by Ryan Krauter
Finally, Loren found his voice. "You understand that seems like a somewhat daunting task," he said softly.
"No doubt," admitted Admiral Bak. "To be honest with you, this isn't the first time the subject has come up for us. We've been looking into the histories and legends since the Primans invaded. Obviously, somebody beat them soundly once. We want to know how, but a thousand years is a long time to forget. There's also no reason to think that everyone else in the galaxy isn't thinking the same thing, Primans included."
"I hope this is where you tell us you know something everyone else doesn't," asked Cory hopefully.
Admiral Bak allowed the faintest of grins. Not even a grin, really, but more of a transient smirk. "I think I can make that claim," he said with an air of satisfaction.
"The anticipation tortures me, sir," Web ventured.
Admiral Bak folded his hands together and rested them on the tabletop. He took a deep breath and began, looking at each of them as he talked. "We started by learning what we could about the cultures and empires still around now that were present back when the Primans were at the height of their power. Frankly, there weren't many. It's widely speculated that many planets, entire civilizations in fact, were wiped out in the fight for control of the galaxy. There was nothing new there, so we moved on. After several months of sorting data, one minor, very junior and by her own account under-appreciated analyst made a startling discovery: throughout the conflict, there were always present, in some form, accounts of androids and cyborgs that were there during key moments. They never seemed to be fighting or in fact taking sides in any way, but their presence is woven through the conflict. Every major data entry will inevitably reveal some sort of AI presence."
Admiral Bak let that hang in the air to see what Loren's people said.
Loren was the first to make the connection. "So you think there were AIs cataloging the fight?"
"I believe they were," Bak replied matter-of-factly.
"AIs were illegal," Cory added, "even way back then, right?"
"Correct," Bak confirmed. "Fully sentient AI systems have been forbidden across the majority of the galaxy for almost fifteen hundred years. There are enough intact records to confirm that fact, at least."
"Yes," added Loren sarcastically, "there was that awkward period where people kept creating artificial intelligences and then had the computers try to wipe out the biologicals."
"And they succeeded more often than not," confirmed the admiral, nodding in agreement. "Entire planets were laid bare, cultures wiped out of existence. It was only after a few hundred years of the cycle repeating itself all over the galaxy that early spacefaring civilizations started to band together. In fact, historians credit that type of crisis as one of the major stepping stones toward the trade, commerce, and standardization we have in the galaxy today. We had to talk to each other and sometimes even facilitate contact just to see if they were about to get themselves blown up by their own computers. So while people had been exploring the stars for a long time before that, one of the first common threads was a distrust of turning over decisions to the machines."
"And so you think there are some AIs still on the loose out there?" asked Loren. "Maybe even keeping tabs on us?"
"That's mildly unsettling," admitted Web.
"We know not all of them were destroyed," said the admiral. "A handful of groups remain unaccounted for, and while there have been exactly zero confirmed reports about their presence as far back as the Confederation has records, that's no reason to believe they're not out there. There are also plenty of people who are downright fans of them and their technology; there are probably biologicals that communicate with them as well. We just need to look in the right place for the right things."
"So what exactly are we looking for?" asked Merritt.
"I've picked out a selection of likely places where the AIs would have a presence," Admiral Bak began. "Some are groups or individuals known to embrace and support an AI return. Others are people or corporations that are leaders in their field when it comes to advanced artificial intelligence; the most advanced systems you can buy and still be legal. It's possible the real AIs would be monitoring these locations to see if anyone has made a breakthrough. There are also two planets whose inhabitants fought and won against AI systems before the first Priman war. It also stands to reason the AIs would want to keep tabs on their creators."
Loren just chewed his lip for a minute, then spoke candidly and hoped for the best. "But we don't really have anything solid, do we Admiral? If we did, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Bak just returned Loren's gaze as the rest of the Avenger officers tried to not make eye contact with their superior officer. "No, Loren, we don't, unfortunately. Avenger has the latitude to explore these or any other targets at her discretion. Just make sure to check in on an embassy or two so we can prove to the senators that you're waving the Confed flag and staying off the front lines. We don't have a firm timetable for this op, but you understand that at the macro level the clock is still ticking."
With that, Admiral Bak sat up straight in his chair and tugged his tunic down, then repeated the gesture with his cuffs. "I've already sent the relevant data to each of your buffers on Avenger. We need to get started as soon as possible, so if you have no further questions, I'll wish you good luck and be on my way."
As Loren and the rest stood up, Admiral Bak did the same, then made it a point to approach and shake hands with each officer as they prepared to leave his small ship.
"Good luck, Loren," Admiral Bak said quietly when it was just the two of them left. He placed a data cube in Loren's hand and inclined his head towards it. "Those are my expanded orders for Captain Elco. Unofficial, of course; if the powers that be thought we might actually be trying to win this war they'd throw us all in jail." Then he fixed Loren with a stare and turned serious. "Not to put too much pressure on you, but I desperately need you to bring me back a weapon that we can use to shift the odds."
Loren just nodded grimly. "No pressure."
By the time Loren, Cory, Merritt and Web returned to Avenger, things were already happening.
As soon as they disembarked, Web was greeted by an aircraft handler and told that another Freedom class transport was spotted on the launch cat in the Warbirds' hangar and it would leave when he was ready. Web just looked at Loren.
"Did I miss a memo?" he asked lightly, then looked back at the crewer.
"No, sir," the woman replied. "Orders just came through from the captain. We were told to have a transport warmed up and ready, and to grab you as soon as you were aboard. The flight plan's in the computer and apparently your orders pick up there."
"You live a life of adventure, Web," Cory admitted with a smile as Web snapped off salutes to everyone.
"Send us a message from wherever you're going," Merritt called out, and Web replied with a rude gesture as he jogged off to catch up with the deck crewer who had already started walking away.
"I guess I'll go tell the captain about our mysterious conversation with the admiral," said Loren in a resigned tone.
"And I didn't even get time to see you in a swimsuit," Merritt said sullenly to Cory.
Enric Shae waited patiently in the parking garage for his hoverlimo to appear. As a senior staffer to the man who headed the Governing Committee, he was allowed the use of a chauffeured vehicle and he took advantage when he could.
The black vehicle slid into place in front of the armored airlock where the passengers waited and the vehicle was scanned as it bobbed gently on its repulsor fields. Having determined it was clear of any chemical, biological, or mechanical threats, the security detail pulled back while one husky Trin opened the door for Shae.
"All clear, sir," he said as Enric made his way across the small gap between vestibule and door. The underground garage was usually a hive of activity for the monstrous government center, so in addition to the courtesy of holding the door, it was also a subtle prod to get on his way so
the next person could get their ride as well.
Enric settled into the back seat and was only mildly surprised to see a woman in the seat opposite him, her back to the driver that was out of sight due to the privacy partition being raised.
"Mr. Shae," she began, "your driver and myself are both employees of our mutual friend."
She didn't look Priman, but Enric supposed that was the point. As the template for most humanoids in this entire part of the galaxy, it was a relatively easy matter for them to blend in just about anywhere with the right prosthetics. He had to admit she was attractive and carried herself with confidence. Another time and place and he might have considered trying to bed the woman, but he had too much at stake to act so recklessly at this point in the plan. Besides, she was only a cutout; a mid-level operative who he'd never see again. She'd return directly to Priman space to personally brief the Commander and he didn't want any of his actions to appear troublesome.
"And how would I confirm that?" he asked as he tried to remember the correct pass phrases for the location, type of meet, time since last communication and number of people present. The Primans were nothing if not thorough.
"Polar, seventeen, able yellow," she replied smoothly.
It was what Enric was expecting to hear. "So what can I do for you today?"
"The Commander is asking for an update on your internal moves," she continued without fanfare.
Enric thought about that. He had made it very clear to the Primans that, if put in charge, he just wanted his own sphere of influence and he'd be happy to let them run rampant across the rest of the galaxy. Apparently they were still comfortable with the arrangement. "The senator has implemented the first of four new appointments," he began. "He's created planning committees and filled them with people who owe us. They'll use these to gradually consolidate various authorities and powers under our umbrella, and while they will by all appearances be separate, by the time it's over the senator will have direct access to every power and authority the Confederation government has."
"No backlash yet?" the woman prodded.
"None," replied Enric proudly. "The committees have been formed for what we call the general welfare and security of society. We really don't even have any long term stated goals, just procedures and rules for the people to follow. As per your request, one of these committees will start by recommending certain military cuts and increased security measures towards the general population. The plan is still on schedule."
"Excellent. And what of the troublemakers we've asked you to deal with?"
Enric grimaced. She was referring to a handful of ships and crews that had caused the Primans no end of pain, and in turn the Primans had needled and micromanaged him about the units in question. "All out of the theater of operations," he reported. "A few are doing training cruises, some personnel have been reassigned, and two of our more ambitious ships have been dispatched on diplomatic missions far from home."
The nameless Priman woman paused, seeming to digest the information before continuing. "Is one of these ships Avenger?"
"Yes," Enric bit out.
"I will need her itinerary."
Loren and Captain Elco sat in the day room attached to the captain's quarters, each holding a small glass with two fingers of the brandy they both favored.
"So," Elco began, "I browsed the admiral's orders while you were on the way up. I've already put into motion his orders for Web, and saw the official communication regarding our impending goodwill tour." He looked Loren in the eyes. "So what's this really about?"
Loren only smiled and retrieved the data cube from a front breast pocket. He held it up and Elco gestured for him to toss it over, which he did. The captain set it down on a scanning plate on the table next to him, transferring the data to his personal buffer.
"Recap?" Elco asked as he opened the document on a data pad.
"The diplomatic mission is a cover for our tasking to find illegal, underground Artificial Intelligences and use that information to discover and retrieve a weapon to destroy the Primans and win the war."
"Hmmm," Elco grunted as he scanned the text on the screen in front of him. "Anything else? Cure for aging or bad breath, perhaps?"
Loren laughed. "He didn't want to overburden us."
Elco looked up from the pad and looked at Loren with raised eyebrows. "He's serious?"
"Well," Loren replied, "he says he has some good leads. They'll need to be thoroughly run down, but I get the feeling he had enough tidbits put together that he thought it was time to let somebody have a crack at it."
Elco just grunted again as he took a sip of his drink, then swirled the liquid in the glass as he looked at the compartment's ceiling while doing some mental math. "Rough numbers here; the first place Admiral Bak wants us to go is already past the arm and into the main galactic disc, through occupied Priman territory. It'll take almost a week at our max cruise speed to get there. He really wants us to just wander around and hope for the best, eh?"
"I think he has a lot of faith in us," Loren countered. "The problem is that I also think he assumes we can perform miracles. But, I figure we might as well give it a shot."
Elco grinned as he got up and walked to his desk, toggling a comm line to the bridge.
"Bridge, Mastruk here," came the reply from Sarria Mastruk, the female Drisk who was Loren's subordinate in C3, placing her third in line to command the ship.
"New orders, Lieutenant Commander," began Elco. "Set a course for the Reshing system, max cruise power. Plot a course around known Priman occupied areas and engage. I'll be up in a few minutes to review the plot. And no, I'm not messing with you."
To her credit, she barely missed a beat. "Understood, Captain. Best speed to Reshing."
Elco severed the connection and contemplated the remains of the brandy he’d be unable to finish anytime soon. He set it down on the table next to Loren’s own unfinished glass and headed for the hatch. "One day I'll be able to go a complete night without some horrible crisis or situation of impending doom dragging me back out of my quarters."
"But then what would you do with all that free time?" asked Loren innocently as they walked out into the corridor.
A full day later, Web was trying to look casual and carefree as he sat at the bar of a crowded restaurant on the planet Eras, a predominantly tourism-based planet with beautiful beaches, lush green forests, and majestic white-capped mountains. His orders had merely said to go to the planet, turn over the transport at the Confed port facility, then obtain civilian clothes and proceed to this bar at this time to meet up with whoever had decided he should be a part of this scatterbrained op. Something told him he knew who this person was, and he deeply hoped he was right.
He'd actually been here before, on his last real leave before the Primans had invaded. It seemed like a lot longer than about two years ago, but he could also think of all the things that had changed since then.
"What can I get you?" asked the bartender, an attractive human woman about Web's age.
"I'll give it a few minutes until my girlfriend gets here, then we'll order together," he said with a smile. She returned it, and then spun off to the next customer.
"I sure hope that means you deduced I had asked for you to be on this mission and not that you were meeting another woman," he heard a voice say behind him.
"I know better than to think I could hide something from you," he said lightly, receiving a jab in the kidney in response. "Not that I could ever conceive of such a thing."
He turned around and stood up, walking a half step into the outstretched arms of Halley Pascal. The athletic, dark haired woman grabbed him tightly, then separated herself and kissed him, letting it linger no longer than would be considered appropriate in public. Part of Web's still-rational brain wondered if she knew what the average time that a public display of affection was considered to be appropriate.
She guided them back onto their bar stools and motioned the bartender over. They ordered, the woman qu
ickly returning with their drinks, and as soon as the bartender was out of earshot, Halley turned to Web and talked softly enough that he could barely hear.
"So, what's new?" she said with a smile.
"Nothing much," he replied. "Just got some crazy, vague orders to report here and become part of a team to retrieve some very special jewelry from our invading friends."
"Hmm," she mused. "I have orders just like that. Except I got to write them myself." She gave him an uncharacteristically serious look. "I need a crew of two for this. Couple of reasons, but it boils down to the fact that two people are better than just me. Since SAR troops are in short supply and only the tip-of-the-top officers in the SAR chain of command even know about the ring data, they obviously don't want to read anyone new in on this. So, I had an excellent opportunity to suggest the name of someone I know who has skills, knowledge, and ability who would love to help out."
"You forgot handsome and great-smelling," Web cautioned.
"Oh, I wasn't talking about you. You were my fourth choice."
Web grabbed her hand and squeezed as he smiled warmly. "You're paying for your own drink."
She squeezed his hand back. "Let's get rolling. We need to get you some clothes and supplies. Then I'll fill you in on what we're going to be up to. But first, I have procured a room in a fairly posh hotel near here. I was hoping you'd help me sweep it for bugs."
Web started breathing faster at her tone. "We should start by checking each other out thoroughly."
"Excellent thinking."
CHAPTER 4
The morning after they'd started on their run to the Reshing system, Loren had wandered the corridors of Avenger, idly roaming the passages of his ship; something he hadn't been able to do much as of late. He knew it was good for the crew to see him stop by and check in on their duty stations, wherever they may be. It was also nice to be able to inspect the ship in an unhurried manner; he'd spent a lot of time lately quickly checking and signing off on under-way repairs, supervising the effort to keep the ship in battle worthy condition and ready to engage the Primans wherever they were found.
