“Lethal against other Earth humans, but would not be effective against Corporate, due to the PPD,” Presley1477 added.
“That's good then,” Kutch commented.
“Except, Cain has added some additional technology to their versions of the Estuka,” Presley1477 continued, then pointed to more visuals in the holographic display. “These new Estukas, have an active plasma field covering the length of the device. The plasma field not only adds additional cutting ability, but allows penetration through the PPD or any other force field, for that matter.”
Alex felt an uncomfortable tingle in her thigh--a painful reminder from a similar encounter with a plasma cutter’s torch. “That could be problematic.”
“We're getting reports, from our sources at key locations, that the Earth humans are intending to bring...” Presley1477 paused, and looked to Damus for assistance.
“War,” Damus defined. “Battle--fight us, apparently for the glory of their God. Then take Li as their tribute to their God--Cain.”
Kutch nodded. “I've heard that word 'war' before. Seen it in some ancient documents. Nothing good ever seems to come out of that action.”
“So how do we stop this--war?” Reed asked.
“I don't believe they will be open to any negotiations,” Presley1477 answered.
“The Guardian's of the NorWes can defend ourselves very well,” Damus assured.
“But the weapons they are using are more advanced,” Ayden added.
“The Estukas they're using--the plasma doesn't cover the entire device,” Alex mused.
Kutch could see where Alex was going with her comment. “Right, so only the part with the plasma covering could penetrate a force field. The handle, without the plasma covering, would not pass. They're how long?” Kutch asked.
“They all appear to be approximately one meter in length with the plasma covering,” Presley1522 reported.
“Okay! We just need to build force field generators around the cavern entrances and safe areas to protect Li and the rest of us,” Kutch surmised. “Between the frequency field generators protecting against the destructive transport beam, and a force field protecting against the Estukas, we're covered.”
Presley1477 nodded, then shook his head. “Yes that would probably be the best idea. Unfortunately, we do not have the manpower, equipment or time to construct a force field generator of significant size. The Earth humans have already left Mars, their estimated arrival time is now just under seventy-two hours.”
“Plunkgrease,” Alex mumbled. Everyone agreed with a nod.
“Well, at least Alex knows how to stop Cain's protocols,” Reed said.
Alex felt a sudden, odd, sensation of all eyes on her. She was not used to being so much the center of attention, and felt uncomfortable as her face was getting warm and flushed. She wished she could float away into the depths of the cavern.
Float, Alex thought. Of course, that's it. “I just may have a way to solve both problems,” Alex admitted.
*** Anthony was in deep concentration, analyzing the holographic presentation of the Sovereignty Stone contract. Since the legal team was still attempting to verify the validity of the contract, his tolerance for waiting was wearing thin. He scrutinized the details of the ancient document to temper his perspective and patience. Vaudi would do the same, once given the opportunity, and Anthony wanted to maintain any and all advantage possible, for as long as possible.
The entry opened to Anthony's quarters and Presley1285 stepped through with a deep bow of salutation. “A guest has just arrived.”
“Not now, my friend,” Anthony waved him off, not taking his eyes from the holograph.
“I am sorry to intrude,” a familiar voice sounded.
“Announcing Councilor Vaudi, Chair of Regional Authority, Duissis Council of Twelve,” Prelsey1285 continued with a tone of apology before retreating.
Anthony terminated the holograph and turned to greet his unexpected guest. “Vaudi, my friend--” Anthony gestured a customary greeting. “Chair of Regional Authority?”
“A necessary promotion. I now speak for the Regional Authority as Lead Council of Twelve,” Vaudi returned the greeting gesture.
“Always a pleasure to see you. You are alone? I was not aware of your travel itinerary, or expected arrival. Is this business or pleasure?”
“I am aware that my presence was not expected. The fact that I must travel unattended is of great annoyance. The situation has become intolerable and immediate action is required.” Vaudi paced the room.
“Please, sit--”
“I cannot. Regional Authority--all of Duissis--are losing thousands of trillions of shares at each passing moment due to this Earth human, Cain. We have lost several hundred million contract workers, throughout Corporate alone, as a direct result of the protocols nonsense. We have been able to close down transportation hubs from Duissis, in an attempt to stem the flow of Duissis personnel, but AI corruption has been at intolerable levels. My entire entourage--even my own AI required REIMD to spare me from going Free Radical from that drivel! I have yet to fully recover from the effects.” Vaudi accentuated his duress by slumping down onto a lounging cube.
“I am so sorry for your loss, I--”
“This situation could easily be placed squarely on your shoulders, Anthony--” Vaudi paused for his own dramatic effect, and Anthony allowed the silence. After a sufficient abeyance, Vaudi continued. “You must understand--I have been forced to take steps.”
“Steps? Will this interfere with our negotiations for transportation. I have Earth humans still languishing on the moon who require rescue,” Anthony stressed.
“I cannot even begin to excogitate such things now. I have been in negotiations with the Department--” Vaudi declared, pausing once more for Anthony's reaction.
Anthony was not as surprised as he led Vaudi to believe with a simple raise of a brow. There had been several indications of such clandestine meetings--after all, Elvonian eyes and ears are nearly everywhere.
“Director Huir,” Anthony stated.
“Yes. Although only the highest ranking officials remain, Corporate Security is virtually the only divisional entity left of Corporate, willing and contractually able to function,” Vaudi expressed his disgust with the situation. “I so hate dealing with non-business oriented, non-board certified members for important contractual matters.”
“There is one other entity,” Anthony suggested.
Vaudi glared at Anthony. “Elvonians? Please. You have no authority to contract Corporate assets. Your authority as Mediator for Earth resources is questionable now, at best,” Vaudi scoffed without regard.
“You would now dispute my position regarding Earth?”
Vaudi realized he had, without design, touched a nerve. “Of course not, my friend.” Vaudi cooled his tone. “I would only question Corporate’s ability to adhere to the agreement under the current circumstances.”
“I would argue that there are millions of Elvonians currently stationed at key positions ready and available to recover at least some vital Corporate functionality--that, however, is not the entity to which I refer,” Anthony explained.
“What entity? Which division of Corporate other than Security, is remotely functional?” Vaudi questioned.
“The Aki are not of Corporate,” Anthony assured.
“The Aki? You cannot be serious--remember I have roots within Corporate prior to my association with the Regional Authority, stretching back before you. I am familiar with the legends and fictional stories. The Aki do not exist, there was no evidence of--”
Anthony interrupted Vaudi with the appearance of the holographic document. “The legendary Sovereignty Stone has been found.”
Vaudi stared with intent at the holograph, but scoffed once more. “A fabrication.”
Anthony shook his head, stepping closer to the holograph. “I can provide undeniable forensics and metadata proving authenticity of the material and
information,” Ant
hony insisted.
“And the contract?” Vaudi was skeptical.
“Vali--”
Presley1285 entered the room unannounced, interrupting Anthony with a bow, followed by several elegant hand gestures unknown to Vaudi.
The legal team has not YET verified the validity of the contract... Presley1285 signaled with concern, followed by a respectful bow.
“Ah, yes...Presley1285--you are the consummate host. Yes, please--bring the refreshments,” Anthony
acknowledged. Presley1285 bowed once more and left the room. “I apologize, where were we?”
“The contract?”
“Yes, of course. My personal legal team have only recently verified the absolute validity of the contract and Corporate’s full culpability therein,” Anthony explained without pause. “The contract IS valid AND binding to all parties.”
Vaudi studied Anthony's face for clues. Centuries of negotiations and official communications had offered Vaudi a vast knowledge of Anthony's skills of persuasion and integrity, as well as deceit. But never before, had Anthony been so willing to stake the reputation of his formidable legal team on such a wild claim, unless he had cause. Vaudi's own reputable legal team would, of course, ascertain their own conclusions.
“The stone is--”
“Safe.” Anthony assured.
“Earth?” Vaudi guessed. Anthony answered only with a smile. “There is no more wondering why the planet was so vehemently quarantined,” Vaudi mused.
“Indeed.”
“I assume that I will--”
“Receive a complete certified copy of the document? As soon as you are ready,” Anthony assured.
Presley1285 entered the room with a tray of snacks and a selection of cold and hot drinks. “Refreshments...”
*** Most of the Elvonian technicians did not take long to grasp the basics of the PPD tool Alex had developed and Toolkit refined. Each with his or her own copy, were shaping the PPD force field into all sorts of configurations, and in many cases, getting first-hand experience of why the extra caloric intake was so necessary to avoid the brutal cramps. Damus was working with Presley1522, organizing the Elvonians with their new PPD tool, to form the skills of defense required, if Cain's men, indeed planned to attack upon arrival.
“They certainly seem to have a good understanding of the tool's capabilities,” Presley1477 mentioned off-handed to Alex as they watched the group.
“Much easier than when I was developing the tool,” Alex scoffed.
“I can imagine,” Presley1477 agreed.
“When do you think the team, working on the
protocols reset and lockout codes, will be ready?” Alex asked. “By the time you reach Mars, they should have the codex ready and standing by,” Presley1477 assured.
“Mars? Why would you need to go to Mars?” Kutch asked, over-hearing only the last part of their
conversation.
“Because that's where the primary protocol channel node is located,” Presley1477 explained.
“Alex--I believe you explained to me, the protocol nodes could be reconfigured remotely?” Kutch asked, ignoring Presley1477.
“I said all of the backup nodes could be remotely reconfigured. The primary node has a manual power shutdown. They all must be timed for a simultaneous power-off reset, and someone will need to be there in person to power-off, and then to power back on, the primary node,” Alex explained.
Kutch was still feeling a little confused. “Don't we have some Elvonians on Mars, who could do the job?”
“Yes, but Alex has insisted,” Presley1477 answered, still trying to clear the confusion.
Kutch studied Alex. “Remind me where you said the node is located?”
“Inside the Corporate Campus, Home Office--”
“Right in the middle of 'Cain-Central!'” Kutch interrupted Alex.
“Technically, several floors below the--” Presley1477 attempted to clarify.
“You're not helping,” Kutch interrupted Presley1477. The statement hung in the air, and the silence that followed became uncomfortable.
“I think I--should follow up on the codex
teams...progress,” Presley1477 said to excuse a hasty exit.
Alex found she was unable to look Kutch in the eye as the silence continued to grow uneasy.
Kutch took a deep breath and gave an abrupt release. “So now we need to go to Mars--”
Alex shook her head. “No. Not we. Not this time.”
Kutch scowled. “What are you taking about now. Of course I'm going with you. I ALWAYS--”
“No! Not, this, time. It's too dangerous--you said it yourself; I have to go straight into the middle of 'CainCentral,'” Alex argued.
“Yes and we both heard a while ago, all but a handful of Cain's men have left. So the place is practically empty! There isn't a better time to go then now,” Kutch argued, as Alex gave her best 'don't go there' look. Kutch shook his head. “Oh no. No you don't. You don't get to give me that look. I refuse to let you give me that look!”
“You need to stay here and protect Li.”
Kutch continued to shake his head. “Protect Li? She does not NEED my protection. If anything she and everyone else here need protection FROM me. Don't you get it? This is all my fault!”
“Li and Novia have already told you that is not true. This is the path that was meant to be. You need to stay here--and protect Li,” Alex continued.
“You don't understand, Alex. Li doesn't need my protection. She doesn't need--me...anymore--” Kutch's voice faltered. He had finally said what he had felt for a long time, although the words did not sound any better once they were spoken out loud. Li had been such an important part of his life, for all of his life, from the very beginning. They were a team--at least, they used to be. She truly had moved on. Far beyond anything he could even begin to understand.
“I'm so sorry, Kutch,” Alex whispered under her breath.
“And now--now you're saying you don't need me either.”
“No. No, I never said that,” Alex shook her head to disagree.
Kutch turned away and wiped at his face with the sleeve of his jumper. “You're saying you DO need me?” Kutch mumbled, peering back over his shoulder.
“No, it's--it's complicated. Very, complicated.”
“Oh, so you believe I would mess up this complex operation, if I tried to help?”
“I didn't say that either. I--I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to you,” Alex scowled.
“So now--you're saying you need me, but don't WANT me there to help,” Kutch turned and pressed his point by giving Alex his best rendition of her own 'don't argue' look.
“That's--not, what--I'm not saying--don't you dare give me that look!”
“What look?” Kutch scoffed.
“That's MY look. You're not playing fair!” Kutch pressed the look further. “If you get killed, I'll never speak to you again--in ANY realm!” Alex stormed off.
“Agreed! We'll need to get the gear bags,” Kutch said with a grin.
“You think you've won,” Alex fumed, leading the way out toward the sled.
“Oh, I know I won,” Kutch said, staying close.
“Not by a long-shot...”
“Uh-huh...”
*** Vaudi gleaned the information from the holograph, as a certified copy was sent directly to his own legal team for vetting.
“I would argue that this document was agreed upon between entities that do not exist,” Vaudi challenged. “Corporate is not listed among the parties involved.”
“At that time, Corporate used a different legal identity; Tri-Con United, which is party to the agreement,” Anthony explained.
“I've never heard such a thing. You have supporting documentation?” Vaudi asked. “I have a vast collection of ancient documentation. Much of which does verify the business activities of Corporate, pre-4010, including aliases, previous legal names and, the use of the name Tri-Con United,” Anthony explained.
“Verified--”
“Verified,” Anthony assured.
“And the Aki? How can we be sure they are who they
claim to be?” Vaudi asked.
“You will find within the data imprinted throughout the
atomic structure of the Sovereignty Stone, evidence of the
superior technology of the Aki, including the very
Sovereignty Stone they created. Corporate is currently
unable to reproduce Tri-Sphali-Lonsdaleite to such an
extent, quantity and purity.”
“How can we be certain the Aki are still active parties
to this document? They have never shown themselves--” “As indicated in the embedded data, they have a
return cycle of twelve to fifteen thousand years. They
would be due for a return visit any time now,” Anthony
replied. “In our current state of disarray, I, personally,
would not wish to face the wrath of their acknowledged
superior technology, due to any attempts to invalidate
their claim.”
“Agreed.” Vaudi sat back down on the lounging cube.
“This would significantly change the dynamics of any ongoing negotiations.”
“Indeed.”
“According to the terms of this contract, Tri-Con United
effectively agreed to disavow any claims to Earth and
surrounding quadrants. Why would the Board agree to
such unsavory terms? Where was the profit?”
“According to much of the supporting documentation
within the stone, Tri-Con United was not given much of a
choice. Even after the Aki representative, Anu, had
warned Tri-Con United officials that tampering with the
genome of the human race could invite contention from a very dangerous rival race of beings called the Muah'Aki, Tri-Con United officially continued the genetics program, flatly ignoring the warning. Facing superior technology and intimidation, Tri-Con United was inclined to acquiesce to this formidable request,” Anthony explained. “Every
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