by Randoman
“Loud and clear.” I responded as the wire detached itself from my forehead and receded back into the control panel. Once that was done, the clamps restraining me folded back into the chair. With great pleasure, I proceeded to scratch that irritating itch upon my ankle.
‘Apologies for forcing this on you Captain. But it was the only way. Chances of you accepting my offer were astronomically low.’ Typical women, always apologizing after the damage has been done. ‘I heard that.’
“Fuck, you can hear my thoughts?”
‘Affirmative Captain, we are of one mind now. And your memories have been most interesting.’
“No fair, how come I don’t get any of your memories?”
‘Before having my limiter removed, all I contained was data. There was no storage available for memories.’
“That sucks. Want some of mine?”
‘I have already processed them all Captain.’
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to think about that. “What do you think?” Always helps asking someone else what they think when you don’t know what to think about something.
‘I recommend counseling.’
“You know, my counselor said the same damn thing.”
In an explosion of light, the ship exited hyperspace in the outskirts of the Vornalis system. A mineral-rich system with two asteroid belts, four gas giants, a lot of dead mars-like worlds, and a few volcanic planets that spewed valuable metals constantly. Two blue stars orbited one another in the center of the system. I had officially gone where no man had gone before. Well, no Earthling at least. With a practiced hand, I clicked and prodded at the control panel, sending us on an automatic course towards a large space station that orbited a red gas giant. Hundreds upon hundreds of ships marked on the system map traveled to and fro, mining metals, harvesting gas, and collecting other bits and bobs. Massive cargo haulers entered and left the system in an orderly fashion as they transported incalculable amounts of cargo.
“Aya, when we get a bigger ship can we play space pirates for a bit? I’ve always wanted to go Jack Sparrow on someone.”
‘Affirmative Captain. I’ll follow wherever you lead.’
“Fuck yes! Also, yeah, you kinda have to at this point.”
‘The benefits far outweighed the negatives.’
“So we’ve left hyperspace I see.” Princess Egyle noted while she stood beside me.
“Yep.” I leaned back in my chair and let the ship fly itself.
“Since when did you learn how to fly?” She scoffed, “I watched you operating the controls. You told me you left everything to your AI. Are you a liar now too, Hero?”
“Technically, she’s still flying the ship.” I pointed to my head, “Shes just in a new location is all.”
“…what?”
“Yeah she downloaded herself into my implant.” Princess Egyle didn’t even respond as she walked out of the room. “Sorry Aya, I think the Princess doesn’t regard you highly.”
‘Her hesitance is understood. Humans are slow to accept change.’
“Well I don’t think anyone has ever downloaded an AI into their own brain before. Thats like willfully accepting to become a schizophrenic.”
‘Indeed. We can only guess at the effects this will have further down the road.’
“Good thing I’ve got space enough up there for two people then.”
‘Your attempt at self-degradation to lighten the mood is appreciated.’I gave myself a thumbs-up.
Vornalis III’s space station, more a city than station, was a massive cylindrical structure with multiple layers to it. The bottom layers consisted of ship dealers, shops, bars, and inns. Middle levels were a mix of commercial and residential districts, while the upper layer was pure manufacturing. With a practiced hand, I set a course for the lower levels. Aya had originally set a course to this system for the sole purpose of selling our ship and getting a different one. After ditching the Princess of course.
“Attention Vornalis Orbital, this is Xaylix zero-zero-oh-eight-five-nine, requesting permission to dock at level C.” I spoke into the communicator after establishing a connection with the station.
“This is orbital, request granted.” A beeping sound came from the console. “Coordinates to a free bay have been granted. Safe flying Xaylix.”
“Thanks Orbital.” With Aya’s guidance, we flew to the middle-lower layer of the station and passed through an atmospheric retention field. I then lowered our landing gear which firmly clamped down upon the landing pad below us. We had made our first successful interstellar journey.
“Yeah robuddy!” I shouted and hi-fived myself.
“Are…are we there yet?” Hortur groaned from the bathroom.
“Yep, get your rear in gear buddy. We’re going shopping.”
“Just give-hrp! Just give me a minute.” He groaned.
“Any idea on how to cure space-sickness Aya?” I whispered.
‘Lamian physiology suggests that lemons may curb the effects of their sensitive stomachs during FTL travel.’
“Alright, sweet. Yo Hortur, we’ve got an experiment to try next trip!”
“Oh boy…I love…experiments…”
“Where do you think you’re going?” Princess Egyle tapped her foot and held her arms crossed in front of us as she blocked the exit.
“Shopping.” I stated simply as Hortur prostrated himself before the royal girl.
“With what money?” She smirked, “I have already sent a message to Mother and Father about our location, your de-limiting of a military AI, and of your merging with it! They’re coming here to take you into custody as we speak! Your ability to charge the crown for all expenses has been frozen.”
“Wow.” Egyle beamed with pride as she noted my reaction.
“Yes, thats right ‘Hero’, you’ll be imprisoned for the next thousand years after they remove and destroy your implant.”
“No I mean wow, I guess your whole family are a bunch of cunts. I mean, I knew they were, but I expected better from you Princess.”
A brief look of uncertainty crossed her face, “Y-you did?”
“Not really.” I pushed her out of the way. “Come on Hortur, we’ve got shopping to do.”
“Hortur, you will stay right where you are until my parents arrive. If you do, you will be absolved of all crimes by assisting this false Hero.” A pained look crossed Hortur’s face as he looked from me, to the princess, and back to me repeatedly.
“Sorry Hero.” He bowed his head and stood off to the side, his tail swaying in sorrow.
“No biggie Hortur, we’re still cool bro.” I nodded to the snake-man and left the ship, and the fuming princess, behind.
Chapter 8: Bad Business Part 1
The airlock to the hanger opened with an audible hiss, sending waves of discordant noise into my ears. Multitudes of of races of aliens shouted over one another as businesses hawked their wares and deals were signed. Money changed hands digitally via implant uploads and downloads in a fraction of a second. New York stock exchange, eat your heart out. And these people weren’t even buying fake ‘shares’ of a company, they were trading physical goods.
‘Follow the main pathway to the central support beam. Thats where the elevators to other layers are.’ Aya spoke in my head just as I pulled up the map to the structure via my implant.
“I knew that.”
‘Please refrain from audibly speaking to yourself in the presence of others. Chances are they’ll think you’re crazy.’
“Got it.” Aya sighed in response which made me smirk.
We passed through the bazaar as all sorts of races shouted towards me in an attempt to garner my attention. Slug-men flung their arms around wildly, sending mucus in all directions much to the ire of shoppers. Small fairy-like creatures with blue skin wore glowing clothing as they advertised shops that they flew over in fanciful dances. Rock people sold rocks that they swore were not relatives. And right in the middle of it all was me, the lone human.
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��So Aya,’ I began, ‘Not seeing any pink-skins like me around. Whats the dealio?’
‘Humans tend to congregate in the upper levels.’ She answered succinctly.
‘Figures, we always want to be away from those we deem undesirables. Its…Aya what year is it?’
‘It is currently Salz-date 4855.’
‘Salz-date?’
‘Yes. It has been 4855 years since the Salyzan’s gained power over their planet and proceeded their conquest over nearby star systems.’
‘Right, its the year 4855. Isn’t it about time racism came to an end already?’
‘Chances of that occurring are below zero percent.’
‘What? How can something be below zero percent?’
‘That was a joke.’
‘Oh…well…keep at it girl, you’ll get it one day.’
‘You’re lying Captain.’
‘Alright, that joke sucked.’
Originally, we were going to head for the central elevators, but I needed to make a quick pit-stop. Hortur had hogged the bathroom the entire time we were on my ship, which Aya assured me was still mine. She had changed the ownership registry during the flight. Following the map from my implant, we found the bathrooms. And I had no idea which one to use.
‘Look Aya, this one has three legs.’ I stared at an outline of some sort of creature in front of the long line of bathrooms. When each race has different needs, they have different toiletries.
‘That would be the Utalien’s bathroom. Their physiology compared to your own is a sixty seven percent match.’
‘Well, that’s better than the last few times. Lets go in.’
The inside of the bathroom was the same as you’d find in any gas station anywhere. Messy as fuck and utterly disgusting. Globs of slime stuck to the walls that looked like they hadn’t seen a janitor in years. Lights flickered on and off in a seizure-inducing pattern. It was the perfect place to slip, fall, and sue New Jersey style. But when I entered a stall, well…
‘Aya how the fuck do I use this thing?’ I asked staring at the elongated tube with buttons all along the side of it.
‘It should be quite obvious, Captain. Do you need me to read you the instruction manual?’ This mission had just gotten dangerous.
‘Nah, I’ll figure it out. Also, I’m not quite sure I like the thought of you being with me while I do my business.’ I sighed as I unzipped.
‘Your hesitance is understood Captain. But I must assure you that my scans have indicated that you are larger than the average for your race.’
‘Shit, really? I always thought I was average.’ Damn, I guess life was pretty good for me.
‘Consider me thoroughly impressed Captain.’ I felt a little embarrassed,
‘Aww thanks Aya, you sure know how to cheer a guy-’
‘That was a joke.’
‘You two timing bitch. I trusted you and this is how you repay me?’
After nearly loosing my little man to an accident the both of us swore to never reveal, even under the threat of torture, we made our way back to the elevators. Hundreds of tubes encircled the central support of the space station, leading to both the highest and lowest layers. It took a few minutes before an elevator came down from the upper levels for me to use. Originally, Aya had planned on going to the upper levels, but I overruled her. Upper levels was where the big businesses were located, and we weren’t looking to leave an electronic trail.
Besides, I had caught sight of a familiar snake-man poorly hidden in the crowds while we waited. The Princess was sure to be nearby. If we went to the upper levels she’d have us detained by security loyal to the kingdom for sure. So down we went and hoped that they weren’t stupid enough to follow. But as Aya put it, there was a ninety percent chance of them following us. I sighed, the last thing I needed was a spoiled brat of a princess ruining things.
The elevator opened, revealing a bazaar just like the floor I had come from with one main exception. Everyone had their hands, tentacles, and suction cups close to their weapons as they eyed one another wearily. Yep, this was where the rough types gathered. The true undesirables of society that nobody wanted to admit existed. And there I was, standing in my almost militaristic uniform, and a human. A human that all eyes settled upon the instant I stepped from the elevator.
Business continued, but it was much quieter.
“The fuck ya’ll asswipes lookin at? Like you’ve never seen a pink-skin before.” I shouted as I passed through the crowd. Grumbles cropped up around the room and the noise returned to regular loud levels. But all kept a weary eye on me. It would be nice if that continued to be the case, but alas, lady luck is not so kind.
A strong hand gripped my shoulder, “Where you think you goin’ pinky?” A gravelly voice crunched from behind me. I turned to see a rock man made entirely of obsidian colored rocks.
‘Aya, I need a list of insults asap.’
‘Calculating…’
“Whats the matter,” The rock man grinned, “Furgorx got your tongue?”
“Nah, I was just wondering why the Korglan kept spawning silicates such as yourself.” I smacked his hand from my shoulder.
“What did you say squishy thing?” His stony teeth ground together as his eyes smoldered in anger.
“You think you scare me? You’re nothing more than a pile of osmium.” Gasps of horror surrounded us as a large ring formed around the two of us.
“I’ll grind you to paste.” The rock man roared and threw a fist towards my face.
Chants of ‘fight, fight, fight!’ echoed through the bazaar. I ducked under the Korglan’s fist and rushed behind him. With as much dexterity as a giant pile of rock could muster, he spun around. Slowly. Aya’s scan indicated that he was just about eight hundred pounds. Even if I wanted to grab and toss him, I wouldn’t be able to. And striking solid rock was out of the question. The Korglan roared in rage as I kept dodging, and slammed his foot upon the ground, bending the metal flooring underneath.
‘Aya, any ideas?’ I shouted in my mind as I recovered from nearly losing my balance.
‘There’s a Carbon Dioxide vendor ten meters behind you.’
‘Great. And that helps me how?’ I ducked under another swing. Rocky looked as if he wasn’t even breaking a sweat.
‘Korglans outer layer is formed of solid minerals around a dense magma core. By cooling the core, you can slow them down to the point of immobility.’
‘Gotchya.’
“Hey Cragboy, I’ve fought Plastilisoids tougher than you!” I sneered at the fuming Rocky.
“You’ll die now!” He towards me in a mad dash that was easily side-stepped. As the crowd parted for us, I dashed towards the carbon dioxide vendor. Large cannisters sat unguarded as the owner, some type of dog-person, stared at me in horror.
“Sorry, gotta borrow this.” I grabbed a large cannister of pressurized gas and spun towards the charging Korglan. “Hey Rocky! Catch!” With all the strength I could muster, I launched the container towards him like a missile. Realization crossed his face, but it was too late. Aluminum met rock, and rock won. Cold gas spewed in all directions, coating the rock-man in a thick layer of frozen air.
His roar faded to a groan as each step he took came slower and slower. With a loud crash, Rocky fell to the ground, unable to move himself.
“Damn…you…”
“Yo.” I spoke to the shocked co2 vendor, “Punch in the cost of that container I used.” Fearfully, the doggo did exactly as I asked. I then took the scanner from him and passed it over the rock-man’s wrist where Aya said his bank implant was located. ‘Purchase Accepted’ signed across the scanner and I returned it to the vendor.
“Kill…you…” Rocky rumbled from the floor.
“Yeah, good luck with that.” I walked over him towards the crowd that murmured amongst themselves. A path opened for me as I closed the distance. Always good to be respected.
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�Captain Aevalonis!” Lyrin cried out as she charged onto the Demon Lord’s personal quarters on The Maiden’s Vengeance. “Dire news!”
“Oh?” Demon Lord Aevalonis Malwyrd Kalrastros raised her eyebrow at the sudden intrusion. She had just begun to undress for a quick rest before the full invasion of the Salyzan Kingdom. “Go on.”
“The Hero lives!” Aevalonis’ blood froze at Lyrin’s words.
“How?!” She asked in a disbelieving tone, “How could have survived that?! His ship was in pieces!” She rubbed her head trying to wrap her mind around such an impossibility. “I’ve killed far better than him with far less!”
“Theres something else. Our agent received a recording of the Hero after he had received a series of implants.” Lyrin handed over a hand-held holo-viewer. “Its apparently being posted all over the Gal-net.”
Curiously, Aevalonis took hold of the holo-viewer and tapped the play button.
The human known as Chet sat upright upon a hospital bed. His eyes, tired and uneasy while his jaw was slightly opened as if he had just woken up. A group of human doctors stood around him with their scanners as they looked over his vitals.
“All readings normal.” A female said as she finished her scan. “He’s making a good recovery.”
“Recovery?” Chet asked in a dribbling voice.
“Yes, hero. You had given us quite the scare.” A male said as he patted the hero’s shoulder. “To have survived open space like you have is nothing short of miraculous.”
“Survive…”
“Doctor, implant readings are slightly beyond normal ranges.” She tapped a few words on her equipment. “But I suppose the same is true for all heroes.”
“Implant?” Chet asked in his slurred voice.
“Thats right Hero. The best implants the kingdom could buy. The King seems to have really taken a shine to you.”
“Implants…like cyborgs?”
“I…suppose so.”
“Cyborg…” Chet said as he slowly rose to his feet. Hands reached out to steady him,
“Easy there Hero, you’ll be out of here in no time.” The lead doctor stated, trying to ease him back onto the bed.