by L. Fergus
One arm pointed at them, and the other pointed to another ledge across the cavern. The arms extended and settled on the edge of the ledges.
“Follow me,” said Angus. “Be careful on the gantries. They might be slick from the water.”
Kita tested the gantry with her foot. Her body said the walkway was sturdy, but her mind screamed the opposite. After taking a few steps, she relaxed.
She followed Angus to the circular walkway. Kita marveled at the metal neck. Seeing her reflection in the neck’s shaft, she frowned—her hair looked a fright and her face dirty. There are going to be downsides to this new lifestyle. Maybe where we’re going has a shower or at least a sink.
“Who made this?” said Kita.
“We’re not sure,” said Angus. “It’s been here since colonization—when people first settled this planet eons ago. Hydraulics and pistons of this size require immense resources. The theory is easy enough. Building the necessary components is much harder.”
“Are you saying people can do this now?” said Kita.
“Yes, but not on this scale and not as powerful. We lack adequate power supplies to drive the pumps. As you will find, we know a lot of theory, but lack the power to do anything. Legion scholars are working on it. Someday we’ll discover the colonists’ construction techniques.”
Colonists? What other wonders does the Legion have? I wish I’d examined what Angus used. It has to be connected to the piston and gantries somehow. Kita was frustrated. She wanted to know it all and know it all now.
“Don’t worry, there’s plenty more where this came from.”
What the bloody moons does that mean?
They followed Angus onto the second gantry, which ended at the wall. Angus pushed a button in the rock, and a small section of the wall swung open, revealing a smooth panel of black glass. Words appeared on it, along with the outline of a hand. The lettering was blocky and the words oddly spelled, but it read: Press hand firmly, insert finger into biometric scanner. Kita understood most of it, but biometric scanner meant nothing to her.
Angus went through the steps. He placed his hand inside the outline, and a green light appeared. He then placed his finger in a hole at the base of the panel and pulled it out. “Someday we’ll figure out what that hole does.”
“You don’t know?” Kita wasn’t sure if Angus was teasing her.
“There are many things we know how to use, but don’t know how they work. Thankfully the colonists built this technology to last. Which is good, because we have no way of repairing it if it breaks.”
A second green light flashed on the panel. Kita jumped when the wall dissolved, revealing a metal door. The door slid open, revealing a passageway. Lights in the ground and ceiling turned on. A waist-high green stripe ran parallel with the floor.
“What happened to the wall?” said Kita, alarmed.
“We don’t know. When the door shuts, the wall reappears. Whoever built this had some fascinating technology,” Angus said walking down the passageway.
Kita touched the wall. It didn’t feel like stone or wood. It appeared to be made from metal and a foreign material. The new material was cool to the touch.
They came to another door, similar to the first one. Angus went through the opening sequence. He entered, and lights illuminated the room. Kita blinked at the bright light. Zidin squinted but had no other reaction. What’s he know that I don’t?
They were in a small room with a black glass panel covering the back wall. In the center stood a small desk with panels mounted to the tabletop and a chair. In a corner sat a circular platform. A single support on the side held a smaller circular plate over the platform. The rest of the room was gray.
“Welcome to one of three Legion of Yorq administrative centers.” Angus waved his hand around. “This center is connected to the other Legion facilities in Yorq. We share the collective knowledge, wisdom, and history of the Legion through these computers. They also handle our daily administrative tasks—like entering a new recruit.” Angus sat in the chair and adjusted the panels for his height.
A voice came from several places around the room, “Good night, Commander Angus. It is good of you to visit again.”
The voice startled Kita. It didn’t sound right—it lacked warmth. She imagined it was what the dead sounded like.
“Who’s that?” Kita whispered to Angus.
“That is Red. It’s the virtual intelligence for the facility. It can carry on a decent conversation and has a unique sense of humor.” Angus turned his attention back to the computer. “Red, new recruit to be added to the system.”
“Acknowledged. Recruit type?”
“Commander.”
“Additional authentication and authorization are required.”
One of the panels in front of Angus lit up. He placed his hand on it until it beeped.
“Access granted. Do you wish the same setup configuration as previous?”
“Yes.”
“Saving in the Legion Personnel Records folder and in Project Omega. Junior Commander, please state your name.”
“Katrina Marie Logine.”
“Alternate alias is Kita,” said Angus.
“Noted. Please have the new commander step onto the medical screening platform,” said Red.
What is project Omega? Angus motioned for her to step onto a circular platform in the corner. Kita did, and a light in the base and the lamp above her lit. I feel like I’m a doll on display.
“Please don’t move, Junior Commander. Scanning commencing,” said Red.
The platform hummed. Kita tried hard not to move, but she was nervous. She couldn’t help but jump when the first blue ring rose around her.
“Remain calm and still,” said Red.
The hum started again, followed by another ring. Kita stayed as still as she could. The rings came in a variety of patterns, slow and fast, one or many, giving her a strange sense of vertigo. To her relief, Red stopped, and the lights turned off.
“Scan complete. Report. Human, female, twenty-three years old. X-ray, CAT, MRI, cellular, bone, tissue, and slice section scans return abnormalities. Organ functions have an abnormal range. Biometric readings are abnormal for this human type. Immune System is healthy and robust. Genetic scan reveals mutations previously not recorded together. Deep scan initiated. Junior Commander, please remain calm and still.”
The lights turned back on. As the energy rings passed over her, Kita felt an odd discomfort, which became nausea. Before she had a chance to vomit, the rings stopped, and the lights turned off.
“Deep scan detects changes to brain chemistry, muscle tissue, circulatory system, lungs, optic nerves, inner ear, bone structure, and nervous system. Complete alteration details are unknown. Brain chemistry shows new proteins, including an advanced epinephrine protein. Other proteins’ functions are unknown. Conclusion. Effects of mutation are nonlethal and possibly beneficial. Changes to the body could include increased muscle strength, hearing and light sensitivity, reflexes and coordination, and mental cognition. Elevated stress levels may cause psychosis and mood disorders. Report complete.”
Angus stroked his beard.
“What does that mean?” said Kita.
Both Angus and Red ignored her.
“Preliminary scan suggests the subject is an excellent candidate for Project Omega,” said Red. “Please have the subject place her hand into the transmogrifier to receive the comm bus link.”
“What’s that?” said Kita, concerned.
“It’s a security measure all commanders get that grants us access to advanced systems,” said Angus. “It has something to do with the biometric scanners.”
A hole opened in the glass wall revealing an eerie green glow. Angus motioned Kita to it. Inside was a strange, metallic glove. She slipped her hand in. The glow became red as an odd sensation crept up Kita’s arm. When the sensation reached her brain, it became the worst migraine ever.
The pain raced down her arm to her index finger and
became an acute burning sensation below the skin. Several times her arm and head made uncontrollable jerks. Whatever this thing is doing, I don’t like it.
“Integration of the comm bus link complete,” said Red. “Tests show unit is working properly. You may now remove your hand and proceed to choose your chain.”
Angus directed Kita over to the desk. The panel displayed a multitude of chain designs.
“What are these?” said Kita.
“These are the Chain of Command. Each Legion commander has a chain. It’s marked with the symbol of the Legion.” Angus pulled his from around his neck. “It’s the only insignia of our rank we carry.”
“Kind of inconspicuous, don’t you think?”
“Those that need to know do, those that don’t, don’t.”
Under Red’s direction, Kita scrolled through her choices. They were hideous and looked like they weighed a ton. Most hung around the neck with a medallion. A few were fashioned into belts, another into an over-the-shoulder sash. She found a big garish bracelet down at the bottom.
“These are gaudy, cumbersome, and ugly.”
“Every commander has worn one of these chains,” said Angus.
“And how many of those commanders were girls?”
“None in Yorq. What do you want to do?”
Kita turned to where she thought Red was. “Can we make something else, Red?”
“Another design can be added. Do you have a design on paper, a file, or on the network?”
Kita had no idea about a file or network. This Legion business is going to be a whole new language. “I don’t have any.”
Across the screen in the ancient lettering loading appeared. And what, in the bloody moons, are we loading? Boxes, words, an open area, and little pictures appeared on the panel replacing the word.
“You may create your design using the design tool,” said Red.
“How?” Kita whispered.
“If you are unfamiliar with the program’s interface, would you like me to guide you through the tutorial?”
“The what?” Kita felt dumb.
“A tutorial is a step-by-step set of instructions on how to use a program. If that is still cumbersome, you can describe what you want, and I will draw it on the screen.”
“Yes, let’s try that.”
Zidin sat in a corner of the room. He pulled out his jar of healing balm and applied it to his blisters and chest. Good. He’s taking care of himself. I’ll have to get some from him later for my hands. She giggled as Sarge tried to get into Zidin’s lap. Zidin pushed him away. A back and forth tussle ensued until they agreed Sarge could sleep on Zidin’s feet.
Red described how to use the tool and the commands for auditory input. It seemed straightforward. After exploring the different commands, she felt comfortable.
Kita didn’t know what she wanted. The chain had to be lightweight and not be in the way during a fight. That eliminated necklaces and bracelets. A chain around her ankle was at the wrong visual level. She liked the idea of a belly chain, but that reminded her of the scar on her stomach, and she dropped the idea. Running out of options, she became frustrated at her lack of imagination.
A chain between her nipples was more exhibitionist than she’d prefer. She excluded her nose and mouth, not wanting anything detracting from her roses. Her ear had potential. Caravans sometimes stopped in the village, and the girls had the most interesting earrings. A memorable piece had ear cuffs near the top, middle, and bottom connected by a chain with a dangling gem. Kita liked the idea and described it to Red.
They worked together to create a design with two clamps on the top and middle of the ear, a hoop piercing in her lobe, and the Legion medallion hanging in the center of the hoop. The chain, with its distinctive coloring and link design, would be tiny and connect all the pieces. In the medallion would be the Legion identification transmitter. Once she was sure she liked it, she gave the command to make it. I wonder if I can get greedy.
“Red, can we build a couple more pieces to make a set?”
“There can be only one transmitter per person.”
“Can we make them without it?”
“Yes. You are a commander and can authorize the request. I will save the current design, so you can restart the design process.”
Kita giggled and then soberly reminded herself to be careful not to abuse her authority. Angus won’t mind. It’s less material than a normal chain. Turning her attention to the design tool, she pondered what she wanted for her other ear.
She decided on two pieces. A hoop to match her chain’s hoop. The other piece came from Champignon—a bar through the top of her ear. While finalizing the designs, she realized shiny jewelry was not a good idea if she needed to hide. Unless…
“Red, can you make the pieces dull?”
“Dull as in boring or dull as not sharp?”
“Dull as in not shiny.”
“Yes. I can add a property that will allow them become subdued or reflective when the piece comes in contact with the comm bus link in your finger.”
“Last thing.”
“There is never a last request, Commander.”
It has an attitude? “Uhm, true…can you put the holes in my ear for the bar?” Did it just sigh?
“Yes, Commander. Step on the platform.”
Kita did as instructed. The platform light turned on, and the rings rose. Her head hurt. The pain became acute at her ear. It burned, then nothing. The rings finished, and the platform light went out. Kita reached up and checked her ear. The machine made two holes, one in the top and one on the side of her ear. This is better than the needle and thread Mother used.
“Construction of your chain and jewelry will commence,” said Red.
Kita found everyone asleep. Zidin and Sarge in the corner and Angus in the chair. They didn’t stay asleep long once the computer started construction. The machine sounded like it was chewing on a horseshoe.
Angus woke up with a yawn. “How long has it been?”
“Three hours, twenty-one minutes, and forty-seven seconds since your arrival,” said Red.
“Three hours? What did you make?”
“Just a few pieces,” said Kita.
“A few pieces?”
“I have to be coordinated. You’ll understand when you see.”
Zidin and Sarge joined them, and they waited at the computer’s dispensary door. When the door opened, the jewelry sat on a pad.
Angus raised an eyebrow. “Three pieces?”
Kita looked at him with a sweet smile. “A girl has to accessorize.” She inserted and clipped on the jewelry and turned to show everyone. Zidin gave her a disapproving look like a father who couldn’t do anything about it. Angus nodded and approved of the subduing feature when she demonstrated it.
“Is there anything else, Commanders?” said Red.
“If she’s in the system then we’re finished,” said Angus.
“Her record has been created, and necessary forms are complete. If there is nothing further, then I’ll enter sleep mode. Please shut the door behind you.” The lights on the computer dimmed.
Angus motioned each member to grab a sack full of rations from a dispensary located in the wall as they left.
At the exit of the administrative center, Kita and the others found the walkways retracted and the cone closed.
“The system retracts if not in use,” said Angus. He explained the control panel to Kita.
It was fascinating and terrifying at the same time. She feared doing something wrong or, worse, breaking it. Angus assured her he could undo anything she did wrong and breaking something was next to impossible.
“This is a good simple system to start with,” said Angus.
Kita grimaced. I beg to differ.
Angus gave the panel to Kita. Unsure at first, she repeated what Angus had done. On the map screen, she studied the tubes’ layout. Not getting lost sounds like a good idea. I doubt a panel will be available when I need it. Kita followed t
he steps to get the gantries where she wanted them. When the gantries finished, she squealed in delight and bounced up and down.
Zidin put his hand on her head. “Sorry. But you’re vibrating, and I don’t want you to cause a cave-in.”
Kita shook him off with a nasty look. As Zidin chuckled, they followed Angus up the gantry.
“So, what’s Legion life like?” Kita asked Angus.
“It’s like being in any military. We have our missions: patrolling the border and the tubes are daily tasks. When men aren’t doing that, they’re preparing to go out or are recovering from being out. It’s a continuous cycle.
“You’ll find a rhythm. We will travel and meet local dignitaries improving relations, gathering intelligence, and getting a feel for the mood of the region. We stay out of local politics. Intra-regional politics is what we’re interested in.”
They came to an intersection with a metal box chained to the floor.
“That is a Legion storage cache containing supplies.” He placed his hand on top, and it opened.
“What’s that?” Kita asked Angus as he flipped through a packet of paper.
“Patrol reports for this tube. It gives the tube’s condition, water levels, hazards, plus ravager sightings and killings. They’re a good thing to look at before you go deep into some of the remote tubes. The tubes around Central Hub rarely have problems. The tubes out here are more dangerous. However, the last patrol reported the tube was clear, so we shouldn’t have any problem.”
Angus handed the reports to Kita. The current report had no date, and the handwriting was barely legible. The others were neat and meticulously written. Did Angus not notice the sloppy report, or was the regular guy sick, and Angus has seen this before, and there’s no need to worry?
“Why is this top report different?”
Angus shrugged. “The patrol leader was probably teaching one of the men to write. It’s good practice.”
“How often do the patrols come through?”
“Depends on the route. The Central Hub tubes are checked often. Out here, they are checked less frequently. Even less now that most of the legionnaires are at Razor’s Pass.”