by J M Guillen
I walked over to it and grasped the swing arm of the device. At the end of that arm, I saw the sleek, silver and blue rod, approximately the size of a ballpoint pen.
SNICK.
I jumped at the sensation, as I always did. It felt as if something behind my left ear had suddenly synced.
“Okay.” I hated how nervous the thing made me feel. Nevertheless, I leaned against the table and held onto the side grips.
The table shifted beneath me and leaned backward. The arm moved of its own accord, fliting around with a slight whir. The swing arm darted like an insect, positioned the rod around my head, paused, and then skimmed off to another location.
“Let’s get this done.”
Bishop, Michael. Asset 108. Citadel Alpha. With each word, the end of the rod sang sapphire. Would you like to peruse existing neuralware? Your current classification allows four packets.
Four? I raised an eyebrow at that, as I typically only received three. Can you confirm that?
Confirmed, Alpha. Your current classification allots four slots for packets.
“Well. Title has privileges I guess.”
A collection of spheres appeared in my mind’s eye, each a different packet of Facility firmware. Right off the bat, I noticed the sheer number of them.
Dozens. There were dozens and dozens of packets here, any of which I could select.
It took my breath away.
Titan and Rapier, Tempest and Seraph. Gatekeeper, Adept, Fury, Catalyst, Reagent, Magus, Harlequin, Veracitor, Imperator, Templar…
“I’ve never heard of most of these.” I mentally thumbed through them and felt just a bit overwhelmed. I could easily sync a packet describing the usage of any of them…
But should I? After all, a deadly game was afoot. It might be best to stick with something I knew.
“Okay,” I muttered quietly. “Let’s at least glance at the basics.”
I accessed the Adept.
This packet requires two slots to function. Do you wish to—
“Yes. Please continue.”
I truly looked forward to seeing how the Adept played with the Shogun class weaponry. The packet came with a plethora of preprogrammed combat routines, most of which focused on various melee moves, which I adored.
I’d become quite accustomed to whipping an extraordinary amount of ass with that packet, so this choice felt solid.
It actually took me a moment to choose the Wraith, even though the inability to interact with light had saved my ass on more than one occasion. Thing was, Sofia happened to be along for this little fiesta, and I knew she’d gear the Wraith. Did we really need more than one scout?
Delacruz solved the ‘unseen gate’ problem, the fact that most Assets couldn’t gear Gatekeeper and Wraith at once. Since she could gear those packets together, we had a scout with the ability to teleport around, unseen, and move her cadre at will.
“I’ll just have to use it offensively.” I nodded to myself. “Sofia can be the scout, I’ll play invisible assassin.”
I took it. That left me with one more slot.
I could still choose something I had familiarity with. The Spectre had come in quite handy a couple of years ago, and I’d geared it since. I hadn’t yet taken it along with the Wraith, but the idea of juggling nigh-invisibility with nigh-intangibility intrigued me.
Yet, perhaps, I should explore.
I’d been responsible so far, after all. I’d only chosen packets I knew how to use to devastating effect.
“What kind of Alpha would I be if I didn’t understand how the rest of these packets work, after all?” That sounded reasonable. System query: Specifications regarding Tempest packet.
Tempest is a multi-function packet that alters basic axioms of atmosphere and weather patterns. Through its use, the equipped Asset can manipulate temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric pressures. This capability leads to a wide range of effects, from bursts of violent wind, to sensory hindering weather, to explosions of powerful galvanic charge.
“Weather control?” I furrowed my brow. That didn’t seem helpful in a combat situation. What was I going to do, sling wind at Irrats?
Nope. That sounded stupid.
Next.
System query: Specifications regarding Reagent packet.
Reagent is a viral mecha distribution packet that often functions with the support of a Caduceus. Typically engaged for stealthy incursions, the Reagent deploys weaponized mecha with the specification of inducing harm to a large set of foes. Twelve different style of mecha ensure that these effects are both varied and brutal—
End query. I thought for a moment and decided to pass. The Reagent felt a bit dirty, somehow.
I didn’t care for it.
System query: Specifications regarding Magus packet.
Magus may not be equipped while the diaphanic emitter is engaged. System conflicts with an active Wraith will occur.
Understood. Now, my curiosity was piqued. Please continue.
The Magus packet requires Type V viral mecha and the use of a diaphanic emitter as an adjunct. Engaging the Magus will deplete Type V at a rapid rate. A steady supply of these mecha is required.
“Type Five?” I muttered to myself. Had I ever had the option to take Type Five viral mecha along with me? I didn’t believe I had.
The Magus comes equipped with prerecorded dialogues of Asset combat maneuvers and strategies. Upon ignition, it makes use of the diaphanic emitter to project simulacra of the Asset, which are indistinguishable from the user. These images appear to engage the targets, which causes confusion and distraction among the enemy.
“Confusion and distraction…” I grinned. I liked the sound of that. Query: Will the rest of my cadre be capable of distinguishing between these projections and the actual Asset?
Affirmative. System seven within the phaneric node treats the simulacra exactly as projected markers or tokens within the Crown.
This sounded better and better. I liked the idea of having a small army of Bishops at my command or at least seeming to for a few moments.
Query: Does Asset Rachel Gardener have access to Type V viral mecha within the Citadel?
Affirmative, Alpha.
“That’ll do, then.” I accessed the Magus and sent the sync commands through my Crown. Moments later, the SNICK of the Crown’s little blue light sounded again, and I felt my packets mesh.
Four slots felt… strange, like having an extra hemisphere to my brain.
Once the Cradle finished, I pushed myself upright, a little unsteady. After a quick mental inventory, I decided I might be ready.
Turning, I left the white room and strode down to the Corvus hanger.
7
“The Tangler B has three separate pre-approved ignition codes!” Wyatt crowed as he showed off the silvery-blue crescent hung at his hip.
“Okay?” Rachel calibrated the Stinger fitted snugly on her forearm. “So?”
“So, I can preprogram three separate algorithms that I can fire with a single keystroke. Stasis field? One button. Or maybe gravity reversal. No complex maths for pre-coded affects.”
Impressive. Anya nodded. Is that to imply that stasis fields are now sanctified by the Designates?
“Kind of.” Wyatt vacillated. “There is an algorithmic correction that Facility Prime has to make to Hyper-Rationality whenever I create stasis.” He shrugged. “If I start to outpace those corrections, the Tangler B will be unable to create stasis.”
“Handy,” I said.
“’Nother bonus is that any stasis fields created in Rationality are going to be sustained by the Designates, once created.” He winked. “So Rosie’s five-hundred meter range doesn’t apply.”
Convenient. I’m pleased the Designates have found a way to modulate those fields.
I noticed Anya carried a gray-and-black telemetric pack on her back. It slung over one shoulder and went around the opposite hip, which gave it an oddly triangular shape. Within it, our Preceptor had packed gear t
o boost her readings.
“The Rook was a fucking genius,” Wyatt continued. “I’d love to pick his brain sometime. Either way, it’s a hell of an upgrade.”
I think we all got upgrades, Sofia linked and hefted a slender crossbow. This Gatekeeper packet holds ten saved locations in memory, whether there is a spike present or not. It also lets me preset aperture sizes and momentum specifications.
Also note optics upgrades on all Crown systems, Anya linked.
“Nice!” I couldn’t help but grin. “The ability to engage optics while Spectre or Wraith is engaged? I like it!”
“I like that I’ll be able to see in color when I’m under the Wraith,” Delacruz noted. “I hate feeling like I’m watching a 1940’s serial just because I need invisibility.”
We all ready? I gazed around the hanger as I strode up to them. Where’s the Designate?
The Designate was called to Facility Prime on a Priority One. Anya looked nonplussed. She is expected back shortly but has informed us to carry on.
“To… the Vatican?” I didn’t like feeling as if my Designate-in-Charge had suddenly bailed.
“I have the coordinates of our incursion.” Wyatt tapped his noggin. “We’re ready to leave when you are, Alpha.” He said this last with playful sarcasm.
“Well, I’m ready to leave, if you think you can fly this thing.” I flicked my thumb toward the Corvus.
“My new little Corvette?” He chuckled. “I think I have it. Just give me a moment.”
Bishop? Rachel studied me from where she stood by the Realmship. You equipped the Magus?
Oh, yeah. I gave her a sheepish smile. I understand I’ll need some Type Five viral mecha? I don’t think I’ve ever experienced those.
There’s a reason. A small frown pulled at the edge of her lips. Type Five aren’t really designed like other mecha. They are energy transmitters. You’re using them as an energy source to power the Magus.
I’ve seen you use mecha before, like to boost the Adept. I shrugged. What’s the big deal?
That’s different. That’s using existing mecha to augment a Crown function. She vacillated with one hand. I’m not describing this well.
Okay. I smiled at her. Take your time.
Type Five viral mecha are used to power effects in less accordance with Rationality. There’s a difference between, say altering the axioms of light like the Wraith, and casting forth full-blown simulacra like the Magus. That packet had been discontinued, last I knew.
Why? I just didn’t follow.
Standard packet specifications ask permission to alter the rules of reality. The Adept alters your physiological processes. The Gatekeeper alters space-time.
Right.
The Magus doesn’t just alter one axiom; it alters several, at its own discretion. Have you ever felt as if the Wraith has a mind of its own?
I… I have in fact.
That’s because the system has to be capable of making picosecond by picosecond choices regarding what axioms of light or sound to alter. Human cognitive capability isn’t quite fast enough, so the system uses algorithmic processing to make the determination for you.
“Huh.” I never thought about it that way before.
So the Magus makes similar choices, for several different simulacra, all at once. It has to determine if one is yelling, if another made a sound when it fell, if a third should appear to run or punch. Furthermore, due to the use of the Type Fives, this capability can be augmented to increase the reality of the experience.
That sounds like a good thing. I felt lost again.
Can be. But it’s a hungry packet. It constantly prompts for more and more mecha.
So we go in loaded for bear. I tilted my head to one side and gave a half shrug. Makes sense.
The target can experience perception shifts, both in light and sound. If there are explosions involved in what the Magus creates, the target may feel heat. Or even pain. It’s seamless.
Pain? I felt confused. Rachel, these… illusions can’t actually attack people. I paused. Right?
Not illusions. Simulacra. She shook her head. That’s the weirdness with Type Five mecha. They were created fifteen years ago and quickly discontinued. They’re a power source that is, by its nature, Irrational.
What? That seemed ridiculous. Why?
Some experimental packets were created for the express purpose of dealing with high priority Irrats. It was believed that by using non-Rational energy sources, those packets might better be able to compete with their capabilities.
Okay. I rubbed the back of my neck. Why were they discontinued?
The Asset has the capability to burn Type Five mecha in order to create effects. If you burn a little, these illusions are just that. But if you burn more, the effect can become more and more ‘real.’ She shrugged.
So, if a simulacra is… punching, say, the Magus might alter the axioms regarding kinetic force to make that action seem real.
It will alter the axioms of kinetic force to make it real. No seeming involved.
At its own discretion. I let out a low whistle.
Eventually, this created a situation where the Assets caused as many protocol concerns as the reality terrorists.
That stopped me.
The packet specifications hadn’t warned me of anything like that.
Rachel must have seen the concern on my face, because she touched my arm. “Here’s the deal, Bishop. I don’t love the idea. The Magus can get a bit scary, if you ask me.”
“Okay.” I frowned a bit.
“But the fact is, you don’t have to ask me. You’re the Alpha. Also, the Designates made this packet available, and that must mean something. If it were truly a reality-destroying death machine, they wouldn’t allow it.”
“I… I assume so.”
Yet in actuality, I wasn’t certain. I remembered the Designate said that, while I had access to all packets, we would “discuss” what I chose. Only now, she’d gallivanted off to Facility Prime. She hadn’t exactly been present for this choice.
But I could link her. I modulated my link to the appropriate channel.
Designate?
Designate systems currently unavailable.
What? That struck me as odd.
“So here’s what I’m doing. I’m going to step back to Emergency Asset Services for a moment and grab some Type V mecha.” She gave me a small smile. “Assuming my Alpha still plans on using this packet?”
“Yeah.” I cleared my throat and then spoke a little more forcibly. “Yes. That’s my choice.”
“I’m going to trust you, Alpha. I’ve decided.” She gave me a quick nod. “You’ll never be a good leader if people always doubt you and snark at you. So, we have a clean slate here, you and I.”
“Yeah?” I grinned “Even though I do terribly stupid things?”
“Maybe you used to.” She raised one eyebrow. “But not anymore, right?”
“Well, the thing is the Designates seem to kind of expect me to do crazy bullshit.” I shrugged. “I’m one of their best chances against the Vyriim, apparently.”
“Right.” She chuckled. “No, I think you’ll do fine. Better than fine.”
“Yeah?” It was my turn to chuckle. “And why, after years of scowling at me, have you decided that I am suddenly a wise and capable leader?”
For a moment, Rachel said nothing, just stared at the ground. Then, she took a breath and met my gaze.
“Because I was in Dhire Lith too.”
“Right?” I didn’t see where this was going.
“I saw the way you watched him. I watched how you listened when Gideon spoke. I know who he was to you.”
Suddenly the entire world went still. I couldn’t breathe.
“Yeah?”
“I know you loved everything about that man. I know you’d have followed him straight into hell. Right?”
“Yeah.” I blinked. My eyes were wet.
“And I know you’d want to make him proud. You’d want to be
the leader he was. You’d do everything in your power to be what that man wanted you to be.”
“I would.” I nodded. “You’re right.”
“So I’ll follow you. And I’ll trust my Alpha. You aren’t going to do stupid, cowboy things. You aren’t going to take ridiculous risks, because you know he wouldn’t. And more than anything, you’d want him to be proud of you.”
A memory, like a hammer of sorrow, struck me in the gut:
Got him, I linked Gideon.
Alive, he responded. I felt how weary, how harried that link was. Take him alive, Bishop.
Understood.
Good. Make me proud.
“Yeah.” My voice sounded hoarse. Small.
“You want your Type Five mecha? You want the Magus? Yes, Alpha.” She gave a crisp nod. “That’s my answer. Your will is mine, until you prove me wrong.”
With that, Rachel turned and left the bay.
Wow, Sofia linked. I turned around and saw her leaning against the Corvus. She fiddled with her Crown augment and settled it into place against the back of her head.
It shone blue.
What?
She’s always struck me as a smart chick, that’s all. Sofia shook her head.
Very smart. She’s a genius.
Smart chicks don’t do what she did, gringo, Sofia explained.
And what did she just do?
She raised one finger.
Smart chicks don’t place the entire world on another person’s shoulders. Ever. It’s a bad move.
Is it?
It is. It sets up the second thing smart chicks don’t do.
Alright? I crossed my arms. I really don’t think that’s what she did, I shook my head. But I’ll bite.
The second thing. Sofia raised a second finger. Smart girls don’t ever set themselves up to be spectacularly let down.
“Wow.” I almost laughed in disbelief. “Are you serious right now?”
“Don’t get me wrong, Mike.” She let a lazy smile touch the edge of her lips. “After all, I love crazy bullshit. I’m all about it.”