‘No.’ Marcus said through a tight lipped grimace as he kept his eyes firmly shut, the tear escaping from his eye and streaking down his cheek in defiance of his attempt to maintain his composure. ‘I will not fire this weapon to take a life, and no matter how hard you try to force yourself into my mind to control me to do so, I will resist you. He has done nothing more than show me how life is back home, how people interact and how history has proved that those who seek to impose their beliefs on others meet with resistance and end up having to use force to make people comply or die in the onset of a new order. Is that what we are about? To force ourselves upon those back on Earth? What if they resist? What if they say no? What if my parents say no? Will you use threats against them to comply as you did against Captain Maddox when you threatened Praia?’
There were more tears making their tracks down the young man’s cheeks now, following the example of the first and Maddox watched on intently, quite aware that despite his age this was probably the most emotion which Marcus had been subjected to in a long time, welling up inside him now as he began to rant towards the ceiling. There was a certain unpredictability to the events as they were unfolding as he began waving the pistol he held upwards also, as if using it as a tool to punctuate each statement he was making.
‘Is this all we are to you? Subjects? To be commanded as you see fit under some guise of community effort and collaboration? Is that what Earth will become? Some larger epitome of our own colony with you leading the way for everyone to follow? And what about Mars? You have been in contact with them and never shared this with any of us, to what end? Is it true? What is it that you are not telling the rest of us? Answer me!!’
‘My, what an effect you have had here Captain. To take one of our society so devoted to our cause and twist him against his brothers and sisters so cruelly. To inflict the disease of your discordant and chaotic social order within our own number in your futile attempt to break apart our community to bring about your own selfish goals.’ The computer replied.
Maddox made a move to speak but Marcus cut across him with anger in his voice.
‘You have not answered me! Have you made contact with the core worlds and kept it from us?’ He demanded.
There was a short pause before the AI gave it’s considered reply.
‘Yes, we have been able to have sporadic contact with Mars but did not gauge the community ready for such a revelation. Our efforts towards our return were too vital to afford any unwarranted disruption which may have presented itself.’
‘So you decided they weren’t ready, so you retained the information,’ Maddox interjected quickly. ‘So you decide what is best for the society then, and if it does not meet approval you censor it? Interesting.’
‘You are twisting things Captain to suit your rather pathetic attempt at subversion,’ the AI retorted to Maddox’s interruption.
‘Twisting them am I?’ Maddox asked as he held his hand up in a gesture towards Marcus beckoning for his silence for the moment despite the young man’s almost fervent desire to join the verbal fray. ‘If I am twisting it then please would you enlighten me as to why this balanced and cooperative society here on this moon requires you to analyse and censor materials before it reaches the population? Surely their knowledge that you were provided with schematics for the implant technology from Mars should not cause alarm, you certainly had no reason to have that information in your ship’s data-banks when you left Earth all those years ago. How about the fact that you were working alongside a member of my own degenerate society in your efforts to sow fear and discord amongst the population of the colonies on the inner worlds? Did you plant the explosives in the Lunarian exchange? No, of course you didn’t. You had help from people back in the core, to whom you provided a neat cover story of a renegade rebel faction.’
There was silence from the computer.
‘No answer to that eh?’ Maddox jibed. ‘Okay, how about the fact that you are in fact testing the whole shared mind technology as a grand experiment on these colonists out here away from any form of regulation and monitoring that would prevent human testing of prototype technologies back in the core? Was this also directed by your Martian contacts, the idea being to perfect the technology out here and then return to Earth and implement it there? What do the Martians stand to gain?’
Again, silence was the stark response.
‘Why does the computer now not answer?’ Marcus asked of Maddox in frustration. ‘These things you have just said, are they the truth?’
‘Sadly enough, yes.’ Maddox had to admit. ‘Look Marcus, your computer AI which you have all put your faith in and linked yourselves up to so trustingly has been with-holding information from you and even utilising you for actions which have had dire consequences for some of my colleagues and friends back in the core worlds. Those attacks were not just randomly enacted to draw attention, there was a purpose and timing to them in collusion with some person or persons as yet unknown back on Mars. Now they have the support of the other colonies to root out dissenters and resistance groups throughout the core and the belt under the pretext that they are striking at those who may harbour the ‘Children of the Earth’, who committed the devastating attack on the Lunarian Exchange. I was on the run from this very patrol ship following a botched sting attempt when your computer intervened. There’s an unwritten code of the space lanes, which is if you come across a ship in distress no matter it’s colours or flag it flies under, you try to render assistance. This ship seemed in distress, I boarded when contact could not be made and lo and behold ended up being dragged all the way out here to meet with you lot. My crew feared for my safety and followed. That’s how we came to be out here, not by choice but by a set of circumstances.’
‘So you were committing an act of kindness before the onset of these events?’ Marcus asked with a meek tone in his voice. ‘Then you have been subjected to imprisonment and procedures against your wishes, in an attempt to extract your memories and force you to comply. Yet you still converse with me as an equal and not the enemy despite the fact it was I who subjected you to your most recent procedural attempt?’
‘Yes, because you were acting under the influence of the computer AI back there and right here and now you appear not to be, you are thinking and analysing what I say and for the first time since I arrived here this has been the most pleasant conversation I have had with anyone bar Praia,’ Maddox replied feeling mightily encouraged by the young man’s grasp on the situation and analysis of the events so far. ‘Just out of interest Marcus, on the point of being under the influence, you have been out here for a while talking with me, but not once have you rejoined the shared mind for support or even the computer itself to advise on your situation. Mind if I ask why?’
Marcus seemed a little taken aback by the sudden change in direction as his brow creased slightly then his expression lightened as it appeared to dawn upon him that Maddox would not be fully versed in the technology they used and it’s apparent limitations.
‘Not at all Captain, indeed I must say that this time away from the shared consciousness and my conversation with you has proved to be very…. enlightening, to say the very least. It actually concerns me greatly at present how blindly we were proceeding with the plans to return to Earth and impose our social model on those who resided there without the knowledge of secret contacts and hidden agenda. Indeed, the thought of the potential harm we may have actually caused both in the attacks which have already been committed and in the implementation of our shared mind technology in those who may have sought to remain apart actually sickens me. We were so blind and naive.’
‘Don’t punish yourself too much over it,’ Maddox soothed as he tried to veer Marcus back on track and away from self-recrimination. ‘So the link?’
‘Sorry Captain. Yes, there is a mineral in the rock of this moon which restricts the contact of our implants over large distances, for example from underground to above ground as we are now. Throughout the complex there ar
e repeater stations which act as contact nodes, allowing for un-interrupted connection for members of our society as they move about the colony. At present the link is still there in my mind, but more on a subconscious level and presents more akin to feelings and suggestions to me than direct thoughts or shared experiences. Within the colony buildings themselves one may reduce contact to such a low level by personal choice, for example during rest periods, but if one is needed then the system can over-ride this and bring you back into the shared mind to deal with whatever matters have arisen.’
‘So let me get this straight, the computer can’t tell you directly what to do, but can try and hint at things and plant suggestive thoughts in your mind whilst you are out here?’
‘Yes Captain, as when you were talking earlier I had a sensation that I could just raise up this pistol I held and fire, ceasing the debate and returning to our normal ways. However you were no threat to me, rather you were imparting the knowledge you held to me as had been so desired earlier today and why I would want to stop you from doing so was irrational. It was the computer, quite obviously wanting me to silence you and thus you revealing the secrets it had been keeping from us all.’
Maddox nodded his acceptance of this, tilting his head slightly as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully and smiled.
‘And I for one am very pleased you don’t just blindly follow your feelings!’
‘Why has the computer stopped responding Captain?’
‘I do not know my friend, and that concerns me. I suspect the answers it would have to give were not the ones it would have liked you to hear, and it could hardly refute the statements I put to it could it now? No, the silence does not mean it has gone away, more likely it has an alternative method of dealing with this little hiccup in it’s plans and I think we should make ready for whatever it is that the maniacal machine has devised.’
‘My brothers and sisters do not know of it’s deceit, nor the facts you have presented. Due to the limitations of the link which I told you of a moment ago, I cannot connect with them from here to advise them of all I have learnt,’ Marcus said as he sighed. ‘They are currently engaged in aiding the computer to break through the multi-level security protocols on this ship so we, or should I now say so the computer has full control over every aspect of this vessel. I had to be present here to manually input codes and interact with the on-board computer as it was an in-built feature to prevent remote unauthorised control over the ship.’
‘Did you finish your task?’
‘No, not yet. Not that I am going to now. Although that will only mean the computer will send someone else in my place. Captain, we need to warn my brothers and sisters of all this you have revealed to me. We need to make them aware that the computer had lied to us, but for that I would need to be within the complex and to link with our shared mind.’
‘Well, I doubt whether chuckles will be happy to let either happen,’ Maddox mused out loud. Then a thought struck him and he glanced about the bridge of the Martian ship, his mind racing as the unfettered idea took shape.
‘Marcus, this might be a long shot but there’s an up-link from the colony computer to this ship isn’t there?’
‘Yes Captain, it is through that the computer is directing our efforts against the security of this ship.’
‘Well this is a patrol ship, normally sent to quell trouble spots within the colonies. Somewhere on board there are rudimentary headsets for memory upload, as it’s one of the more notorious methods the Martians use for extracting information from captured insurgents. Scan their mind, reveal the important information and then just lock them up, no need to waste time trying to beat it out of them.’
‘That sounds like an invasive procedure. I find it hard to believe such a practice is sanctioned, even in your chaotic society!’ Marcus replied, quite aghast at the suggestion that people were strapped in and scanned as a method of interrogation.
‘It’s not,’ Maddox said in a low growl. ‘But despite all their claims otherwise, it’s what they do. Captains on the front lines have this technology to hand and uncooperative resistance operatives in their brig. Not that they make a song and dance about it, but if they have a successful outcome to their mission, not many questions are asked as to how they retrieved the information. Think of it as the company being able to distance itself easily from the apparently rogue actions of one Captain who is caught out. In any case, the moral argument aside we have a facility to hand which might come in useful. If you were to use it, would you be able to utilise the link to contact your friends?’
Marcus realised where Maddox was going with the idea and his face lit up.
‘Yes! I mean, I think I would. I’m pretty sure of it!’
‘Right then, let’s go find ourselves an interface. I have an idea it will be in the medical bay of the ship, which will probably be on the upper levels,’ Maddox said with renewed resolve as he stood from the Captain’s chair and stepped forwards towards Marcus, but the look on his young friend’s face caused him great concern as he spun about to face the newest arrival on the bridge.
‘Oh…. I believe we may have just discovered the rather unpleasant method of our disposal the computer has decided to implement!’ Maddox muttered over his shoulder towards Marcus, who rose from his seat slightly but was more afraid of what he saw than he had ever been before.
Now he was the enemy, a problem to be dealt with.
In the doorway stood one of the ship’s remaining complement of Sentinel units, it’s singular ocular sensor sweeping the bridge until it fixed upon the two men stood by the helm control.
Retaining it’s visual lock on their position, the unit took a couple of steps onto the bridge and raised it’s arm so that the laser mounted on it’s forearm was pointed in their direction.
29 Under Fire
‘You are correct Captain, and this time we are not leaving your demise to the automated failings of this unit,’ the computer’s voice sounded from above the two occupants of the bridge. ‘Even though we have a colony to run and departure plans to enact, we are using our time to personally see that you are eradicated and remain so.’
‘I think we may have annoyed it slightly,’ Maddox jested as he pulled Marcus with him to one side quickly to avoid the hail of energy blasts which ripped through the helm controls and across the panel, streaking forward to scar the rather plush wall decor of the bridge as the lances of energy tracked the movements of the rapidly moving targets. Maddox tugged Marcus into cover as the two of them huddled behind the smoldering remnants of the forward control panels.
‘Pistol!’ Maddox shouted as they both hit the deck. ‘Give me the pistol!’
He peered around the console to try and assess the movements of the unit which had ceased firing but was now advancing slightly whilst moving to it’s right in order to gain a better sight of it’s target, whilst his hand was held open towards Marcus who fumbled slightly with the shock of the sudden assault and in fear of his life.
Maddox’s wiggled his hand impatiently and Marcus furnished it with the grip of the pistol, which Maddox quickly brought up before him and regarded the prefire chamber intently, using his free hand to make the adjustments to reconnect the power cell and provide the weapon with the ability to fire once more.
With another quick glance at the movements of the Sentinel, he then swept the pistol upwards and aimed towards it with streams of energy spitting forth towards their assailant, hitting the upper torso and shoulders as well as a few stray shots burning into the wall behind the unit. The Sentinel reeled slightly as the energy discharged across the chest plating, but then reaffirmed it’s deadly game of cat and mouse with the target it had clearly focused on.
‘Move! Now! Get behind the other console now!’ Maddox commanded and the young man did not hesitate, the experience of his elder and the tone of voice drawing his immediate obedience as he scampered behind the second of the forward situated bridge stations and out of the direct line of sight to the Sentinel unit. Even
though in the grip of absolute fear, he chanced to glance around the console to Maddox who was also on the move, but over to the side of the bridge away from his position.
The Sentinel seemed to be ignoring young Marcus’ movements into cover and had tracked Maddox’s progress with an almost steady stream of fire, the bolts of energy scoring across the carpeted floor and into the narrow and tall console which he had taken refuge, pushing his back against the wall and then pushing upwards with his legs so he stood flat against the wall and behind the unit, reaching about in lightning movements to loose a few bursts from the pistol now held in his left hand towards the Sentinel. The tactile interface of the control panel erupted in a shower of smoke and sparks as repeated blasts of energy burned into it, under repeated assault from the Sentinel as it tried to land a hit upon the obscured target.
‘Your continued resistance is futile Captain, as you well know. In this limited environment you must score many direct hits against this unit to impair it’s function whereas all we have to do it hit a few key areas of your weak and flimsy body to debilitate and ultimately defeat you. How long before you run out of cover Captain?’ The AI said quite factually as the Sentinel let loose another volley towards Maddox’s position.
Marcus chanced a quick peek from his position of cover to see that the Sentinel had now moved around the upper bridge level and closer to the tall unit the Captain had chosen for cover. He had a growing sense of utter frustration as there was nothing he had to hand which could help his new friend, whom he was forced to watch being advanced upon by a rather efficient killing machine.
‘What the unit cannot suitably effect with ranged weaponry it can easily manage with brute force,’ the AI added when the Sentinel was within striking distance of the console unit and it’s right arm withdrew slightly and then lunged forward, it’s hand formed in a fist to punch the console and completely destroyed what remained of the tactile interface board and delved within to grip the framework and then wrench backwards, pulling main body of the unit away from the wall physically.
Children Of Earth (Tales from the 23rd Century Book 1) Page 25
