Mission: Lights of Langrenus

by V. A. Jeffrey

  “Do you think this might be alien related?”

  “That's the thing. We have no idea. Our default position is that everything strange is alien related until it is not. Even if it isn't, things that are out of the ordinary or disturbing are things we can't afford to ignore anymore. We can't trust the government to do anything about it these days and they have their hands full with growing tensions and aggressions from the Eastern Bloc and the Middle East again. We're the first defense against outside interlopers, enemies and dangers to the human race now.” The Pax Americana was slowly falling to pieces and no one seemed to know just what to do about it. Either that or the will was no longer there to repair a political situation that was beginning to disintegrate.

  “I wish I had more to work with Robin. I'm not exactly James Bond.”

  “I know,” she said quietly. She fixed me with a serious gaze. “Do your best. Don't confront anyone if you don't have to, just watch and record, if possible, and ask questions. We know you aren't a trained spy, but my boss is confident that you might find out something useful. Even if it seems insignificant. Ask around, take notes, be observant. Spy on people if you have to. We'll give you the necessary equipment to make it easy.”

  “Right. And if I find anything dangerous about this, what should I do about it?”

  “Report back to us all of your findings. We need your eyes out there, Bob. As for danger, use your own judgment. But try your best to find out what's going on. Push it a little. We won't send you out there unarmed. The Boss has a lot of important plans brewing. Things are in motion, but I can't mention all of them yet. But you are one of the key players in the network.”

  “Good to know.” The signals she gave me on what to do were decidedly mixed. The truth be told, I was actually excited for this new mission. It sounded like my kind of mission. Ask a few questions, look for anything interesting, get some fun activities done – I hear they've just finished building their first resort in Langrenus. I wondered if Chip had gotten Will ready yet. I'd ask him tomorrow.

  “When will I be leaving?”

  “The day after tomorrow, if you can?”

  “Okay,” I said. She went back to the images on her consoles.

  “Directions and all you need will be sent to your U-network mail address, later today.” U-network or U-net was the name we gave our little growing network of people that could help us in the coming war. U stood for Unity. So I didn't have much time at all then. Pam would understand.

  “Also,” she said, “ The Boss will be sending along a small spy mech which will be helpful. It has already been sent along to your house, marked as special delivery. Only you will be able to open the package.”

  I guess I better go and visit Chip tonight then.

  . . .

  “Is Will ready to go? I'll be gone again for a few days. I was wondering if I could take him along with me?”

  “You can and you can't. Will's up and walking around, but I'm still working on a few things with him. However, I can put him to work with you remotely. Call him up through his username on Dappa, Will_Do 2.0. I'll let him know to set up the com-link system and a talkbox for you in case you need to contact him at any time.”

  “Alright.” There was a pregnant silence at the other end.

  “Are you allowed to say anything about it?”

  “Only that I'm going to investigate the TLP on the moon. I've gotten more reports that there may be something strange behind it.”

  “Ah. I remember Fred mentioning this too.”

  “Yeah. I was wondering, Chip. Do you mind asking around about this? In fact, Fred first mentioned it. If you can quiz Fred and try to see if you can get some more information for me. I'm leaving the day after tomorrow, otherwise I'd grill him on it myself. I've got a lot of preparations to make.”

  “Will do! No pun intended.”

  . . .

  I traveled to the moon in the Vermillion, a very nice ship if I do say so, and I received first class treatment. I had plenty of time to think on the trip. After getting settled in my quarters and a chance to sit back and relax on the flight, there was a buzz at my doors.

  “Come in.” A mech came in carrying a large, black metal case. This case looked too large for the mech, yet it seemed to carry its weight with no problem. This mech I thought might have been a courtesy mech at first glance, but it looked very different from most mechs that I'd seen before. Military issued mech, perhaps. It was of black and silver metal and had what looked like a sash patterned in battle fatigue. It's eyes were bright blue slits and it had a dark, almost rough sounding voice box. It looked both extraordinarily human and aggressively mechanical in design. A marvelous and unique design, I thought. There was a regal yet intimidating air about it, unusual for any android except Will, that suggested full sentience. Far more intimidating than the accommodating courtesy mechs I was used to. I nearly stood to attention.

  “Mr. Robert Astor, I was sent to make sure you were properly outfitted with equipment.” It went to a table and set the case down, unlocking it with a key card that it produced at the end of its finger. I got up to take a look. Inside the case was a small assortment of laser guns. It took out a panel and below in the underside of the case were two rifles.

  “This one, Mr. James Jenkins, a cohort of yours I believe, had sent to you.” The mech pointed to a long, sleek laser handgun that seemed to gleam with dark colors in its metal. It looked nondescript, but I knew it was a reliable weapon. A Cavalry Laser 150. Smith and Wesson. Otherwise known as the grand-daddy of laser dragons. There was also a beautiful British Sea Service Pistol lasgun with an elegant wooden exterior stock, metal interior stock. It was designed to look like a flintlock pistol. It wasn't an easy decision, but I finally made my choice.

  “I'll take that one.” Why he'd sent the laser dragon I wasn't sure but one of Fred's friends had one and it was impressive to see in action.

  “Wait! How many am I allowed to have?”

  “As many as are within reason. You will have to be able to hide all of them in luggage and carry them with ease.” I took another smaller lasgun and then the mech pointed to another weapon.

  “This here is a vambrace laser gun. Or vambrase for short. You strap this weapon to your arm. I trust you know how to use one?” I nodded. Actually, I'd never used a vambrase but I'd seen one used at the shooting range.

  “I'll take that too.”

  “Good. It was sent to you by The Boss. In case you lose any of the others, this one attached to your person may be harder to lose. Will you be choosing any more weapons?”

  “No. I just want these.” I cleared my throat as the mech proceeded to put the rest away and lock up the case.

  “Do you know the name of the Big Boss?” The mech's cybernetic blue eyes flickered upon me for a second, but it appeared to ignore my probe. I asked again.

  “I am not at liberty to divulge such information,” it said with short finality. Couldn't hurt to try. The mech produced a thin, red metal key card from its sash.

  “This also is to be issued to you. It gives you a higher level of clearance than you would normally receive on Langrenus. Clearance for carrying weapons, amongst other matters. Your name as a lawful weapon's carrier is already in the system. Should you need anything else, just call for me. My name is Magnum. To reach my personal com-link channel, call or enter: Magnum 9.0.1 in the U-network system. I will take care of your needs while you remain on the Vermillion. To a very limited extent, I may be of assistance to you while you are on your mission. Do not call upon me lightly. Take care of your weapons. I shall send a cleaning kit for you before you disembark. One never knows what may happen in this universe.” He now sounded more like a gruff sage than a robot.

  “You don't think that all these weapons might be unnecessary? I mean, I'm only going out there to ask about the lunar lights.”

  “If they were deemed unnecessary, I would not have brought them. I follow orders,” said Magnum. The mech gathered up the case and with a fe
w swift steps was out of the room. I took the sleek cool feeling key card and put it in my pocket. This was going to be an interesting trip. I was hoping it didn't become as interesting as my journey to Syzygy, but I knew that was wishful thinking. Better get your rest while you can.

  It was a short flight, of course. It took about twenty-four hours on a non-stop flight to reach the moon, but the Vermillion was flying at a leisurely pace. I did not see or hear from Magnum at all during this time except for when he had the cleaning kit sent and when I called for meals. He had a courtesy mech bring them to me. Apparently, this Magnum had important things to do and didn't strike me as a normal mech at all. I suppose this wasn't surprising as mechs were created for all sorts of purposes. This one seemed dangerous. Like a warrior mech. I'd only seen this type on news holograms.

  I settled in and did some reading up on Langrenus on the computer and watched news clips on WSEL. The new talk in the media, when it came to business and space expansion, was, for some reason, all about Venus but it seemed to me that the moon was what they should have been focused on. That's where the most important cities were going to be built right now, besides the ever expanding space stations. Changes were always afoot. But like always, the government and its corporate partners were focused on the wrong things.

  This time there was no refueling at any stations along the way. The Vermillion landed at a private docking station at the Port of Marius without much fanfare. However, for some reason I wasn't able to leave the ship right away. I was sent a cryptic message from Magnum through the room intercom.

  “We have been instructed by port security to remain on board until further notice.”

  “Do you know why? What's happening?”

  “I don't have much information. Only that there seem to be some minor electrical difficulties at Marius Port.” I sat back against a wing chair and decided to relax myself until I heard anything else. Gazing out the viewport I saw glimpses of flashing green and blue light behind the port complex. I wondered at their mysterious allure and beauty. I also wondered what lay behind them, if I would even uncover anything of note.

  Fifteen minutes later it seemed the issue was resolved. I suited up with my bag behind me and packed inside was the little recorder mech sent by The Boss, as I was also starting to call him. The ship's own security team escorted me from the Vermillion to the complex, making me feel like a distinguished dignitary. I was then escorted by a courtesy mech waiting inside who was holding up a thin data pad with my name on it. We rode the monorail to the taxi hub and boarded a hover taxi. I was then driven to Bradford Tower where I would be staying once again, all expenses paid. I'd received a new line of credit on my account, freshly activated before I'd arrived. All I knew was “unlimited within reason” was the cryptic message from Robin.

  After the short ride to the closest city dome and biosphere, of which Bradford Tower stood just beyond. I took off my helmet, handed it to my escort.

  “Do you have your identification card?” Asked the courtesy mech pleasantly. I showed my identification, slipping my ID key card into the mech's identi-chip device. Everything cleared. When all was out of the way, it continued to guide me toward my suite.

  “Was your trip a pleasant one?” The mech asked in a polite, soothing tone.

  “Pleasant enough.” I retorted. We passed by clans of security mechs and security officers and law enforcement in black or black and gray, and government administrators. A few gazed at me in surprise, but no one said a word. Most were engrossed in some event being hosted by the longtime mayor of the city, an ambitious, dynamo named Tate King. He was with another younger man I thought I'd noticed before. His name was Alo, a man of the Hopi tribe, and a political prodigy of King, who was planning to run for mayor of Langrenus in about a year. Everyone gathered was more interested in these two and talking amongst themselves to notice or care about me.

  “One of the upper suites has been reserved for you. Of course, if there is anything we can get for you to make your stay a pleasant one, you have only to request it through room service or the General Use Program.” That was the Virtual Voice.

  “Thanks. I do have a question, though.” I asked once we were away from the crowds.

  “Yes?”

  “Have you noticed anything strange happening in the city?”

  “Strange happenings? Such as what?”

  “I don't know, just anything out of the ordinary?”

  “I am confined to Bradford and Butler Towers, sir. I have not noticed anything out of the ordinary.”

  “Can you communicate with other mechs outside of these towers?”

  “I can, on rare occasion, if there is a need, but I must say that I have not. If I did so on a regular basis my activities could be flagged for abnormal behavior.” This comment gave me pause. I hadn't thought of that and to be honest, I had to wonder if my own name raised red flags with the security personnel here. Even though I had a powerful arm behind me, I still had to tread carefully.

  “Besides, I have not seen an opportunity arise,” it continued. “Why do you ask?”

  “I've heard rumors. Just wondering, is all.” We arrived at my quarters, one of the middle, smaller suites, more luxurious than the last room I stayed in with the delegation. Luxurious enough to make me feel like nobility. A labor mech followed us both in silence with my luggage. As I opened the doors the labor mech set the bags down inside the doors and left. The courtesy mech turned to face me.

  “All things are as they should be, except we do get spikes of light activity from time to time. During these spikes in activity, we have incidences in electrical breakdowns in some equipment. These incidences are especially numerous in the northern parts of the city. But they can happen anywhere.”

  “I'm wondering, was there such a breakdown at the Marius Spaceport just an hour ago?”

  “Why, yes. I must admit, however, that these breakdowns are becoming fewer in frequency in and around the central business district and residential districts of Langrenus. The city is getting much better at dealing with the issue.”

  “That's good to hear.”

  “There are odd things that did not happen before, such as equipment corroding or breaking down for unexplained reasons. Especially in the outer regions of the city where infrastructure is not as solid. I've also heard a few of the medical personnel talk of radiation spikes, but radiation levels, as far as I know, are always kept under strict control. After all, if they weren't, no one would be able to live here.”

  “Radiation spikes,” I said thoughtfully. That was worrisome, but I didn't push the matter too hard. “You say this was recent?”

  “Yes. I have worked here for quite some time. About three years ago I had noticed more talk of these things, sir. Is there anything else?”

  “One more thing,” I said, my curiosity highly piqued. “What do you think could be causing it?”

  “I don't know, sir.” I didn't think I would get much from that question. Courtesy mechs were programmed to be good at their jobs, genial, unobtrusive and gracious; they, like all mechs, were created to serve people specifically in a hospitality capacity or in administrative functions, not play detective. I was surprised he'd noticed and filed away as much as he did.

  “You've been a great help to me. I don't need anything else for now. What is your name, if you have one?” Courtesy mechs usually did have names given to them. Sometimes the smarter ones named themselves.

  “Archibald, sir. And you're welcome.” I may be wrong, but I was thinking that Archibald was smarter than the average mech and more observant. I usually didn't care for courtesy mechs as I found them redundant but perhaps I'm too hard on them. After all, Will was a mech of a sort; actually he was a descendant of them, an extremely advanced and semi-sentient android and I actually thought of him as a friend.

  I took a quick glance at the back of Archibald's golden neck, taking note of his serial number. There were a number of ways that I could call upon a specific mech if I needed to
and knowing their serial or model numbers made that easy. Archibald may end up being very useful to U-net. Check.

  5

  The first two days after I checked in I didn't see anything out of the ordinary which was just as well. I was tired and needed the extra sleep my little excursion afforded me. Sunday “night” however, I got a chance to see what I came for. I was gazing outside my window, in which I happened to have a great view of the crater since Bradford and Butler Towers were built right in front of it. I lowered the lights to get a better look. From the depths of the crater I saw the usual lights rise, flash and dissipate. But they were more brilliant and covered more area than I'd last remembered. Some of these lights were bright, others misty and faint. Then bright arcs of light would shoot up and streak out and away across the sky and into space. Or wide swathes of blurry color would rise and dissipate like colored fog before my eyes. I ran to a drawer and got out my pin camera and began recording the event. Then at one point, in amazement I stared as a mass of light which rose like a planetary sized curtain from the crater, its colors changing and running through each other and it disappeared. I stood in amazement at this phenomenon for I don't know how long.

  “Well, hot damn!” I said to no one in particular. I went to my bedroom and got out the recorder mech The Boss sent to me. I hadn't opened it yet. I put my finger on the scanner of the box and had my fingerprint scanned and the box opened. I lifted the mech out. It was a tiny, owl-like thing. I switched it on and its big owl looking eyes rotated and turned. A few lights blinked on inside and then it chirped to let me know that it was in good working order. I decided to do a little bit of armchair sleuthing by calling Will. Bringing up the call program on the computer console I dialed Will's username and waited until his avatar finally appeared on the screen. Will was active but his physical look was still a work in progress. Right now he was missing an eye and about half of his face as new flesh was being regrown and grafted to it and his eyes were getting cybernetic upgrades. These improvements were being added to him little by little, to give him a less patched up, jerry-rigged appearance and a more realistic human appearance. Good parts and new, high-grade plasti-flesh that didn't rot was very, very expensive, so the final work was very slow.