by G. P. Hudson
“You’re not getting any either,” said Seiben, pointing his tongs at Kevin. “And stop calling me old man!”
Chapter 9
The holograph of Colonel Bast’s brain provided Doctor Ellerbeck with a real time three dimensional display of her progress, as she maneuvered the microscopic chip deeper within the cerebral cortex. Tiny medical bots, invisible to the naked eye, did the work, but the Doctor still had to guide the process and ensure the chip was embedded in exactly the same position as before. She simply had no way of knowing what would happen if the chip was incorrectly placed. Even as the foremost human expert on alien medicine, much of the Juttari technology was still a mystery to her. Removing a Juttari brain chip from a living human brain alone was unparalleled. Sadly, she knew more about what happened when the chips were in place, than when they were removed. Still, if her findings could be studied, a solution might be found and the Chaanisar could be freed from their bondage.
For now, she needed to focus on the task at hand. Once in place and activated, the chip would essentially hack into Colonel Bast’s neural network. In doing so it would hijack the genetic code inside the billions of neurons found in the brain, thereby controlling the messages each neuron sent to each other, and suppressing any harmful transmissions. On the positive side, the brain chip protected Colonel Bast from psychological trauma. On the negative, it allowed the Juttari to enslave him.
Of course the brain chip was capable of much more. It allowed him to interface with his surroundings. He could control the ship’s equipment and computers with his thoughts. He could access any information from the ship’s systems, and perfectly store it in his memory. If he needed to study a terrain map before an operation, one glance was all that was needed. Indeed, every Chaanisar possessed a photographic memory. The chip also networked him with the other Chaanisar brain chips, allowing them to communicate telepathically, even over great distances. Such a wondrous piece of technology, used for such great evil. Ellerbeck shook her head in disgust.
In the end, for Colonel Bast, removing the chip offered no reprieve. His mind, his past, still enslaved him. He remained lost, like all the Chaanisar, with no way of returning home. She wondered if they weren’t looking for home in the wrong place. Prime Minister Sallas, Michael, had said that New Byzantium could be their home. That offer might be the Chaanisar’s salvation after all. Here they were welcomed. She didn’t think that would be the case back on Earth, even if the brain chips were removed. There, they would always be seen as butchers, not as abducted children. Humanity often had a disappointing capacity for hatred and recrimination. Earth would never embrace a freed Chaanisar. They would demand their pound of flesh.
The thought saddened her. Colonel Bast was a good man. Holding him responsible for what the Juttaari forced him to do would be like putting a kitchen knife on trial for its use in a murder. What counted in her mind was the Chaanisar actions after they were freed from Juttari control. When they acted of their own free will they rescued the Hermes crew, repeatedly risked their lives against the Kemmar, and fought for New Byzantium’s freedom. Of course, it could be argued that they did so in their own self-interest. They wanted the brain chips removed, after all. What would happen once Bast’s chip was reinserted? What would the Chaanisar do now that the chip’s removal was no longer an option? Would they remain a trusted ally? Would they kick all non-Chaanisar off their ship and leave? Or would they turn into the butchers that those back on Earth believed them to be?
As the tiny medical bots neared their destination, she knew she would soon have her answer. New Byzantium desperately needed help. Would the Chaanisar help it survive? Watching the progress on the holograph she marveled at how the fate of so many relied on something as small as this microscopic chip. Reaching their target, the medical bots maneuvered against the blood stream’s tide and held position above the precise location that the chip previously held. Ellerbeck then gently had them lower the chip. Once in place the bots released the alien implant, allowing it to take over. The chip came to life, first securing itself to the surface of the brain, then transmitting its commands. Ellerbeck instantly noticed a physiological response as the chip proceeded to conduct what looked like a body wide systems check.
She watched in amazement as the chip reasserted itself, and Bast’s body responded. Her medical systems were amassing a staggering amount of data that she hoped would help her find a solution and rid the Chaanisar of their brain chips once and for all. Bast’s body became rigid as his muscles contracted. She glanced back at her display when, without warning, a hand shot out and grabbed her arm with unforgiving strength.
Colonel Bast’s eyes opened and looked straight at her. She wanted to speak, but could only whimper at the pain caused by the vice-like grip. He stared at her with cold eyes, and when he spoke, it was in a quiet, even tone. One word. “Why?”
Chapter 10
The noises had returned. So many voices. Colonel Bast heard everyone on the ship again. He knew what systems were available and which he could interface with. His body continued to fight off the effects of the anesthetic, but he knew he was otherwise in perfect health. The brain chip had returned. Looking up at Doctor Ellerbeck, trembling in fear, all he could think was why. Why would she put that chip back into his brain?
“Tell me why,” he demanded. But she didn’t answer. She merely stood there shaking, tears welling up in her eyes. Looking down at her arm, where he held her, he noticed the discoloration, and realized he was hurting her. In reality he could’ve broken her arm if he wished, but he didn’t want that. He didn’t want to hurt her at all, but the anesthetic caused him to misjudge his strength.
Loosening his grip he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was hurting you.”
Relief washed over her face, and she yanked her arm away, rubbing where he had grabbed her. It was already turning purple. He shook his head and sat up. The Doctor took a step back. Bast frowned, but he understood her fear.
Colonel Bast, came Lieutenant Jarvi’s voice over his implant. You’re back. Was the procedure successful?
Was it successful? How should he answer that question? The chip is back, if that is what you are referring to, Bast replied.
Yes, Sir. It was.
Then you have your answer. Bast set his chip to reply to any communication request that he was not to be disturbed, and turned his attention back to Doctor Ellerbeck.
“Do not fear me, Doctor. I mean you no harm. The anesthetic clouded my judgment. I was unaware of the pain I caused you. I apologize.”
Ellerbeck shrugged, wiping a tear from her cheek. “It’s okay. How do you feel?”
“Disappointed, but otherwise healthy. What happened?”
“What do you remember?”
Memories. So many memories. They all suddenly rushed back, except they were now somehow detached. He saw himself from a distance, like an observer rather than a participant. He remembered the power the memories had over him. Thunderous power, full of sadness and rage. Too much power. He remembered how they overwhelmed him. How he drowned. Whereas now they stayed at a safe distance. His brain chip had erected a dam. The torrent was contained.
“I remember my childhood. My mother. Father. I remember being taken. And I remembered being overwhelmed by it all.”
Ellerbeck nodded. “You had suffered a psychotic break. I had no choice but to reinsert the chip. I’m sorry.”
“As am I, Doctor.”
“What will you do now?”
“Now?” Ever since they had rebelled against the Juttari, their overarching goal had been to remove their brain chips. That was the only way to guarantee their freedom. He had never considered what would happen if the removal didn’t work. This was a setback, but was it permanent? “Doctor, would you say that removal of the brain chips is impossible?”
“No, not impossible. There must be a way. But you have to understand. This is the first time any of this has been attempted.”
“Yes, it wouldn’t be like t
he Juttari to make things easy.”
“The procedure did yield a lot of data, however. We now know much more about how the brain chip works. It brings us one step closer to a solution.”
One step closer to freedom. “Then the experiment was worthwhile. I have confidence in you Doctor. I know you’ll find a solution.” Bast lowered himself off the table and looked down at the medical gown he wore. “Please bring me my uniform.”
“Colonel, you really need to rest. I’d like to make sure you’re well.”
“That is unnecessary. My brain chip has already performed its own diagnostic. I am fit for duty.”
Doctor Ellerbeck looked skeptical.
“Honestly, Doctor. The best thing for me right now is to get back to work.”
“Alright, but I want you to come and see me the second you experience anything out of the ordinary.”
“Yes, Doctor. I will.”
Ellerbeck relented and retrieved Bast’s uniform, then left the room. He discarded the medical gown and got dressed. It improved his mood and reassured him that he was back in control of himself. He pulled on his boots, and accessed the ship’s computer to see how much time had elapsed. He had a lot of catching up to do. As he headed toward the door a memory flashed in his mind. It was his mother reaching up from the floor, gripping the man’s arm, pleading for him not to take her son. It played in his mind like a movie. The man turned and kicked her in the stomach.
The door slid open and Colonel Bast walked out into the corridor. He saw the boy screaming for his mother, as the men carried him away. He saw the tears. The horror. The anguish. He needed to get to the bridge. He also needed to talk to Captain Pike. If the brain chips couldn’t be removed, they would need another solution. He heard the boy’s voice again, screaming for his mother. Approaching one of the ship’s lifts he stopped and waited for the doors to open. Pulling updates from the computer, he cycled through the various reports. The door to the lift slid open and he entered. The door closed and he stood erect, waiting for the lift to take to his destination. Looking down, he examined his uniform, making sure nothing was out of place. As he did, he noticed that his hands were balled together into tight fists.
Chapter 11
Jon studied Colonel Bast from across the table, marveling at his recovery and speedy return to work. Lieutenant Jarvi, Kevin, and Jonas were seated around the briefing room table. After meeting Prime Minister Sallas, Jon had intended on calling a meeting, but surprisingly Bast had beat him to it.
“Let’s begin,” said Bast. Having dispensed with all the welcome back greetings, Bast was all business. “Captain Pike, would you care to update us on your meeting with Prime Minister Sallas?”
“Sure,” said Jon. “The Prime Minister has an interesting proposition.” Jon glanced around the table to make sure he had everyone’s attention. “He wants us to stay and fight for New Byzantium.”
“Isn’t that what we just did?” said Bast.
“Yes, but as we all know they are surrounded by enemies. On the one hand the corporations have shown that they will stop at nothing to end New Byzantium’s democracy experiment. On the other, this whole region faces an impending invasion from the Kemmar Empire.”
“That is all very unfortunate, but we have already risked our lives for them, why should we do so again?” said Bast.
“Aside from it being a worthy cause, the Prime Minister is willing to offer us political asylum.”
“Political asylum? He has already offered citizenship and land in gratitude for our help against the coup. How is this any different?”
“Well, he made a good point. With the discovery of the jump system, Space Force will eventually discover the colonies, as will the Diakans. When they do, the Diakans will demand that Hermes officers be extradited back to Sol to stand trial for our actions against Tallos and the rest of his motley crew. They might even accuse the crew of being complicit. Space Force may also demand your extradition to stand trial for war crimes. Either way, citizenship may not protect us from extradition, but asylum will.”
“Captain,” said Bast. “All this is based on the assumption that we will still be here when Space Force and the Diakans show up. The reality is we’ll be far away when that happens.”
“That’s exactly what I said.”
“Then it seems we already have an answer for the Prime Minister.”
“Let me ask you something. Do you ever plan on going home?”
Bast leaned back in his chair, and a troubled expression clouded his face. That’s not like him, thought Jon, but he pressed on. “Would you even say you have a home?”
“No,” said Bast in a quiet voice.
“We can leave here,” said Jon. “And Space Force would probably never find us. But where would we go? The corporations will soon be hunting us, so we can’t stay in the colonies. I can’t see myself living on an alien planet somewhere. So, will this ship become our permanent home?”
“I don’t know,” said Bast. “I hadn’t thought much past the removal of our brain chips. Still, even if we decided to stay and help, we are just one ship.”
“We are more than one ship. We have a jump system.”
“I thought you didn’t want to share the technology?”
“I don’t. Which brings me to the rest of the Prime Minister’s proposition. He wants us to create our own, independent fleet, loyal to New Byzantium, but separate from the military.”
“That’s ridiculous. Who would we answer to?”
“No one. Ourselves. But we would have access to New Byzantium’s resources. Money, ships, recruits. You name it.”
“Why would the Prime Minister do that? Why would the planet allow it?”
“Because they are desperate. New Byzantium is on the verge of being destroyed. If the corporations don’t do it, the Kemmar surely will. Sallas believes in us. He knows that with a few jump ships, New Byzantium stands a fighting chance.”
“That is an interesting proposition. But how do you plan on building new jump ships?
“Building them would take too long. We would have to retrofit existing ships.”
“But we don’t have the experience to do that.”
“Ah but we do. Chief Engineer Singh knows how.”
“I’m sorry, Captain, but last I checked Singh was insane.”
“And a traitor,” added Kevin.
“Yes, he is all those things, but I think we can control him. I’m sure he’d do anything for his freedom right now. Besides, we’ll keep him on a short leash.”
“I see. Is there anything else we need to know?”
“There is. The Prime Minister wants us to release the Diakans.”
“What? Why?”
“If Space Force and the Diakans show up here one day, he won’t be able to defend us if we are holding Diakans prisoner.”
“That makes sense. Is that the entire proposition?”
“No there is one more thing. The Prime Minister has asked that I be put in command.”
“Why is that?”
“I don’t know. I guess he trusts me.”
“I see. I suppose you are in favor of this proposal?”
“I haven’t decided yet. I wanted to discuss it first.”
“The Reivers vote to accept the offer,” said Jonas, surprising everyone at the table.
“You do? But the offer of asylum doesn’t benefit you?”
“The offer is irrelevant. We are fighters, and this is as good a place as any to call home.”
“Duly noted,” said Jon. “Thank you.”
Bast became quiet and his left eye began to twitch ever so slightly, revealing that he was communicating with others on the ship. Maybe Jarvi, maybe someone else. Jon decided it was best not to object to the private conversation, so he waited.
When Bast’s eye stopped twitching he said, “I have consulted with the rest of the Chaanisar. We wish to accept the Prime Minister’s offer as well.”
Jon nodded. “Okay, that helps me make up my mind
. Who am I to argue with democracy. Let’s make it unanimous. I’m in too. I’ll let the Prime Minister know that we’ve accepted.”
“If that matter is resolved, I’d like to discuss something else that is somewhat related. As you all know, the attempt to remove my brain chip did not succeed. Doctor Ellerbeck is going to go over the data, but it doesn’t seem likely that she’ll find a solution. Therefore, we have to accept the fact that our brain chips will remain for the foreseeable future.”
“Unfortunately that seems to be the reality,” said Jon.
“Yes, and the other reality is that the Prime Minister is probably correct. Space Force will eventually find the colonies. So will the Juttari. When that happens, political asylum will not save us. Neither will running. If the Juttari have jump technology, the brain chip will always be a threat, no matter where we go.”
Bast had a good point. The jump system opened up the galaxy. In all likelihood it would only be a matter of time until the Juttari found them. Unless… “Colonel, I think I might have a solution for you.”
“Yes, Captain?”
“You remember how I salvaged the Hermes AI?”
“I remember that you kept it a secret from us for quite some time.”
Jon smiled. “I can be paranoid. Actually, there is something else that I haven’t told you. The Hermes AI is more than just a typical starship AI. It is actually an extremely sophisticated electronic warfare AI.”
Bast and Jarvi both stirred in their seats as the realization set in that Jon could have taken over the ship at any time since the moment he boarded.
“When were you planning to share this critical piece of information, Captain?”
“I’m sharing it now, aren’t I? Like I said, I can be paranoid. Look at it from my point of view. I needed some insurance in case you all turned hostile. But that is all ancient history now. The point is I think the AI can help you.”
“How?”
“We let it hack your brains.”