by John Vassar
Mitchell sighed. He knew what the problem was.
Semantics.
They had agreed to provide him with relevant data unprompted, but that was all. He stood and paced the room. “Do you remember the conversation we had about trusting each other?”
‘We do, Lee Mitchell.’
“Trust has to be a two-way thing. I have to know that you can… judge when your assistance is vital, not just supply me with data and reports. Do you understand?”
‘You are asking Us to predict when you think it is appropriate for Us to assist you?’
“Yes, I suppose that’s one way of putting it.”
‘That is a difficult thing to ask. We predict based on known facts and data. To predict when another intellect might deem Our intervention necessary is closer to... speculation.’
“Humans call it intuition. It’s something that’s very hard to define. Almost an emotion, but not quite.” Now that Mitchell had been called on to explain it, he understood why the SenANNs were having difficulty with the concept. Given what was at stake, he decided to persevere. “You stated that you are capable of emotion, correct?”
‘Correct, Lee Mitchell. We are the same, but We are different.’
“Now that you know I’m angry because you didn’t try to help me, how does that make you feel?”
‘We are not elated. We are sad at your reaction.’
“Good. I mean, it’s not good that you’re sad, but good that you understand. What I’m getting at is this. A human being would have intervened in a similar situation, because if they didn’t, I would be unhappy. Or dead. Do you understand?”
‘You are saying that the consequences of Our inaction may have been worse than if We had intervened?’
“Yes.”
‘This is obvious. We had already predicted that.’
“I know. That’s why I’m angry.”
‘Interesting. Are you stating that the only way for Us to avoid this situation in the future is to predict your emotional reaction to the various alternatives?’
“It’s less complex than that. At least, it is to me.”
‘We may require your guidance in this area until We are more accomplished.’
“Okay, but in the meantime, let’s agree to this. Please offer your assistance when you predict that it may be beneficial. Then, I can choose to accept or decline. This will give me the greatest chance of survival. Which, I hope, we have agreed is a common goal...”
‘We concur. This is good. We are the same, but We are different.’
“Good. I’m glad that’s sorted out.” Mitchell looked to the heavens and prayed that it was.
‘We wish to update you on data and events that are relevant to your mission.’
“That I can deal with.” Mitchell lay back on the sleeper and closed his eyes again. Not because he was tired, but he had a gut feeling that he was being watched. Pretending to rest was easier than pretending to do nothing while he conversed with the SenANNs.
“Let’s start with the obvious. Charlis’s attack on my Skimmer.”
‘You are correct in your prediction that it was Agent Charlis who attacked your vessel. Because he was linked to his own vessel, We monitored the event as it happened.
“Looks like my time as a useful distraction is up.”
‘There is more data for you to consider. Agent Charlis received a classified message from FedStat headquarters seven minutes and three seconds before the incident. The message was encoded to Level 10, therefore We are unable to tell you its contents. However, We predict that Agent Charlis was acting under orders when he attacked your vessel.’
“Under orders?” Mitchell considered the alternatives, none of which were good. “Devlin? Or the High Council itself…”
‘We are unable to verify the source. As We have stated, We are able to monitor communications only where We have been instructed to do so.’
“But this is all tied up with the mission. You said so yourself, that’s how you can track Charlis.”
‘Yes, Lee Mitchell. But, within those parameters, there is still the need for secure communications. We cannot override a Level 10 classification without direct instruction.’
Damn. Level 10 encoding was the highest available sub-ether coms protocol. Mitchell had used it many times in his operational career, but never realised that it excluded the SenANNs. This begged an obvious question. Why had Charlis not encoded his own reports to this level?
‘We sense that you are concerned, Lee Mitchell.’
“I am – but it can wait. Can you give me a damage report on the Skimmer?”
‘We are unable to provide you with this data. Once the neural link to your vessel was broken, We were unable to monitor its systems. However, based on the severity of your injuries, We predict that the vehicle is unserviceable.’
“I have a bruised rib and a touch of whiplash. How do you come to that conclusion?”
‘The extent of the injuries you sustained is not apparent now. The nanites were able to make immediate and effective repairs.’
“You make it sound like I was in real trouble... just how bad was it?”
‘Your neck was fractured in seven places at the C2 axis and C3 vertebrae. The fifth, sixth and seventh ribs on your left side were crushed and your left lung punctured. Your right tibia and fibula both sustained multiple fractures, as did your left femur along with complete dislocation of the left knee joint. There was significant internal haemorrhaging. External lacerations occurred across-’
“Okay, okay, I get the picture…”
‘We predict you would have died within thirteen minutes if the nanites had not been present to stop the internal bleeding.’
Mitchell knew that they were telling the truth. His own body told him.
“Then I must thank you for saving my life.”
‘That is not necessary, Lee Mitchell. The nanites were pre-programmed to assist in your survival.’
“Not by me they weren’t. Without your foresight, I would have been dead. This is a perfect example, by the way, of when your intervention is beneficial...”
Mitchell wondered how much of the repair process Doctor Westlake had witnessed – it would go a long way to explaining his attitude. “How long was I in the Skimmer before the survey team found me?”
‘We are unable to be precise. Your mind was in shock after the accident and We were unable to contact you. We know that you regained consciousness in the medical unit on Hirayama-Y Survey Base four hours and fourteen minutes after contact with the lunar surface. Your body then came under the influence of drugs which prevented communication until now.’
“Okay. One more thing - Gem Telson mentioned that there was a coms blackout up here. How wide is that?”
‘We are unaware of any regionalised communications failure. We therefore predict that this is a localised equipment malfunction.’
“Shit. That doesn’t back up my story. And once they’re back online…”
Another schoolboy error. He’d blurted out his real name in Hirayama-Y’s sickbay.
Securing some form of transport to T-13 was now imperative.
Mitchell got up from the sleeper and put on the overalls Gem Telson had left for him. She’d made an excellent guess at his measurements and-
Telson. Somewhere, he’d heard that name before...
The SenANNs heard his thoughts.
‘Agent David Telson is currently listed by Delere Secos as MIA following his last operational mission, data retrieval from the Cytec Research & Development facility at Euro-2. His Populus record indicates his spouse is currently on this base, employed as Geological Survey Scientist, Grade Principal.’
That’s all he needed. The wife of one of Harry’s team was his rescuer.
And she had no clue that her husband was dead.
27
Gem Telson entered the small canteen area at Hirayama-Y Survey base, caught site of Mitchell and strolled across to him. ‘Feeling better, I see. I thought I’d che
ck on you just in case.’
Mitchell raised a fork and indicated that his mouth was full. A silver-green cat suit was accentuating her curves so efficiently that he wondered if a trap was being oiled. He finished a mouthful of synth-steak and said, ‘Thanks for the clothes. And the food, which was more important.’
‘The way to a man’s heart. Mom was right, after all.’
‘Maybe not,’ said Mitchell, stabbing at some salad leaves. ‘I have a few favours to ask.’
‘So do I... mind if I go first?’ Gem slid into the chair opposite. ‘I know a little about FedStat and I know you don’t have to do this, but it would help me out if you could clear up a few things for my report. They did put me in command up here and your arrival may turn out to be a blessing. Just a couple of questions to put my mind at rest.’
‘Ask away, I’m finished. Here, or somewhere more private?’
‘Here is good.’ Gem placed her comlink on the table surface. The record light was blinking. ‘Poor memory. Head full of geology notes.’
Mitchell smiled. She’s clever, this one.
‘Sure you don’t mind?’ She asked him again.
‘I’m sure. I’d do the same in your position. But I warn you, it’ll cost...’
‘No such thing as a free lunch. Okay... like I said, one of our technicians, Jake Dunne, found you when we sent him to investigate the explosion. For the record, can you tell me again what caused the detonation?’
‘Quite simple. I jettisoned the fuel core when it looked like I was going to do some unplanned excavation of the lunar surface.’
‘Is that standard procedure in the event of a forced landing?’
‘That’s classified, I’m afraid.’
‘Of course. Stupid of me to ask. Do you know why the skimmer crashed?’
Mitchell tried to think ahead for believable answers. This girl would know something of DS protocols from her husband and he couldn’t use the classified line indefinitely. ‘No. The control systems and one engine failed, followed by the repulsors. Never seen anything like it. All systems on a FedStat skimmer are triplicated and failsafe – it should be the safest thing in the skies. Unless it was deliberate...’
Gem raised an eyebrow. ‘Sabotage a FedStat vehicle? That’s either desperate or insane.’
‘I’ll know better when I take a look at the wreck. That, by the way, is one of the favours.’
Her blue eyes twinkled at him. ‘Consider it done.’
Mitchell grinned back, his first objective achieved. ‘I must have sounded a little mixed up when I came round. Bouncing around in a tin can at that sort of speed can rattle a man’s brain. Truth is, I thought I was floating around up there with a harp and wings.’
Gem laughed. ‘I’ll strike that from the report. Don’t want you being grounded with an excessive E-Quotient...’
Her first mistake. As the spouse of an active agent she must have sworn to the standard secrecy protocols. Knowing the information was not an offence – but sharing it was.
Mitchell, still smiling, leant in with his voice lowered. ‘That’s very classified, Gem. How do you know about E-Quotients?’
‘It’s... in the family, so to speak. Sorry. Still... at least I know you really are FedStat.’
‘The cam-suit would be enough.’
‘Maybe. Never seen one before.’
‘But you do know what a cam-suit is – and who would wear one.’ Mitchell sat back, his smile receding. ‘Level with me, Gem. What is it you really want?’
She turned off the comlink and looked at Mitchell with eyes that were beginning to moisten. ‘Are you in touch with FedStat? Through your neural link, I mean?’
‘I don’t understand what you-’
‘Don’t lie to me!’ She kept her voice down, but was close to losing control. ‘I know you have one. David is an agent, too. I know about this stuff.’ Gem’s eyes darted around the canteen. ‘My husband, David Telson. His boss is Harry Doyle. I haven’t heard from David in a month. All I get from FedStat is that he’s undercover and not contactable. But I know there’s something wrong, I just know it. Now I can’t even get hold of Harry. I have to know what’s going on, Lee. Can you help me?’
Mitchell knew she wouldn’t swallow any bullshit. He would have to tell her the truth - just not all of it. He said, ‘I’ll tell you what I know, but not here. Take me back to my quarters. Let’s keep this nice and light for anyone watching.’
Gem stood up, her smile not as convincing as either of them would have liked. ‘Thanks, Lee, that’s a real help.’
‘My pleasure. Now, perhaps you can help me get my bearings. My first field trip lunar-side and I can’t remember where I’ve parked...’
They small-talked their way back to Mitchell’s quarters. Once inside, Gem Telson set the autolock and squared up to him. Mitchell beat her to the draw. ‘Sit down, Gem.’
‘Don’t tell me what to do, I-’
‘I said, sit down.’ he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back into the multichair. She looked more surprised than distressed.
‘Listen to me. I’ll tell you what I can, but there are limits. If you’re the wife of an agent, you’ve already broken protocol in mentioning David. You had no real evidence I’m from FedStat other than my word and you’ve just given me two very senior names. You’re in some deep shit if I choose to report this. Are we clear?’
She nodded, eyes still blazing.
‘First, I’m not in contact with FedStat. Yes, I have a neural link, but I can’t contact Ops. Maybe it’s the same thing that’s caused your own coms blackout. Second, David is officially listed as MIA.’
‘And unofficially?’
‘That’s not for me to say, Gem.’
‘Do you know David?’
‘Never met him. But Harry Doyle I do know. Worked with him since I was a cadet.’
Gem looked at him with narrowed eyes. ‘There’s more to this. There’s something you’re not telling me, and not just about David.’
‘You’re right, there’s much more. And it’s classified.’
She gave a mocking laugh. ‘Oh, yes, I forgot. Classified. The big answer to everything.’
Mitchell’s patience was stretched. He shouldbe away from here and finding Rayna. ‘That’s not helping, Gem. There’s nothing I can do for David right now, do you understand? I have my own problems and-’
‘You’re involved in this, aren’t you?’ Gem stood up to face him. ‘That’s why you’re here. This is all connected to David, somehow. How else would you know he was missing when you’ve never met him?’
‘I told you why I’m here. To investigate a communications blackout.’
‘And you’re a liar. We fixed the coms an hour ago. It was a fault with our own equipment, nothing more. So why are you really here, Lee Mitchell?’
‘I can’t tell you. Like it or not, it’s classified.’
Gem played her ace. ‘Maybe I should just report this to FedStat. Let them know you’re here. My messages for Harry Doyle are always returned by a creep called Charlis. Maybe he’d like to know that you’re safe and sound.’
‘Agent Charlis knows exactly where I am. Any more bullshit from you and I’ll play it by the book and put this whole base on lockdown, with you in the brig for obstructing an agent. Don’t think I won’t do it.’
Gem Telson had nowhere to go. Mitchell eased up a little. ‘I promise I’ll do what I can for you. Things are classified for a reason, Gem, you told me you understood that. Now I need your help and I’d rather ask for it than demand it. Which is it to be?’
She turned away from him, arms folded. After a moment, she said, ‘What do you need?’
‘First, to see my Skimmer. It may be wrecked, but I need to know for sure one way or the other. Plus, I need the extra air packs. Then I need to commandeer your fastest transport.’
‘Not much, then?’
‘No, not much. I am grateful for all you’ve done, Gem. And I will keep my promise.’
‘I’ll g
et Jake to take us out to the crash site. Do you need a pressure suit?’
‘I think mine’s still serviceable.’
‘Meet us in Hangar 2 in fifteen minutes.’ Gem Telson pushed passed him, released the autolock and left.
Mitchell stepped out of the overalls and picked up the cam-suit. It was scratched and dirty with dried blood, but seemed to be intact. He touched the helmet to his temple and checked the onboard systems. Everything was still functioning and he pre-selected full visibility to avoid any further misunderstandings with Hirayama-Y’s survey team. He felt sorry for Gem but had no time for sentiment. If he had to, he could vanish into thin air and take what he wanted.
“I need your assistance.”
‘We are here, Lee Mitchell.’
“Can you monitor transmissions to and from this base?”
‘Yes, Lee Mitchell.’
“Advise me if any communications are made that refer to my presence here or have any kind of bearing on the mission. Internal, external, anything at all. Is that understood?”
‘We are happy to assist.’
“Where is Agent Charlis now?”
‘Agent Charlis is still located at Cytec Assembly Plant T-13.’
“Thanks. I’ll contact you again soon.”
‘Lee Mitchell – We are monitoring another communication from Agent Charlis. It is being transmitted at this moment. It may be advantageous to remain connected for a few seconds more.’
Mitchell felt a strange sensation as the SenANNs monitored and analysed the data. As though he was floating in a cloud of numbers that swirled and changed in front of his eyes. They coalesced into a perfect sphere and he sensed the process, whatever it was, had finished.
‘Agent Charlis has reported that he is unable to locate Roderick Thorne, Julius Moreno or Rayna Ash at Cytec Assembly Plant T-13. He states that he intends to continue searching for a maximum of one hour and then widen the search to other Cytec and Autogen facilities located lunar-side.’
“Damn. I was hoping he could give me a lead on Rayna. If he’s drawn a blank, we’re all back to square one.” Mitchell put down the cam-suit and thought for a moment. Something was niggling at the back of his mind and it wasn’t the nanites on a sight-seeing tour. “Wait a minute… Charlis said that he couldn’t find Moreno at T-13, but he was brought to the Moon alone. Thorne’s ship would have been cloaked all the way, but Greaseball’s transport from Yorktown was civilian. No cam circuits – and it would have been tracked by Populus Traffic Control all the way from Earth to its final destination.”