by T S Paul
“Did we get any reading at all?”
“Ma’am the Alamance has the newest sensors in the fleet. They read the blips as a pair of modified freighters.”
“Could they have been pirates?”
“Possibly. We don’t know what sort of fleet they have out here. Intel is completely in the dark about this system.”
“OK, have the fleet deploy for possible attack. Put us at the center of the formation. Have our fighters start a combat space patrol of the area. Reserve the Manxman’s forces for any attacks. Have our scouts found anything we can use?”
“They have. There is an abandoned mining station near us in the asteroid field. Commander Woody feels that he can use whatever is there it effect temporary repairs.”
“Roger, have him get started immediately. Hopefully the Gods of space will stay on our sides for this.”
~~~
“Sir, we just received a message from our agents on New Texas. One of their anti-piracy patrols stumbled over a fleet hiding in the asteroid field.”
“Is it them? Is it Admiral Kane’s deserters?”
“We think so. Who else is out here? Only Mars has more than a few ships and why would they hide?”
“Good work. Order the Fleet to break orbit. We leave at once. If we don’t end this soon Miguel will have our heads on a pike. If it is not them, we may go ahead and take the planet ahead of schedule. They have only a few ships.”
“It will be done as you command.” Jeremiah 117 watched as the Intel specialist gave orders to break orbit. Now was the time for revenge!
Chapter 11
“If I did not need you, I would place you in a pain amplifier! Now, once again. Where? Are? We?” The bridge crew of the destroyer Ptolemy was silent. They had the proper answers but Delta 501 was not capable of understanding them. Every time they began to answer he would start yelling. It was not supposed to be this way. The original plan was for Earth’s Fleet to contact the colonies and bring them back into the fold by force if necessary. The Gen-Mod organization called the Cabal had provided everything that the fleet would need to do exactly that. They did not take the destruction of the Colossus into account. Who knew that Mars was capable of such destruction. They were flying blind with only a Delta in command. He was senior most surviving leader the small fleet had now.
His last orders were to contact the Cabal and begin the takeover process. Delta 501 was trying, but he had a very short temper. He so wished to just kill all Gamma’s on the bridge crew and replace them with others who could speak clearly. However, a fresh crew was a thing of the past now. He had to use what he had. Calming himself he tried a different approach.
“Bring up a map of the known galaxy.” A giant map appeared on the main screen. “Show our location.” A small flashing dot could be seen in the upper right. “Now, show only that section of space.” The map changed again. “Where are we?”
“Sir, we are in between the system know as the Badlands and the Imperial Capital system.”
“The Badlands? What is located there?”
“Nothing, sir. According to our Intel, it is universally avoided.”
“Good. Make for that system. We will use it for a staging area. No one will think to hunt for us in there. The other system that is where the Cabal is. Correct?”
“Yes, sir. That is what we have in the database.”
“Good. Assemble a team of our best Beta’s. We need the Gen-Mods to do all the work before we take over. According to the information that we received, they are building an Empire for us. They are unaware of their place in the hierarchy of the Program. We will educate them.”
~~~
Inside the Government center Miguel 009 leader of the Cabal and now the Empire stood staring out the window at the city. The fires were finally out and citizens were moving about again. A knock at the door caused him to turn. “Come in!”
“Sir, Jeremiah has a lead on Admiral Kane’s fleet. He took his task force and is pursuing them.”
“Excellent. If he survives, we will place him in total command of the Fleet. What is our status on the planet?”
“We have found and eliminated most of the known rebel groups. The student corp is almost ready. The indoctrination is holding so far. Young minds are easily molded.”
“True. It is so very nice to work openly after so many years in the shadows. How fares our ground forces?”
“They are finally organized and prepared. Anyone that steps out of line is eliminated.”
“Good. Start preparing the camps. The purge is about to begin.”
“Sir? Is it really time to start that? We might need some of them for leverage.”
Miguel 009 looked at his subordinate. He was second generation so was not really part of the Inner Circle. Lackeys could be useful. “Just do as you are told. It would be unfortunate if you accidentally ended up in the camps too.”
The lackey shuddered at the thought of the camps and shut his mouth. He had been a part of the planning session for the camps. He knew what was to happen.
“Contact our people in the mining consortium's and prepare them for free workers. We will get as much use out of this planet’s dissidents as possible.”
~~~
Alpha 222 strode down the long hallway. His echoing footsteps could be heard the length of the hallway and sent chills down the backs of all who heard them. Only a few Alphas were allowed access to this part of the complex. This had once been a secret bunker called Greenbriar. Whatever that was originally it did not sound very important. This was the birthplace of the Program. Today it was the most protected location on Earth. A full division of Delta’s were stationed up above. The complex above-ground was the training base for Delta command.
The echoing sounds of footsteps finally died out. The Alpha was now standing in front of two large doors with intricate locks and countermeasures. Standing on either sides of the door were armed and armored Zeta’s. This was the only location that they were ever seen that way. They were supported by two squads of Delta troops.
“Who approaches the Hall of the Program?”
“I do. Alpha 222, the Keeper of the Keys.”
“Present your key but be warned that wrath awaits impostors.”
As a young-ling he had gotten the ritual words wrong and inserted the wrong key. He was nearly killed by the attendants. He discovered that day that Keepers got one extra chance after that they would be killed. With his one chance gone he was very careful.
Alpha 222 inserted the key and the doors slowly opened. “May you find what you seek.”
The Alpha entered and heard the doors close behind him. He could see a light in the darkness before him.
“Step into the light and all will be forgiven Alpha 222.” He stepped into the light. Before him was a throne room with a council of six inside. They were Gen-Mods. The last free Gen-Mods on the planet. Only a very small part of the Alpha population was aware of their existence. They were the prophets of the Program. Through them were orders given and lives destroyed.
“Why have you come before us?”
“Ships have returned from Mars. The news is not good.”
“Download please.” The speaker pointed toward the data port in front of the dais.
Alpha 222 plugged his data module in and waited. Lights began to flash and the Gen-Mods looked alarmed. Words began to scroll across the vid screens on the walls almost too fast for the eye to read.
“The Program has received the information. Interrogate the leaders of the returning ships. Every detail of the voyage and attack must be discovered. Make examples if you have to. Send a message using code 00754. The details of the message are on your module. Prepare the Fleet. The liberation of the colonies from oppression will begin soon.”
“Blessed Prophets, how much of the Fleet should I prepare?” Alpha 222 bowed his head. It was very dangerous to ask questions in this room.
“Prepare to send everything. The defense wall will be enough to protect Earth. Be sur
e to include transportation of the ground army as well. Five divisions of Delta’s will be traveling with you. Take your data module and go!”
Alpha 222 grabbed his DM and left quickly. So much to do. It was very exciting.
The ‘prophets’ looked at each other and smiled. “Now is the time for all of our work to be revealed.”
“Do you think the Miguel 009 and the Cabal will comply?”
“Judging from these reports they sent, I think they will. It will be too late for them by the time they realize what Earth has become.”
“We have created only what the Program wished. Don’t forget that! The original council of ten didn’t respect the Program. They sought to manipulate it and subvert its rule. The only good thing to have come from their rule was this Cabal organization. Miguel will do as he is told.”
Chapter 12
As far state funerals go the service wasn’t bad. The Governor decided to have a public ceremony and internment to honor the man who saved his life. Alexander Lee would be remembered as a Statesman, Military Hero, and a Patriot. To his family he would be known as Father.
Minerva stood proud and tall in her dress blues at the head of the procession. She had not shed a single tear in sorrow since his death. Although his last act was that of a savior, his life was one of a repressor to his family. Minerva found it very hard to separate the two halves of his personality. She truly hoped that with his last breath he realized his many mistakes.
The Monument to the Fallen was reserved for those who gave their lives in protection of the ideals of government. The state minister, Father Lin Guine, from the FSM church was presiding over the ceremony. Min could not handle being in the mass of mourners. She retreated up the hill so she could see what was happening but not participate. She was unable to concentrate. There was too much going on in her head. With her father gone the leadership of the Militia fell to her. She already was in control of Freedom Station and most of the Navy. That did not even include the day-to-day operation of the farm. Athena was still on Mars. Damn Father for keeping her out there! In her most recent communication she outlined the meetings with potential allies that she was having. Her period of mourning was already over. She was too far away to help and was actually doing a very good job as Ambassador. Hearing clapping she looked down at the mourners. The ceremony was almost over.
“… as we sent our brother into the afterlife, we pray that noodly appendages will descend from the heavens and guide this lost soul into the afterlife so he can pursue the great treasure that is the great beyond. As was said by the prophet Pan and those that followed, second star to the right.” The mourners all responded, ‘straight on till morning.’ “As I sail through the waters of life, I will pursue all evil until the end of times!” All the mourners shouted “Ramen," and the service was over.
Minerva sighed and walked slowly down the hill. There would be many who would wish to console her now.
On the other side of the ceremony a man clad in black was kicking himself. His target was out in the open for over an hour and he missed her. He assumed that she would have been standing next to the goofy priest. The assassin spent the entire time searching for her and she was up on a hill all alone. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” He watched as the target got into the large military escort vehicle. She was going to the reception, he would have another chance there.
As Minerva climbed into the military transport, she noticed that it was occupied. A middle aged woman sat across from her. Sitting on either side of her were two identical CATTs. Having worked with Merlin so much Min could tell the difference between real and robot easily. “Margaret what are you doing here?” The woman smiled.
“Hello, dear. Wilson sent me to you. He knew that you would need support in a time such as this.”
“He was mistaken. I’m fine.”
“Major, we both know that isn’t true. I am privy to a great deal of information. I am aware of the sort of man your father was. My dearly departed husband was a similar sort; always in-charge and very controlling. My own children did not know if they should mourn or celebrate when he passed from this world.”
“I still can’t believe that he is gone. He left so much undone. The Senate, the Militia, the Farm… By the Gods the farm is going to be a nightmare to run without him.”
“Wilson sent along a suggestion regarding that. You don’t have to listen. Any choice you make should be your own. Wilson respects that. But he told me that you are his big-sister’s sister so we should try to help you.”
“I’m listening. Help me how?”
Margaret smiled. Wilson was correct again. Play to someone’s emotions and they fold. She was learning so much from the little AI. “Your farm is a modern marvel. It is already around eighty percent automated. The workers use drones and automatic equipment for most of the tasks. Wilson proposes that you turn operations over to Theai enterprises and allow him and his partners to run things for you. The farm only, he will not interfere with the running of the estate and grounds. That is for you and your sister.” Margaret paused. She studied Minerva.
“Wilson said to tell you that he will not replace the employees but only make the farm more efficient.”
“How is he planning on doing any of that? He is a computer!”
“Wilson is very capable. If he says it will be done, he gets it done. Now, there will be no fee’s on your family’s part. He intends this farm to be a testing ground for something he is working on. You and your sister will still receive all the profits, he just wishes full control to make some changes.”
Minerva thought about the deal for a few moments. She didn’t know much about running the farm. Father preferred for Han to do that. A man’s touch is what he liked to say. She must be insane for even considering the idea. “Will the person in charge be you?”
“Me? Oh no dear.” She began to laugh. “No, I run the office and take care of the associates. I believe that Wilson wants to work with the existing staff. One of the firm’s partners will be taking over for you.”
Minerva looked outside and saw that the they were almost to the reception hall. She looked over at Margaret. “Tell Wilson he has a deal. I will be checking up though.”
“Good decision. I will inform both Wilson and Voll of the deal. Voll is the new RIC for the farm.”
“RIC? What does that stand for?”
“It means Robot-in-Charge. Your new overseer is one of the RAM robots.”
The car lurched to a stop and Minerva reached for the door to open it. Both the CATTs in the car Meowed loudly and jumped down to the floor of the vehicle and pawed at her.
“Major, you might want to wait just a moment.” Margaret pulled out a tablet and began typing.
“There is a threat on your life Major.” Margaret reached past her and opened the door just enough for the two CATTs to exit. “Let Huginn and Muninn take care of it please.”
Both CATTs raced from the car and disappeared into the shadows of the buildings across the street. Soon a loud scream was heard echoing off the surrounding buildings. The body of a man came hurtling down from the roof and crashed into one of the escort vehicles.
The two CATTs returned a few moments later.
“What happened on the roof?”
Margaret checked her tablet and responded to the question. “They say that he was armed with a sniper rifle and was in position to kill you. They zapped him and he fell.”
“Zapped?”
“They mean they hit the assassin with a stun charge.”
“Oh. I assume it’s safe to get out now?” Minerva stepped out of the car. Standing in front of the reception hall door was a large orange CATT.
“So now you show up? Did you see the assassin?”
Just like a real cat, Merlin sat and stared at Minerva. The twins acknowledged Merlin’s almost imperious stare. Even Margaret half bowed to the CATT. Interesting. Thought Minerva.
Chapter 13
It had taken years to get an agent into place inside the Ma
rtian command center. Xavier Charles shook his head in dismay. The orders on the screen were verified as coming from within the inner circle of the Cabal. His greatest intelligence triumph was about to be thrown away in an assassination attempt. Xavier’s hand was on his console and the message almost completed when a stray thought came to him. If he refused the order, they would kill him. He was not alone inside the Cabal training center. There were several hundred adepts and initiates here too. Xavier quickly erased his refusal message and wrote new orders. The mission would go forward.
