::With your permission I would request an opportunity to examine the protocol channel system in-depth, for flaws and possible vulnerabilities,:: Xria asked.
Keja looked across the long dark room with all the holographic spheres. “If you want, but I don't see the point, I won't be able to persuade Huir,” Keja offered.
::I can at least determine if this is a viable option,:: Xria assured.
*** Kutch and Alex climbed out of the lower levels and back to where Proto had a secure storage location for the sphere, their clean-suits no longer so clean. Kutch attempted to brush off some of the dust and dirt.
“Please return the sphere to the containment display area,” Proto requested again.
“This thing is too valuable to be left here,” Kutch mouthed toward Alex, trying not to make a sound.
“I am sorry, Kutch. I was unable to hear your comment. Can you please repeat?” Proto asked.
“He'll never let us out of here with that,” Alex mouthed back.
“I appear to be having difficulty receiving audio input from your conversation. Please restate with increased volume,” Proto protested louder.
“We have to do something,” Kutch answered without a sound.
“I understand now,” Proto explained after reviewing cached visuals of Kutch and Alex's lip movements from several different angles. “You are conspiring to remove the sphere from these premises.” Without warning, the over-head lighting turned to a strobing red light, and the entry into the space closed with a metallic latching sound.
“What's happening, Proto?” Kutch asked aloud, as calm as he could muster.
“My primary function is to safeguard the data files and artifacts of this facility. You are plotting to leave this facility with a valued artifact. I cannot allow this action to happen again. This space has been sealed and will be flooded with carbon dioxide gas to eliminate the threat of loss,” Proto explained, with little emotion.
“WAIT!” Alex yelled. “You don't understand the importance of this artifact!”
“Please explain how I am in error of the importance of this artifact?” Proto requested.
“The survivors left on Earth were being removed against their will--resources are currently being sold off. This artifact shows that the contract responsible is actually null, and void,” Kutch rushed to explain. “This sphere is the key to saving a lot of people and the resources of the planet for their survival.”
“I understand now. However; I cannot allow this valuable artifact to be removed from this facility. Do you still intend to remove the artifact?”
::I am unable to gain access to facility systems to mitigate the current threat levels,:: Sid warned Kutch and Alex across internal communications. ::Flooding this space with carbon dioxide will cause catastrophic failure and early unscheduled termination--::
“We know, Sid!” Alex answered.
Kutch gave Alex a long, hard look, then shook his head, giving Proto an answer. “No.”
“But there has to be a solution. We need to get this contract to the Elvonians,” Alex argued.
“You mean Anthony. He's the Mediator now,” Kutch corrected.
Alex shook her head. “After what he did--I still don't trust him. We need to give it to Presley1477.”
“I am sorry. The artifact cannot leave this facility,” Proto explained. “I will take necessary steps to prevent such action.”
Kutch gave Alex a knowing glance.
“Kutch, NO!” Alex protested as he took the sphere over to the containment display and placed it back in the display cradle. The display closed as soon as Kutch's hands cleared the opening, and the overhead lighting returned to the normal bright-white.
“The Elvonians trust Anthony. That's good enough for me. We'll figure out another way,” Kutch explained.
“So now what? This thing has valuable information stored directly within the atomic structure--” Alex gave Kutch a curious glance.
Kutch cocked his head to the side with an odd grin. “And Proto will have a complete copy of the contents, like he does for everything else in this facility!” Kutch realized, remembering his last visit.
“I do not have a completed copy of all data stored within the sphere,” Proto announced. “I was unable to complete the scan, translation and duplication before the sphere was last removed from the display cradle.”
“But you appeared to know so much about the Aki Earth sovereignty contract,” Alex wondered aloud.
“That portion of the sphere has been translated, cataloged and duplicated for safety. However, there is an enormous quantity of data stored within the atomic structure that has not been translated and cataloged,” Proto explained.
“Would we be allowed to transmit the contact out of the facility?” Kutch suggested. “Sent straight to Anthony?”
“The equipment for receiving and transmitting has been in need of maintenance for many thousands of years,” Proto replied.
“I have a small portable data storage cube; will the contract fit?” Alex asked.
“Scanning.”
“We'll just need to get back to the surface to send it...”
“The Keepers won't let us pass,” Kutch reminded Alex.
“Scanning complete. You have sufficient available space for an authorized copy of the Aki Earth sovereignty contract and a selection of supporting data,” Proto assured. “Shall I begin the transfer?”
“Yes Proto--okay, so how do we get past the Keepers?” Alex asked.
“The dark corridor does continue past the ladder-well. I wonder--” Kutch trailed off in thought.
“Proto--does the corridor outside of the main entry to this facility lead to the surface?” Alex asked.
“No.”
“I can't believe there isn't another way in or out of this place,” Alex scoffed.
“Data transfer complete. There is only one way out of this facility for personnel,” Proto assured.
“And the only way to the surface--is through the Keepers,” Kutch added.
“I am unaware of the 'Keepers' to which you refer. However, the closest exit to the surface is through the emergency escape hatch at level three seventy-four, up the 'Forever Clock' base ladder-well, outside of the main entry to this facility.”
“Emergency hatch? Do you remember seeing one on the way down?” Kutch turned to Alex.
“It was dark. I wasn't paying any particular attention on the way up or down, either time.” Alex shrugged.
Kutch let out a long heavy sigh. “Back up the ladderwell it is--”
“Shouldn't take long. You can stay here, I'll go--by myself,” Alex offered with a forced sarcastic pout. “You'd like that--and blame me if anything goes wrong.”
“No, really--stay, I'll be fine--”
“Not happening, I'm going with you!” Kutch started for the exit Proto had just reopened.
“I insist.” Alex followed Kutch.
“Nope.”
“You'll just slow me down.”
“Funny.”
*** Presley1285 stood by waiting for Anthony's thoughts on the latest reports. Anthony shook his head. “Are they certain? I don't see any other indications that Cain would leave the Great Hall for anything.”
“Li is said to be requesting his presence to the NorWes,” Presley1285 assured.
“Why? Why would she do such a thing?” Anthony
protested with concern.
“She believes she can stop him,” Presley1285
explained. “They are evacuating the young, the old and
sick or injured. Many of their guardians will be staying as
well as Novia, their Pe'Atchdi. But Presley1477 is
requesting several hundred more brethren, plus supplies
and equipment.”
“I don't see how we can accommodate that request.
Corporate is all but non-existent. We've got our brethren
spread out now, throughout the most critical service
divisions just to s
tay nearly functional,” Anthony argued. “With the fall of Corporate, we are shorthanded. These
are difficult decisions to be made,” Presley1285 answered. “With the fall of Corporate, I no longer have any
authority or say. The Elvonians are under your authority,
they always have been. This will need to be your decision
now.”
“Your position has always held advantage,”
Presley1285 stated.
“But no more--I can provide neither protection nor
position.”
“You are Mediator for Earth. That position still holds a
level of power and respect.”
“Only if the Regional Authority, Duissis Council of
Twelve continue to honor that position,” Anthony pressed. “The Regional Authority, Duissis Council of Twelve
holds no more power over you, as they are as
overwhelmed with workforce shortages as we. They are in
need of the Elvonian personnel we have already in key
positions. They would be wise to keep their negotiations
open with those left, who have access to key resources,”
Presley1285 assured.
“Of that, I am sure Vaudi is well aware, and already
strengthening his position for gain,” Anthony touted. “Then we must be as vigilant, to assure our own
position in the negotiations for the remains of Corporate,”
Presley1285 pressed.
“We hold a very weak and compromised position at
this point. The Regional Authority have the largest
inventory of functional craft, and pilot AIs not affected by
Cain's protocols. We are still unable to negotiate transport
of the Earth humans from the moon, or secure parts to
repair the few craft that were left behind,” Anthony
stated.
“We will pursue all available opportunities as they
arise,” Presley1285 assured.
“Yes, my friend, we will indeed. I only hope those
opportunities arise soon,” Anthony agreed, feeling
overwhelmed.
Presley1285 placed his hands together at the wrists
and bowed in an Elvonian manner of deep respect. “May
blessings be bestowed upon us in our time of need. The
King lives,” Presley1285 praised.
“I hope so, my friend,” Anthony said returning the
gesture.
***
The black, smoky shape of the Animus appeared before Kyrios, while the Master sat upon his throne. “The attacks upon the wall have met with success--cracks have begun to appear around the area defiled and weakened by Cain, my Master,” the Animus spoke with reserved excitement.
“Excellent! Send in the Vrag'Darah,” Kyrios commanded. Within moments loud, ominous horns bellowed from a distant corner of humanoid creatures who comprised the vast army awaiting Kyrios's orders. The horns were accented by bright flashes of lightning and the extended booming of thunder echoing off into the distance.
The command brought forth four large humanoid creatures, their heavily war-beaten, armored, muscular arms, were shackled to iron poles which carried a large, ancient crucible. A fifth, even larger, heavily armored, war-scarred humanoid creature, followed behind with another long iron pole with a hook on the end. Although the five creatures were prisoners of war, defeated warriors and sworn enemies of Kyrios, the bearers were given a wide berth by all standing near, as they pressed toward the great white, and battered, barrier between the dark and light realms.
As the shackled bearers reached the base of the wall near the cracks, the fifth creature reached the top of the crucible with the long, iron pole, lifting away the heavy lid to release the Vrag-Darah. The four bearers attempted to release the contents of the crucible with care and precision upon the wall, but their awkward movements, and the uneven walking surface, allowed a small portion of the contents to spill to the ground.
The small spillage of thick, black, liquid spread with speed and purpose toward the closest bearer's feet. Terrified, the creature attempted to lurch away, but his actions caused the other handlers to further lose control, dropping the crucible and spilling the remaining contents near the base of the wall.
The thick, black liquid that was the Vrag-Darah, spread with ravenous intent, engulfing the doomed four, muffling their screams within moments of contact, consuming their life-energies and Dark Realm forms. The fifth creature turned to run but tripped over the long iron pole and fell. The Vrag-Darah became a large bulge of black liquid, then reached out, with a thick arm and grabbed at the fifth creature's leg, holding him with relentless force. The fifth creature clawed at the ground with his massive, muscular arms, screaming for help. The Vrag-Darah dragged the creature closer, engulfing and consuming him without mercy. The awaiting army collectively stepped back in fear.
“The Vrag'Darah has escaped,” the Animus announced with concern.
“The Vrag'Darah was never a prisoner--merely a pet, awaiting a meal,” Kyrios mused. “The Vrag'Darah has only one conscious thought--to consume, and now the only thing of great interest will be the vast life-energy sensed through the cracks. The Vrag'Darah will stop at nothing to breach the cracks of that wall to feast. In doing so, opening a portal for my armies!”
“But what of the life-energies on the other side you seek to rebuild your armies?” the Animus wondered. “Will they not all be consumed by the Vrag'Darah?”
“DO NOT QUESTION ME! I collected the Vrag'Darah once before, I will again--when I am ready!”
*** “I really hate climbing up and down these ancient rungs,” Kutch complained, following Alex up the narrow shaft toward the base of what Proto referred to as the 'Forever Clock.'
“Apparently this is now just another part of what we do, so stop complaining,” Alex answered in a tired tone. “Besides--Logistics says we're here.” Alex shined her small portable onto the opposite side of the shaft and revealed the outline of a hatch embedded into the shaft side casing.
“No wonder we never noticed that before. I can barely see anything in this light,” Kutch assessed. Alex could see some foot and hand holds within the casing of the shaft, and worked her way over toward the hatch. There were only six simple levers holding the door closed, and with a little effort, Alex got them loose. With some help from her PPD tool, Alex leveraged herself and pushed the hatch open, announced with a loud metal-on-metal grinding noise that echoed up and down the shaft.
Alex climbed through the opening, and Kutch worked his way over next. “See anything?” he asked.
She poked her head back out of the hatch opening and shined her portable right into Kutch's face. “Yeah, a long, dark passage.” Alex stuck her hand down to help Kutch up.
The passage was lined with a hard, stone-like material, formed with support ribs on the walls and overhead, every three meters. There were lighting placements on the ribs but none were working. There was evidence of degradation, on small portions of the passage covered with debris from cracking in the walls and overhead, and thin wisps of strange sticky material hanging down all around.
“Once we get this sovereignty stone information to Presley1477, I think I'm going to have Proto show me more of those ancient books I saw last time. I really want to do a more thorough exploration of that facility,” Kutch announced, as they continued along the passage.
“I don't know if I can,” Alex mused.
“You don't want to stay?”
“Not really. That's more of a--'you' thing. I like finding places like that, but once I've found them, I'm ready to go find something else.” She didn't want to hurt Kutch's feelings, but sifting through ancient data never felt as exciting as searching for ancient sites.
“Well...looking through that facility may lead to more places to find,” Kutch suggested.
“Maybe...” Alex squinted, shining her portable down the passage. “Hold
on.” She turned her portable off, and reached over to have Kutch turn his off too. After a few seconds in the pure darkness her eyes adjusted. There was a small, pin-point of light in the far distance. “See that?”
“I think so,” Kutch replied, trying to see in the darkness.
Alex turned her portable back on and hurried her pace. There was more evidence of debris and areas along the walls and overhead that showed signs of damage and possible cave-ins. After several tens of meters, her portable was able to light up the end of the passage.
There was another larger hatch-type door, which appeared to be damaged and cracked open, allowing a small bit of light from outside, with a heavier dose of the thin, sticky-stuff, hanging from the overhead. Alex used her portable to move the wispy material out of the way. Kutch noticed some small creatures crawling on the thin material that made his skin crawl, and he tried to avoid getting too close. Alex pulled at the hatch but the door would not move, so she set up her PPD tool once more to create some leverage and force the hatch open. When the door opened, sun light poured in, causing them both to shield their eyes.
Alex was first to step up to the opening, but was quick to hold her hand back to keep Kutch from passing.
“What's wrong?” Kutch asked, still squinting from the bright light of the sun.
“Look,” Alex pointed down. There was a sheer drop, at least three hundred meters.
“What kind of escape passage is this?”
“Look again,” Alex suggested.
Kutch poked his head out the opening to see where there had been a path attached to the sheer cliffs, but time and weather had taken their toll--there was nothing usable left. “Good thing we're not looking to leave. Can you get a signal from here?”
“Not directly. Logistics is trying to get a patch through the sled above.”
“Well?”
“I'm getting an external link to send the data to Presley1477,” Alex confirmed.
“Good, I want to start back to Proto, as soon as possible.”
“Oh no!” Alex exclaimed.
“What's the matter?”
“Plunkgrease!”
“TELL ME!”
Alex turned to Kutch trying to hold back her shock. “Chichi has died in an accident.”
Kutch took an unsteady step back against the hatch. “That's terrible!”
Birth Of A Goddess Page 38
