
For a moment, Jonathan imagined himself turning into an Acram from head to toe. There were few images that showed exactly what an Acram looked like, but he was able to paint a colorful picture of it in his head.
“There will be no need for further simulations,” Jonathan said. “Computer, prepare the serum for human trials; the subject will be Professor Jonathan Kepp.”
“Understood,” the computer said. “Preparing serum for intravenous injection now.”
This is it! This is what I’ve worked for all these years. This is finally where my life will begin. I will become like a god among humans. All those endless nights, all the ridicule, and now the hard work will finally pay off.
The council is too stupid to understand that the only true thing standing in the way of humanity’s utter annihilation will be me. I am the only true chance they have of defeating the Acram. Humans can’t beat them; the Herrion couldn’t beat them; countless alien species throughout the galaxy couldn’t even touch them. Only I will.
“The serum is ready for human trials,” the computer said. “Yo
u can take it from the sterile case at your leisure.”
“Thank you,” Jonathan said as he stood up from the chair and walked over to the glass case. “Is it exact?”
“To the best of my abilities, it is,” the computer said.
The syringe full of viscous green fluid was floating neatly in the center of the case. Jonathan looked at it from several angles, admiring its beautiful color.
For a second, he thought that he ought to reconsider what he was about to do, but he also knew that it was too late.
“Why stall the inevitable,” Jonathan said as he grabbed the syringe and went over to where the vein visualizer stood.
He turned on the machine and put his left hand underneath the red light it emitted. The entire venous network of his left arm appeared right before him, making it easy to choose a vein to carry the serum.
“This is for me,” Jonathan said as he pushed the viscous liquid into his body. “For the good of humanity.”
Searing pain flooded Jonathan’s body, causing him to collapse onto the floor. It was as if every little movement, including breathing, caused the pain to increase tenfold. Terrified to move, he lay on the floor, trying to remain as still as possible. But the pain kept escalating, and no amount of stillness was stopping it. His consciousness was beginning to fade away as the pressure in his head mounted.
The computer spoke to him several times, but he was unable to understand what it was saying; only the sound of the voice was familiar to him.
Several minutes later, as the pain receded, Jonathan awoke and got up from the floor. He was looking at the world through new eyes, understanding things more clearly. Things that had never made sense to him before suddenly did. Like the utter selfishness of the council on board the ship. He now understood how deep it all went. Or the true inability of the human race to unite as one, even in the face of certain destruction. Humans were such a weak species, always exploiting any weakness, even if the weakness came from within themselves.
The computer spoke, but Jonathan was unable to understand. The words sounded familiar, but he didn’t know the meaning of them. He had to concentrate hard to work out what the computer was saying, and slowly the words had meaning again.
“S-say that one more time,” Jonathan said, still trying to fight the fogginess in his head.
“There are several guards sent by the council approaching the lab,” the computer said.
The language the computer spoke sounded repulsive to Jonathan, unimaginative and without meaning. At the same time, Jonathan felt power surging within him. He wondered what exactly he would be able to do now if he spoke in true Acram.
“Computer, destroy all the data from all my experiments. It will no longer be necessary for anyone to know what I now know, for I have succeeded. And don’t bother with the door,” Jonathan said. “Let them in as soon as they get here.”
The guards came into the lab running, but when they looked at Jonathan, they stopped in their tracks.
“Sir, are you alright?” one of the guards said. “You don’t look well.”
Jonathan looked at his hands for the first time since taking the serum and muttered, “Oh, interesting.”
“You don’t have to worry about it,” Jonathan said. “This is nothing but a mild side effect of my latest experiment.”
“Maybe you should see a doctor,” the other guard said. “You look pale, sir, and not well.”
Jonathan took a look at their name tags; they were named Ted and Sam. He had dealt with them before. It was no wonder they were worried. He knew they looked up to him. Pathetic. A mere human is nothing to look up to, but an Acram is.
“Take a seat,” Jonathan said as he gestured towards the guest chairs next to the lab.
“But sir, we’re under strict orders to take you back to the council room,” Ted said.
“Take me to the council?” Jonathan asked. “It makes me wonder who the council think they are. I don’t operate under them. I am not a member of the ESAF.”
“Sir, the bridge has refused to follow orders from the council, and the council has taken over the ship,” Sam said. “They will replace everyone who does not comply with them.”
“Let me get this straight,” Jonathan said. “The council is trying to take control of the bridge from the comfort of a safe room? Forgive me, but I fail to see how that can possibly work out for them. Perhaps at first, but I don’t foresee a good ending for those who hide and risk nothing.”
“Sir, you ought to be careful what you say,” Ted said nervously. “The council might reprimand you for it.”
“And what power does the council have here?” Jonathan asked. “What power do they really have? Don’t make me ask again. So far, even you two have not followed their orders.”
Ted and Sam did not say anything else.
“I am asking you,” Jonathan said.
“If no one obeys them,” Sam finally said, “then they have no power, sir.”
“Good, so then please take a seat,” Jonathan said. “I have an important lesson to teach you. It’s about those who are attacking us.”
Ted and Sam took a seat and so did Jonathan. The two guards were visibly nervous.
“Would you like to learn about the Acram language,” Jonathan said with a smile. “It could be the only thing that can save you if you ever come face to face with them.”
They both nodded slowly.
“I’ll start by asking you this,” Jonathan said. “What do you know about the Acram language? Or as I’ve now learned to call it, Acro.”
“Not much, sir,” Ted said. “I’ve just heard some rumors about it. I heard that it is one of the ways they control things, and that it is the reason why they are so fast in working together.”
“And you?” Jonathan asked, turning to face Sam.
“More of the same, sir,” Sam said. “But I have also heard that they can do damage just by speaking.”
“See, I have run thousands of experiments throughout the years,” Jonathan said as he turned away from the two guards. “And I found those three things to be absolutely true. But not only that, I also found out that the Acram language is much more than that. There are hundreds of secrets hiding behind every sound. And the only way to learn what exactly those secrets were was to learn the languages and try them out myself.”
“S-s-sir, what are you saying?” Ted asked.
Jonathan felt the grin on his face when he turned to face the two guards. The guards seemed nervous, and they were sweating from their foreheads.
“Your leg will break,” Jonathan said in Acro, focusing on Sam’s leg.
A loud crack came from Sam’s leg, and he erupted in searing pain. He tried to hold his leg, unsure of what to do.
“What did you do?” Ted got up from the seat, an electric baton in his hand.
“Ha, that was easier than I thought,” Jonathan said. “Don’t worry, sit back down; you’ll have your turn soon.”
“You bastard!” Ted shouted as he launched himself at Jonathan.
“Your shoulders, elbows, and knees dislocate,” Jonathan said in Acro.
Ted fell to the floor, limp and screaming.
“What an interesting experiment,” Jonathan said. “I saw the words in a language that your mind cannot possibly comprehend, and your body follows the orders. That just proves what a lowly species humanity is.”
“You monster,” Ted managed.
“Monster? The correct term would be superior being,” Jonathan said. “But just the same, I’ll take it as a compliment. Say goodbye to this world; you won’t be living for much longer.”
“Please, sir,” Sam begged. “Please let us live.”
“I’ll do with you as I please,” Jonathan said. “Any last words? I must test my new abilities fully. You’ve served the human race well.”
“Go to hell,” Ted said.
“Go to hell?” Jonathan asked. “And why would I go back there? I just came from there.”
“Monster,” Ted sai
d with a low voice.
“Your heart stops,” Jonathan said in Acro, concentrating on both men.
Sam held his chest while Ted curled up on the floor. They both screamed, but within seconds they began to lose consciousness.
“Consider yourselves lucky that I am so merciful,” Jonathan said as he stood up. “I chose a quick way for you to die; it could have been worse. There are hundreds more experiments that I’d like to run, but I guess they will have to wait until after I visit the council, or until I visit the council.”
Jonathan headed outside to the corridor and decided to casually walk to the council’s corridor, since it was just the next corridor over. It took Jonathan around ten minutes to reach the entrance to the next corridor, where he saw men desperately trying to open the corridor from the inside.
“Is that the fastest that thing will go?” one of the officers yelled.
As soon as the opening in the door was large enough, officers began to pour in and run away. At first, it was one or two, but then, as the opening got larger, it was dozens at a time, and as the door fully opened, there were hundreds.
“Can anyone tell me what is happening?” Jonathan asked.
“The Acram made it on board the ship and now they are heading this way,” one of the officers said as he ran by.
So, there were scouts in the recent attack, Jonathan mused. I wonder if their goal is to take control of the ship? Or maybe they are just here for sport? How interesting.
Jonathan waited for the mob of officers to thin out before he continued walking towards the council; he was enjoyed watching their terrified facial expressions.
He had made it into the corridor when he saw them. The Acram were there in front of him, three of them, leaving a trail of dead officers behind them. The Acram looked just as Jonathan had expected them to look; for him there was no surprise.
The Acram were every bit as beautiful as he had imagined them in his mind after all those years of studying them. They were tall and lean, but their muscles prevailed, even through their heavy roman-style armor. But the armor looked as if it served a greater purpose than just protecting their bodies; it looked technologically advanced. Scales could be seen through some of the joins that were left exposed. As far as their faces, it was hard to tell what was behind the helmet.
