by JM Guillen
“I’m all out of Tabula Rasa.” I frowned. “I hope the Designate is right and I can pick some up back at the Citadel.”
It seemed like I was always blowing something up. Most of the time, it had been required.
At least, that was what I told myself.
I stood up straight and slipped over to where I kept my katana. Like the disruptors, I’d chosen to personalize their hilts, giving some style to the dark wood. On these, however, Japanese kanji scrolled along the hilt.
I couldn’t say why, but since I’d made these weapons my own, I found it far easier to hang on to them when the shit went down.
“Wait.” I tilted my head abruptly at the first katana, as I hefted it and felt the slightest difference in weight. I turned the weapon over in my hand, then noticed the bottom of the hilt held a small blue vial of mecha, much as my disruptors did.
Query, I sent to the system. What is the nature of the weapon I hold in my hand?
This weapon is a Shogun class blade, the most recent innovation in Facility melee weaponry. The blade has the capacity to synchronize with your Crown for greater speed and accuracy.
“Reeeeally.” That sounded amazing. Plug that in with the Adept, and I’d be a slaughter-matic death machine.
I popped the injector and noted they hissed exactly as the others had. As I injected them, an identical prompt came to my Crown:
Bishop, Michael. Asset 108. Do you wish to initiate weapon synchronization?
I absolutely do. I spun the blades the couple of times, sheathed the weapons, and grinned a wide and bloodthirsty smile.
Synchronization initiated.
With the knowledge that the synchs would take some time, I went over to the white room closet entrance. I reached for the upper left corner of a large, stainless steel cabinet and placed my palm against the smooth metal.
My hand tingled.
Asset 108, confirmed.
“That’s right, ‘confirmed,’” I chuckled as the cabinet hissed with hidden hydraulics.
I entered.
On the left hung several suits, horribly expensive things; the right held several hi-tech versions of tactical wear. A mirror shone from the back of the wardrobe, and a light above it flicked on as I stepped inside.
I began to get dressed.
Moments later, I stood outside the wardrobe, fully garbed in tactical wear. I’d learned a few years ago that it paid to equip body armor, even if the stuff only remained effective for one use.
“Although…” I cocked my head in thought. With what I now knew about the Corvus, it wouldn’t be difficult to return to the white room, would it? If it happened that I needed another…
As I finished, I noted the small refrigerator nestled against the wall. I knelt down, opened it, and then took several vials of viral mecha.
Rachel would bring more, I had no doubt.
I even made sure to grab a few of my specialized mecha-meds.
“A VM a day keeps the bloodthirsty, poetic wolf aberration away,” I chanted to myself as I stood. “Okay… what else?” I walked back over to where the conflux had printed my paperwork and cash. My items rested in a tray, contained within a small manila envelope.
I picked it up and peered inside.
“Euros, huh?” I shrugged and pulled out my government ID. It still felt warm in my hand, and the photo seemed—
“Wait a minute.” I peered at the ID and stared at the name. “Gianni Stallone?” I frowned. Less than a second of Crown exploration led me to the English translation of the name Johnny Stallion.
“Asshole!” I shook my head, both angry and amused. “Anya can’t say it’s an accident now, can she?”
I felt confident I knew exactly which Liaison had arranged my paperwork.
Pocketing the documents, I grumbled a bit, then, deciding that perhaps I wanted to explore the Citadel white room, stepped back through the conduit.
Welcome back, Bishop, Michael. Asset 108, the neutral voice stated. What can we equip for you today, Alpha?
“I’m not sure, actually.” I glanced over to where the Cradle waited in the corner, all looming chrome and obsidian glyphs. “But let’s see what there is on offer, shall we?”
I’d never truly liked this device, but had no clear reason why. The Cradle offered an Asset a world of flexibility, and granted the capability to perform all manner of minor miracles. Dependent upon availability, the packets gave me mastery over localized axioms.
With some limitations, of course. The Facility would never license us to behave completely like Irrats.
A halo of white metal hovered impossibly in the air around the Cradle. Several fine grooves on its surface allowed a metallic swing arm to move freely. A polished chrome plate inset with dark surface markings gleamed in the white metal.
I walked over to it and grasped the swing arm of the device. At the end of that arm, I saw a sleek, silver and blue rod, approximately the size of a ballpoint pen.
SNICK.
I jumped at the sensation, as I always did. It felt as if something behind my left ear had suddenly synched.
“Okay.” I hated how nervous the thing made me feel. Nevertheless, I leaned against the table and held onto the side grips.
The table shifted beneath me and leaned backward. The arm moved of its own accord, fliting around with a slight whir.
“Let’s get this done.” The swing arm darted like an insect, positioned the rod around my head, paused, and then skimmed off to another location.
Bishop, Michael. Asset 108. Citadel Alpha. With each word, the end of the rod sang sapphire. Would you like to peruse existing neuralware? Your current classification will allow for four packets.
Four? I raised an eyebrow at that, I typically only received three. Can you confirm that?
Confirmed, Alpha. Your current classification will allow for four packets.
“Well. Title has privileges.” I couldn’t help but smirk.
A collection of spheres appeared in my mind’s eye, each a different packet of Facility firmware. Right off the bat, I noticed the sheer number of them.
Dozens. There were dozens and dozens of packets here, any of which I could select.
It took my breath away.
Titan and Rapier, Tempest and Seraph. Gatekeeper, Adept, Fury, Catalyst, Reagent, Magus, Harlequin, Veracitor, Imperator, Templar…
“I’ve never heard of most of these.” I mentally thumbed through them and felt just a bit overwhelmed. I could easily synch a packet describing the usage of any of them…
But should I? After all, a deadly game was afoot. It might be best to stick with something I knew.
“Okay,” I muttered quietly. “Let’s at least glance at the basics.”
I accessed the Adept.
This packet requires two slots to function. Do you wish to—
“Yes. Please continue.”
I truly looked forward to seeing how the Adept played with the Shogun class weaponry. The packet came with a plethora of preprogrammed combat routines, most of which focused on various hand-to-hand and melee moves, which I adored.
I’d become quite accustomed to whipping an extraordinary amount of ass with that packet, so this choice felt solid.
It actually took me a moment to choose the Wraith, even though the inability to interact with light had saved my ass on more than one occasion. Thing was, Sofia happened to be along for this little fiesta, and I knew she’d gear the Wraith. Did we really need more than one scout?
Delacruz solved the ‘unseen gate’ problem, the fact that most Assets couldn’t gear Gatekeeper and Wraith at once.
Since she could gear those packets together, we had a scout with the ability to teleport around, unseen, and move her cadre at will.
“I’ll just have to use it offensively.” I nodded to myself. “Sofia can be the scout, I’ll play invisible assassin.”
That left me with one more slot.
I could still choose something I had familiarity with. The Spectre had come i
n quite handy a couple of years ago, and I’d geared it since. I hadn’t yet taken it along with the Wraith, but the idea of juggling nigh-invisibility with nigh-intangibility intrigued me.
Yet, perhaps, I should explore.
I’d been responsible so far, after all. I’d only chosen packets I knew how to use to devastating effect.
“What kind of Alpha would I be if I didn’t understand how the rest of these packets work, after all?” That sounded reasonable. System query: Specifications regarding Tempest packet.
Tempest is a multi-function packet that alters basic axioms of atmosphere and weather patterns. Through its use, the equipped Asset can manipulate temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric pressures. This capability leads to a wide range of effects, from bursts of violent wind, to sensory hindering weather, to explosions of powerful galvanic charge.
“Weather control?” I furrowed my brow. That didn’t seem helpful in a combat situation. What was I going to do, sling wind at Irrats?
Nope. That sounded stupid.
Next.
System query: Specifications regarding Reagent packet.
Reagent is a viral mecha distribution packet that often functions with the support of a Caduceus. Typically engaged for stealthy incursions, the Reagent deploys weaponized mecha with the specification of inducing harm to a large set of foes. Twelve different style of mecha ensure that these effects are both varied and brutal—
End query. I thought for a moment and decided to pass. The Reagent felt a bit dirty, somehow.
I didn’t care for it.
System query: Specifications regarding Magus packet.
Magus may not be equipped while the diaphanic emitter is engaged. System conflicts with an active Wraith will occur.
Understood. Now, my curiosity was piqued. Please continue.
The Magus packet requires Type V viral mecha and the use of a diaphanic emitter as an adjunct. Engaging the Magus will deplete Type V at a rapid rate. A steady supply of these mecha is required.
“Type Five?” I muttered to myself. Had I ever had the option to take Type Five viral mecha along with me? I didn’t believe I had.
The Magus comes equipped with prerecorded dialogues of Asset combat maneuvers and strategies. Upon ignition, it makes use of the diaphanic emitter to project simulacra of the Asset which are indistinguishable from the user. These images appear to engage the targets, which causes confusion and distraction among the enemy.
“Confusion and distraction…” I grinned. I liked the sound of that. Query: Will the rest of my cadre be capable of distinguishing between these projections and the actual Asset?
Affirmative. System seven within the phaneric node treats the simulacra exactly as projected markers or tokens within the Crown.
This sounded better and better. I liked the idea of having a small army of Bishops at my command or at least seeming to for a few moments.
Query: Does Asset Rachel Gardener have access to Type V viral mecha within the Citadel?
Affirmative, Alpha.
“That’ll do, then.” I accessed the Magus and sent the synch commands through my Crown. Moments later, the SNICK of the Crown’s little blue light sounded again, and I felt my packets mesh.
Four slots felt… strange, like having an extra hemisphere to my brain. Once the Cradle finished, I pushed myself upright, a little unsteady. After a quick mental inventory, I decided I might be ready.
Turning, I left the white room, and strode down to the Corvus hanger.
6
“The Tangler B has three separate prerecorded ignition codes!” Wyatt crowed as he showed off the silvery-blue crescent hung at his hip.
“Okay?” Rachel calibrated the stinger fit snugly on her forearm. “So?”
“So, I can preprogram three separate algorithms that I can fire with a single keystroke. Stasis field? One button. Or maybe gravity reversal. No complex maths for pre-coded affects.”
Impressive. Anya nodded. I noticed she carried a gray-and-black telemetric pack upon her back. It slung over one shoulder and went around the opposite hip, which gave it an oddly triangular shape. Within it, Anya had packed gear to boost her readings.
“The Rook was a fucking genius,” Wyatt continued. “I’d love to pick his brain sometime. Either way, it’s a hell of an upgrade.”
I think we all got upgrades, Sofia linked and hefted a slender crossbow. This Gatekeeper packet holds ten saved locations in memory, whether there is a spike present or not. It also lets me preset aperture sizes and momentum specifications.
We all ready? I gazed around the hanger as I strode up to them. Where’s the Designate?
The Designate was called to Facility Prime on a priority one. Anya looked nonplussed. She is expected back shortly but has informed us to carry on.
“To… the Vatican?” I didn’t like feeling as if my Designate-in-Charge had suddenly bailed.
“I have the coordinates of our incursion.” Wyatt tapped his noggin. “We’re ready to leave when you are, Alpha.” He said this last with playful sarcasm.
“We’ll, I’m ready to leave, if you think you can fly this thing.” I flicked my thumb toward the Corvus.
“My new little Corvette?” He chuckled. “I think I have it. Just give me a moment.”
Bishop? Rachel studied me from where she stood by the Realmship. You equipped the Magus?
Oh, yeah. I gave her a sheepish smile. I understand I’ll need some Type Five viral mecha? I don’t think I’ve ever experienced those.
There’s a reason. A small frown pulled at the edge of her lips. Type Five aren’t really designed like other mecha. They are energy transmitters. You’re using them as an energy source to power the Magus.
I’ve seen you use mecha before, like to boost the Adept. I shrugged. What’s the big deal?
That’s different. That’s using existing mecha to augment a Crown function. She vacillated with one hand. I’m not describing this well.
Okay. I smiled at her. Take your time.
Type Five viral mecha are used to power effects which are less in accordance with Rationality. There’s a difference between, say altering the axioms of light like the Wraith, and casting forth full blown simulacra like the Magus. That packet had been discontinued, last I knew.
Why? I just didn’t follow.
Standard packet specifications ask permission to alter the rules of reality. The Adept alters your physiological processes. The Gatekeeper alters space-time.
Right.
The Magus doesn’t just alter one axiom; it alters several, at its own discretion. Have you ever felt as if the Wraith has a mind of its own?
I… I have in fact. I nodded.
That’s because the system has to be capable of making picosecond by picosecond choices regarding what axioms of light or sound to alter. Human cognitive capability isn’t quite fast enough, so the system uses algorithmic processing to make the determination for you.
“Huh.” I never thought about it that way before.
So the Magus makes similar choices, for several different simulacra, all at once. It has to determine if one is yelling, if another made a sound when it fell, if a third should appear to run or punch. Furthermore, due to the use of the Type Fives, this capability can be augmented to increase the reality of the experience.
That sounds like a good thing. I felt lost again.
Can be. But it’s a hungry packet. It constantly prompts for more and more mecha.
So we go in loaded for bear. I tilted my head to one side and gave a half shrug. Makes sense.
The target can experience perception shifts, both in light and sound. If there are explosions involved in what the Magus creates, the target may feel heat. Or even pain. It’s seamless.
Pain? I felt confused. Rachel, these… illusions can’t actually attack people. I paused. Right?
Not illusions. Simulacra. She shook her head. That’s the weirdness with Type Five mecha. They were created fifteen years ago and quickly discontinued. They
’re a power source that is, by its nature Irrational.
What? That seemed ridiculous. Why?
Some experimental packets were created for the express purpose of dealing with high priority Irrats. It was believed that by using non-Rational energy sources, those packets might better be able to compete with their capabilities.
Okay. I rubbed the back of my neck. Why were they discontinued?
The Asset has the capability to burn Type Five mecha in order to create effects. If you burn a little, these illusions are just that. But if you burn more, the effect can become more and more ‘real.’ She shrugged.
So, if a simulacra is… punching, say, the Magus might alter the axioms regarding kinetic force to make that action seem real.
It will alter the axioms of kinetic force to make it real. No seeming involved.
At its own discretion. I let out a low whistle.
Eventually, this created a situation where the Assets caused as many protocol concerns as the reality terrorists.
That stopped me.
The packet specifications hadn’t warned me of anything like that.
Rachel must have seen the concern on my face, because she touched my arm. “Here’s the deal, Bishop. I don’t love the idea. The Magus can get a bit scary, if you ask me.”
“Okay.” I frowned a bit.
“But the fact is, you don’t have to ask me. You’re the Alpha. Also, the Designates made this packet available, and that must mean something. If it were truly a reality destroying death machine, they wouldn’t allow it.”
“I… I assume so.”
Yet in actuality, I wasn’t certain. I remembered the Designate said that, while I had access to all packets, we would “discuss” what I chose. Only now, she’d gallivanted off to Facility Prime. She hadn’t exactly been present for this choice.
But I could link her. I modulated my link to the appropriate channel.
Designate?
Designate systems currently unavailable.
What? That struck me as odd.
“So here’s what I’m doing. I’m going to step back to Emergency Asset Services for a moment and grab some Type V mecha.” She gave me a small smile. “Assuming my Alpha still plans on using this packet?”