The Syndicate's Journey

by Nicholas Bogucki

  “That is wonderful! I am sure those transhumans that helped will know how much they were needed soon enough!” General Deschner smiled and asked, “What is Rhardinium by the way?”

  “Well...” Brigadier General Milenkovic cleared her throat, “Rhardinium is what happens when Rhodamite and Sardinium are combined...we created a new element, General!” She smiled widely, “We took Brigadier General Tomeoni’s advice on creating a weapon with one of those elements, but we figured why not try and find a way to incorporate both of them?”

  “That is absolutely wonderful! Do the elements work well together?” General Deschner asked, “How were you able to do all of this in such a short amount of time?”

  “We ran a few tests, and it appears to be that Rhardinium will fit for our needs, General. We split up the time and resources. I was in charge of modifying the HAFR, and Brigadier General Milenkovic was in charge of finding a better element for the new weapon.”

  “Smart move!” General Deschner scratched his freshly shaven face as he spoke. “How does the HAFR work?”

  “Well, why don’t we show you so you can see for yourself?” Brigadier General Maruo asked.

  “That would be a great idea, but unfortunately, due to the Lieutenant Generals training, I cannot land until it is complete.” General Deschner looked through the screen at the two Lieutenant Generals as he spoke.

  “Oh. Well, how will you see the ETDs’ then?” Brigadier General Milenkovic asked.

  “Well, I was thinking about being there, through your eyes, Brigadier Generals.”

  “Oh?” Brigadier General Josselson asked.

  “How so?” Brigadier General Sikorski asked.

  “You see, our iris implants are connected to our INH. I can access all of your INH’s and I can see exactly what you see...but I have never done it before. I would ask for permission and consent, of course!”

  General Deschner smiled to reassure them. “Because of the rigorous training here, I do not want to land on Nuwurth and stop training the Lieutenant Generals while it is going on. I wanted to ask if it would be okay if I could look through your implants, Brigadier Generals Maruo and Tomeoni?” General Deschner looked at the Brigadier Generals as he spoke their names.

  “Oh...uh..” Brigadier General Maruo stuttered.

  “Sure, General. I don’t mind!” Brigadier General Tomeoni replied.

  “W-when will you be doing that, General?” Brigadier General Maruo asked.

  “Well, I will let you know, but it will be soon. Where is the ETD now?”

  “ETD’s, you mean?” Brigadier General Vorhaus asked.

  “There are more than one?” General Deschner asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “We wanted it to be a surprise for you, General.” Brigadier General Tomeoni continued, “We currently have two made right now, and they are right outside the Syndicate Headquarters on Jublose.”

  “Definitely a surprise! Are the Kradnaks headed towards that way?”

  “They are General.” Brigadier General Maruo replied. “You mentioned that the Major Generals and the Lieutenant Generals are hard to get ahold of, so I took it upon myself to go forth and command that order...I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Oh, no, not at all! I am delighted you took the initiative. You have done a great service to the Syndicate.” General Deschner looked at each one of the screens at each Brigadier General. “In fact, all of you have taken the initiative and stepped up in a time of need. I hope that I can promote all of you very soon.”

  “Thank you!” Brigadier General Josselson cheered.

  “Yes, General! Thank you so much!” Brigadier General Tomeoni smiled.

  “Well, thank you, General! But promotion? What about the Major Generals?” Brigadier General Maruo asked.

  “If something happens that I can promote you all, I will. What we need right now is for the safety of the Major Generals.”

  “Yes, General, you’re right.” Brigadier General Milenkovic agreed, “Have you heard from them recently?”

  “Well, actually, I have.” General Deschner moved his hands together, and he steepled his fingers while continuing to speak. “I could not get in contact with Major Generals Reingle and Solbrig. I am slightly worried, because last time I talked to them, they found the Snargde. I called Major Generals Brentari and Lokhorst several times, and I was lucky enough to get into contact with them. I explained to them the grave matter, and now they are flying towards Snakardekus and to check up on Major Generals Reingle and Solbrig.”

  “Are they okay?” Brigadier General Sikorski asked.

  “How are they doing?” Brigadier General Milenkovic asked.

  General Deschner moved his hands in the air as he spoke. “Hold on with your questions. I am sure they are fine, probably just a communication error. Nonetheless, all the Major Generals will be together momentarily.”

  “That’s a good idea!” Brigadier General Vorhaus agreed.

  “Good thinking!” Brigadier General Maruo chimed in.

  “Thank you, Brigadier Generals.” General Deschner spoke, “Brigadier Generals Maruo and Milenkovic, are you two at the Syndicate Headquarters right now?”

  “I am close General. I just left Ayewend before this call.” Brigadier General Milenkovic stated, “We just picked up some able bodies, General.”

  “Good to hear. You have those weapons?” General Deschner asked.

  “HPR’s? Yes, General, we have them here in the Kradnaks.” Brigadier General Milenkovic replied.

  “Good. Are you two together?”

  “No, General.” Brigadier General Maruo chimed in, “I am flying from the Yuskalla Islands with more transhumans.”

  “Wait, you both are in the Kradnaks?” General Deschner asked. “How many do we have?”

  “We only have these two, General. We figured it would be faster if we split up and picked up the Transhumans that wanted to help ourselves.” Brigadier General Milenkovic remarked.

  “That’s a good idea! Make sure they are loaded onto the ETD and that every HPR is in the hands of a Transhuman.” General Deschner demanded.

  “Yes, General!” Brigadier General Tomeoni acknowledged.

  “How many are participating?” General Deschner asked.

  “Well, we were able to get roughly two hundred or so from each division.” Brigadier General Sikorski explained.

  “Good, the more we send, the better!” General Deschner asked, “Brigadier Generals Maruo and Milenkovic, why don’t you call me back when you land?”

  “Well, General I would, but I am nearing the Syndicate Headquarters now.” Brigadier General Maruo replied.

  “I’ll be right there.” Brigadier General Milenkovic stated. “I’m a little behind.”

  General Deschner asked, “Who will be in charge of the ETD?”

  “Well, General, I figured I would be.” Brigadier General Tomeoni bashfully stated, “My division was the one that founded it, so I figured I should be the one in charge.”

  “I was hoping you would say that. Your job is to make sure that the ETD transports the Kradnaks to the destination - which shouldn’t be hard.” General Deschner stated. “I will send you the coordinates to Snakardekus so you can input it into the ETDs.”

  “Don’t worry, General. We tested this out already. How do you think the Kradnaks were able to go to all the landmasses in such a short time?” Brigadier General Tomeoni asked.

  “So, it works then? Good to hear! I just hope it can endure intergalactic travel.” General Deschner spoke as he waved his hand, and his INH opened he tapped “Files” then selected “Snakardekus.” Then he scrolled down and tapped “Snakardekus Coordinates.” When it opened, he proceeded and pressed “Send to” and then the “Contacts” appeared, and he tapped on Brigadier General Tomeoni, Aishir.

  “There, I sent you the coordinates. You should be receiving them soon.” General Deschner continued to speak, “I am going to end the call here in a moment. Brigadier Generals Maruo and Tomeoni, I wil
l call you two right after I end this call. For the rest of you, make sure you listen to these two. We need to make sure that the Major Generals are safe and secured. Goodbye, everyone!”

  “Goodbye, General!” The Brigadier Generals replied as their voices overlapped one another as they spoke.

  The screens faded away, and then General Deschner looked across the table towards the Lieutenant Generals and spoke. “I’m surprised you two didn’t utter a word. I guess you can follow directions, huh?”

  Lieutenant General Armitage looked at him with a scowl, and Lieutenant General dee Veyra asked a question. “I don’t see why we have to be in here.”

  “Why? Because those are your orders, which you two can’t seem to do right these days. I wouldn’t have to lock the door if I could trust the two of you, but who knows what you’d do if I let you roam free in the USV Valkanaut.”

  Lieutenant General Armitage still was silent and leaned back and closed his eyes.

  “Falling asleep on me, Lieutenant?”

  Lieutenant General Armitage slight shook his head and pointed at himself. “Me? Oh no, I couldn’t. I am very intrigued by what you’re about to do.” He said sarcastically.

  “Watch and see for yourself!” General Deschner exclaimed, as he swiped his hand and opened his INH and tapped “Contacts” then pressed on “Brigadier General Maruo, Rosha,” and “Brigadier General Tomeoni, Aishir” and then tapped “Call.” The screen flickered, and there were suddenly two screens side by side, and the Brigadier Generals appeared on the screens.

  “Hello again, General!” Brigadier General Tomeoni reported, and Brigadier General Maruo waved at him.

  “Hello, again, Brigadier Generals!” General Deschner continued, “I’m thrilled that you two nominated yourselves so I can watch what happens down there at the Syndicate Headquarters. I do sincerely apologize that I cannot be there in person.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about it.”

  “Yeah, General, it’s alright.” Brigadier General Tomeoni replied, “I do wonder how this will be.”

  “What? Tapping into your irises? You won’t even know a thing or hear me talking for that matter.”

  “Really?” Brigadier General Maruo asked.

  “Absolutely. It’s pretty innovative, huh?

  “Honestly? It sounds really invasive in the wrong hands.” Brigadier General Tomeoni chuckled, “Although I do trust you, so I am not worried one bit.”

  “Good, you shouldn’t be!” General Deschner replied.

  “But how will we know when you’re done?” Brigadier General Tomeoni asked.

  “Oh, trust me, you’ll know.” He replied as he smiled, “I know that you two won’t fail me.”

  “Don’t plan to, General!”

  “Nope! We’ll do what you say!” Brigadier General Tomeoni exclaimed.

  “Good to know. Brigadier General Maruo, have you landed yet?”

  “Just about, I see the Syndicate Headquarters and engaging the landing sequence.”

  “Good. Brigadier General Tomeoni, do you see him?”

  “Not yet, but should be shortly.”

  “Good! Well, as you land, make sure you land on the ETD” General Deschner remarked, “I’m sure Brigadier General Milenkovic will do the same.”

  “Yes, General!”

  “This is what is going to happen. All of the Brigadier Generals are going to stay out of the Kradnaks, and we are going to transport them to the coordinates I gave you all.”

  “So, we aren’t going to Snakardekus, after all?” Brigadier General Tomeoni asked as his voice broke.

  “I am afraid not. I need you six there on the ground in case anything goes wrong. Nothing should go wrong, but just as a precaution.”

  “What will we do if something does happen to go wrong?” Brigadier General Maruo asked.

  “Well, I am sure if it happens, you’ll figure it out.” General Deschner stated.

  “Well, I just landed, General.”

  “Good, now exit the Kradnak and wait for Brigadier General Milenkovic to arrive, and then both of you walk inside the Syndicate Headquarters and meet with the other Brigadier Generals.”

  “Alright, General.”

  “May I tap into both of your iris implants, now that you have arrived?” General Deschner asked.

  “I don’t see why not, you said that you’ll let us know when you have left?” Brigadier General Tomeoni asked.

  “Absolutely! By the way, don’t wait for me to tell you when to use the ETD, Brigadier General Tomeoni, you’re in charge. Transport them to the coordinates when you are ready.”

  “Yes, General will do!” Brigadier General Tomeoni replied.

  “Go on ahead, General. Will we stay talking?” Brigadier General Maruo asked.

  “No, we won’t from this point on you won’t hear from me until the mission is complete.”

  “Sounds good, General. Talk to you then!” Brigadier General Maruo replied.

  “Go for it, General! Goodbye!”

  “Goodbye, both of you!” General Deschner smiled, and then he ended their call. The screen faded away.

  “Are you really going to tap into their implants and spy on them?” Lieutenant General dee Veyra asked.

  “First, it is not spying, and second, yes.”

  General Deschner swiped his hand and tapped on a button above the “Disconnect” button that read “Connect To,” and a list appeared on his screen, he touched the button that read “Iris Scan,” and then the “Contacts” appeared. He tapped it and scrolled down and tapped on “Brigadier General Maruo, Rosha,” and “Brigadier General Tomeoni, Aishir.”

  In a moment, the screens slowly appeared, but this time through the point of view of Brigadier Generals Maruo and Tomeoni. On the left screen was Brigadier General Maruo, he was standing outside by the Kradnak, waiting for Brigadier General Milenkovic to land. On the right was Brigadier General Tomeoni, he was talking to the other Brigadier Generals inside of the Syndicate Headquarters looking down from the balcony.

  “You two can see these screens, right?”

  The Lieutenant Generals curiously watched the screens to see if General Deschner’s plan was going to unfold how he said it would. On the left screen, another Kradnak landed, and Brigadier General Milenkovic stepped out of it and walked towards Brigadier General Maruo.

  “Do you want to hear my plan?”

  Lieutenant General Armitage sounded annoyed as he responded, “Sure.”

  General Deschner smiled, “Good, I wanted to tell you two what my plan was all along, but I had to keep it a surprise. You are aware that Major Generals Reingle and Solbrig are on Snakardekus and have discovered the Azuard, correct? Well, they are not the first ones to do so. What they do not know is I have known about it since before this mission. Armitage, you sent them the files for both Snakardekus and Varenok, but you only had what I sent you.”

  General Deschner spoke as he shook his head. “You were naïve enough that I sent you everything I had, when in fact, the files I have here are much more extensive than I gave away.” General Deschner stood up and walked to the window to his left and looked out into space peering at Snakardekus and Varenok.

  “Let me tell you a secret that only Generals have known. The relations between the Frochen, transhumans, and the Snargde date back thousands of years. You might not realize that, but there are various documents that say otherwise. When our ancestors came from Earth, they have recordings of a vast population of aquatic creatures that roamed Nuwurth. The vast amounts of research through photographs, documents, video recordings, samples, and so on label these creatures as the descendants of the Frochen and Snargde. We have proof that the Frochen and Snargde are from the same ancestor. You might not believe that, but the Frochen and Snargde both come from the same ancestor. There are stories of how they came to be on Snakardekus and Varenok, but I doubt we will ever know.”

  The Lieutenant Generals gasped and were speechless as General Deschner continued talking.

  “T
he Azuard is nothing new, either. The Azuard has been documented since the beginning of the Syndicate’s Journey to Snakardekus. Previous Generals have kept it a secret from the public because of what might happen if they knew. The capabilities of Azuard are very similar to that of water here on Nuwurth.” General Deschner turned around and looked at the Lieutenant Generals as he continued talking.