The Dragons of Jupiter

by Jacob Holo

  “Proceed,” Kaneda said.

  Ryu nodded. “Matriarch is going to send a lone dragon into each major group.”

  Three-Part gave the program to another crusader, who then transferred it to other crusaders. From there, it spread like viral propaganda as every crusader who carried the program helped distribute it.

  Kaneda stood in silence with Ryu as they waited for the process to finish. He wanted to say something, but couldn’t find the words. Ryu crossed his arms and leaned against a truck. He looked at Kaneda, then the crusaders, then Kaneda, then his feet.

  Eventually, Kaneda gathered enough courage to act. He broke his neck seals and pulled off his helmet. The air tasted of ozone, incinerator gel, and burning plastics. He had trouble looking Ryu in the eye.

  “Quite a mess we’re in,” Ryu said.

  “Yeah,” Kaneda said. “Quite a mess.”

  “Well, at least we’re not shooting at each other.”

  “There is that.”

  “Hopefully no one gets any stupid ideas and starts shooting again,” Ryu said. “I’m a bit worried about the militia. They’re not exactly disciplined.”

  “I’m thinking the same things,” Kaneda said. “Most crusaders are hardened veterans, but they are still just as human as anyone else. This is strange for all of us.”

  “I guess so,” Ryu said. “Let me ask you something. Why did Caesar go nuts and reveal himself?”

  “We boarded his ship.”

  “Really?” Ryu asked. “Wow. How did you know?”

  “We’ve known something was going on since Apocalypse,” Kaneda said. “But we couldn’t act until recently. Crusaders operate under many restrictions.”

  “Caesar probably set up those restrictions,” Ryu said. “He didn’t want one of his weapons pointed at him.”

  Kaneda sighed and nodded. “I suppose that is probably true. I take it you overheard my conversation with Caesar.”

  “Yeah. Hell, everyone did. Caesar wasn’t being shy.”

  “So when did you learn it was still alive?”

  “After Apocalypse.”

  “Of course,” Kaneda said. “The Europan propaganda started shortly after that. Most of us thought it was just misdirection.”

  “Some of you put the pieces together.”

  “It wasn’t enough. We never expected something like this.”

  Ryu laughed.

  “What?”

  “Listen to us,” Ryu said. “Weren’t we just trying to kill each other? It’s ridiculous when you think about it.”

  “Sir,” Three-Part said. “The software has been completely distributed. No one has reported any problems.”

  “Thank you,” Kaneda said. He raised his helmet, but hesitated before putting it back on. “Ryu?”

  “Yeah?”

  “It’s ...” Kaneda met his gaze for the first time. “It’s good to talk to you again.”

  Ryu nodded. The edge of his lip curled into a thin smile. “Yeah, it is.”

  They both put their helmets back on. Kaneda merged the command channel with the link from the quantum mind. Every crusader could listen in, but they wouldn’t be able to contribute. He detected militia soldiers and dragons connecting on the Europan side in a similar manner.

  “Crusaders, let me make our situation clear,” Kaneda said. “Caesar is alive and the Federacy fleet is gone. Over a thousand of our brothers and sisters are dead. We are all that is left. If we are to survive, then we must be willing to accept this harsh reality. If we seek to achieve all of our goals, we will die achieving none of them. I ask that you keep an open mind and reserve judgment until the end. That is all. Now, quantum mind, you are the one who requested this parley. What do you propose we do about Caesar?”

  “I ...” Matriarch stuttered.

  “Well?” Kaneda asked. “I’m waiting.”

  Ryu joined the conversation. “Matriarch cannot mention Caesar directly. Even hearing his name causes a strong reaction.”

  “Why is that?” Kaneda asked.

  “It’s a long story,” Ryu said. “Now’s not the time. How we got here isn’t the problem.”

  “Very well, what do you propose we do about ...” Kaneda sighed. “What do you propose?”

  “The ship in orbit has dispatched several large forces to the surface,” Matriarch said. “I suspect they will first strike at outlying cities to create a thrall army similar to what you encountered on Apocalypse. Our current liquajet fleet is insufficient for a mass relocation in such a short time. The same is true for yours. Instead, I propose we join forces to defend against this invasion where they strike.”

  “You want crusaders to defend one quantum mind from another?” Kaneda asked.

  “I realize the request is unusual,” Matriarch said.

  “It is insulting,” Kaneda said. “It’s unprecedented.”

  “So is this situation,” Matriarch said. “The robots you faced on Apocalypse were a panicked response to an unexpected problem. What we now face is likely an army designed and built to take Europa by force. We will not survive if we do not cooperate. Will you help us?”

  “That remains to be seen,” Kaneda said. “There’s still the matter of the star drive you stole.”

  “If we hadn’t taken it,” Ryu said. “Caesar would have it.”

  “That may or may not be an improvement,” Kaneda said. “What of this claim that you want to leave the solar system? What are we supposed to make of that?”

  “The point is we want to use it for peaceful purposes,” Ryu said. “You can either choose to believe us or not.”

  “Kaneda, I am not the uncaring machine you make me out to be,” Matriarch said. “I love Europa and I love her people. Is it so hard for you to believe I would want to safeguard them? I am just as capable of sympathy and compassion as you. I am also just as capable of wrath and vengeance. I may not be human, but I carry with me the best and the worst of that former self.”

  “Hrmph.”

  “You are aware of the situation,” Matriarch said. “You know what is at stake. I have asked for your help. Now, what is your response?”

  Kaneda knew the true test was convincing his troops. He knew in his heart Caesar was the greater threat. If he could only kill one, of course it would be Caesar. But he couldn’t just order his troops to obey. They needed to believe in the cause. He just had to fortify their resolve.

  Kaneda checked the status of the crusader network. Hundreds of conversations had sprouted up. He listened in to some and felt their shock and confusion. The worlds as they knew them were gone. For so long, they’d known their roles in life and who the enemy was. Now all that had been swept away.

  Kaneda knew he could handle the change, but could they? They needed a foundation to stand on. They needed something to believe in and to fight for. If not, the situation would only get worse. The crusaders might even resort to fighting amongst themselves.

  And so, if the crusaders needed a foundation to stand on, it was his duty to give it to them.

  “Here are my demands,” Kaneda said. “We will assist in the defense of Europa on one condition. When the battle is over, I will be allowed to approach the quantum core fully armed and unhindered in any manner. I will then decide whether to allow you to live. If I have fallen in battle, the most senior crusader will perform this task.”

  “You can’t be serious!” Ryu shouted. “There’s no way we can accept this!”

  “Ryu,” Matriarch said. “Please calm yourself and allow me to respond.”

  “But you can’t seriously be considering this!”

  “This is my decision,” Matriarch said. “Kaneda, are you and your crusaders willing to fight and die for my people?”

  “The people of Europa are humans threatened by a quantum mind,” Kaneda said. “It is our duty to protect them. It is why we are here, even though they do not understand this.”

  “Then leave Matriarch out of this!” Ryu shouted. “Fight with us against Caesar!”

  Ma
triarch muted Ryu’s connection.

  “I apologize for his outburst,” Matriarch said. “But you ask a very heavy price.”

  “What you ask is also difficult.”

  “Would it surprise you if I said yes?”

  “It wouldn’t.”

  “Why not?” Matriarch asked.

  “You are a machine. If presented with the option of certain destruction or probable destruction, you will pick the latter.”

  “I see ...” Matriarch said sadly. “I suppose one talk can’t wash away ten years of mistrust.”

  “No, it can’t.”

  “Your crusaders will not survive without our help.”

  “You need us as much as we need you. We will not be coerced into assisting you. We do not fear death.”

  “I suppose not .... Very well, please allow me some time to think.” Matriarch was silent for three long minutes. When she spoke again, her voice was firm and decisive. “Kaneda?”

  “Yes?”

  “Would I be allowed to speak and defend my actions or do you plan to walk into my audience chamber and gun me down?”

  “You will be allowed to speak.”

  “I suppose that is all I can hope for,” Matriarch said. “Very well, Kaneda. I accept your terms.”

  Chapter 16

  .. establishing link ...

  source: [UNKNOWN]

  routing: [UNKNOWN]

  routing: [UNKNOWN]

  routing: [UNKNOWN]

  routing: Earth orbit - surveillance satellite JDN-SS-17 - link_002/link_001

  routing: North Pacifica, Europa - JDN Main TangleNet Hub - link_118/link_010

  routing: Capitol City, Europa - TangleNet Test Hub - link_005/link_001

  destination: [UNKNOWN]

  link distance: Exact distance unknown. Estimated at 792 million kilometers.

  link signal delay: 0.006 seconds

  ... finalizing link protocol ...

  ... link established ...

  2: Oh, what a thrilling turn of events! The dragons and the crusaders working together. It warms my heart to see such camaraderie in the face of certain death.

  1: If you had a heart, that is.

  2: Ha, yes. I suppose technically neither of us have hearts anymore.

  1: I’m glad you find this so amusing, Paul.

  2: Surely you don’t expect the crusaders to save you? I know all their tricks. I helped form them, after all. They are a known quantity. Formidable though they are, they will not save you.

  1: Don’t underestimate the resolve and ingenuity of my children.

  2: Your children? Ha! The prodigal son returns.

  1: You’re the last person I’d expect to hear biblical references from.

  2: Still not interested in surrender?

  1: No.

  2: Oh, very well. I suppose you’ll try to save one of the outlying cities. Maybe New Edo or North Pacifica. I’ll just ask again after your assault fails.

  1: You’re so sure of yourself, aren’t you?

  2: Sakura, let’s look at the facts. I hold the high ground, and you have no way of launching a counter attack from the surface. What’s left of your fleet lacks the firepower to defeat me, which means I am unassailable. With each human that dies, my forces grow and yours shrink. The math is simple. It is only a question of time before my army reaches critical mass and overwhelms the capitol.

  1: My navy is stronger than you think, and you have only one ship.

  2: I’ll swat them away like the flies they are.

  1: I still have the Needle of Destiny.

  2: Then by all means use it. I suppose you could try attacking the Errand with it, but I am confident in my countermeasures. And even if you succeed, the attack will likely destroy the Needle, which means I still win even if you cripple or destroy the Errand. A smaller win, I will admit, but a win nonetheless. For now, I will be happy to keep the star drive out of your hands. So by all means use it to attack me.

  1: You don’t care if it’s destroyed?

  2: I still have all the research materials and construction facilities. I will make another in due time. And I can always return with another fleet and finish the job. The Federacy is a surprisingly malleable beast if you know where to prod it.

  1: I don’t need to defeat you. I just have to hold the capitol.

  2: And do what? Get out the word that I’m still around? Hold out until you can call in help? Your initial propaganda has floundered. Only the craziest in the Federacy believe you. I’m jamming all your SolarNet transmissions, so you cannot send any new messages. You have TangleNet connections to your spy satellites and the scattered naval forces, but I will deal with those as well. Face it, Sakura. You are all alone out here.

  1: I may be alone, but I’m not helpless.

  2: Don’t kid yourself. Even if you kill every thrall and every robot, I still have the Errand of Mercy. If I want to, I can turn this ship into a massive kinetic weapon and slam it into Europa. Be reasonable. How can you possibly defeat me?

  1: My children are about to show you.

  ... link severed at destination ...

  “We just lost contact with North Pacifica,” Cat said.

  Ryu grabbed one of the last rifles from the rack. A dozen dragons crowded the supply room, stocking up on ammunition and grenades. He popped the top off the rifle and checked the acceleration rails.

  “The whole city?” Ryu asked.

  “Caesar probably hit their main TangleNet hub,” Cat said. She grabbed a fully loaded grenade bandolier and looped it around her waist.

  “Damn,” Naomi said. She snatched the last turbo-devastator off the rack before someone else did. “That means they’re already in the city. Did they get any messages out?”

  “Nothing,” Cat said. “One minute, they were looking for the break in the ice. The next, they dropped off the network.”

  “Well that’s just great,” Ryu said, shaking his head. “Then we have no idea what we’re getting into.”

  “How’s the rifle?” Naomi asked.

  “Rails are a little worn, but it’ll do.” Ryu closed the top and smacked it tight. He sighted down the barrel, linked with its micromind, and loaded his preferred settings. The grip and stock adjusted for a perfect fit.

  “We should get going,” Cat said.

  “Yeah, I know. Let’s get this over with.” Ryu stuck the rifle to his back and picked up his helmet. He and Naomi weaved through the press of dragons and followed Cat out the door.

  They turned down the corridor and passed through a civilian security checkpoint leading to Port Saito, the under city’s largest liquajet dock. A central concourse ran through the dock with restaurants and shops down the middle and twenty massive liquajet bays on either side. Bulky white-and-red checkered hulks floated in every bay.

  The crusader jets possessed thick armor and powerful weapons. They had the best chance of punching through any forces Caesar had around North Pacifica, though Ryu would have preferred something more subtle.

  Three hundred crusaders, ten militia platoons, and a few dragon squads waited around the concourse to board their vessels. The two groups kept their distance except where absolutely necessary. It was an impressive force and would be bolstered by other groups launching from Port Kichida and Port Yoshida. Ryu just hoped they didn’t start the shooting early.

  “This can’t be a good idea,” Cat said.

  “What other choice is there?” Ryu said. “Right now Caesar’s robots are killing everyone they find in North Pacifica. We can’t just hole up in the capitol and hope for the best.”

  “But mom caved on almost everything!” Cat said. “She even gave them command of the operation!”

  “Correction,” Ryu said. “They have command for as long as they behave.”

  “You think this is going to work?”

  “I think Kaneda is sincere about cooperating.”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  “I know.” Ryu patted her on the shoulder. “I’d
answer it if I could.”

  A crusader in battered armor saw the three dragons enter the concourse. Shatterbacks had stripped most of the paint from the front and marked it with three deep gashes that had been field repaired. He stormed up to them with a scowl on his face, helmet and gun held with the same hand. Ryu thought he might be Martian. He was a bit tall for a crusader, had very dark skin, and was missing his right hand.

  The Martian crusader stopped in front of Ryu.

  “Can I help you?” Ryu asked.

  “You’re Ryu Kusanagi, correct?” the Martian crusader asked.

  “Yeah, that’s right.”

  “You may call me Three-Part. We have a problem.”

  The Martian pointed his stump at Ayako’s Seafood Pizza. A hologram of a slender woman in white and blue body paint rotated over the kiosk. She waved and smiled at the surrounding soldiers while holding a steaming pizza on a tray.

  “We know there are dragons hiding in there,” Three-Part said. “For the sake of this alliance, would you mind calling them out?”

  Ryu checked his overlay. “Umm, no one’s in there.”

  “We can’t see them on our overlays either, but they are hiding in the kiosk. They may have disconnected from your TangleNet.”

  “All right. Let’s take a look.” Ryu grabbed his rifle and walked up to the pizza shop with Cat, Naomi, and Three-Part. “Okay, people. Come on out. If you don’t, I’m going to shoot up the place to prove its empty.”

  “That won’t be necessary,” a shadow behind the bar said.

  “Seven?” Ryu asked. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Just keeping an eye on the crusaders.”

  “Well, don’t. The last thing we need is you starting a firefight. Come on. Get up.”

  Seven stood up, pushed back his hood, and disengaged his cloak’s illusion. Three other figures stood up behind him. They all had sniper rifles.

  “Six?” Three-Part asked.

  Ryu shook his head. “All right, Seven. Where are the other two snipers?”

  “No, you misunderstand,” Three-Part said.

  “Bent-Rule?” Seven asked. “Is that you?”

  “I’m Three-Part now, but yeah. It’s me.”

  Seven vaulted over the bar and walked to the Martian crusader.