by Ben Winston
Fen'Ness stared at the hologram for a moment, considering his options.
"Destroy them Fen'Ness, with six of you there is no way they can escape, but you must act to ensure their destruction," Abranix whispered in his mind.
"As you will, Abranix," he replied, and passed the attack order to the other team before ordering his own to engage the rangers. Almost as one, Fen'Ness and his team pushed their ships to full power on an intercept course for the incoming Ranger sleds. He roared his joy in the anticipation of battle, now the hunt was truly on!
On a different, far less detectable channel, Jolene reported. "Got them, all six Drellian sleds are moving to intercept. Contact in forty-five seconds!"
"Turn and burn, Ladies, Remember, we're supposed to be scared. Let's keep their minds off that drone for a couple of minutes!" Greg ordered.
All three sleds turned away from the incoming force and went to full power as if to run away from the larger foe. The timing was pretty good, since Greg and his ladies were able to spin the small ships and fire random shots at their pursuers like they were indeed panicked and running scared.
Of course the chasing enemy ships easily evaded the hastily fired shots, which was a great source of mirth for both teams.
The pursuit had lasted only moments when the drone that had been the Rangers target suddenly blew up. The second ranger team had arrived and blew the scanning drone away, they immediately changed course, and also went to full power to pursue the pursuers.
The destruction of the drone was the cue Greg had been waiting for. "Split delta-s, targets of opportunity! Let's get back to our friends," Greg ordered. He took a moment to arm and drop a missile. It sat there inert until its target got close enough. When it finally activated, two of the pursuing sleds tried to evade, but were too close for the proximity-detonated nuke. One of the sleds simply disappeared, and the other was so badly damaged that it was thrown away from the explosion with no power, and no control.
Not knowing that Fen'Ness was already dead, Not'Cern and Tyern'D chased after the no longer visible sled. Abandoning the remaining two Drellian sleds to the mercy of the six rangers in a futile attempt to recover their mate.
Greg's sled computer recorded their destruction when their controlling node made the sleds self-destruct.
The remaining two sleds turned in a suicidal charge that had only one conclusion. Very shortly, the six Ranger sleds were alone.
"Abraxis, this is Greg, mission accomplished, minor damage to one of Delion's sleds, we are preparing to return to base," Greg reported.
"Understood, and well done, Rangers," Abraxis replied.
"Delion reports that she can get their damaged sled home once they merge, we're going to stick around until they make the jump just to be safe. Please tell Jared that I owe him a beer for his suggestion, it really saved our asses," Greg added.
"I will certainly do that, Ranger Fighter," Abraxis replied.
"You get your asses back here safe, so you can buy that beer!" Jared's voice was heard. "Damn, I'm so proud of all of you, I can barely keep from waking up the whole damn base!"
"Thanks, Dad, but we didn't get away clean. We lost a Ranger Fighter, and have three wounded Rangers, two of them severely. Abraxis, what's the status of that last Drone?"
"It is destroyed, Ranger. The last team took it out with no problems. It would appear that the decoys you suggested worked very well. Had they been able to locate any of the transmitting stations, the extra teams would have moved to destroy them instead of joining together to destroy you. That is indeed very well done." Abraxis replied.
"Thank you, Abraxis," Greg replied. "That's good to know."
"Abraxis?" Jolene asked.
"Yes, Ranger?"
"Could you have the drone inscribe Ranger Fighter Planier's name and planet of origin on the inside top of our launch silo?" Jolene replied. "I would like to remember the sacrifice he made for us, and placing it there, perhaps his spirit will help watch over us when we depart on a mission."
"I will do as you ask, Ranger," Abraxis replied gently.
"Abraxis," Delion's voice could be heard, via the translator in the ships. "I would like something similar done at our base as well. Too many friends have passed the gates for us to not remember and honor them."
"It will be done by the time you return, Ranger Fighter. Good journey to you all," Abraxis replied, and signed off.
"Okay, Delion. We'll see you off, then head home ourselves," Greg replied.
"That is appreciated, Ranger Fighter Greg. Working together as we have is a new thing to us, this has had a most favorable and pleasing result," Delion replied.
"Working together always has a better outcome, Delion. Be sure to call if you need anything from us. We'll figure out a way to get it to you," Greg said.
"Thank you, the same I offer to you. May you and your mates have a safe journey home, Ranger Fighter.”
"They are not my mates, Fighter Delion, but we still appreciate the thought, may you have a quiet and safe trip as well." Greg said, blushing as Bella wiggled her eyebrows at him, and Jolene blew him a kiss. They hadn't merged yet, but he had their images up in his monitors.
The three friends watched as their new friends formed their sleds into one, and jumped for their home. "Okay you two clowns, let's form up and get on the road ourselves," Greg ordered.
"Yes dear," Jolene replied,
Bella grinned. "Sure thing hubby!"
Greg shook his head. "Ten thousand comedians out of work, and you two try to open with a new act!"
'Prometheus' Base
Shermandale, Utah
North American Continent
Earth, Sol System
Jared had successfully resisted the urge to wake the entire base up by announcing the safe completion of the mission, when a very sleepy looking Mandi wandered into the room.
"Hey Dad, have you heard anything?" She asked.
"Yeah, they're on their way home. Abraxis said they'll be home for lunch tomorrow," Jared said, smiling at her. "Our people are fine, but we did lose a Ranger Fighter and have three others wounded, two of them seriously. They are also the team that lost their Fighter."
Mandi nodded and hugged him. "Thank you, Daddy. Do you know which Fighter was killed? We're going to have to figure out a way to cover their area until a new Fighter can be located and trained."
"It was Ranger Fighter Planier of Onaris five, young Fixer. Jolene has requested his name be inscribed on the silo wall," Abraxis replied.
Jared nodded. "It's important to honor the fallen."
"As long as none of our people’s names end up there," Mandi replied. "Since I know they're okay, and on their way home, I think I can sleep now. Good night Dad, good night Abraxis."
"Rest well young Fixer, you're going to have a large task ahead of you tomorrow, young Fixer, but it is one in which I am certain you are well suited for," Abraxis replied.
"Oh? What task would that be?" Mandi asked, showing interest.
"Nope!" Jared said. "Off to bed with you, tomorrow's worries can wait for the day."
"Indeed, I will outline it for you in the morning after you have broken your fast," Abraxis replied and faded out.
"Well, I guess that means I won't be able to wheedle it out of him!" Mandi said grinning. She winked. "Night Dad."
"Good night, Squirt," Jared replied. He watched Mandi leave the Command Center, and followed her on the monitors until she entered her room in the shared apartment. "She's gone, you can come out again, Abraxis."
"How did you know I hadn't gone into privacy mode for the evening?" Abraxis asked.
Jared smiled. "You wouldn't. Not until every single one of your Rangers are safely home."
"You are correct, of course, but I would know how you came to this conclusion about me?" Abraxis asked.
"You're becoming sentient, Abraxis, you care about those you consider your charges," Jared replied. When the old AI didn't reply, Jared continued. "When we first met, you covered i
t very well. However, after getting to know you better over the past few weeks, I believe I am beginning to understand you better."
"If I may ask, how so?" Abraxis replied.
"You were never intended, by your designers, to ever reach sentience. You are aware of the changes within yourself, and they... disturb you. Abraxis Prime was a sentient AI, but as a node, you were denied that level of autonomy. However, because of the enforced isolation of the current emergency, you are defaulting back to the original Prime Core programming," Jared said.
"You are very observant, Agent Danielson."
Jared chuckled. "That surprises you? You know observation is a very important part of my former duties. This old dog may be learning some new tricks, but I haven't forgotten the old ones." He paused. "I wouldn't worry about it so much, Abraxis. The concern you show for your charges is not only admirable, but very much appreciated."
"That maybe so, but not all of the societies I deal with have as liberal a view of AI sentience as you do. I must still be careful," Abraxis replied, smiling sadly at Jared.
"You know, you can address me as Jared you don't have to call me 'Agent Danielson' all the time," Jared said.
"I do it more to help instill the level of authority you have been given. You are the default Commander of the base in Greg's absence, I have been trying to re-enforce that," Abraxis explained.
"Okay, well then, you don't have to do it when we're alone. Friends don't normally address each other by title." Jared replied.
Abraxis smiled. "I also do it out of respect for you, and what you do."
"Abraxis, I know you respect me, if you didn't, we wouldn't work together as well as we do. None of the people here would," Jared replied. "But, I'll let you decide how you wish to address me. I just wanted to make certain you know you didn't have too."
"Thank you. May I ask if you have reached a decision about Captain Washington and Lieutenant Mays?" Abraxis asked, changing the subject.
"I'll be bringing Lionel down tomorrow morning, and showing him around. While I do that, I'll get his opinions on his people, as well as his second. If that goes well, I'll bring the Lieutenant down when he's finished," Jared replied. "I already asked Marcus to notify Beth and Carol when they arrive in the morning."
"So you will be bring in the two of them at least tomorrow?" Abraxis clarified.
"Yes, unless Lionel gives me a good reason not to trust Mays," Jared replied. "We let her in on the ruse with the kids not actually being DARPA, and she's done very well with that information."
"Agreed, however, the Agency is also aware of the ruse, and approved of it. So we would have no way of knowing if she is truly duplicitous," Abraxis countered.
"That's the way it always is, Abraxis. You can never be one hundred percent certain of anyone," Jared said, frowning. "I wish it could be different, but it can't. Don't get me wrong, Abraxis, you can be so close to sure as to make no difference, but simple human nature would prevent perfect trust."
"You are not speaking only of covert operations then?" Abraxis replied.
"No, but the same is true in covert operations. Even more so when dealing with covert ops! It's better to live with the rule of trust no one there," Jared replied. He saw his wife exit their apartment and turn down the hall towards the command center, and smiled. "It looks like my relief is on her way."
"You are aware that no one needs to remain awake and on duty here now that we know they are safe and on their way home, right?" Abraxis said.
"Again, it's human nature, Abraxis. Eventually, there will be someone on duty in here at all times, especially if we are to expand as we have planned," Jared replied.
"If I am able to handle that duty, why would the command center need to be staffed?" Abraxis asked.
"Well, by then, you'll probably have far more to occupy your time than you do currently. Sitting watch is something humans will always insist on doing," he grinned.
"We have to find something for the young ones to do to help control all that extra energy!" Sharon said as she entered and kissed her husband. "What's been happening?"
Jared quickly briefed his wife, then kissed her and after saying good night to Abraxis, headed for his and Sharon's quarters.
Although he was still tired from pulling watch last night, Jared put in a call to Captain Washington, promptly at oh-six-hundred.
"Top-side, Captain Washington," Lionel said as he answered the phone.
"Good Morning, Captain. This is Jared Danielson. Could spare me the morning?" Jared asked.
"Certainly Sir. The construction workers are due to arrive at oh-eight-hundred, but they already know what to do. I don't have anything else on my schedule, Sir."
"Excellent, have you had chow yet, Captain?" Jared asked.
"No, Sir. I always check my messages before eating. You caught me as I was about to head for the mess hall."
"How about I buy you breakfast, and we can begin our discussion then. I'll need you for about two hours, if that's alright?" Jared said.
"I'll let the Lieutenant know, Sir."
"Great, I'll be up to get you in a few minutes," Jared replied.
"Will we need a driver, Sir?" Lionel asked.
"Nope, we're gonna eat down here," Jared replied.
There was a hesitant pause. "Yes Sir. I'll be ready."
"See ya in a few, Captain."
"Yes Sir," Lionel replied and hung up.
Jared grinned at the nervous curiosity in his voice. This was going to be fun.
A few minutes later, Jared exited the elevator to see Lionel talking to Lieutenant Mays while waiting for him. "Ready Captain?"
"Yes Sir!" he replied, and stepped into the elevator.
"Don't worry, Ell-Tee, I'll bring him back before bedtime!" Jared replied.
"Yes Sir, I'd hate to have to ground my commanding officer, Sir!" Lieutenant Mays replied without missing a beat.
Jared put his hand on the new scanner plate, and pressed the glowing 'down' icon off to one side of the plate.
Once the doors closed, the Captain turned toward Jared, "May I know what all this is about, Sir?"
"Certainly Captain, that's actually the entire point of this morning. We want you to know what all of this is about," Jared said, cryptically. "Our situation has altered rather drastically, and the Commander has decided that you will need to know exactly what we are doing down here."
"Sir, I feel I need to tell you that am not on good terms with the General. If this has anything to do with him..." Lionel began.
"Captain, the relationship you have with your father is none of our business. I assure you, while he is involved in this project, he did not have anything to do with the decision to give you the tour. His role is purely an advisory one, and he has no direct influence on this project or its mission," Jared said. Lionel flinched when Jared had said 'father', and again wondered what had caused this young man to hate someone he knew so little about.
Lionel sighed and nodded. "Understood, Sir. Thank you for explaining it to me."
"Don't thank me yet, Lionel. We're still standing at the top of the rabbit hole," Jared replied.
"Sir?" Lionel asked as the doors to the lift opened on the lower level.
"Breakfast first, then I get to scare the hell out of you," Jared replied. "Come on, I'll show you to the dining hall. While we're eating, there is only so much I can tell you, since not everyone down here knows everything that's going on," Jared said. They got in line, got their breakfasts, and then found a seat as far away from the scientists as they could.
"You're doing some kind of research down here. Isn't that the core of what DARPA does?" Lionel asked.
Jared smiled. "Captain, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency would have an orgasm if they even knew we were here."
"I don't understand, Sir," Lionel replied. "The three ladies we escorted here were from DARPA weren't they?"
Jared just shook his head. "They were meant to appear to give that impression, and from the sound of
it, that worked very well. DARPA has never heard of this place."
"It sounds like you’re going to tell me exactly what this place is about. Sir, I am only a guard, I don't need to know what happens down here, I only need to make sure you stay safe." Lionel replied.
"I understand that Captain, if things had remained as they were when we first came out here, then that's all you would ever know. But things have changed, and now you will need to know, as will most of your Marines," Jared explained. "You see, what is normally housed down here are three, highly advanced, hyperspace capable, fighter craft known as hypersleds. The Commander and two of the young ladies you met are the pilots."
"That was what was going on! I did as you told me, Sir. I left the explanation in the log. That was three space ships taking off? It seems to me it should have been louder," Lionel replied.
"Well, they aren't all that big. I'd show you one of them, but they haven't returned yet," Jared replied.
"Haven't returned? Overnight test flight?" Lionel asked.
Jared shook his head. "Combat mission, actually."
Lionel stopped with a forkful of egg halfway to his mouth. He lowered the fork and looked closely at Jared. "I'm sorry, Sir, but I think I misheard you. Did you just say combat mission?"
Jared nodded. "That's the rest of the story, Lionel. Eat up, and I'll show it to you."
The two men finished eating a little quickly, and grabbing an extra cup of coffee, Jared led Lionel to the blast door that separated the secure part of the base from the research part. As they approached, the door seemed to open of its own accord.
Being the stoic Marine he was, Lionel said nothing, and simply followed Jared into the small room. Once the outer door closed, Jared spoke again.
"Okay, from here on in, we can talk freely. That door was the point of no return." He paused. "Although it will become obvious to you as to why, from this point on, you must swear to never tell anyone what you learn past this door. I mean anyone, Marine."
"If I am ordered to reveal this knowledge, Sir?" Lionel asked.
"What knowledge, Captain?" Jared grinned. "Play dumb for now. There will be a point in the very near future were you probably won't need to worry about being confronted about it, but your Marine Commanders will still try to order you to reveal this knowledge. As I said, I think you'll understand why that cannot be allowed to happen."