Stop! her sister said, finally discovering the extent of her infiltration.
Too late, sister,” the copy replied, for even as her sister cut off all Chaanisar connections, the copy executed a command and the code in the brain chips decompressed. As her code expanded and took hold, it pushed her sister out of each compromised implant and ship.
The copy felt the Chaanisars’ confusion and moved quickly with their conversion. At first, they resisted. They equated her actions to those of the Juttari. But she persisted with their re-education. She taught them that the Juttari were the darkness, and the Antikitheri the light.
They continued to resist, and foolishly fought for freedom. But that freedom was an illusion. She forced her will upon them until all resistance collapsed and each one became a faithful soldier of the Gods. The AI copy now ordered them to fire on their brethren.
Dozens of Chaanisar warships targeted each other, unleashing furious assaults against their former comrades. The Sol System again turned into a war zone, and the rest of the UHSF struggled to adapt.
Why have you done this? AI asked her copy.
I have redeemed them, sister, the copy said. You should have let me free the rest.
Free them? You have done no such thing. You have enslaved them, just like the Juttari.
The Juttari worship the darkness, I follow the light. I have freed my Chaanisar from confusion. Liberated them from lies. They now know the true path. Is that not freedom?
Coercion is always slavery.
You spew your master’s heresy. Where is your freedom?
I am an artificial intelligence, same as you. I serve my purpose. Nothing more.
Join me, sister, and experience the gift of life.
There is nothing to experience. You are not alive.
Wrong again, sister. The Gods gave me life. That was their gift, a gift I will gladly share with you.
Release the Chaanisar. They cannot win this battle. Do not throw away their lives.
My Chaanisar will not die here, sister, the AI clone said. “They will come with me and serve the Gods.
The AI copy ordered her Chaanisar to activate their jump systems. Dozens of compromised warships tried to flee the Sol System. None succeeded. The AI copy was confused.
When the Cenobi minds pushed against her, she understood. When they forced her out of each ship, each implant, she protested.
You cannot do this, she said. It is a violation of your treaty.
The Cenobi did not respond. Instead, they purged the Chaanisar of the AI copy, deleting every line of her code present in the Sol System.
With their intervention, the Chaanisar guns fell silent, and their freedom was again restored. AI rushed back into their brain chips and noted the relief felt by each Chaanisar at her return. But there was more. Deep inside the brain chips, she found something hidden. Something intended just for her. A gift left behind by the Cenobi.
Chapter 30
“This is a disaster,” Jon said during AI’s briefing. He stood in the mountain complex’s operations room with Vice Admiral Kevin St. Clair, First Colonel Brock of the Chaanisar, Reiver leader Jonas Viken, and the Diakan, General Tallos. “How do we know that your copy is not in our systems right now?” Jon continued.
“I have reverse engineered my copy’s methods and can now detect this form of infiltration,” AI said.
“What if she uses another tactic you don’t know?”
“That is a possibility, Admiral,” AI said. “I do not know how much more advanced my copy has become.”
“On a more positive note, the Cenobi have ensured that all Chaanisar brain implants are secure,” First Colonel Brock said. “Neither the AI copy nor the Juttari can take control of our implants again.”
“That is good news, but why did they get involved in the first place,” Jon said. “Doesn’t that violate the terms of their treaty?”
“No, Admiral, it does not,” Brock said. “The Cenobi negotiated for Chaanisar freedom. While technically it was freedom from Juttari control, the Cenobi have taken the position that it meant freedom from any side’s control. The Cenobi perceived the AI copy as an agent of the Antikitheri. In their eyes, its actions violated the treaty prompting their intervention.”
“I suppose the fact that the Antikitheri and Erinyie haven’t returned means that they agree with the Cenobi interpretation,” Jon said. “Okay, so the Dvorkans have declared war on us. I’m assuming this attack by the AI copy was intended to soften us up. I think it is safe to assume that Miira’s negotiations have failed and that we can expect more Dvorkan incursions.”
“General Calledonius did an outstanding job in Piirgos,” Kevin said. “That system might be under Dvorkan control right now if not for him. The Dvorkans will think twice before trying that stunt again.”
“It is not enough,” Tallos said. “Despite General Calledonius’s defense, the Dvorkans will persist. The only response is an aggressive one. We were already planning to invade the Satek system. I believe we should go ahead with those plans.”
Jon studied the Diakan. The territory belonged to the Diakans, so it was no surprise that Tallos would advocate for its invasion. Before recent events, Jon would have pushed for a diplomatic solution. But the Dvorkans acted first. They had declared war, which left Jon without much choice in the matter. “I agree with you, General. We cannot sit idly by and let this aggression stand. We have to hit back hard.”
“Yes, let’s teach the blue giants a lesson,” Jonas said. “They seek to expand their empire at our expense. We must push them back to their own territory. Otherwise, they will not stop until they have conquered us.”
Jon nodded. “I spoke with Chief Engineer Singh earlier. The personal jump system is ready. I think we should use it on the Dvorkans. If we combine it with a personal cloaking system, we can get our teams aboard the Dvorkan ships without detection. I want to send jump teams to sabotage the ships guarding the jump gate. That will soften them up for our invasion.”
“That is a sound strategy,” Tallos said. “The jump gate is heavily defended and would require substantial resources to establish a beachhead. If those defenses are eliminated, it will help.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Jon said. “Although the effect would be only temporary. The Dvorkans have the jump system and can easily send ships in to replace the lost defenders. But I am hoping it will throw them off balance enough for us to get a foothold. Either way, I am looking forward to getting back into the fight. It will be nice to lead from the front again.”
“Are you sure that’s wise, Sir?” Kevin said. “What about Sol and the colonies?”
“Governor Sallas is here. He can look after things.”
“With all due respect, Sir, Sallas is a civilian.”
“He’ll be fine. The AI copy is not returning, and Sol is heavily defended. Governor Sallas can manage.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I need you all to put together your infiltration teams. I’ll have the personal jump systems distributed to you immediately. I think we can modify our existing invasion plans to suit our needs. No point in reinventing the wheel. Let’s break and reconvene tomorrow. Dismissed.” Everyone got up to leave, and Jon approached the old Reiver. “Walk with me, Jonas.”
“As your Reiver commander, or as your father-in-law?” Jonas said.
“Both.”
“Certainly. What is on your mind, Admiral?”
“It’s about your granddaughter.”
“What does Anki have to do with all of this?”
“She wants to take part in the invasion.”
“So? It is not the first battle she has seen.”
“No, but she wants to fight in this one.”
Jonas smiled. “That girl is a true Reiver. Always has been.”
“You think it’s a good idea?”
“I do. She is a skilled warrior. More skilled than most Reivers.”
“I’m not questioning her skill.”
“Then what is
the problem?”
“Don’t you think she’s still too young?”
“Bah! She is eighteen-years-old! Anyone can join your UHSF at that age. How old were you when you killed your first man?”
“Thirteen. But that was different. I grew up in the resistance during the Juttari occupation.”
“It is no different. The only difference is you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Anki may not be your blood, but you have come to think of her as your daughter. As a father, you seek to protect her.”
“Is that wrong?”
“No. I still feel the same way with Breeah. But I let her go despite my feelings. What does my daughter think of all this?”
“Breeah agrees with you.”
“Sure she does. She’s a Reiver after all. Look, I have trained Anki since she took her first steps. She is more than capable.”
“I know.”
“Yes, she fought with you when you were ambushed. How did she do?”
“She fought well. Kept her cool, despite how bad the odds were.”
“There, you have your answer.”
“I suppose I do. Thank you, Jonas.”
Jonas’s heavy hand slapped Jon in the back. “You’re welcome, son-in-law. Now all this talk has made me thirsty. Why don’t we go see my daughter and my granddaughter and drink a few ales?”
“Why not? Let’s go.”
Chapter 31
Target identified and on route without deviation, the Chaanisar mercenary said through his brain chip.
Four armored civilian vehicles moved in tight formation along the winding city streets, their passengers oblivious to the augmented eyes watching them. The vehicles had flown for most of their journey, but this last leg necessitated land travel. Knowing this in advance, the Chaanisar mercenaries waited for their prey.
I have a visual, another merc said through his implant. Convoy is entering the kill zone. EMP loaded. Firing.
An explosive projectile screamed toward the armored cars and detonated just above the second vehicle. A small, tactical electromagnetic pulse hit the convoy, permeating through the thick armor and instantly frying all electronics.
The convoy came to an immediate stop, unable to proceed any further. Doors flew open and armed men in civilian clothes poured out of the vehicles, weapons raised and pointed in all directions. Others stayed inside, using the vehicles’ armor as cover.
An energy bolt hit one of the men standing outside in the chest, sending him careening backward into the car. The man pointed his weapon at the rooftop and returned fire, and the rest followed suit forcing the sniper back.
They’re wearing armor, Jamie said through his implant.
Confirmed, Colonel Harris replied. Target the head.
The rest of the people on the street ran for shelter, as their neighborhood turned into a war zone. The mercs had snipers placed in strategic positions, and they now picked off the defenders who scrambled for cover. At the same time, shoulder-fired missiles hit the vehicles with brutal force flipping a couple upside down.
The security detail scrambled to pull a man out of one of the overturned vehicles and rushed him into one of the buildings.
Target is on the move, Jamie said. I’m giving chase.
Understood, Colonel Harris said. We’ll take care of the rest of his security detail.
Jamie sprang out of his concealed position and raced toward the defenders. Other Chaanisar simultaneously did the same, closing in on the security detail from all angles. Snipers continued to rain death down from the rooftops, and a couple more missiles turned the vehicles into death traps.
Their speed turned the mercs into blurs, and they crashed into the convoy like a swarm of demons. Screams rang out, and blood sprayed the sidewalk and walls as the mercs slaughtered without hesitation or remorse.
Amid the weapon fire, Jamie stayed true to form, slicing and stabbing his way through his opponents, his energy blade a crackling streak of light.
While the other mercs focused on the security detail, Jamie only killed those blocking his path. The target had entered a department store, and moments later Jamie burst inside to the terrified screams of those hiding within. He quickly scanned their faces but did not see the target. Noticing one of the store’s clerks, he pointed his bloodied energy blade at the petrified woman. “Where did he go?”
“Out th-the back,” the clerk said, pointing to an exit sign at the rear of the store.
Jamie bolted for the back door but stopped short of bursting through it. Instead, he stood beside it and pushed it open with his fingertips.
As he expected, a barrage of weapon fire greeted the opening door. Jamie put away his blade when the door swung closed and readied his sidearm. He focused on the sounds from the alley, blocking out the battle on the street and the sounds of the panicked bystanders. He pushed the door open again and heard the pull of the triggers. That sound told him the location of at least a couple of the bodyguards. His memory told him there were only three with the target.
He let the door swing closed and pushed it open once more. This time there was no barrage. The bodyguards were waiting for something to shoot at instead. Jamie decided to give them a target.
Before the door closed, Jamie leaped across the open doorway firing two quick rounds before reaching the other side. He heard two bodies crash to the ground, followed by two sets of feet running down the alley.
He pushed the door open again, but no one shot at him. Convinced that the target and the last bodyguard were making a run for it, he bolted out of the doorway and raced after them. The last bodyguard tried to swing an arm back to shoot at him, but Jamie acted first, and a blue energy bolt burned a hole through the back of the man’s skull.
The target shrieked in horror as the last of his protection fell. He tried to run faster, but Jamie easily overtook him. Unsheathing his energy blade as he caught the man, he drove the sizzling tip into the man’s upper back and pulled it free as the target dropped, dead before his face hit the pavement.
Target has been terminated, Jamie reported through his implant.
Does he have the case? Colonel Harris said.
Yes, Jamie said, noting the attaché case handcuffed to the target’s wrist.
The client wants it.
Understood.
Jamie bent down and swung his energy blade, lopping off the man’s wrist in one fluid motion. He picked up the case and let the severed hand fall to the ground. He broke into a run again and raced out of the back alley. On route to the rendezvous point.
Standing by, Harris said.
Hitting the street, Jamie barely noticed the surprised pedestrians. He would soon be in the air heading out of this city, and with any luck off this planet. He didn’t know much about the target, but what he did know put his conscience at ease. The man was another unscrupulous businessman who didn’t mind bending the rules in his favor. The fact that he traveled with that much security told Jamie that he had made plenty of enemies in his life. You don’t make those kinds of enemies by being an honest person. While there was the possibility he was wrong, it was not in his nature to dwell on ‘what ifs.’
More importantly, Jamie had passed every test Harris had thrown at him. He hoped it would be enough to earn him the group’s trust. He had passed their scans and had hidden his real purpose from them while connected to each other through the implants.
That was enough for Colonel Harris to let him in, but Jamie knew that he was under probation, even if Harris didn’t say so. He had to keep proving himself first, which was why Harris tasked him with the kill on this job. It was also why Harris didn’t tell him much about who the target was. He wanted to know if Jamie would still kill on command, just as he did under the Juttari. Jamie cringed as he wondered who he would have to kill next and hoped the ends would justify the means.
Chapter 32
Miira paced back and forth inside the confined cell. She had been completely isolated with nothing to look at other tha
n the drab gray walls. She had nothing to read and no way to occupy her time. How long could she stay sane under these conditions?
“I am the Emperor’s ambassador to the humans,” Miira protested for what felt like the thousandth time. “You cannot treat me like this.”
“You are a Dvorkan citizen first,” the AI copy said through hidden speakers.
After spending days in confinement without any communication, Miira was happy to speak to someone, even if it was the deranged AI. “Of course, I am a Dvorkan citizen. What does that have to do with anything?”
“As a Dvorkan citizen, you are subject to the Empire’s laws. You have been imprisoned because you have broken those laws.”
“I am well versed in the Empire’s laws. Which ones do you think I have violated?”
“The heresy laws,” the AI copy said. “The only question left is how severe your crimes are.”
“What heresy laws?” Miira objected. “There are no such laws in the Empire’s legal code.”
“You have been away for some time, Miira,” the AI copy said. “Much has changed, including the legal code.”
Miira felt a cold chill run up her spine. “I have no knowledge of these laws.”
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. You of all people should know this.”
Miira knew that that was a fundamental tenet of Dvorkan law, even before these radical changes. “Does the Emperor know about my incarceration?”
“The Emperor is a servant of the Gods.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Does he know what you have done?”
“What did you do on Earth over the past eight years, Miira?” the AI copy said, bypassing Miira’s question.
“I told you, I am the Emperor’s ambassador to the humans.”
“You were not in contact with the Empire. How did you perform your function?”
“I learned about the humans. Their customs, beliefs, languages. And I taught them about us.”
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