Spinward Fringe Broadcast 0: Origins

by Randolph Lalonde

  “That's a fine idea sir. The crew would enjoy it. Haven't had leave in half a year.”

  “Then it's as good as done. The halls here run about six thousand for a full day and night with a pay bar. We'll have our get together then get on mission,” Captain Wheeler said with a smile.

  “Good idea. Now let's see why Freeground has gotten us together,” I said as I pressed my thumb on the bioprint reader. It took a moment to check my biological details then it projected a hologram of a distorted Freeground Admiral. The rank insignia and uniform were clear, but the face and voice were garbled intentionally. “Captain Valent, Captain Wheeler. It is under vastly unusual circumstances that Freeground Fleet Command and Intelligence have decided to assign both your ships to this mission. It is our hope that you play to your strengths and accomplish the task we set before you.

  “The conflict with the Triad Consortium has become an all out war. They are getting ready to employ new offensive strategies that will most likely secure their victory in our region. Intelligence has uncovered a project in the final stages of development that could change everything for Triad, possibly for the galaxy on the whole. We cannot allow them to implement this key technology. Since these events are known to us and we have assets within range that may have a chance at preventing these events from transpiring, it is our obligation to put a plan into motion.

  “As Captain Valent is quite aware, Vindyne uses an advanced memory imprint technology to overwrite the memories and impulses of a subject. Our intelligence indicates that this method is over eighty percent effective. It is enough of a leap in technology for the Triad to consider Vindyne for inclusion in their second tier alliances, further expanding their area of control, and resource base. The memory manipulation technology will soon be combined with the Framework project.

  “As Captain Wheeler is quite aware, the most advanced cloning technology in service today can generate a fully viable, perfectly formed adult clone in just over nine years. Rushing this process using common techniques invariably causes serious flaws. Regardless of how quickly or well formed a clone is, imprint technology is still required to program them with memories and experiences so they don't emerge as complete children. Triad's memory imprint and training technology still creates fragmented and incomplete results. A clone may emerge with certain base memories and skills, but there are gaps, and this results in psychosis or incompetence that must be treated conventionally over the span of weeks, months or even years.

  “In an effort to create affordable, emotionally and mentally pliable manpower, the Triad Consortium will be using Vindyne technology to cut the programming time of a clone down to weeks or months and vastly improve their success rate. A false personality that is just complete enough to function as an adult with basic training and a rudimentary personality will soon be a reality.

  “Project Framework has developed the technology that makes Vindyne's advancements far more dangerous. Instead of growing a clone from biological material alone, the Framework skeletal structure is used. With built in materializers that are specially made for creating living biological material -- a technological hurdle beyond even the most advanced materialization units commercially available -- the Framework skeleton creates every part of the human body. Framework can generate the living tissues and working systems of an arm, replace a heart while the subject is still alive in seconds, and repair damage as it happens. It can form all the tissues and fixtures of a living, breathing human in less than ten minutes from nothing but a nearby energy source.

  “Framework can operate and repair itself using the joint of a single finger bone while collecting energy from any thermal, gravitational or electrical source. That finger bone would begin regenerating the skeleton, the skeleton would then accumulate more power from the resources available and accelerate regeneration. Once the body is complete it would provide energy to Framework's skeletal structure like a biological generator. The primary memory units located in key parts of the Framework contain a snapshot of the brain's last active state so it can be restored when the subject is ready to continue on as though nothing happened. The on-board computer can also analyse and assist in the eradication of disease or correction of any other physical anomaly.

  “Combining these technologies the Triad Consortium could manufacture legions of troops in the space of weeks with the basic training required to carry out mission critical tasks. These soldiers would not question orders, would be very difficult to kill and come in such numbers that they would be nearly disposable. What's worse, they would not be violating Eden Two laws.

  “This would be an entirely new kind of creature, classifiable at first as nothing but an advanced type of cyborg which is without rights. They would be in no way restrained in the use or disposal of these beings, and the waste of life would undoubtedly be massive.

  “The development of these projects have been kept secret. No one in the galaxy has intimate knowledge of their inner workings save the few members of the research and development teams who have come together for the first time to perform memory imprint trials.

  “We suspect they are conducting the research and testing in an existing Freeground defence facility somewhere in the Blue Belt. We did not have a chance to complete construction of the facility before leaving it behind when we were forced out of that region some time ago. They have moved the station and have most likely continued construction.

  “We have come into contact with a researcher who has used the technology to cure himself of a condition that causes general cellular decay. He is one of ours, and is on his way to one of the moons in the nearby system solar system of Celestia. He will arrive there on the fifth day of month five. He knows only that Captain Valent and Captain Wheeler are representing Freeground Intelligence and that he is to meet both of you. After he has made the rendezvous, he will provide the coordinates to the research facility.

  “The First Light is to retrieve the software behind this advancement while the Triton is to protect the researcher and assist the First Light. This scientist is important for two reasons; he has implemented Framework hardware into his own body and has extensive knowledge of how the software is installed into an autonomous unit.

  “The acquisition of software and hardware are secondary goals, however. Your primary objective is to ensure that the Triad Consortium's development of this technology is slowed or stopped. You will be provided with all the information we have on the station, as it was when Freeground had to abandon it, so you can decide exactly how you can accomplish your mission. Use any methods you feel are necessary. There will be no record of this mission within Freeground Command or Intelligence, so you will not be held accountable for your actions.

  “All our information about these projects indicates that this is the only place in the galaxy where all the pieces have been brought together. Without this facility and staff, the Triad Consortium's development of the project will be delayed for years. Possibly decades. This change is coming. We can only delay it long enough for us to distribute the technology to the few allies we have, and make the galactic community aware of it so they can provide assistance when the time comes to combat the Triad Consortium's new army.

  “This mission is mandatory. Refusal will result in apprehension and court martial. Good luck.”

  The transmission ended and my command unit blinked, indicating that it received high priority information. I checked it and found the location of the moon we were to meet this escaped scientist on along with the limited data Freeground Intelligence could provide.

  Captain Wheeler checked what I assumed was his own version of a command display, a two dimensional graft on the back of his hand, and nodded. “You got the file?” he asked.

  “I did.”

  “Any problems with our orders?”

  “None,” I said firmly. I needed to show him that I had no doubt, no hesitation, that I was as cold and dedicated as he could be.

  “Good. Contact me when you've booked the venue. With
the meet date, we'll have two days’ leave before we set out,” He tossed the round data storage device on the ground and I drew my sidearm.

  He drew his own and we both pointed at the holographic storage unit. “On three.” He said.

  I nodded and he counted. One, two, three, and we pulled our triggers at the same time. There was nothing left of our orders then but a smouldering black spot on the metal floor.

  Chapter 15

  The Night Life

  Jason had done his homework, and after some deliberation we rented an actual club overlooking the space dock where the First Light was resting against the side of the station. The darkened club was huge, with a dance floor in the middle, a semi-transparent floor above with tables, and platforms all around with half-circle sofa seating facing the main stage.

  No one knew the musicians that were coming through that night, so we simply left it up to the club as to who would be playing. The club's doors opened early, and I arrived late with Oz. We had been looking over the details of this ship's lockdown, making sure it was completely secure before it was left to the unlucky few who had drawn first watch.

  We were in our regular uniforms, complete with sidearms and trench coats. We didn't waste any time getting to the club, and as we came through the doorway the moving lights and thickly melodic music came over us like a tidal wave. It was amazing.

  My eye was drawn to the stage, set up like some great pulpit in the center of the place, the black-haired lead singer skilfully played a classical electric guitar, delivering his poetic lyrics as though he were some modern priest delivering sermons lamenting love lost, needs both sensual and soulful, wrapped in the struggle of the space farer. His command of the stage equalled his masterful vocals.

  The other two in the band were a percussionist who used traditional drums as well as electronic panels set to create sounds that no wood, skin, or string instrument could make, and another traditional bass guitarist, whose long blond hair hung down to the back of her knees. Their music filled the room as well as a full orchestra could. “Where did they find these guys?”

  “I don't know, but I think I'll be buying their collection after tonight's over,” Oz said.

  I caught sight of Ayan and was mesmerized as I watched her on the dance floor. She was in white again. The lower half of the silky dress extended down to the floor, had slits up each leg leading up past mid thigh while the upper half came up in two parts, leaving her back bare and tying around the back of her neck. Laura, who was dancing with Jason nearby, caught sight of me and put a hand on Ayan's shoulder. She turned, and smiled invitingly through a few strands of red curls that fell over the side of her face as she gracefully swayed to the music.

  “I think that's my cue,” I said to Oz.

  He smiled and nodded. “I'll see what's at the bar.”

  I had never been a talented dancer, but I liked to think I could hold my own without crushing feet. A slow melody began to play and before I had a choice in the matter we were slowly dancing our way into the centre of the floor. It was thickly populated by the rhythmically milling crew members who were in and out of uniform. There had to be more than a hundred there, and for every three faces I recognized there was one I didn't.

  I looked at Ayan as we swayed to the slow music. Her smiling glossed lips touched mine and we kissed openly, brazenly. I retracted the gloves on my vacsuit to leave my hands bare and ran one across her cheek as our kiss ended. She looked beautiful, happy, radiant.

  “I started to think you wouldn't come. I was about to settle into the idea of dancing the night away with Laura. Jason was starting to pout I think, he wants her to himself tonight.”

  I pulled her to me more firmly in response, her eyes widened and she smiled. “I wouldn't have missed this,” I whispered against her ear.

  “Good thing. If you didn't show there would be no way I'd let you untie the knot you're playing with,” she replied, drawing her head away from me and raising an eyebrow.

  I didn't realize that one of my hands had wandered up to the tied silk cloth that was solely responsible for holding her dress up behind her neck. I twitched my hand away and she laughed before resting her head against my shoulder.

  We stayed on the dance floor for a few more songs, then found Captain Wheeler, who was sitting with his first mate and Minh-Chu. There were two pitchers of dark golden lager in the middle of the table, and the captain poured me a glass as I approached. “It's Candorian. The good stuff!” he declared as he handed me the pint. He offered to pour one for Ayan, but she politely held up a hand.

  She pressed a button on the table and requested a drink. One of the waitresses came by with a glass of red wine a few moments later.

  “So, who's your lady?” the first mate asked. She had her hair tied back and wore a long green dress over her lean, muscled form. There was a predatory look to her. It was impossible to miss.

  Ayan was in the middle of taking a sip of wine, so I answered for her. “This is our chief engineer, Commander Rice.”

  Wheeler's first mate laughed and raised her pint. “You're right. They really do things differently on their ship.”

  “What do you mean?” Ayan asked casually. If she was at all offended, I couldn't tell.

  “Vanic over there is our chief engineer. He looks more like a half-dead rim weasel on good days,” Captain Wheeler said. He pointed downstairs to the dance floor where a short man with a polished mechanical arm danced a little too frenzied for most people to feel safe near him. He did look a bit like a rodent. It was hard to miss.

  Ayan smiled and nodded. “I have my bad days too.”

  “That's as good as I've ever seen him. I might just do him a favour and take him home tonight,” the first mate said. “But I'd need a few more pitchers first.”

  “In that case, you're buying,” Captain Wheeler chuckled, clinking his pint to hers.

  “I don't think so,” Minh interjected as he stood, took her glass from her and put it on the table. She looked up at him, mildly surprised, more intrigued. He took her hand and they started making their way to the dance floor downstairs.

  Captain Wheeler, Ayan and I all had a good laugh. “Your Commander is in for one hell of a night. She really likes short men.”

  “Well, at least our crews are getting to know each other.” I looked at the crew members I could see from where I sat and realized how completely different the Triton's compliment was from our own people. They were ragtag. There was no uniformity, which didn't bother me as much as the fact that many of them bore scars of varying severity. These were problems our medical staff could handle quite easily. They were getting along well enough with the First Light crew, but in many corners of the room I could see that they were being tolerated, not so much welcomed. This was a party for the majority, and they were the few. I took a sip of my pint and tried not to pucker. I enjoyed a good ale -- generally the darker the better -- and where I came from that was the expensive stuff. The lager Wheeler had poured me was anything but, and I put it down on the table after taking a large gulp, just to be courteous.

  Ayan leaned against my side and I put my arm around her. She was calling my attention back to the others seated around the table in her own subtle way. The soft skin of her arm was warm under my bare hand and I gently traced my fingertips up and down. “You two look like you've been together for a while,” Captain Wheeler said, pouring himself another.

  “Not so long. We've known each other pretty well for about sixteen months, as friends mostly,” Ayan answered.

  “So you served together before getting involved in the shady side of Freeground's ops?”

  “We met on the avatar nets, through a few simulations Jonas and our friends ran. I used to stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking to him, getting a few winks then reporting for duty.” She kissed me on the cheek lightly before looking back to Wheeler.

  I ran my hand over her bare back soothingly. Her skin was smooth and soft.

  Wheeler went on with a cro
oked smile, like we were the entertainment for the evening. “Serving on a Freeground ship can be hard with the military limitations on fraternization. I see you tossed that a while ago.”

  “We're discreet. Most of us are,” I explained as I turned to see Jason chasing Laura up the stairs leading to our table, laughing all the way.

  They sat down on the small sofa beside Wheeler, all out of breath as Laura punched beverage requests into the table surface. “I haven't had this much fun in forever,” she said as Jason pulled her into his lap.

  “Having fun, Captain?”

  “Not as much as you are,” both Captain Wheeler and myself said at the same time. He knocked on the table and pointed at me so fast I thought he was going for his sidearm. “Your round!” he shouted.

  I laughed nervously and thanked at least three deities as Oz came over with a drink in his hand that I couldn't quite make out. It looked like an ale, but there were bubbles that moved like small egg yolks drifting within. “He's got you there Jonas. Old boarding crew tradition. You serve on one before leaving Freeground?” Oz asked Captain Wheeler.

  “Three years, then an All-Con turret blew my leg apart at the knee. I still have the graft scar from where they attached the new one,” he said as he started pulling up his pant leg. Both the women at the table put up their hands to ward off the sight, yelling, “Whoa, that's okay!”

  “I believe you!”

  The band finished their set and the lead singer's voice boomed. “Just taking a break folks, be back in fifteen,” the house music came on and the crowd migrated towards the bar.

  The waiter came over to deliver Laura and Jason's drinks, a long tray of shots. There had to be twenty, in every colour of the rainbow. Minh and the first mate weren't far behind. “Drink up everyone! Bartender's choice shots!” Jason shouted, picking up one himself and gesturing to everyone near.

  Ayan and I tried to turn ours down. “Saving my energy for this one,” she tried with a wink in my direction.