Alex watched Kutch. ::You miss that--don't you,:: Alex stated. ::Your old life with Corporate.::
::I miss Li,:: Kutch answered without hesitation.
*** Keja waited in a large, quiet, well-lit hall, seated on a very uncomfortable bench along the wall at the main facility for the Department. The entry into Director Huir’s offices was as intimidating and menacing as the director, and Keja wondered if his planned appointment to confront her regarding Commander Roth's actions, was such a good idea. He had developed a respectful working relationship with the Director over the years, but there was no doubt a bond between Roth and Huir, and Keja felt he risked his current position if he stirred up issues.
Roth's actions, denying access to specific files, were inhibiting further investigation into several strange disasters and missing freighters, and required the Director’s attention. As Commander Roth regained his rank and power, any question into his actions often sparked outrage, including any decisions that he felt required his personal authorization. Many of those decisions had been made while Roth recovered from his REIMD process, and Roth felt insulted and humiliated. Particularly regarding the off-line data Pods that Commander Reed had absconded with before
disappearing. A singularly sore subject with Roth, especially since the whole operation had been authorized and approved by the Director.
The clicking of the hard soles of boots on the highlypolished flooring, echoed throughout the hall and Keja could see the source coming closer--Commander Roth. Roth approached the large door and turned to face the menacing structure as though expecting the entry to open upon his arrival. Keja was caught by surprise when the entry, indeed, opened and he scrambled to his feet to follow Roth through before the massive doors closed.
The interior of the Director’s offices was filled with holographic imagery, encircling Huir, as she walked through, examining the information. Keja felt a sort of kinship with her, as that was his own preferred method of data analysis.
“Director, you summoned me,” Roth announced his presence with a quick snap to attention, then stood at ease.
“Actually, Keja requested this meeting, I assumed you would know the purpose,” Huir replied, without acknowledging either visitor visually, and continued analyzing the surrounding holographic images.
Roth turned his glare toward Keja.
“Director, I have been investigating several strange occurrences that have taken place, increasingly further toward the outer reaches of mapped Corporate territory in the Delphinus region,” Keja recounted.
“Yes, I am aware of the last incident. Well done keeping the event quarantined from the media, especially with the number of missing--”
“Nearly all confirmed dead without cocoons, and after accounting for biomass remains, only two still registered guests are unaccounted for,” Keja interrupted. “There have been more strange occurrences since.”
“Continue!” Huir's reply was sharp, as she was annoyed that her facts were outdated.
“Another four-seat sled and all listed passengers have disappeared, along with two unmanned position transponders and a communications relay station,” Keja reported.
“Director, what, may I ask, has any of this to do with me?” Roth was incensed that his presence was requested for a report that could have been handled remotely.
“I have identified six ships that appear to be involved--two Class D shuttles, three Class C freighters and one Class A Super Freighter. The Class D shuttles and Class A Super Freighter have been verified,” Keja continued.
“What of the three Class C freighters?” Huir asked.
Keja glanced at Roth from the corner of his eye. “Therein lies my problem, Director. I believe I have identified the three Class C freighters, but I am unable to confirm that information, as Commander Roth has denied my access to a specific incident I believe to be relevant.”
Huir stopped her examination of the holograph and walked toward the two men in her workspace. “The freighters from Earth,” Huir directed her statement to Roth. Roth nodded.
*** ::We are being requested to meet with Alex and Troy at transport platform 3320,:: Sid announced to Kutch, waking him from a deep and relaxing sleep. The sleep
quarters at the resort were sparse, but restful with simple fixtures and amenities. Kutch took a moment to register the request and open his eyes. “What?”
::There has been a change to the assignment. Alex is already en route separately to avoid suspicion,:: Sid explained.
::change--::
::To the assignment, yes,:: Sid replied. ::I have a route map to the transport platform ready for view.::
Kutch sat up and stretched. “Why do we always do this in the middle of a sleep cycle?”
::I was not aware of any patterns of activity, regarding our departure routines. Shall I run diagnostics to ensure proper--::
“No, no, no--I'm just making a comment...and trying to wake up.” Kutch gathered his things, and referred to the route Sid had provided. Troy had apparently found a platform fairly close for pickup, as Kutch arrived within minutes. Alex was already buckled into the front passenger seat next to Troy, leaving the backseat for Kutch--again.
“What's happening?” Kutch asked.
Troy appeared shaken and upset. He made the arrangements, convincing local traffic control, the flight and protocols were all appropriate, then eased the small craft up and out toward the upper atmosphere of Centauri 4. “There's been an--incident,” Troy forced through a deep breath.
“What's wrong?” Alex pressed.
“Cain has killed again--and it's all my fault!”
*** The blue jewel-like planet Earth was the backdrop view from Anthony's VIP quarters on the Orion Station, and a constant reminder of great distress. He alone had exposed the secret that had been held for thousands of years, revealing Earth as a viable resource and not a dead planet. Where others would look and see beauty, Anthony saw regret.
Anthony read over the covert report from Rhys. The numbers were very disturbing. Of the six hundred, eightythree thousand, nine hundred and forty-two Earth humans successfully relocated from Earth to moon facility holding areas over the last six years, more than half had died-many of them were what the NorWes Clans called “children,” or as Corporate called them, “unauthorizedreplacements.” Anthony's heart sank with grief.
The process of removal had only a seventy-two percent live success rate, which Corporate management and Commander Roth defined as “acceptable.”
“These numbers are completely unacceptable,” Anthony grumbled.
“Agreed,” Presley1285 replied. “However, there is
little we can do. Further exploratory ventures to the moon
facilities risk exposure and possible capture by Corporate
Security.”
“Are there any safer ways available to remove the
Earth humans, that have not been tried?” Anthony asked. “Corporate is not fielding alternate methods at this
time, as the removal process is deemed within acceptable
tolerances, and the most cost-effective. The only
alternative would be to find a way to change the cost of
the current methods or discover a new argument to
establish a new tolerance.”
“Either way will not speed up the removal process,
and Vaudi is not going to be agreeable--his patience has
diminished considerably,” Anthony assured.
“It is time,” Presley1285 set the projection module for
the scheduled meeting. Recent solar storms passing the
Orion Station caused the holographic image of Vaudi to
appear with distortions and static for his weekly meeting
with Anthony. Presley1285 attempted to readjust the
signal settings for better reception, but the interference
was still present.
“I am growing tired of the continuous delays, Anthony.
Please give
me good news today,” Vaudi pressed.
Anthony's silence and pensive expression said more to
Vaudi than words ever could. “I believe a new tactic is in
order,” Vaudi suggested.
“We have done everything we can from here. The
relocation efforts are not under my control,” Anthony
offered.
“That is why I want you to go to the Galactic Board on
my behalf and argue our concerns there--in person. I
believe your effectiveness would be best placed on the
floor of the Galactic Board. These continued delays are
unacceptable. I am beginning to believe Corporate is
purposely dragging out this...simple operation of
indigenous relocation.”
“They are...human beings and they do not wish to
leave their homes. Many are dying--too many,” Anthony
argued.
“They are stealing my bought-and-paid-for resources
and standing in the way of my hard-earned profits. I need
you to point that very fact out to the Galactic Board,”
Vaudi pressed. “Don't be going soft on me now. I hired you
to handle matters of the Galactic Board--don't force me to
reconsider my faith and trust in my oldest friend!” Anthony bowed. “We'll leave immediately.”
*** Keja felt some embarrassment. It was clear the Director and Commander both had knowledge of the three Class C Freighters and were with-holding information--but why? “So you know about the abnormal coding?” Keja assumed.
Director Huir and Commander Roth locked eyes. Keja could see the confusion in their glance.
“You are referring to the faux security reports of Elvonian sightings?” Huir asked.
::They do not know about the coding anomaly,:: Xria concluded. ::This could allow some advantage.::
::Agreed,:: Keja answered Xria.
“Yes--of course,” Keja said with reserved caution. “You suspect these three ships?”
“Roth lost track of the three freighters only a few days after they left Earth,” Director Huir revealed, much to Roth's disgust. “They were suspected to be harboring Elvonians.” Huir gave Roth a knowing glance to continue.
“Six months later a security report indicated an Elvonian sighting on board a Class D shuttle waiting for clearance at Interstellar Gate 6. Within twenty-four hours the three Class C freighters were spotted within that region and the Class D shuttle beacon and registration went offline,” Roth reported through a tight jaw.
“The security report was discovered to be of unknown origin,” Huir followed.
“I was never made aware of such discovery,” Keja affirmed.
“NO ONE WAS!” Roth was vehement. “The source needed to be identified--tracked. Through all seven reports, the faux reports have all originated internally--but not genuine.”
“You believe the three Class C Freighters are-signaling--then meeting with Elvonians through those false reports,” Keja pondered.
“There has been NO verified sightings of Elvonians in over seventy-eight months, our analysis concluded that these false reports and the appearance of the freighters had to be more than a coincidence,” Huir explained.
Keja shook his head, staring off. “This...is all wrong.”
“How dare you imply our analysis is inferior or in any way in ERROR!” Roth declared.
“I apologize Director, but something doesn't seem right,” Keja argued.
Roth took a step toward Keja with a stern intent, but Huir stepped up as well, and held a hand up toward Roth. She gave Keja a sly grin. “This is why you were assigned back to Data Analysis, my dear Keja. You found something--something we've overlooked.”
::Advantage,:: Xria announced.
::Agreed.::
“Yes--I believe I have,” Keja affirmed, returning Huir's smirk.
*** “How can anything Cain does be your fault?” Alex asked Troy.
“Because I was the one who sent out those reports to try to lead Cain away--away from Earth--away from everyone and to the outermost reaches of Corporate,” Troy pressed with great distress.
“I don't understand, so what if you made some false reports?” Kutch asked feeling confused. “You certainly can't be blamed for--”
“WE SENT VOLUNTEERS,” Troy shouted. Kutch and Alex glanced at each other.
“Why?” Kutch asked first.
“To give the reports credibility. The idea was presented and all volunteers did so with no idea why, but for the 'greater-good.' We wanted Cain to believe the reports, and none of the volunteers knew any information about Li or any other members of the Elvonians leaving no risk of exposure. When we lost track of the first two volunteers, we assumed--I assumed, Cain kept them-possibly for exchange later. Like your plan with Cain before,” Troy explained.
“But--” Alex started.
“But now--now we have evidence to believe he has killed them AND many other innocent Corporate personnel and passengers along the way,” Troy continued. “And their deaths are all my responsibility.”
“What is your evidence?” Kutch asked.
“The last report I sent put two Elvonians at the Delphinus Prime Station near the Interstellar Gate, Delphinus Major--one of the most remote Interstellar gates within Corporate. The hope was to send Cain and his Earth human men to the furthest outpost, then disable that Interstellar gate, stranding them potentially years worth of travel time away.” Troy stopped to take a long breath.
“And?” Kutch pressed.
“We lost contact with the volunteers, like each time before--along with twenty-two hundred and fifty-three innocent Corporate personnel and passengers at the station. An intercepted report indicated that partial remains of nearly all were found on the station. That report has since been verified.” Troy felt exhausted trying to get the words out.
“Remains?” Alex asked.
“Remains without cocoon--mostly skeletal, cleaned of flesh. Some with obvious bite marks,” Troy finished feeling sick. Kutch felt a similar queasiness, as Alex turned away, holding her own. The image seemed to hang in everyone's mind forever, along with the silence.
“Verified,” Alex stated, to be sure.
“We have members there now, that are part of the cleanup crew. The report has been verified and analysis is continuing,” Troy assured.
“So what's the plan now?” Kutch asked.
Troy shook his head, taking in another long breath. “Plan? There is no plan. I can't be responsible for any more deaths of members. I'm taking you two to the safety of Toolkit's facility at Europa. From there--I don't know.”
Alex turned to see Kutch staring off into space. This was indeed a new low, even for Cain, although she suspected he was capable of worse, she hoped to never be a witness.
*** Keja uploaded his data analyses and they appeared throughout the room on holographic projections for all to see. He stepped into the projections and regrouped them for his presentation. Roth was not amused and felt Keja was playing to the Director's eccentricities. Keja felt Roth's burning gaze on the back of his neck, but indeed knew exactly how best to impress Director Huir.
“From the data we were able to recover from the AI, Gyro-Nav44-10--the only operational AI remaining on Delphinus Prime Station, I discovered an anomalous signal had been received by all systems and apparently persons as well,” Keja began.
“Yes, of course the sighting report! PLEASE, Director, I have far more important work of my own...” Roth interrupted, before turning to leave.
“Not the sighting report, Director,” Keja defended. “A coding broadcast.”
“Roth, you will remain for this,” Huir commanded. Roth stopped and was slow to return.
“The coding is of unknown origin and not of Corporate standards,” Keja continued.
“Elvonian,” Huir jumped to her own conclusion.
“Possibly, but searching into subcontracted Elvonia
n programmers has not shown any similar work. All known Elvonian coding work has been within Corporate standards.”
“The significance of the coding?” Huir asked.
“Disconnection sequences and stop codes.”
“For what purposes?” Roth chimed in skeptical. Huir followed Roth's question with a questioning look of her own.
“After completing a search of all similar anomalies at the Delphinus Prime Station, I discovered six similarities, and before each this coding broadcast was briefly experienced prior to a complete communications loss and systems shutdown. Those six coding broadcasts match the six incidences involving the sighting reports, all of them anywhere from a few days to three weeks after the sighting report,” Keja explained.
“They are connected. This has to be Elvonian activity,” Huir concluded again.
“Complete systems shutdown--from one coding broadcast?” Roth's interest piqued.
“From the results on my most recent analysis, not just mechanical systems. There are indications that personal systems are being affected as well,” Keja answered Roth.
“Personal systems?” Huir asked.
“I'm still analyzing the coding, but there appear to be portions that could affect the PPD and AI functioning, possibly shutting them both down.”
“PPD? Impossible!” Huir concluded. Keja could see Roth had been reloading case files from his former life, by the stone-cut look on his face.
“There is a precedence,” Keja continued his stare at Roth. “Arcquis Resort just six and half fiscal years ago.”
“Eighty-three months,” Roth corrected.
“I have been able to track the small fleet of ships since their departure from Delphinus Prime Station,” Keja added.
“Their destination?” Huir inquired.
“From the path of destruction left behind, including one four-seat sled, with four unaccounted for passengers, two communications relays and ten navigation markers-they are approaching Delphinus Major Interstellar Gate,” Keja replied.
“Time of arrival?” Roth was quick to ask.
“Approximately sixty-eight hours.”
“Director, I can have two Security shuttles waiting for them, in just twenty-four hours, and stop this imbroglio for once,” Roth offered.
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