Transmuted (Dark Landing Series Book 1)

by Robin Praytor

  She entered and walked to the makeshift desk, laying three data vials next to the processor.

  “What are those?” Drew asked.

  “I’m not sure. Dad hid them with his note instructing me to come to Dark Landing. I haven’t had a chance to look at them until now.”

  “I should have brought popcorn,” Drew said.

  Chapter 16: Data Vials

  Letty straddled the nearest spool and picked up one of the vials. Positioning it above the processor, she paused before slipping it into the drive port. “Here goes.”

  “No idea what’s on these?” Drew asked.

  “No. We were nearly here when I found them. Someone nicked my processor when my baggage was stowed on the Temperance. I tried several times to use the public terminals, but there were always too many people hanging around. Then, when I arrived . . . ” She cast a sideways glance at him without finishing.

  An audible click sounded as she pressed the vial firmly into the port. A short rod, about a half-inch in diameter, made of a clear, synthetic material, swung out from the processor’s side. Letty wrapped her fist around it. With her user identity confirmed, a picture of her and Speller materialized on the screen, both smiling, heads cocked toward each other. A muted sob escaped her, and unchecked tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Drew laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off, sniffling. She wiped the tears from her eyes, dried her hands on her dungarees, and took a deep breath.

  “List files by most recently modified,” she said in a shaky voice. The image morphed into two columns of file names. Letty leaned closer to scan the lists. She opened and quickly closed several documents.

  Steadier, she said, “These appear to be a history of the investigation into the security breach—copies of shared reports between Dad and me and the ETOC. Nothing I haven’t seen, but I’d have to study them closer to be sure.” She pressed a narrow ring inset around the port opening, and the data vial popped up above its edge. She replaced it with another and grasped the rod once more for the required DNA access.

  A new image appeared of her and a man, about the same age or a couple years older, both wearing caps and gowns and holding degree certificates on each side of their beaming faces.

  “Who’s that?” Drew asked.

  “That’s Travis—a friend from college.”

  Drew winced at a sharp stab of baseless jealousy.

  The file list spanned longer than on the previous vial, with several more columns. Letty scanned the columns quickly without opening any files.

  “Taleen Industries business,” she said as she popped the vial out and replaced it with the last one. There was no image this time. The vial opened to a short list of four files:

  #Io944}u^dl*=q+4rr

  #oy%y87&$t?[78%%f*p

  #urb11%bc%@yr90o|ki

  #Io[(3%489-@12/8#-2

  “Encrypted,” Drew said, stating the obvious.

  Letty nodded and studied the coded words. “Tiger traffic,” she said. The screen didn’t waiver. “Tiger traffic two four nine.” Nothing happened. “Middle Earth two—” She stopped and bit her lower lip as she concentrated on the screen. “Gypsy daughter,” she said finally. The letters, numbers, and symbols changed into legible Earth English:

  (1)Compilation

  (2)Personal Notes

  (3)Confirmed Data

  (4)Raw Data

  They both bent close to the screen, and then pulled away self-consciously when their heads bumped.

  “Open Compilation,” Letty commanded. Words filled the screen.

  ED2519.01.15

  Virus (simplification) Detection & Transmission

  Taleen labs have isolated the virus1 infecting the bio material gel in tech victim zero: desk model 2500.5A, SN4032-909-09509, as well as the bio material gel of data vials inserted into the subject desk during the critical timeframe2. The virus subsequently infected three human technicians3 who came into direct contact with the bio material gel during the course of their research.

  Initial human viral infection presented with cold-like symptoms4. Two of the subjects also presented with a mild rash5 on their necks and chests. Each subject responded to standard treatment and all were symptom-free within 72 hours of onset; however, it was discovered that nanoids of unknown origin6, seemingly identical to those found in the desk and vial gels, had adhered to the subjects’ DNA7. To date, it is unknown what objective, if any, the nanoids have or to what extent they might affect humans. Attempts to remove, or disable and decode8, the nanoids from the human subjects have failed. Nanoids extracted with blood or other bio samples disintegrate upon extraction; replacement nanoids re-construct in the subjects’ bodies at roughly the same speed9. Inactive nanoids found in data vials are shielded10. Attempts to breach the shielding have resulted in disintegration. Spectogram analysis11 has proved unsuccessful.

  It is believed (and may be one possible objective) that the virus can be transmitted human-to-human through exchange of bodily fluid12. Other than through direct exposure to already infected bio material gel, all tests for machine-to-human transmission13 have returned negative. However, once infected, humans can pass the virus to technology requiring DNA access verification. Though attempts to replicate resolution in humans have failed, reformatting and reprogramming14 has successfully disabled nanoids in infected technology.

  The combined findings from multiple research teams confirm tech victim zero: desk model 2500.5A, SN4032-909-09509, contracted the virus through an infected data vial. Investigation into the company’s source15 of data vials during the critical timeframe revealed that, due to a shortage caused by as yet unsolved cargo scow hijackings16, Taleen Industries Corporate Center requisitioned one shipment of unformatted vials from a local boutique manufacturer owned and operated by a branch of the Praetorian religious sect17.

  Suitable safeguards have been implemented and further transmission has been contained18. The human subjects continue to be held in quarantine under observation. All technology at Taleen Industries headquarters is currently being examined through scripted diagnostics19 presented as R&D product development testing20.

  The remainder of the report consisted of footnotes with links back to detailed information in the Confirmed Data and Raw Data files.

  Letty, hands pressed together to control their shaking, issued the command to open the Personal Notes file.

  ED2519.01.25

  Letty, sweetheart,

  I assume since you are reading this, you received my instructions and you’re safely on the way to Dark Landing. If not, do as I say! I’ll join you as soon as I’m able. Until then, seek the protection of Andrew Cutter, Chief of Security. My research indicates he’s of good character and I believe we can trust him. Tell him all will be explained as soon as I can make myself known.

  “Huh . . . interesting. See, your Dad knew I was trustworthy.” Drew said, reading over her shoulder. Letty continued reading without comment.

  I opened an investigation into the Praetorian sect (which led me to Chief Cutter; he initiated a similar investigation only days before me). I discovered that several members of the sect had been dispatched to Dark Landing. Since it’s the furthest trading station from Earth, I believe our project may be wider-spread and more dangerous than we imagined. We should stay together from now on.

  Our research teams are looking into the chemical character of the bio gel from the data vials supplied by the Praetorians. It differs (even ignoring the nanoids) from the gel in a typical vial. They’ve isolated one chemical, and I’m bringing a sample with me to research personally. I have my own suspicions as to the reason for this anomaly.

  Letty, I can’t stress enough the importance of secrecy and the possible danger to both of us. I don’t want to scare you, sweetheart, but I believe I was followed to Mars, and there may have been an attempt on my life. I’m anxious to discuss all of my findings and suspicions with you as soon as we’re both safe. I miss you terribly. Stay alert. I’ll see you so
on.

  All my love, Dad

  Drew and Letty (both ignoring new tears streaming down her cheeks) spoke excitedly in unison, neither comprehending what the other said.

  “Stop!” Drew shouted.

  Startled by his volume and tone of command, Letty’s mouth snapped shut.

  “We’ll take turns. You go first,” he said in a normal tone.

  Letty wiped her tears and runny nose on a sleeve. “In the café, that’s why you asked if my dad was religious. You knew, didn’t you? Why were you withholding that information?”

  “I wasn’t withholding anything then or now. Remember, we haven’t had a chance to compare notes. We have three Praetorian monks on the station. I’ve been watching them since they arrived, trying to figure out what they’re doing here. After the explosion, we found a monk robe in Tram . . . your father’s locker on the Temperance. It could have meant nothing. I was just fishing. He probably thought it would come in handy if he needed to snoop around.”

  He took his turn. “You mentioned earlier that only three people knew about the breach, but the compilation report and your dad’s note talk about teams of research technicians. Any one of them could have informed to Muck,” Drew said, mirroring her accusing tone. It was obvious they still had trust issues.

  “It’s possible, but unlikely,” she said. “The research team members don’t know the nanoids were discovered as part of a security breach. We presented a scenario to them as a training exercise. If they suspect anything, it’s that we’re researching new product prototypes.”

  Hyped on adrenalin, she stood from the stool and paced the small reception area as she spoke. “We have three teams of technicians from different disciplines. Each team researches an aspect of any problem we present. When Research and Development design a new product, its components are divided between the teams to test and break. Theoretically, no team knows the others exist.

  “Sometimes . . . well, these are brilliant men and women, famous in their respective areas of research, sometimes they put things together. On the other hand, they’re over-paid, coddled and perked, and perform challenging work in their chosen fields. We make sure they get individual credit where it’s due. They’re fanatics really, but in a good way. We compile psych work-ups and background checks before anyone is added to a team, and we monitor their personal and professional lives. They’re loyal to a fault and, believe me, we know what buttons to push. I’m sure the information didn’t come from one of them. “Did you question the Praetorians?” she asked.

  “No. We were preparing to bring them in when Hernandez was murdered. Then, I was suspended.”

  He continued, abandoning the give and take and postulating out of order. “Some of it makes sense now. Your father came to Dark Landing following our particular Praetorians. After he checked up on me, he sent you here to join him and to keep you safe.”

  “He doesn’t mention nitroglycerin specifically, but that must be the chemical anomaly he talks about,” Letty said. “But, it’s not mentioned in the compilation, unless there’s something in the individual reports.” She sat back down at the processor.

  Drew watched as she began opening and scanning files. “The environmental report confirmed your dad’s findings. The scanners didn’t identify the nitro until it exploded because it was encased in a gel similar to the bio gel used in data vials. But, that still doesn’t explain its purpose.” Drew leaned close, absentmindedly nibbling on pieces of dried meat and fruit as he read along. After a few minutes, he jerked upright. “How can I be so stupid?” he said, slapping his hand against his forehead.

  Letty glanced over her shoulder at him with a telling look.

  He ignored her. “I know what the Praetorians are doing here,” he said. “They’re carriers!”

  “Carriers?” she asked, eyebrows raised.

  “At our last breakfast meeting, Doc reported there’d been an outbreak of colds on the station with an atypical rash.”

  As soon as he said it, Drew saw the flaw in his theory. “That doesn’t make any sense, though. The monks wouldn’t have access to our tech and the virus can only be spread human-to-human through bodily fluids and . . . monks after all, unless they sneeze a lot.”

  “Whatever,” Letty said. “I need to contact the ETOC immediately. If there’s any chance this thing has spread . . . is spreading . . . that’s what Dad would want me to do.”

  “They moved the long-range relay servers to the station when the facilities here closed. Local transmissions or even remote data inquiries from Spud won’t be any problem. They’ll get lost in the daily traffic. But a live interstellar transmission originating from here would be red-flagged. We’ll figure something out.”

  They started trading questions again.

  “Why would the Praetorians come here?” Letty asked.

  “Who brought Muck in? What’s their involvement?” said Drew.

  “I keep coming back to the nitroglycerine. Why nitroglycerine? Dad suspected the answer.” Letty ran her hands through her hair, tears starting afresh.

  “We need to focus on the bigger questions,” Drew said. “Who are the bogeymen behind it all and what are their motives? Yes, there’s profit in knowledge. If the tech nanoids let them eavesdrop on everyone’s business, it would be immensely profitable, but also dangerous. If it got out—and basically, it has—it could mean the end of the alliance between planets and even war. That can’t be the end goal. Can it? If it is the goal, who stands to benefit, or even survive for that matter? And why would they infect humans? I don’t get it.” He looked at Letty, shaking his head. Then he had another thought. “The coms. That’s why you and your dad don’t have com implants.”

  “Until we found the source of the breach, Dad said it would be best to remove our coms. It’s been damn inconvenient.”

  With emotional and mental energies heightened to frenzied levels, Drew needed physical relief. He didn’t think Letty would accommodate his first choice. “I’m taking a walk. You want to join me?”

  Evidently suffering the same over-excitement, she popped up from her spool with enough force to overturn it. “Yeah, I do. Are we going anyplace in particular?”

  “I need to check the oxygen generator and scrubber settings.”

  The walkway outside their new quarters ran in a half-circle, beginning and ending on opposite sides of the anteroom. Four similar, half-circle walkways, nothing more than tunnels with natural rock walls, were excavated an equal distance from each other, expanding deeper into the underground facility, like ripples in a pond with the anteroom the stone. Three cross-section tunnels, one through the center and one along each side, joined the passageways together in a time-tested design.

  Offices, public areas, executive living quarters, and mess lined the first ripple. The second contained operational and environmental equipment, storage, and admin crew quarters. The last three ripples provided access to miners’ quarters and common rooms, and large caverns furnished with rock crushing and separating equipment. The mine itself consisted of caverns excavated above and below the complex. Each side spoke ended in a space dock, now capped, where they’d loaded raw materials onto smelting and refining ships.

  Drew’s and Letty’s new quarters sat at one end of the first passageway, close to the anteroom. Drew headed there now to consult the map kiosk and refresh his memory of the location of the environmental equipment and controls. He entered the room ahead of Letty and stopped abruptly.

  Unable to check her forward motion in time, she bumped into him. “Hey! You need to be fitted with caution beams. A little warning, please.”

  “Look.” He pointed to the information counter.

  She stepped from behind him to see where he was pointing. The hat she’d left floating in the station-side airlock was perched neatly in the center of the counter.

  Chapter 17: Found

  They weren’t alone. Tiny hairs on the back of Drew’s neck stood to attention at the sound of fabric brushing fabric. It came from
the deep shadows by the armature hatch where the glow of the soffit lights failed to reach. Instinctively, his hand moved to his blaster. He paused, unsure if whoever lurked in the shadows had a weapon already pointed at them. To make matters worse, Letty stood between him and the sound, blocking his line of fire. She was still staring at her hat, unaware they had company.

  Drew swung his free arm, shoving Letty behind him and turned to face their intruder full-on. His blaster hand hovered above his holster.

  “What is wrong with y . . . ” Letty’s question trailed off.

  Curtis stepped from the shadows into the dim light of the anteroom. “Relax, it’s only me.” He held his arms away from his body, palms up to show he wasn’t holding a weapon.

  “What are you doing here?” Drew challenged, still poised for action.

  “I haven’t come to take you in if that’s what you’re worried about. Hello, Miss Taleen.” Curtis dipped his head politely at Letty as she peeked out from behind Drew.

  “How did you know where we were?” Drew relaxed his posture, standing straight, letting his blaster hand drop to his side.

  “When you didn’t come back to HQ, and with Miss Taleen disappearing too, there were only so many places you could be. I’ve made a lot of trips over here in the last few months. I’m thinking of opening a nightclub. The Mine. Catchy, yeah?”

  Drew didn’t respond. He was bewildered at the odd direction Curtis’s dialog was taking. He’d hoped command would thoroughly search Dark Landing before looking on Spud. It was the next obvious hiding place but, if Mattie was leading the search, he’d also hoped she’d delay coming to Spud to buy him a little time. As usual, the worst-case scenario was Curtis.

  Curtis was outlining his nightclub plans. “The rooms at the front of the complex are partitioned and too small for my purposes. One of the larger caverns back by the miners’ quarters would be perfect, but they’re filled with massive equipment that’ll be hell to disassemble and move out. I’m still working on the idea. Anyway, I give environmental a heads-up whenever I come over. So, when they caught a transitory blip indicating the interior hatch to the west armature opened, they contacted me first. Lucky you.”