by C H Gideon
Which might explain part of how they’d managed to hack into Gorad.
Although it didn’t explain everything.
A forceful attempt to break into Gorad’s system would have announced their presence to the alien AI, but he hadn’t noticed it until Reynolds pointed it out. Even then, Gorad wasn’t seeing it exactly as Reynolds was.
As such, that meant there was more to the hack than Loranian coding.
Reynolds and Gorad went on, Reynolds wondering what other influences might be involved.
At a second security point, Reynolds watched as the next signal burst shot past them. It split into a million different beams, each traveling a different path through the security veil.
Reynolds tracked them all, plotting their courses and grinning once he found the route that allowed the signal all the way through.
“This way,” Reynolds told Gorad, waving the other AI on as he slipped through the security barrier.
A short distance later, Reynolds spied a network of systems that appeared to be processing the signal the hack was sending from Gorad’s system. Lights flickered as energy traveled past, triggering circuits and parsing the code of the signal.
The pair came closer and watched as the hack signal was broken down into its component code for analysis. Reynolds’ eyes shot wide at what he saw there.
Then a flash of red washed over them, and Reynolds felt a physical wave of energy as it slammed into him, knocking him and Gorad away from the circuit.
“They’re onto us,” Gorad mumbled.
Reynolds didn’t bother replying. He stared at the system and did his best to examine it before the next wave hit.
Unfortunately, he caught only the barest of glimpses before he was driven out.
Reynolds’ consciousness crashed into his android body with a resounding thud.
He toppled to his side and saw that Gorad had done the same.
It was if they’d been shot back into their bodies by a cannon.
“Whoa!” Jiya shouted, running over to him and helping him to his feet. “What was that?”
Geroux helped Gorad up as the rest of the crew gathered around them, eyes wide with concern.
Reynolds met Gorad’s gaze and understanding passed between them.
“Did you see that?” Reynolds asked.
Gorad nodded. “I did.”
“See what?” Takal asked.
“Trouble,” Reynolds answered, staring at Gorad as if he might be able to see his way back to the Loranian ship that had evicted them from their systems.
“I suggest now is a good time to block their access,” Gorad said.
“I agree.” Reynolds formulated a subroutine to shore up Gorad’s programming and cut out the cancer of the hack and to immunize his system against further attempts at invasion.
“Their access?” Jiya asked.
“The ship on the fringes of the gravity well is Loranian,” Reynolds answered. “They must have tracked us from there.”
“From Asya’s planet?” Ka’nak asked.
Reynolds nodded. “It seems we’re being followed.”
“Asya’s not going to like that,” Jiya muttered.
“I don’t like it,” Reynolds replied.
“Nor do I,” Gorad agreed. “This means you brought this to my doorstep, Reynolds.” His tone of voice had become as sharp as a dagger.
“So it would appear.” Reynolds nodded, then sent an encrypted code to Gorad. “And now I’m kicking it out for you.”
Gorad stood still a moment as he processed the security protocols Reynolds had supplied based on the hack’s coding, and the alien AI seemed to relax slightly.
“I’ve applied the security patch, and I’m now able to trace the full extent of the hack that compromised my system,” he said a few seconds later. “Thank you,” he added reluctantly. “I’m capable of recognizing the remote access points it’s corrupted and have blocked them all off and redirected how my security protocols will deal with any future intrusion attempts.”
“Will that keep them out?” Geroux asked.
“It will,” Reynolds assured. “For now, at least.”
“Now that I understand how they did what they did, I will not allow them access again,” Gorad growled. “I feel violated.”
“As you should,” Reynolds told him, thinking back on what he’d seen.
There was more going on than either of the AIs entirely understood, but Reynolds kept what he suspected to himself.
It would do no good to presume anything, but if what he thought was true, he knew what his mission was.
“Reach out to Asya, warn her that the ship stalking us is from her planet, and tell her to be prepared for it,” Reynolds told Jiya. “Gorad and I spoiled the surprise party, and now they know that we know they’re here. I have no idea how they’ll react to that news, but make sure she stays put and does nothing for now. I don’t want her chasing the ship.”
Jiya nodded and relayed the message over the comm.
Reynolds heard Asya cursing in response to hearing the news, filling the comm with a colorful sequence of what the Loranians could do to themselves, with explicit instructions.
Geroux blushed.
“That Asya sure can swear,” Ka’nak said, smiling.
“That she can,” Maddox agreed. “You should hear her when you wake her up early for her shift.”
The Melowi raised his hands. “No, thanks. I love to fight, but she scares me before she’s had her coffee.”
“She scares all of us,” Takal assured him, chuckling.
“What do we do now?” Jiya asked.
“Well, seeing as how the Loranians don’t have Gate technology, we have to assume they are working with someone who does,” Reynolds answered. “That means we have no idea why they are shadowing us.”
“They’ve kept their distance this long,” Maddox argued. “Why would they suddenly chance an attack?”
“Well, their presence isn’t a secret anymore,” Reynolds replied. “They seemed to be content watching us, but with their clandestine efforts out in the open, they’re going to have to decide on a different course of action now.”
“Which could be anything,” Maddox realized, understanding that their lack of knowledge about their enemy made an educated guess regarding their intentions impossible.
“Exactly,” Reynolds answered. “Which is why I want Asya to keep the Reynolds ready to go, but I don’t want her engaging the Loranian ship until we figure a few things out.”
“There’s a good chance they have more surprises waiting for us,” Jiya said, more thinking aloud than making a statement. “Especially if they have Gate technology they shouldn’t have.”
“Precisely my point,” Reynolds told her. “We don’t want to take any chances.”
Gorad stepped forward. “I think it best to inform my people of what has transpired and let them know we face some uncertainty due to the nature of the hack and the ship that avoided my detection.”
“Let’s do that now since we’re here,” Reynolds said, motioning to the council chamber they were still hanging out in.
Gorad reached out to the council members and informed them of a meeting. At the same time, he contacted the Telluride and asked for representatives to join them so he could inform both groups at the same time. After that, he’d use the planet-wide communication network to update the remaining populace.
A few minutes later, the Grindlovian council rose from beneath their hatches. As usual, the blank expressions on their faces told Reynolds nothing of what they might be thinking or feeling.
The Telluride who arrived a moment afterward were the polar opposite.
They displayed worried expressions and came over immediately to acquire extra chairs for themselves. L’Willow and San Roche were there, as well as L’Eliana and San Paget. L’Sofee was with them too, and the female was obviously worried. Lines creased her forehead as she took a seat alongside her people and glanced around, wondering what the summons
had been for.
Reynolds positioned himself so he could see both groups, and Gorad stood opposite him.
“Why have you summoned us?” Fulla Sol asked.
For the first time, Reynolds saw a hint of frustration etched on her features.
The other council members stared without expression, but they kept glancing at Fulla Sol.
“We have a potential problem,” Gorad explained. “At the edge of our system there is an alien ship which has proven to be a danger. They have intruded into my systems, and were the cause behind the attack upon the superdreadnought Reynolds.”
The Telluride gasped, L’Sofee pressing her golden hand over her mouth.
“What does this have to do with us?” Full Sol asked.
Jiya jumped in, her cheeks red. “These people hacked Gorad’s systems, and there’s a chance they can do it again.”
“But these hackers chose to attack you and your ship, did they not?” Full Sol fired back.
“Damn right they did!” Jiya shouted, jumping from her seat. “That means they don’t care about hurting people.”
“You misunderstand my point,” Fulla Sol argued. “I believe it’s clear that this alien ship has come here for you and your people, not ours. As such, I see no reason for concern.”
L’Sofee stood, eyes narrowed. Her skin gleamed in the room’s lights. “Are you so disconnected as to not understand that a threat to Gorad is a threat to all of us?”
Fulla Sol scoffed, and Reynolds was taken aback by the unexpected ferocity of the sound. The female almost leaned forward in her excitement. Reynolds thought she might have wobbled, the most physical movement he’d seen from any of the Grindlovians.
“Did these enemies attack our planet?” Fulla Sol asked. “Did they invade or infiltrate any of our agro or production centers?” The council member gave a barely perceptible shake of her head. “They did not, L’Sofee,” she answered her own question. “As such, I see no reason to alarm the populace. We should not engage in fearmongering.”
“How is it fearmongering to be concerned?” L’Sofee fired back. “Our people have a right to know what is going on.”
“Of course they do,” Fulla Sol replied, “but to claim this alien ship is a threat to Grindlovians or Telluride is to presume too much.”
Fulla Sol raised a hand slowly, her index finger finally creeping out to point at Reynolds.
“Their target is these strangers who brought their conflict to us,” Fulla Sol argued. “As such, I believe the cure to this woe is to make the superdreadnought and its crew leave our space and take their problems with it.”
L’Sofee opened her eyes wide, unbelieving. “These people hacked Gorad!” she explained. “They made one of the planetary defense destroyers attack the superdreadnought. What is to stop them from doing more even if our guests depart?”
“I have made our stance clear, L’Sofee,” Fulla Sol declared, and the room was filled with the hiss of the hatchways beneath the council chairs opening. “If you and the other Telluride wish to assist the crew of the Reynolds, you are free to do so. However, your people should know their place and concentrate on service, for it is not in your people’s nature to lead.”
The Telluride stared wide-eyed at the Grindlovian council female as she and the others sank into the ground and disappeared, the hatches closing behind them.
“Well, that escalated quickly,” Geroux muttered.
“Them’s fightin’ words,” Ka’nak added.
Chapter Fourteen
The crew and Reynolds left the council chamber and returned to the Telluride’s dining hall. Gorad and the Telluride who’d been with them in the chamber had come, as well.
“I can’t believe this,” L’Sofee mumbled, pacing beside the table where the rest of the group sat.
“It appears the Grindlovians have made their stance quite clear,” L’Willow commented, shaking her head in disgust.
“I…did not expect that,” Gorad admitted.
“No.” Jiya sighed. “I mean, who could imagine how catering to a race of people and doing every damn thing for them would make them hesitant to do anything?”
“That’s enough, Jiya,” Reynolds told her. “Gorad’s only experience is with the Grindlovians and Telluride,” he explained. “It’s not like he’s had a lot of introduction to the nature of living beings. Besides, since the Grindlovians created him early on, it’s expected that he’d be a bit beholden to them and not see the consequences of everything that’s been set in motion.”
Jiya grunted but acknowledged Reynolds’ point with a nod.
“It’s easy to find yourself trapped in a life,” Takal told her, reminding her of her own problems back on their home planet without detailing any specifics.
“You’re right,” Jiya answered, raising her hands in surrender. “But that still doesn’t make this okay.”
“I agree with that,” Reynolds said, jumping back in. “But we can’t drag the Grindlovians into something they want no part of.”
“We would do more,” L’Sofee said, dropping to a seat at the table. “Whatever the Grindlovians choose, the Telluride will not sit idly by and await our destruction passively.”
“Like servants,” San Paget muttered, each word spat out.
L’Eliana snarled. “We serve out of kindness for others,” she explained, thumping a fist on the table, which rattled beneath the blow. “The Grindlovians, however, see things differently, it seems.”
“That we are slaves,” San Paget barked.
“Which we are not,” L’Sofee clarified.
“I have never seen you as such,” Gorad told the Telluride.
L’Sofee nodded. “We know this, Gorad, and do not hold it against you, though it does reinforce our thinking on what we spoke about earlier, Geroux.” She turned to the young female with sadness in her eyes.
“I haven’t had a chance to share your desires with my crew yet,” Geroux answered, “but I’m guessing now’s a good time.”
She stood and faced Reynolds and Gorad.
“The Telluride believe there is more for them to learn and see,” Geroux told the two AIs. “They want to leave Grindlevik 3 and experience what the universe has to offer.”
“You would leave us?” Gorad asked, stiffening.
L’Sofee offered a sad nod in reply. “Long have we believed the Grindlovians no longer respected our efforts or were grateful for them,” she said. “We’ve felt as if our service was expected, and Fulla Sol said as much in the council chambers.”
“We would rather work for those who need and respect our service rather than those who believe it is their due in life to receive it,” San Roche declared.
“But what will the Grindlovians do in your absence?” Gorad asked.
“I suspect they will learn self-sufficiency,” Reynolds answered.
“Or they’d die off,” Maddox added. “I’m picturing the latter if we’re honest here.”
Gorad sighed. “As am I, I’m afraid.”
“It is not so simple to pack up an entire species and move to another planet,” Takal warned, clearly trying to temper the Telluride’s expectations.
“He’s right,” Jiya confirmed. “A move like that would upset both the Grindlovians’ lives and yours. It would be incredibly difficult.”
“We are not afraid of hard work,” L’Sofee told them.
“That’ s obvious,” Jiya shot back, “but this is more than a simple move. It’d be starting all over.” She jabbed a finger at Gorad. “Whether or not you want to admit it, that guy there has coddled your people as much as he has the Grindlovians.”
L’Sofee’s eyes became narrow slits. “How so?”
“Food production, the automated devices and systems, and providing a planetary defense system to keep invaders away,” Jiya explained. “None of that can be overlooked in your desire to move on.”
“She’s right,” Geroux added. “Packing up and leaving is a romantic image, but it’s not realistic. Gorad feeds al
l of you, and you would be made to fend for yourselves on another planet.”
“Some of your people nearly drowned while I was teaching them to swim,” Jiya added.
“And none of you have the slightest sense of how or when to fight,” Ka’nak argued.
“You also lack the basic sciences,” Geroux finished. “Gorad has protected you and stunted your evolution, even though you might not realize it.”
“I… I did not mean to,” Gorad said, his guilt plain on his android features.
“Not saying you did,” Reynolds assured him, “but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. You’ve unintentionally made them incapable of existing without you.”
Gorad dropped to a seat on the floor, staring at the Telluride. “This was…wrong of me,” he admitted, for the first time realizing what he had done and the consequences of his overwhelming desire to take care of the living creatures in his charge.
“It’s not too late to correct things,” Jiya told the alien AI. “We can help.”
“You would?” Gorad asked.
“Of course,” Geroux assured him.
The Telluride brightened, but Reynolds waggled a finger at them.
“We will most certainly help, but there is much we cannot do,” he told them, not mincing any words. “We are not capable of taking the whole population of Telluride with us, nor can we offer you a planet on which to begin over. These are out of our ability.”
“You mean we must stay here?” L’Sofee asked, clearly heartbroken.
“For now, yes,” Reynolds told her. “When we depart, we can take a number of your people willing to work with—not for—us in our mission, but we lack the resources to do more than that.”
“But we can still help,” Jiya said.
“How?” L’Sofee asked.
“We can help negotiate a new way of life between you and the Grindlovians, with Gorad assisting us.”
“A new life?” L’Eliana asked. “What would that entail?”
