Mitch turned to the crowd. Somehow he had ended up at the center of things. “I set up a plan to try to save Earth folks. It looks like it has some small chance of success.” Mitch pitched to the watching crowd. Some of the people cheered at that. Jack patted him on the shoulder.
“You are not inputting data correctly. By altering this variable we are now in error. Your potential survival threshold increase has changed the accepted variable parameters set forth by our makers eons ago,” the giant squid pulsed, and then turned a saucer shaped eye to him.
“They are robots?” Doc looked at him bewildered.
The aliens flared. “You do not have the ability to begin to comprehend our existence,” One said.
Mitch looked up interested. “Wanna bet? You may be many things, but I think I narrowed it to one of four possibilities, most of them have artificial beginnings.” He ticked them off on his fingers one by one. “Clouds of nanites are possible, as are artificially created or enhanced organics.”
He watched for a response, but didn’t read one he could readily identify. “Energy beings are a more likely possibility.”
One of the creatures bobbed. “See, you do not have the ability to understand....”
“Then again, you might be memes,” Mitch interjected not even hearing the put down.
The alien’s all froze as one and then the one hovering near came closer. “How could your primitive primate brain conceive of something like that?” It asked. Its colors seemed to flutter faster and faster.
“Pay dirt huh? Guess I win the bet,” Mitch replied. He looked over to a thoroughly confused Doc. “A meme is a thought, in this case they are thought projections made real, or as real as it got.” He shrugged. “I am not sure if they use dimensional folding or force fields though....” He got a distant look. Doc stepped on his foot, and then indicated the bobbing alien with her head meaningfully.
He shrugged and turned his attention to the aliens. “So you see, we may be primitive, but we can adapt and learn new concepts over time. We have a vast imagination, sometimes one that becomes a bit overactive but it has helped us evolve over time. The idea of memes has been proposed several times over the past two decades, and has been conceived in various forms in speculative fiction for nearly a half century.” Another of the aliens bobbed over, then a third. They interlocked tentacles, and then spun slightly. Doc and Mitch ducked out of the way. “It looks like we pass,” he commented to Doc.
“Pass on what?” she asked. The creatures pulsated, and then the aliens further away bobbed and began to pulsate too.
“Hmmm I think the pulses are more than random,” Mitch observed. He blinked and shielded his eyes as light and color splash over the creatures. There were echoes on his retinas with each pulse. “Possible evidence of a visible thought process or communication?” Doc gave him a harrumph and dug her hand into his, clutching it tightly. Cassie did the same to her mom.
He suddenly realized she was probably scared. Although she was a Doctor and scientist, exploration of the unknown of this nature was a bit beyond her field. The flashing began to fade.
The dancing trio shift and separated. “You are have been reclassified as inheritors, but you are still young.”
Mitch nodded thoughtfully. “We have so many questions to ask, like how the animals that went extinct or evolved millions of years ago have changed little in that time?”
One of the aliens bobbed. “We placed a genetic stop within their genetic code to limit mutation.”
He nodded. “I assume you did that to us as well?” One of the small aliens bobbed up and down. He took it for a yes. “All right, so they adapted to the new environment, then you stop genetic mutation somehow. So some of the animals who can adapt to changes in the environment can, but others fail and die.” The aliens grew still as they processed that idea.
“What do you mean inheritor? We have taken the precautions to make sure all is well in the reserve.”
“Did you?” Doc looked up. “How many humans now live on the planet compared to the ones transferred?” she demanded.
One of the aliens shifted, and then ran tentacles as if to caress the distant planet. “Three thousand three hundred twenty one. Error. Numbers are not as projected. Query, what happened to the missing humans? Why are the hiding?”
Travis gave them a long look. “They aren’t hiding, they are dead,” he said curtly. His face was dark.
“Query, statement must be in error.”
Mitch quirked an eyebrow. “You do realize that you transported untrained tool users with minimum adaptation to an alien environment with a mix of unknown flora and fauna?” The nearest alien bobbed. “So of course some of the humans that could not adapt or protect themselves were consumed.”
The bobbing stopped. “Error. Limited gene pool will cause genetic anomalies.”
Mitch nodded. “Of course it will. Those three thousand three hundred and twenty one people are scattered in small groups with limited interaction between them, further limiting the gene pool,” he sighed. “Now, can you explore that line of thought?”
Doc looked at him, “A meme thinking? A thought thinking? Are they even sentient?” She looked a bit confused.
He shrugged. “Think of them as software Doc, an AI if you have to. That is what I am doing.”
“Query not understood. Elucidate further,” The center squid like alien replied.
He nodded returning his attention to the aliens. “Sure, the species you transported, do they show genetic anomalies due to inbreeding?”
Again, a squid seemed to caress the globe. “Query confirmed, there is a twenty three point two one percent recorded deficiency from established parameters. Explain.”
He shrugged. “As we explained with the transported humans, this too happened with the animals. Some adapted quickly, others fell victim to animals that adapted already.”
“Error, Earth Reserve contaminated by other reserve animals.” One of the alien’s reported.
Jack grunted. “You bet your ass!” Axel called from the crowd.
“Query, comment not understood.”
Jack gave Axel a glare. “Rhetorical comment. Disregard.” He had had some experience with Mitch’s windup toys and was starting to understand how to talk to these aliens.
“Query, contamination error. How did it occur?” One of the small aliens bobbed near Maggie’s head. She started, ducking, then slowly straightened.
“Most likely, a land bridge. Although some may have flown or floated in as well,” she replied. “Plants that spread seeds by the wind could have been blown across continents. Animals that fly could have as well.” She shrugged.
“ Like those Sharks,” Jack growled. The alien bobbed and moved on.
“Error, specimens of local term dinosaur in minimum status,” the large alien reported.
Mitch nodded. “I think you mean many of the species you transported are extinct?” The aliens bobbed and then shifting tentacles. He nodded. “That is because some populations went extinct because they couldn’t adapt fast enough. Your genetic tampering also played a part I bet.”
The creatures stilled and then all seem to turn to him. “We are in error?”
Mitch shrugged. “Possibly. You will have to judge your actions based off of current status and what was intended.” They bobbed a bit at this concept.
“Agreed. We will attend to this and contact you at a later time unit.”
He nodded and bowed. ”Thank you for your time.” The surroundings swirled, then they found themselves back on the planet and in the base’s Great Hall. Janet gave a gushing sigh of relief, theatrically falling into a nearby chair. Travis made for the nearby bar.
“Thanks for the information, don’t call us, we’ll call you huh?” Doc commented. Janet gave a shaky laugh. Others echoed it.
“So you left a contingency plan to try to get people to stop the asteroid Mitch?” Gunny asked, giving Mitch a long appraising look. There was quite a bit of approval and a little
amusement in it.
Mitch nodded and then shrugged. “Yeah, but you know the damn politicians. The ones that doubt it will scream bloody murder about wasting money, throwing every road block they can.” His voice dropped an octave “The sky is falling? Bushwa! Just another pork barrel plan to draw tax payer money away from my sacred cow!”
Travis and Gunny chuckled. “Then when they finally conclusively prove it is on course, they will doubt it for a while, and then bitch because nothing has been done to stop it,” Mitch finished darkly, taking a sip of his beer.
Travis chuckled and nodded. “I hope the damn thing lands on them.” He shook his head, looking at his drink.
“I dare say, I would love to see how those bloaks altered the DNA of the animals,” Ducky commented, adjusting his glasses. “They must have somehow stopped the DNA from mutating and turned on recessive genes,” he said sounding excited about the idea.
Maggie nodded. “That left natural selection,” she said. Mitch nodded then gave Janet a look.
“Did you get anywhere with the others?” Mitch asked them. Janet and Maggie nodded.
“We will dictate a report in a moment,” Janet replied dryly. “Just let us catch our breaths will you?” He nodded.
After a long moment of silence Mitch dryly commented that he hoped he hasn’t sent them into a fatal error.
Janet looked confused, but Doc grinned. “No control alt delete? Reset?” Pete snickered catching on. Janet looked more confused, demanded to know what was going on.
“Well it is like this. That oh so powerful alien society? Well it seems they left behind some robots a hundred or so million years ago. Now they programmed them to save species under threat of extinction. But, we just dumped a whole lot of problems on them, pointing out their own mistakes as well as paradoxes in their own programming,” Mitch answered as he hugged Doc.
Janet looked dubious...”You're telling me you screwed up their programming?”
He chuckled. “No, their own actions did most of the work; we just pointed it out to them.”
She nodded... “Okay then. Lunch anyone?” Janet asked, gathering herself as she got up. Doc looked surprised then began to laugh. Others in the room soon joined in.
Mitch leaned over to her. “And life went on,” he murmured kissing her. Chuckling they left the chamber.
The End.
Author's note:
Yup, I know this book has a lot of errors. Sorry about that, I recently tried to clean them up but I know I overlooked some... I always do I guess. Things fall through the cracks and are overlooked and all those other excuses. :P
But, I am getting better, and it's the story that matters in the end. Hopefully you enjoyed it. There are more where that came from!
Appendix and useful References:
My blog:
http://cyberforge3d.blogspot.com/
In writing this story I used a lot of sources for references. Many are on the web. What can I say, Wiki is your friend. :) You can also find a lot of material at your local library.
Dinosaurs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deinonychus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utahraptor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Struthiomimus
Animals:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indricotherium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistoric_mammal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sivatherium
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Tauntaun
Weapons:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrett_M82
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magpul_Masada
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Skin_body_armor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fougasse_(weapon)#Flame
Robots:
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=54
http://www.rec.ri.cmu.edu/projects/crusher/index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ED-209
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_Ground_Combat_Vehicle
Vehicles:
http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/air/rotary/h53.html
Construction:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cement
Useful tidbits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcaligenes_eutrophus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioSteel
http://www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/conotoxins.html
http://www.cryolife.com/about/research/emerging/biofoam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_skills
Afraid Of the Dark
Sneak Peek:
Afraid of the Dark is not your ordinary Alien Invasion story. Here is a little bit about what I mean:
Bobby pulled his ear pieces out of his ears and pocketed the IPod as they walked. "Now look Chuck, just follow my lead. It’s not that hard once you get into it. It’s not just the rhythm I'm saying, it’s what to look out for," Bobby said pointing to the house they were about to B&E. Breaking and Entering had become something of a really dangerous thing now. But vital for survival.
There were eight harvesters for each shooter on the teams. Together the harvesters could clear a house in ten or fifteen minutes. They were getting really good but the job was both exhausting and dangerous. Very dangerous.
"He means you get used to it? I never have," Jody said shaking her head as the crew hefted tools and walked up the path. She turned to survey the teams moving up other walks to neighboring houses. Occasionally she could hear the shattering of glass or an off pitch scream. Just another day in paradise, she thought as she grimaced.
"Move people, we're burning daylight," Hadji said waving them onward and inward. "Kitchen, food, don't forget the cleaning supplies and check carefully!" Hadji said.
"Shit man," Chuck muttered, looking around the dilapidated house. It was pretty wrecked, with holes in the walls and smears of things he didn't even want to know about. “The smell...” he coughed, hand going to his face.
"Yeah, that part I forgot to mention," Bobby said pulling his bandana up to cover his face. He handed the rookie a face mask. "Scented with cologne. My last one so keep it good."
"Yeah man," Chuck said, feeling his eyes water as he hastily slipped the mask on. The scent of Axe filled his nostrils. He didn't like that the others were laying odds he wouldn't last the day. Hell if he'd give in after his first house. This had to be easier than pushing a broom and cleaning toilets. The real action was right here he realized, not the docks as he'd originally assumed. They only got what the harvesters brought to them. He was going to make a killing here on the black market pretty quick. A week or two and he'd rest easy for a month and not have to lift a finger.
He grimaced at the thought and then shook his head. With wise investment he might make his gains last longer. He made a mental note to find something or someone to invest in. There had to be something out there. A piece of the action was all he asked. All he deserved.
That was all they had for him. Him, who had once been a broker, reduced to scrubbing toilets just to eat. Hell. Hell with that. They were just keeping him down. He'd show them, prove them all wrong. He knew there was a way to move up in their community, it had taken time but he'd finally identified it. The shoppers made a killing on the black market with what they brought in. If they could do it, hell, so could he.
"Anything we should know about?" Bobby asked, turning to Hadji who was standing by the door. It was a typical single story ranch house, normal for this section of tract housing. It was an older house, near the center of town. Before the alien invasion probably worth $150k. Now it wasn't worth the matches it took to burn it down.
Hell of a thing, the damn aliens arriving as they did. Now they were trying to etch out a living in this fallen world, trying to stay alive in all things a mall. The mall. A teenage girl's paradise.
"What am I a psychic? Just mind the holes and watch for a jack as usual," Hadji said, hefting a fire ax.
"Shit," Bobby muttered, turning new eyes on the holes.
Hadji and was an ass, his crew barely any better. They tended to get sloppy if the boss wasn't around to watch over them. And of course he was busy. Great. "You heard the man, mind the holes, that means steer clear of them and keep one eye on them. Jody, hit the..."
"Bathrooms, I know," she said moving off. Hadji followed. Chuck's brow knit. Now why were they checking the bathrooms? Wasn't like they could eat tooth paste or soap. Then again... he shook himself. He had to be on his A game. Kendra, his wife of ten years hadn't been happy when he'd told her of this fresh endeavor. She hadn't said so out loud. He knew it rankled her, a bank manager, climbing the corporate ladder now reduced to folding clothes in the improvised laundry. Hell if he'd let his wife do that the rest of his life if he could help it. They had just moved into a seven hundred and fifty thousand dollar house, one that had been valued during the bubble for $1.7 million... and now it was all gone. So much garbage. No. He'd find a way to make it right and get back on top. He just needed an angle and an opening.
"Anything in here? Ollie Ollie in free..." a voice said. They turned to see the boss man and a pair of his crew coming down the hall. "Nothing big here, there could be something in the walls." He looked over to the pile of excrement under the skylight. A bit dripped down. He frowned. "Fresh. That’s not a good sign. Mind the holes."
"Yeah boss we know," Bobby said nodding and watching the holes warily. "Kitchen clear?"
"So far," Shane said, shaking his head. He moved off to check the garage.
Bootstrap Colony Page 40