Daedalus

by Skully

  “This is information that I do not wish reported back to any authority,” Daedo stated.

  “Understood! That is within my purview,” Master Nader replied.

  “And I would like the location to remain a secret,” Daedo said.

  Master Nader thought for a moment before nodding slowly. They were not in the secure VR room, so she said nothing further.

  Daedo drew in a deep breath, “It will be the base for the Daedalus Private Military and our defensive position when the invasion hits.”

  “Oh, that was obvious. I thought you had a remarkable revelation,” Master Nader stated in her flat, robotic voice.

  Suddenly Master Nader went stiff, stiffer than usual. In a lower tone, she asked, “Cadet, have you made any technological alterations to your bodysuit or implant?”

  Daedo shook his head.

  “Are you recording this session?” she asked.

  Daedo slowly shook his head becoming apprehensive.

  “It is acceptable if you are. Your answer is unchanged?” Master Nader reiterated.

  Daedo nodded before asking, “What’s wrong?”

  “Turn off all your bodysuit functions,” Master Nader ordered before adding. “Everything! Power down your cybernetics.”

  Daedo could not see the scans Master Nader was performing, but he was certain she was hitting him with everything she had, based on her tone and line of questioning.

  She turned and retrieved something from the wall. “Drink this,” she ordered.

  The liquid was clear, but as soon as he tasted it, he almost gagged.

  “Now hold this,” She held out two rods. “Do not worry it will not hurt and if your cybernetics is off, it should not damage it either. Is your AI backed up? I know you are attached.”

  “Yes, he backups continually and we updated before switching off just now,” Daedo stated.

  As soon as she let go of the rods a humming went through his body. He experienced a tingling sensation, but as she stated it did not hurt. The humming’s cadence continually changed to a higher pitch.

  “It will be over soon. The nullifier is hitting a range of frequencies.” As she took the rods from his hands, she asked, “Did you meet any strangers over the weekend? Where did you eat and drink? List all occasions and who prepared or delivered the food and drink.”

  Daedo listed off his movements since Friday until it dawned on him. Mace had acted strangely this evening. She forced her finger into his mouth and gave him a drink that he didn’t want.

  He had moments to decide. Would he inform Master Nader about Mace or would he omit the event?