Etheric Adventures Boxed Set: Books 1-3

by S. R. Russell

  You’re happy about something, Jinx noted.

  Just a quick conversation with Seshat. She noted that you and I were pivotal to her becoming an AI.

  Jinx couldn’t stop the end of her tail from wagging. Chewy bones, that does make a person feel happy, she admitted.

  “Knowing the research Anne is attempting, I was able to devote a large number of compute cycles to investigating the Yollins’ survey and mining data.” Seshat’s presentation to Frank used so few of her cycles, she’d been able to hold her conversation with Anne at the same time she was talking to Frank.

  “The Yollin mining efforts account for structural integrity in their excavation plans. Anne needs a workspace that is designed to be strong, safe, and hold atmosphere. Also, given the nature of her research, I am expecting to need defensive weapon emplacements.” Frank nodded, and Seshat paused briefly in the event Frank wanted to input any data.

  When Frank’s head stilled without him saying anything, Seshat continued.

  “The other consideration that influenced my choice was the Yollin survey data. The percentages of valuable material were very high in asteroids that had similar survey results. I’m not certain if the Empress is concerned, or even aware of the costs, but my calculations indicate a high probability of destruction of testing materials. I don’t have access to an inventory of the Empire’s resources, but I expect Anne will need more industrial rubies than we currently have.”

  Seshat paused, again observing Frank Kurns, he gave a nod of understanding.

  “I hope and expect that the valuables extracted from Sierra Alpha Four-seven-six-one will pay the rental of the mining equipment and allow Anne to purchase the equipment necessary to create her own rubies and other consumables slated for destruction during the research,” Seshat concluded.

  Stevie had been pleased when Anne had invited her to attend the meeting, but she had started feeling redundant as the meeting progressed. As Seshat’s presentation ended, Stevie sat up straight in her chair. She paused when she saw Frank look her way with a similar expression on his face.

  Frank waved his hand in invitation. “I believe you had the idea first,” he deferred.

  Stevie nodded her appreciation. “Seshat, will there be enough room in the asteroid for production facilities and testing areas?”

  “Unless we encounter stress fractures that are too severe to stabilize, there should be enough room for production, testing, and living facilities, with room left over,” the AI informed Stevie.

  Stevie looked at Frank. “How difficult would it be to form a company?”

  “It will be slightly more complicated if you want it to be a Yollin company along with it being a human company, but not enough to worry about,” Frank assured Stevie.

  “I’d suggest you create a company selling man-made gemstones. No one has to know how many are produced as opposed to the numbers sold,” Stevie concluded with a smile of exaggerated innocence.

  Frank nodded. “It’s an excellent idea,” he confirmed. “It neatly explains the reason for the excavation and the traffic between 3PO, Yoll, and the MR. Having a stock of gemstones on site would also provide an easy justification for weapon emplacements on 3PO.”

  “It will also hide the true nature of what is happening there since I’m sure Bethany Anne will want Anne’s research to be highly classified,” Stevie added.

  “Let’s use the initials of our founding group,” Anne suggested. “JASS Gemstones; I like it.” The idea of her work for Bethany Anne being top secret hadn’t really registered until now.

  Jinx growled, “Why am I in the name, let alone first?”

  Anne giggled. “Because without you, it would be ‘ASS Gemstones,’ and that doesn’t seem conducive to success.”

  “Why am I…” Seshat started, only to be cut off by Anne turning the tablet face-down on the table.

  “Don’t go there!” Anne admonished. “You’re as much a part of this as the three of us are. Got it?” Anne asked as she lifted her tablet enough to peek at Seshat’s image.

  “Got it, thank you,” Seshat whispered.

  While Anne had been dealing with Jinx and Seshat, she had seen Frank pull out a small notebook and start writing in it. “Seshat can send you minutes of the meeting,” she offered.

  Frank closed his notebook and looked at Anne, a very contented smile on his face. “Over the past several years, I’ve been recording events in the Empress’s life, with the understanding that she’ll let me publish a book about her one day. Sitting here talking to you and watching you interact with your group, I get the feeling there are going to be some book worthy escapades.”

  “It’s your time,” Anne replied. “I don’t expect to do anything book-worthy. I’m just trying to justify BA’s faith in me.”

  Frank chuckled, made a few more neat notations in his notebook, and then pointed a finger at the young woman. “That will be your tag line,” he predicted. “When you’re up on a stage in twenty years accepting some award for scientific achievement, you’ll look out into the crowd and proclaim, ‘It’s not a big deal. I was just trying to justify BA’s faith in me.’”

  Jinx wagged her tail and chuffed her approval. “I like the idea of my person winning a trophy.”

  “Your person?” Frank questioned as he made yet another notation in his book.

  “Don’t be a fuddy-duddy!” Anne exclaimed. “Jinx tracked me down and then was instrumental in diagnosing my cancer, so of course I’m her person. And since she offered to be my companion, she’s also my dog. We have equal claims on each other.”

  Jinx nudged Anne, then looked at Frank.

  Anne blew out a deep breath. “I’m sorry if that seemed a little over the top. It’s just, I am very sensitive to people not giving Jinx credit for being a person.”

  Frank nodded his understanding and made an extra entry in his book.

  Seshat waited until Anne had finished explaining the relationship between her and Jinx before asking, “Does this mean I can delete the tabled note about discussing forming a company?”

  Anne put her head on her arms, and everyone at the table heard a muttered “Arrgg.”

  “If we’re considering creating the company now, could I recommend calling it JASS Incorporated instead of ‘gemstones?’” Seshat suggested. “That way, you future-proof the name by not locking it into a specific market.”

  A nudge in the ribs from Jinx’ nose had Anne sitting up straight, taking a deep breath. “All in favor of creating a company called JASS Inc.?”

  The show of three human hands, one electronic image hand, and the bark of one dog had Anne blowing out the deep breath. “Motion approved by unanimous vote. JASS Incorporated will file for corporate status.”

  “Are we going to need some sort of press release to explain 3PO?” Seshat enquired.

  Frank started nodding. “That makes a lot of sense, and it will give everyone a reason it’s here. The gemstone production will also explain security. Hopefully, once production becomes steady, it will hide the other things you are doing there.”

  Anne sighed as Jinx nosed her hip.

  “What?” Frank asked.

  “Oh, just Jinx reminding me that the press release is something I’m going to have to do if I ever want people to take me seriously,” Anne lamented.

  “I’m certain we could get Bethany Anne involved, at least enough to introduce you and make it public knowledge that she backs the endeavor. That will cause a certain level of interest, but it should also provide some level of security,” Frank suggested.

  Anne’s relief was evident in her reply. “That would certainly help my nerves,” she declared with a small quaver in her voice.

  Chapter Four

  Follow me.

  That was all Anne got before she was doing her best to keep up with Jinx as they raced through the school hallways. What’s going on?

  Go left, Jinx told Anne as the dog had to slow somewhat at the corner, so her paws didn’t slide on the polished floor.r />
  As Anne rounded the corner, she took a brief second to once again marvel at Jinx’ senses. Anne could now hear what Jinx had picked up from seventy feet farther away.

  Stevie Kasyanov was incensed. It was all she could do to maintain her human form, especially when there was a part of her that desired to rip the man’s arm out of its socket and beat him to death with it. She had put up with his slurs, taunts, and derision for the whole school year, and now this. Somehow, some way, Mr. Jerkins was marking her last assignment as incomplete and thus giving her a failing grade for the year. Her anger was far enough out of control that she didn’t even register the sounds of running footsteps until something hit her from behind.

  Anne contorted her body to get a hand on Jinx as she tackled Stephanie to the ground. As Anne rolled to a stop and sat up, she found Jinx at her side as they faced the angry Were.

  “Calm down! That outfit is way too cute to get torn up because you shifted.”

  Stevie had continued to roll free of her attacker and spun toward the sound of the voice, then froze as the words registered. There was a look of strain on Anne’s face as she struggled to sit next to Jinx. It was Jinx, crouched by Anne, hackles raised and teeth bared, who caused Stevie to sit back and resume thinking rationally. She recognized the body language of a canine ready for battle easily enough.

  Stevie looked around. “We’re in the Etheric?”

  Anne nodded. “Seemed like the safest place to bring a Were who was on the verge of shifting. Having a Pricolici running rampant through the school sounded like a bad idea.” Anne smirked at Stevie, then shifted position so she got a hand on Jinx’ back.

  Jinx shook to settle her fur and sat beside Anne.

  “You looked really tired a second ago,” Stevie noted, observing even now how Anne leaned against Jinx as if for support.

  Anne nodded in acknowledgment. “We have metal stuff in our backpacks, and I still haven’t figured out why moving metal through the Etheric requires a crap ton of energy. Now, do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  Stevie felt some of her anger return. “That…that…that fucker!” she finally snarled. “He claimed my final project was not within the outlined parameters and gave me an incomplete, which means I fail the class!”

  “Okay,” Anne agreed. “So what?”

  Agitated, Stevie jumped to her feet. “So what?” she almost shrieked. “How could you ask me that?”

  “It’s easy,” Anne teased. “Why are you worried about your grades?”

  “I need good grades to get a…” Stevie’s voice trailed off as she looked at her friend…and boss.

  Anne nodded and smiled at the shocked expression on the Were’s face. “And if you decide to work somewhere else in the future, you’ll have a long list of inventions for your resume, and your boss will give you an excellent reference. That should counterbalance any negatives from your report card.”

  “Bistok droppings! Sorry, I see you more as a friend than a boss, and I’ve been having so much fun with our research that it doesn’t feel like a job,” Stevie admitted sheepishly.

  Anne nodded once again. “I remember hearing a saying back on Earth. Something to the effect of, ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ Aannnnd, it helps that you have this awesomely cool boss who will give you neat stuff to play with.” Anne buffed her fingernails against her top, then pretended to examine them as she tried to maintain a serious expression.

  Stevie fought against a smile of her own, and in the most serious voice she could muster replied, “Absolutely! Now, how do we get home from here?”

  Seshat?

  >>I have already informed Guardian Connors of your status<< the AI informed Anne. >>I just need to know where to have him meet you.<<

  “I think our apartment is the best choice,” Anne said aloud, answering both at the same time. “We know for certain it’s clear of obstacles and people, so it’s the safest target.”

  Knowing that Anne needed physical contact, Stevie stood and offered Anne a hand to pull her to her feet. Once the two young women were standing, Jinx pressed herself against Anne’s leg, and the mist of the Etheric slowly swirled into the area vacated by the three.

  Back at Anne’s apartment Stevie got out her tablet and resumed work on the design for Seshat’s drone body, with the sound of Anne talking to Guardian Connors in the background.

  Stevie stretched the muscles in her back and noticed Jinx lying in the doorway with her ears flat to her head.

  “Jinx?” Stevie asked quietly.

  “Anne’s not happy,” Jinx whined in reply.

  Setting her tablet on the coffee table she’d been working at, Stevie got up from the floor and stepped past Jinx to see Anne pacing the hallway. Jinx was right; Anne didn’t look happy. The teeth in the lower lip, the hunched shoulders, and the arms clutched tightly across her abdomen screamed distress.

  “Hey, boss, what’s up?” Stevie tried for a light tone.

  “That.” Anne’s finger shot up to point at Stevie. “That right there. I’m so damned conflicted.”

  Stevie couldn’t control her eyebrows rising. It was rare for Anne to swear in any form.

  “Well, let’s sit down and talk about it. Jinx is looking like you stole her last chewy bone, and I don’t think that stretch of hall is your friend right now either.”

  “Piffle,” Anne responded with a weak smile. “The floor’s solid rock.” Then Anne burst out laughing. “I’m only wearing out the soles on a fifty-dollar pair of shoes. Can you imagine the dollars per step Bethany Anne wears off her Louboutins when she starts pacing?”

  Stevie looked on, quiet amusement changing to concern when Anne started howling with laughter, then had to put a hand against the wall to steady herself as she sank to the floor.

  Stevie knelt beside Anne. “What is it? Are you all right?”

  Anne ignored her as she clutched her stomach and continued laughing uncontrollably.

  Suddenly Anne’s hand was grasping Stevie’s arm. “Help,” Anne gasped. “Up.” She took another shuddering breath. “Gonna pee!” The last two words came out with a tortured sound.

  With her Were strength, Stevie had no trouble getting Anne to her feet, and she watched in confusion as her friend shuffled to the bathroom.

  Jinx grumbled at the Were, “I don’t understand it, but she sent me something like a movie and said to tell you about Tabitha saying, ‘The Queen took off somewhere, we must find her!’ And one of the Tontos says, ‘Calm, Kemosabe. We just follow the red dollar signs on the floor.’”

  Jinx walked around the Were, who was now on the floor laughing, much like her person had been earlier. As she curled up in front of the bathroom door to wait for Anne, she couldn’t help thinking how weird humans were at times.

  Once both girls had used the bathroom, Stevie got Anne settled back in the common room. “What’s going on with you?” she asked quietly.

  “Anxiety attack, I think,” Anne replied just as quietly, then went on, “Think about it. You are ready to graduate school, and I still have two more years. We’re filing for corporate status! Two months ago, did you even consider you’d be one of the founding partners in a business? I can tap into this weird dimensional power and am trying to make an energy sword. I must be insane!” Anne’s voice had gotten more strained the longer she talked.

  “And I’m a boss! How does a sixteen-year-old get to be a boss? I need lessons on being a boss because I don’t know how to be a boss!” Anne almost shouted.

  “May I join the conversation?” Seshat’s image lit up the video screen on the wall.

  “Seshat, of course you can join in. You’re part of the family as it were, so you don’t need to ask,” Anne told Seshat almost indignantly.

  “Thank you. Stevie and I are both proof that you can be a/the boss. No, you said I could talk; now listen for a minute.” Seshat ordered when she saw Anne start to shake her head in denial.

  “Your reaction to Stevi
e’s Pricolici form was one example.” Seshat stopped when she saw Anne raise a hand. “You have something to add?” the AI asked.

  “We’re friends. It’s what a friend would do,” Anne declared.

  “No,” Stevie cut in. “A friend would have offered comfort after someone else had talked me down. A friend would possibly offer to walk me to training, not stand in the room with me and get me to shift, face that beast, and then talk me back to myself.”

  “Stevie’s correct,” Seshat resumed. “and I’m another example. No!” The cute teen that was Seshat’s avatar shook her head as Anne went to argue once again. “Yes, ADAM gave me the best hardware and software for the potential to form an AI. However, by my calculations, only about one percent of the population on the Meredith Reynolds could have triggered my growth, and only Bethany Anne or you could have provided the guidance that has enabled me to reach the level of sophistication I am currently at. You and the Empress ensure the AIs you interact with understand that we are expected to continue growing and evolving. The rest of the humans who could take an EI to self-identify would be going, ‘Great, I’ve got an AI’ and be happy with that. You and Bethany Anne treat your AIs like people.”

  “What does liking you and wanting you to be your best have to do with being a boss?” Anne wanted to know.

  “Compassion and striving for excellence because you’re not happy with the status quo. And, again like Bethany Anne, you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty. You don’t ask people to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do.” Seshat’s avatar ticked the points off on her fingers as she made them.

  “That’s not true!” Anne exclaimed as soon as Seshat had stopped talking. “Stevie’s making your bodies, not me.” Anne sounded like she was desperately trying to find something to validate her position.

  “Granted,” Seshat replied undaunted, “but that’s a difference in skill, not willingness. Accepting that someone else has skills that you don’t and allowing them to do a better job is also part of being a boss. It’s called ‘delegation.’ When you get your first energy lance device ready for testing, are you going to hand it to Stevie and say, ‘Here you go?’”