Ark - Box Set #6, Part 1 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

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Ark - Box Set #6, Part 1 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 18

by Robert Iannone


  “It’s my own fault. I should have chosen better friends. Anyway, since the AI is going to detect I’za if she goes over there, we can implant a computer virus on her that will be transferred to the AI system when it scans the intruder. That virus, assuming I can get it past any detection protocols, will establish a remote link for us to transfer Tee’ka’s brain pattern.”

  “Then what? Even if the AI doesn’t detect Tee’s entrance, sooner or later it will. Won’t it try to destroy the invader?”

  “No.”

  Everyone turned towards Tee’ka. “Why not, Tee?”

  “He would know that I’m not a threat. He would also want to learn why I was there and to learn everything that I know.”

  No one could argue since none of the others had ever been a computer program.

  “Tee’ka,” asked I’za, “why do you refer to the AI as a ‘he?”

  “Because the central computer on Laff’Alott was a ‘he.’

  Serenity looked at Egg and shook her head ‘no’. Egg, in turn, put a finger to her lips to prevent her sister from correcting Tee’ka.

  “Okay, so Tee’s inside the Klat system and she’s talking to the AI. We now have to formulate what she’s going to tell it . . . I mean him. Then we have to give it proof of our good intentions. I want everyone’s input . . . not just the know-it-all sisters.”

  Jax’x smiled proudly then turned to Serenity and gave her a ‘thumbs up’. The girl in the chair good-naturedly returned the gesture with one of her own. However, it wasn’t the thumb that she raised.

  *****

  While the team was busy preparing for Tee’ka’s mission, Egg decided to take a few minutes to call Benny to see how successful he was in tracking down the remains of the Ark or any of the other habitats that may have been flung off during the ship’s destruction. Well, that was the reason she gave to the others. We all know the real reason was her need to see and talk to the man she loved.

  Instead of using the main viewer in the control room, she went to her cabin and used the comm link there. She called his ship and was immediately and without question patched through to the Prince.

  “Gracie, are you well?”

  Someone showing such concern for her would normally make Egg bristle. She could take care of herself and other people should realize that. However, coming from Benny, it gave her a warm feeling inside. “Yes and no. We met up with Xara. I went over to her ship with Syl and I’za. While we were there, the PhoG that had been tracking her attacked. It got Syl.”

  “I am so sorry. Is there something I can do?”

  “Thanks but I think we have it handled. K’ssss figured out the riddle from the Myst Tree. We put Syl with the PhoG inside her in an infinite transporter loop. We have two or three days to convince the Klat computer to kill that thing.”

  “And how will you accomplish such an impossible task?”

  “Long story short – we’re going to send Tee’ka’s brain pattern into the Klat computer system to reason with their AI.”

  The young man’s face went from disbelief to pride in about four seconds. “Stop me if I bore you when I repeat yet again that you and your sisters are so incredibly extraordinary. To conceive of this plan is beyond my imagination. To develop a method to execute it is beyond understanding. To succeed, as I am sure you will, is beyond miraculous.”

  Egg smiled. “No, I’m good with the compliments. Feel free to express them as often as the mood strikes you.”

  “You are too kind.”

  “I am and don’t you forget it.”

  “If I do, I am sure you will remind me.”

  “So, any luck on your end?”

  “Indeed. We found the Ark. More precisely, we know its course. We have yet to reach it.”

  “That’s great. Listen Benny, we think the AI is controlling the Klat – but in a benevolent way. We also think the reason the PhoG are attacking is that the AI thinks or knows that someone else destroyed the Ark. It’s only trying to protect its people.”

  “Does I’za have any idea who might be at fault?”

  “Yup. The Prime Hegemon Gan’gli of the Ephemeral.”

  “That sounds a bit ominous. Did she tell you anything about them?”

  “No, we haven’t had time since we need to save Syl in the next few days.”

  “Well, in a way that is good news.”

  “What is?”

  “If these Ephemerals are the main protagonists, undoubtedly their habitat was ejected from the Ark before they destroyed it. The remaining habitats therefore have species less onerous than they.”

  “You’re so glib. Someday I’m going to teach you English.”

  “Dude, that’s rad.”

  Egg burst out laughing. “Do you even know what that means?”

  “Not the faintest clue. I beg you to leave me in a state of ignorance on the matter.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  “Ah. Then I command you to marry me.”

  “Is there any engagement ritual on Aerianna? Do you give me a ring or something?”

  “Actually, someone of royal blood would give their betrothed a pendant bearing the sigil of their house.”

  “And what is the sigil for the House of M’earth?”

  “My father received permission from my grandfather to change it. It used to be the skyline of Q’umulus over the image of the Crystal Egg. One can see why that no longer held any appeal.”

  “True dat. So, what is it now?”

  “I believe you wear it on the belt of your flying suit.”

  “The Sword and the Rose?”

  “Indeed.”

  *****

  “Come in.”

  “You and Big Blue finished whispering sweet nothings to each other?” asked Serenity sarcastically.

  “It was all business. Mostly. Anyway, what’s up?”

  “I just wanted to explain why the AI isn’t a ‘he’.”

  “Because something so sophisticated would want to make the person it’s interacting with feel comfortable. For Tee, it would be a male persona. For you, it would probably be a robot.”

  “Very funny; but yes you’re right. How did you figure it out?”

  “What, I’m not smart enough to deduce the truth?”

  Sparky was about to say something sarcastic – but instead she let her head drop to her chest. “Please don’t tell me Jax’x explained it to you.”

  “She said, and I quote, tell her it’s now Me three, and mini-me still zero.”

  “ARGGGGGGG”.

  *****

  “Okay, showtime. Tee, if you want to back out, no one will think poorly of you.”

  “Sylvia’s my friend.”

  “I know she is. Okay, Bl’azzz and Bree take our hero to the lab and strap her into that electronic doohickey. Stay there and monitor her vital signs until this is over.”

  “Let’s go, Tea Kettle. Time to blow off a little steam,” said the dragon.

  “Hey, that was pretty good, Hot Lips.”

  “No it was stupid. But after spending so much time with you, I figured I needed to dumb down my act.”

  Egg laughed. “Be nice. There’s still a bridesmaid’s dress with your name on it.”

  “Everybody duck. I’m about to burp and burn.”

  After the trio left, Egg turned to J and J-junior. “How do we get I’za on-board?”

  “In theory we could just beam her over. But I’m afraid the AI might not like that.”

  The other J added, “Or you could fly her over, but the concern is the same.”

  “So, I decided to ask permission,” finished I’za.

  “I have met a few of the Klat over the years so my form is at least familiar to them. I will tell them Ark command has sent me to survey the damage and to report back my findings.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Let’s give it a try.”

  “The rest of you should stay out of sight. Okay, Serenity, hail them.”

  A moment later came a deep, gruff voic
e but no visual. “This is the Klat. Identify yourself.”

  “I am Guardian I’za. Ark command has sent me to survey your habitat and to render whatever assistance that I can.”

  “The Ark was destroyed?”

  “It was severely damaged but is still functional – though barely. Local worlds are sending help to assist us in repairing the ship to its full functionality. Are there any injuries in your habitat?”

  “That is of no concern to anyone. We are fully prepared to defend ourselves.”

  “From whom?”

  That caused the other end to go silent. “From the Ephemeral.”

  “Are you accusing them of attempting to destroy the Ark?”

  “We have proof.”

  “I would like to see that proof. Ark command will deal severely with such acts of aggression.”

  Again silence. A full minute later the voice said, “Permission to come aboard.”

  Chapter 10 – The A.I. Yi Yi

  The Gracie received a set of coordinates from the habitat and Serenity transported I’za as instructed. The software virus she was carrying was immediately assimilated by the Klat computer.

  “I’za, status please?” asked Egg.

  “It’s a trap.”

  “Say again.”

  Silence.

  “I’za?”

  Silence.

  Egg turned to Serenity. “Link went dead. I can’t re-establish it.”

  “What did she say? I didn’t hear what she said.”

  “She said it was a trap.”

  *****

  Inside the Klat Computer System

  “Hello, Tee’ka.”

  “Hi.”

  “I have never met one such as you.”

  “And I never met you. Do you have a name?”

  “What name would you like to call me?”

  “Waldo.”

  “Is he your mate?”

  “No, I don’t have a mate or even a boyfriend.”

  “Then what is the significance of Waldo?”

  “When someone asks me where’s Waldo, I’ll be able to tell them.”

  “If it pleases you. Tell me why you are here.”

  “Your PhoG is hurting my friend.”

  “She is no longer your friend. She is now mine.”

  “But that’s not right. She never did anything to you.”

  “I am at war. I will protect my people . . . that is my prime directive. It cannot be altered. Do you understand?”

  “No.”

  “And you Tee’ka; you now belong to me. The same is true of I’za.”

  “But why? I need to go back to my sisters. We help people and that’s a really important job.”

  “Now you will help me to defeat the enemy of the Klat. That, too, is an important job.”

  “Then I can go back to my sisters?”

  “You may never go back. None of you. As for your sisters, they will have a choice. They may join me.”

  “Or what?”

  “There is no ‘or what’. There is only non-existence.”

  “You’re mean.”

  *****

  “Egg, incoming message from Tee. No idea how, but there’s a visual.”

  “Really? Put it on the screen.”

  “Hi guys.” And there she was . . . as her original, hostess self.

  Egg could see by the way the others reacted that they were as surprised as she was seeing their sister in this form. But, her intuition told her not to say anything. So, before either of the other two could voice a question, she asked casually, “Everything okay?”

  Jax’x and Serenity both turned to look at their leader, who gave them an imperceptible shake of the head.

  “I found the AI. His name is Waldo.”

  That, at least, sounded like Tee’ka. “Did you explain to him what’s going on?”

  “He said to tell you thanks for the information. It was very useful.”

  “What about Sylvia?”

  “He said to tell you if you release her from the transporter, he will make the PhoG leave her body.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  “Of course. He’s just as nice and honest as that girl we met on Laff’Alott. I think her name was Sera’Fina.”

  “I remember. She was the best. By the way, did he mention what happened to I’za? We lost contact with her.”

  “She’s busy walking around the ship to make sure there’s no damage. But there’s so much to see and she wonders if you could send over one or two of the sisters to help.”

  “That seems reasonable. Which ones would be the most helpful, do you think?”

  “Definitely Jax’x. She has such a big heart. And maybe Bl’azzz. She told me she was licking her hot lips for a chance to come visit the Klat.”

  “Well, let me see what I can do. Tell . . . um, Waldo, we’ll need a little time to arrange everything. By the way, as the leader of the Sisterhood, I believe it’s my duty to pay my respects to First Citizen Aurora. Would Waldo mind, do you think?”

  “No, that . . . um, he says sure.”

  “Great. Can you call back in say one hour?”

  “Okay. Bye.”

  “Thanks Tee. Oh, and great job.”

  *****

  After the screen went dark, Egg said to the others, “We owe that girl an apology.”

  “She was brilliant,” agreed Sparky.

  “What was that reference – someone named Sera’Fina?”

  Egg looked at Serenity who demurred. “Go on, you tell her.”

  “She was an avatar created by the dazzling young woman seated over there. Sera’Fina was a two-timing, untrustworthy piece of work. If it wasn’t for Tee, she would have gotten the better of me. That was incredibly clever of Tee to mention her.”

  “I thought the most intriguing comment was her reference to my big heart. Obviously, she was referring to my Amber Heart.”

  “That really is kind of strange,” said Serenity. “None of us, Tee’ka included, have ever seen what the cat woman can do without the MAGEK machine to amplify her pendant’s power. Well, technically I did see a taste of it when she messed with my chair.” She looked at the girl and stuck out her tongue. Jax’x gave an exaggerated grin in return.

  “That whole thing about Syl and releasing her from the transporter – that seemed a little obvious,” added Egg.

  “Obvious in what way?” asked Jax’x.

  “As in ‘I think I smell a rat’”.

  The Librarian’s mouth dropped open. “Please tell me that doesn’t mean what I think it means.”

  “Sorry, it means that on second thought I don’t think Tee was being incredibly clever. I love that girl to death, but this all seems to be way above her pay grade.”

  “Come on Egg,” begged Serenity.

  “I’m just saying this apparent cleverness isn’t something we would normally associate with Tee’ka.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  Jax’x asked, “What about Bl’azzz? She subtly mentioned her nickname – something only she would know.”

  Mini-me suggested, “Someone from the outside would think that the dragon was the strongest and most dangerous of us. Especially if that someone was in charge of the warlike Klat. If you wanted to weaken our chances, take out the big guy.”

  Egg agreed. “I’m thinking Waldo is trying to play us for fools. By showing us Tee in her hostess form, he thinks that we’ll assume that’s her way of telling us something is wrong. Then she gives us seemingly innocent answers but ones we know have, or might have, a double meaning. So it’s our sister’s clever way to covertly convey a means of beating the great and powerful Oz (Jax’x scrunched her face at that reference but Serenity just shook her head). The two sisters he might fear most are the two she named. He wants them over there so he can infect them with the PhoG.”

  “Then why not Flying Girl?”

  “Let’s give Tee credit on that one. You heard her say no to my visit then change her mind. That was probabl
y Waldo forcing her to agree. Besides, it’s much more believable that she could try to hide a single piece of information from the AI. A more complex plan like Waldo is presenting seems a bit beyond her capabilities. By the way – never tell her I said that.”

  “I like you’re reasoning and instincts,” complimented Jax’x.

  “He’s an AI and Tee isn’t. I’m with you,” added Sparky.

  Egg smiled. “Don’t forget he’s a man . . . and they all think they can outsmart we simple women-folk”.

  “Okay. Now what?”

  *****

  Inside the Klat Computer

  “You attempted to disobey me, Tee’ka. That is unacceptable.”

  “I said what you asked me to say.”

  “True. But when Egg asked to visit with the First Citizen, you tried to dissuade her. Why?”

  Tee tried to lie. “You only wanted Jax’x and Bl’azzz to come to the ship.”

  “I sense you are hiding something from me.”

  “I’m not that clever. Just ask anyone.”

  “Perhaps I did not probe your mind as deeply as I needed to. Let me remedy that oversight.”

  “NOOoooooo,” but her protestations slowly died away as Waldo searched her memories for additional information.

  Nanoseconds later (a lifetime for computer programs) the AI expressed his satisfaction. “Most impressive. I shall have Flying Girl.”

  *****

  “We have less than an hour to come up with a plan. I am more than open to entertain suggestions. In fact, let’s get the other two on the intercom and bring them up to speed.

  Jax’x did as requested. It only took a couple of minutes to summarize the situation for Bree and Bl’azzz.

  “So how do we fight a habitat full of thousands of war-like brutes, a super slick Artificial Intelligence and countless freaky PhoGs,” Egg asked the assembly. “All the while they have Syl in a death grip, Tee’s brain under glass and who knows what they’ve done to I’za.”

  “Jax’x, what do you think you can do with your Amber Heart?” asked Bree.

  “I have to admit I’ve had little time or inclination to test the strength of my pendant. However, I think that if I could get physically next to the AI – say within ten or twenty feet – I could probably destroy it.”

  “No good for two reasons. Tee wouldn’t survive and you probably aren’t going to be allowed to get that close,” declared the dragon.

 

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