“May I ask what my new mission is?” Lord Crendemor said.
“You will teleport out this afternoon to a planet in the Tresoris sector,” said the demon.
“That’s on the other side of the galaxy,” Lord Crendemor said. “I’m needed here.”
The face of the dark elf in the hologram raised it lips in an evil grin. It laughed. “You’re unawareness of your nonimportance is beyond humorous.”
Lord Crendemor’s stomach muscles tightened, but he kept his face placid. “What is my mission?”
“One of the Crosioians’ battle helmets was captured last year,” said Zenthra. “My brother is sending you to retrieve it.”
In spite of his efforts at self-control, Lord Crendemor expressed surprise. “Battle helmets have been captured before. The scouting mission of the spaceport should be our primary concern.”
“There is no ‘our’,” laughed Zenthra. “You are merely a disposable tool. You will do as you are told, or I will take great pleasure in disposing of you in a manner you will not enjoy.”
Anger welled up again inside Lord Crendemor, but once again he was able to maintain his outward demeanor of calm.
“Why is this battle helmet so important, may I ask?” Lord Crendemor said with an air of disinterest.
The image of the dark elf in the hologram seemed to ponder the question for a moment. “I see my brother does not keep you informed. This battle helmet belonged to the Crosioian scout who was killed by the cadet last year. It holds information which could jeopardize the invasion. The battle computer in that helmet helped create the algorithm being used to control the invasion.”
“Surely any information the battle computer contains is encrypted, is it not?” Lord Crendemor said. While he was not familiar with the technical aspects of computer encryption, he could relate to it. All the spells in his spell book were encrypted in a fashion to protect them from the prying eyes of other mages.
“For someone from the magical dimension, you have learned the ways of the physical dimension well,” said the demon. “I’ll admit you surprise me at times, elf. You have picked up much of this dimension’s technology over the years. I will consent to answer your question this time, elf. This particular battle computer has the highest level of encryption. It should be unbreakable. However, I have sensed a deterioration of its security during the past year. Three of the Empire’s allies have been attempting to penetrate the battle computer’s core memory. They are close to success. You must retrieve or destroy the battle computer before its security can be circumvented.”
Lord Crendemor stared at the hologram for a moment before answering. “I assume you have devised a plan for the recovery of the battle computer which has a reasonable chance of success?”
“Probability of success is eighty-seven percent,” said Zenthra. “I have access to every Crosioian computer in addition to those on Veturna. I can be in many places at once. I have access to more knowledge than any of my brothers. My algorithms are infallible. The entire galaxy will bow down and worship me.” Zenthra broke out in laughter.
As Lord Crendemor waited for the demon to wind down, he tried to think of ways he could use this mission to his advantage. If this battle computer is so important, perhaps I can use it to accelerate my part in the plan. Zenthra is a fool. The demon is a powerful fool, but still a fool. However, the Dalinfaust is a different matter. I must use care not to draw the Dalinfaust’s attention.
A silence brought Lord Crendemor out of his thoughts. Zenthra was no longer laughing. The image of the dark elf was looking at him.
“Naturally, it will be done as you say,” Lord Crendemor said hastily.
“Of course it will,” said Zenthra. The dark-elf hologram gave a lopsided grin. “You need to brief your replacement for the recon at the spaceport. After that, meet me in the third floor lab. Do not make me wait long.”
“As you say,” Lord Crendemor said. He hated kowtowing to the pompous demon, but he was too savvy to spoil the ivy for the sake of his ego.
Resigned, Lord Crendemor nodded to the fading hologram and left the room.
* * *
It took very little time to brief one of the Northern Mages. The human had been assigned to his team of mages by the Dalinfaust. Lord Crendemor was not happy with being forced to select a human to lead the recon, but he had little choice. His two dark-elf lieutenants were currently deployed on missions of their own, so they were unavailable.
“Your team will consist of a Crosioian scout, a human technician, a troll for security, and another magic user,” Lord Crendemor said. “One of the dimensional-shifting demons will accompany the shuttle to get you through the planet’s outer perimeter shield.”
“I understand, my lord,” said the human mage.
Lord Crendemor eyed the human sizing him up. He was an overweight, middle-aged man with short yellow hair.
“Are you sure you can create a stealth shield for your team?” Lord Crendemor said. “You’ll also need to shift your entire team into the void to pass through the spaceport’s defensive shield.”
“I’m confident, my lord,” said the human. “The spells you taught me are complicated, but I’ve spent a lot of time practicing. I’ve used the combination stealth shield and invisibility spell on two recon missions already.”
“I know,” Lord Crendemor said. “That’s why I selected you. Have you been issued the tele-bots by the Crosioians.”
“Yes, but–” The Northern Mage glanced down at the floor and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“What is it?” Lord Crendemor said growing irritated at the delay. The demon Zenthra was waiting for him, and he didn’t have time to waste on a fool.
“My pardon, lord,” said the mage, “I know I’m inexperienced with the Crosioians’ technology, but won’t the Empire’s security detect our tele-bots? The spell you taught me allows me to detect the presence of the Empire’s tele-bots. Surely the Empire has something similar?”
Lord Crendemor relaxed a little. It was a valid question, although he wouldn’t tell the human such. “You couldn’t detect these tele-bots, and neither can the Empire. They’re static. Their sole purpose is to mark the target for our troops. They’ll remain static until the appointed time.”
With a harsher voice, Lord Crendemor added, “Your job is to place the tele-bots at the target sites. You will do so without being detected, or I’ll make you wish you had done so upon your return.”
“I understand, my lord,” said the mage nervously.
“See that you do,” Lord Crendemor said over his shoulder as he left the mage in the shuttle bay. He had an appointment with the demon Zenthra.
* * *
The third floor lab was nearly empty. Only two red-coated human technicians were inside. They were gathered around a strange-looking creature strapped on a table in the center of the lab. The prone creature appeared to be some kind of human-sized insect. Its eyes were darting nervously around the room as a series of high-pitched squeaking noises came out of its mandibles.
At Lord Crendemor’s arrival, the technicians stepped away from the insect. They bowed in his direction and then departed the lab through a side door. At their exit, a hologram of a dark elf appeared near the table.
“I do not like to be kept waiting,” said Zenthra. “We have much to do.”
Lord Crendemor didn’t reply. He had no doubt the demon had been monitoring his every move. Since the demon was now the Master computer, it had access to the information from all the tele-bots deployed throughout the ship.
The silence in the lab was broken only by the continuous, high-pitched squeals of the insect. Lord Crendemor forced himself to remain silent. He was curious, but he refused to give Zenthra the satisfaction of seeing his curiosity.
When the demon tired of waiting, it finally said, “This creature is a scientist from Veturna. It is an acquaintance of those in possession of the battle computer you seek.”
Lord Crendemor’s curiosity was pi
qued even further. Why has Zenthra brought this creature here? he wondered. Surely it could have been tortured anywhere if it has information we require.
At Lord Crendemor’s continued silence, the demon’s voice grew harsher. “Your stubbornness will get you killed one of these days, elf. But I do not have time to waste on you today.” The demon paused before continuing, “Since you refuse to ask, I will tell you anyway. Another insect from Veturna along with two human children are in possession of the battle helmet and the battle computer it holds.”
This time Lord Crendemor did speak. “Human children?” he said. “Why are children important?”
“Ah,” said Zenthra. “You are curious.”
Lord Crendemor mentally kicked himself. He’d let his curiosity give the demon the upper hand. He swore not to do so again.
“The human children are unlike any children you have ever met,” said Zenthra. “They are what the information in my databanks call geniuses. A piece of technology was used to transfer the memories of their parents into them. They are very dangerous to our cause. Once you are in possession of the battle computer, you will kill them if the opportunity presents itself.”
“And this insect here?” Lord Crendemor said pointing to the prone creature.
“It is an acquaintance of the insect who is the guardian of the children,” said the demon. “You will take its place and worm your way into the trust of the other insect. Once you have done so, you should be able to gain access to the battle computer. I am in intermittent communication with the battle computer. I will know when you take possession. When that occurs, I will teleport you back to the fleet. Once you give me the battle computer, you will be returned to the magical plane. The Dalinfaust has need of you there.”
Lord Crendemor voiced the obvious flaw in the demon’s plan. “How am I to take this insect’s place? I have a spell to take on the appearance of other creatures, but it will not hold up to close scrutiny. Even if I take on this insect’s form, I won’t have its knowledge. I wouldn’t fool anyone for long.”
The hologram of the dark elf walked to a table along one wall and pointed at a piece of technology on top. It was a small device about the size and shape of a wand. “This is a knowledge-transferal device the Crosioians found when they conquered Veturna. It’s the same device used to transfer knowledge into the children of which I spoke. You will use it on this insect to gain its memories. You will take this device with you. If you get a chance to use it on one of the children before you kill them, you will do so. They may have information we need.”
Picking up the wand-shaped device, Lord Crendemor examined it more closely. The wand was flexible. He bent it slightly.
“Yes,” said Zenthra. “You may store it easily in your pocket. Once you use it on this insect, you will have its knowledge.”
Intrigued, Lord Crendemor listened closely as Zenthra explained the details of the plan. Despite his loathing for the boastful demon, Lord Crendemor had to admit the plan could work. Even as he listened, a part of Lord Crendemor’s brain began to think of ways he could use the device to further his own plans.
Chapter 15 – Spaceport Battle
_____________________________________
Richard looked out the side window of the hover-cab as the driver weaved his way in and out of traffic on the way to Velounia’s spaceport. Richard glanced nervously at the timer built into the driver’s control panel. It was 13:30.
“Relax,” said Tam. “We’ve got plenty of time. Liz’s shuttle isn’t scheduled to land for another thirty minutes.”
Their first stop in the city had taken longer than expected. Telsa’s parents had used their influence to get Richard an appointment with Monsieur Geraldo, one of the finest tailors in the Empire. While Monsieur Geraldo might be the finest tailor, Richard was pretty sure the monsieur wasn’t the fastest. The tailor had spent over an hour measuring Richard before he was satisfied he could create a suitable wizard scout dress uniform for Richard. Only then did Monsieur Geraldo consent to release Richard with the promise his uniform would be hand-delivered to the Star Gate hotel in time for the ball.
“You’ll look great in your uniform, Rick,” said Telsa with a knowing smile. “Half the females at the ball will be swooning over you in your Monsieur Geraldo masterpiece.”
“Yeah,” laughed Tam. “Even a couple of the human females might take a second look at you after they’ve had a few drinks.”
“Yuk, yuk,” Richard said. “I had no idea dress uniforms were so expensive. Monsieur Geraldo’s bill took a hefty chunk out of my bank account.”
“You’re lucky to have gotten Monsieur Geraldo on such short notice, Rick,” Telsa said seriously. “He really is the best tailor in this part of the galaxy. Even starship captains have a hard time getting on his waiting list.”
Having been brought up in an orphanage, Richard wasn’t used to experiencing the power of having influential friends. Richard wondered which starship captain’s appointment had gotten bumped in order to make room for him.
“Well, I really do appreciate your parents going to all that trouble for me, Telsa,” Richard said seriously. “I just hope Liz is suitably impressed.”
“You better hope Liz doesn’t expect you to order Cravion wine for dinner,” laughed Tam. “I heard second mates on starships have expensive tastes. You know she was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, right?”
“Yeah, I heard,” Richard said. He’d always known Liz was destined for big things.
Richard was saved from any further ribbing by his friends when their hover-cab slowed down at the front gate of the spaceport. A security guard in power-armor carrying a plasma rifle walked to the driver’s window and peered inside. The guard looked at the computer readout on his wrist.
“Very well,” said the guard as he made a waving motion through the spaceport’s gate. “Proceed.”
As the hover-cab moved through the gate, Richard said, “I’ll admit, I’ve only been at the spaceport once before, but that didn’t seem very secure to me. The guard didn’t even ask who we were.”
“You’ve got to get out more, Rick,” said Tam. “The guard’s computer is integrated with the computer in the hover-cab. The guard knew who we were before we even pulled up to the gate.”
“Hmm,” Richard said. “I’m not exactly sure I like having computers know our every move.”
“You’re a wizard scout, Rick,” said Telsa. “Or you soon will be. I’d say you better get used to computers knowing your every move.”
“I’ll never get used to it, Telsa,” Richard said. “I swear I’m going to find a way to avoid having my every thought and action known by some computer somewhere.”
“Good luck with that,” said Tam pointing out her window. “See all those people out there?”
Richard glanced outside the hover-cab’s window in the direction indicated by his friend. Several hundred people, both human and otherwise, were walking in and out of the main terminal building. Richard could see the outlines of various freighters and midsized personnel transports behind the building.
“Yeah, what about them,” Richard said. He wasn’t sure where Tam was heading with the conversation. Wherever it was, she needed to get there soon. They’d be on the military side of the spaceport in a couple of minutes.
“Computers in the tele-network are tracking every one of those people out there,” said Tam.
“So?” Richard said.
“Do you know why the computers are tracking all those people,” said Tam.
“Because they’re doing something of interest,” said Telsa before Richard could think of a reply.
“Exactly,” said Tam. “They’re doing something of interest to the central computer. They’re all traveling somewhere. What they’re doing might be important to the central computer.”
“So?” Richard said. Grasping subtle concepts had never been his strongpoint.
“I’m saying the only way to escape notice by the myriad of computers hooked up to the
tele-network is to never do anything that’s interesting to them,” said Tam.
Richard balked at her answer. He hated the mere thought of being controlled by anyone or anything. Having computers monitoring him without his permission was not much lower on his list of dislikes than having ‘the One’ send him on missions without asking first.
“Well, I don’t plan on living the rest of my life as a hermit,” Richard said. “But I swear I’m going to find some way to limit the amount of information ‘the One’ or any other computer system or entity can get from me.”
“I’ll check back with you in fifty years and see how you made out, Rick,” said Tam with a chuckle and a shake of her head. “You’re one stubborn cadet.”
“But if you do figure it out,” said Telsa ever the optimist, “how about letting your friends in on the secret?”
Richard smiled. He shoved the thoughts of controlling computers to the side. He refused to be irritated with his friends on their first weekend pass in quite a while.
“Well,” Richard said as he gave Telsa a wink. “I might let some of my friends know. I’m not sure about all of them though.”
Richard said the last part with a nod of his head towards Tam.
Telsa laughed. Tam did not.
The hover-cab stopped at two more security check points. They were waved through at both. Finally, the hover-cab stopped in front of a single-story, gray building. The military terminal was much less crowded than the terminal on the civilian side of the spaceport. Even the medium-sized destroyers like the Blaze were too large to land planet-side. A fleet of shuttles moved the necessary supplies, equipment, and personnel between the spaceport and the score or so of military starships orbiting the planet at any given time.
Unlike their civilian counterparts, military starships were meant to slug it out with other military vessels. As such, their thick armor and massive-weapons systems made the starships a dozen times heavier than even one of the larger civilian cruise liners. If a destroyer like the Blaze landed on an Earth-sized planet such as Velos, its bottom floors would be crushed by the weight of the levels above. The only future for such a grounded ship would be a quick salvage.
Wizard Scout (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 3) Page 14
