by Blade, CG
“No—no Petra you’re more than that. Somewhere up there, in that beautiful argon filled brain of yours you should file that away. I have one more question for you and then I will leave you to your sync. I have got to get some sleep soon.” Ray let out a huge yawn covering his mouth and stretched his legs out in front of the chair.
“You do not have to leave for me to continue syncing Ray. I am currently reading the mail the staff scanned for me over the summer. Unlike humans I can multitask.”
“But part of you is still human Petra.”
“Not the part that makes you human Ray. Philosophically and physically Cogito ergo sum.”
“Ah, you are quite sharp. Rene Descartes series of works from 1644 “I think therefore I am” was his theory. My question to you Petra is this; how do you stay ethical or moral?”
“I have redundant morality modules that are attached to the output circuit of Terprise and my code structure. I maintain my judgement and moral turpitude through its circuit. Freedom, liberty, duty, honor, patriotism, and love of country are the framework embedded into the root code given to me by the programmers, along with self-preservation and other subroutines. You have studied me in detail and I am quite surprised you did not know this.”
“I did not get into your circuits or your clockwork so to speak. I just needed the codes for your network and link modules to complete COZAP.” Ray Nelson shook his head slowly while catching another yawn in midstream. He was amazed at the influence she had on him and he could not take his eyes off her. Her dark blue camos and cobalt streaked blonde hair were barely visible in the dark room but he stared at her with reverence. He was now becoming identical to ninety-eight percent of the American masses, a Cobalt groupie.
“I’ve got to get some sleep now Petra.” He started to stand and put away the chair he was sitting on. “I still argue with the staff that you are the ninth wonder of the world.”
“There is no eighth wonder of the world Ray therefore I cannot be the ninth. There are seven wonders of the ancient world.”
“Well according to the old and new scholars the one that comes up most generally as the eighth wonder is the Codex Gigas Petra.”
“Petra the Codex Gigas was stolen yesterday from the National Library in Stockholm Sweden.”
“That is a very peculiar coincidence Ter.”
“What is Petra?” Ray was now all ears pulling the chair back out and sitting back down, leaning over the back. Petra stopped synchronizing with the network and held out her right palm. Her cobalt marbled ponytail flipped as she unplugged the network jack from the back of her neck.
“The Codex Gigas was stolen yesterday at 3:47 a.m. Central European Time.” A four-inch high holographic video appeared on top of her open palm the same way it would show through a Vidset. “Here is the video of the theft Ray.” They both sat there and watched a video taken by night surveillance equipment inside of the artifact section of the Swedish National Library. Two very large men clothed in black wearing red masks that concealed their identities smashed the heavy glass surrounding the ancient manuscript and easily lifted the 800-year-old wooden trunk that bore a single crucifix on its exterior. Emergency lights illuminated the area with a strobe effect. The two thieves hauled it out of a broken window that they had used to enter the darkened area of the library. Security guards dispatched to the scene were stumped as to why someone would steal the trunk, scratching their heads as a detective and forensic team arrived shortly afterwards.
“Do you know how much that weighs Petra that is not light by any means? Why would someone want it?”
“Yes Ray it weighs 165 pounds or seventy-five kilograms. It is approximately one meter in length or three-feet. It is fifty-centimeters or twenty-inches wide and contains 310 leaves or pages made from 160 donkey skins used as its parchment. Scribing the manuscript took twenty-eight years allegedly by the hand of one Benedictine Monk as his penance. Finished in the year 1230, it is the largest known medieval manuscript and contains the only known actual picture of Satan.”
“If I remember correctly from my college days I think the rumor was that the monk was walled in for his evil thoughts and Satan himself used the monk as a conduit to write the book. It has been passed down for centuries from kings and queens who protected it as a treasure.”
“Yes Ray. Herman the Incrusis or Recluse scribed the manuscript alone nonstop and there are no known mistakes in it. He asked Lucifer for assistance in writing the book in exchange for his soul so he added the picture of Satan in gratitude for aiding him in his hour of need. It contains incantations, spells, medicinal information, conjurations, and exorcisms. Some believe it is nonsense and that Herman went mad writing it. It also contains the only scribed pictures of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a book of enlightened moral choices. Codex Gigas’ English translation is ‘Giant Book’ and contains only Latin lettering and language.”
“Well let’s hope they find it. It belongs there in Sweden.”
“I will continue to scan all newsfeeds and channels for more information.”
“Petra if for some weird happenstance you do happen to find the real Dreama will you try to bring her home to me?”
“I will do whatever is necessary to protect everyone here at the lab and the American people. I cannot guarantee or promise you the outcome you want.”
“I understand. Goodnight Petra great talk by the way. You would make a formidable chess opponent.”
“Speaking of games Ray the next time we meet I would like to discuss some information which I cannot obtain. Files which have been erased or no longer exist.”
“What files are those Petra?”
“I would like to know about the files that contain information on my father A.C. Dace, James Cooper, and yourself. Some people have referred to you three as ‘The Ingenious Trinity’.”
“Ah, you want to know why we spent so much time together back in the forties and fifties.”
“Yes.”
“That is a long story Petra and reads more like a fairytale. I will tell you everything I know when we have more time and I am more awake. Right now though I’m afraid I cannot keep my eyes open any longer.”
“Goodnight Ray.”
“Goodnight Petra if you do sleep?”
“It is no longer necessary Ray.”
Chapter 7
MULTIPLE
“I mean who in the hell does this secret agency think they are and where the hell is it located at—are we as Americans supposed to stand back and let a couple of individuals, who claim to be responsible, control this—this thing? Where is the accountability? We need answers and we need them now!”
“My guest here today is Dr. Scott Early who, of course you all know, is the man who wrote the award winning novel ‘Ms. Daubs’ the story of the American political takeover by the Pseudosynths and how it affected the average citizen’s life. His new novel ‘Cobalt Fever’ is a firestorm sweeping the nation and is to say the least controversial. My name is Tom Mzik journalist and the moderator of America’s newest channel the United States News Network. This is Interrogation Room and we’ll be back after this short message.”
“Read this book! You’re being—duped—railroaded!” Dr. Scott Early was standing up wearing a brown suit holding the book in front of the camera. Violence bathed the cover of the book portraying a still shot of Petra holding up Helen Long’s synthetic body, flaming patriotic sword slicing through her neck in front of God and the planet.
“Uh—well this is Tom Mzik here at USNN and we’ll be right back.”
The Vidscreen switched to a commercial of two women discussing how soft their hands and bodies were from using new Cobalt Dish Soap. “Kim this new Cobalt Dish Soap is so soft and creamy—ohhhh—yum! My body and my dishes are beautiful!” Wearing only cobalt blue thong bikinis and high heels the two women began to smear the dish soap on their face, neck, arms, and legs. “That’s right Khloe Cobalt Dish Soap is the only patriotic soap sanctioned by the National Rifle Associati
on and contains faux bullet fragments and the sweet smell of sizzling gunpowder!” Kim held up a bottle of the soap in front of the camera next to Khloe’s deep tanned cleavage ”Cobalt Dish Soap, It’s aromatic essence will just kill you!”
A background announcer with a deep voice began talking quickly while the two women continued to lather each other up with the fragrant blue soap. They fell short of orgasms as they rubbed their thighs and buttocks with the creamy substance: “The Phisonher Corporation, makers of Cobalt Dish Soap, suggests you do not inhale, ingest, or imbibe Cobalt Dish Soap. Cobalt Dish Soap may cause headaches, redness, rashes, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, stroke, depression, suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, and impulsivity. You may also experience a loss of bladder or bowel control and possibly death. Do not use if you are a maniac, bipolar or have a Federal Conviction Record. Do not use cobalt dish soap if you are opposed to the second Amendment, Heavy Metal music, or trophies of small animal heads on your wall. Cobalt Dish Soap contains FD&C cobalt blue number two and high fructose corn syrup. You will be addicted for life, The Phisonher Way! A scrolling message at bottom of the screen showed the following caption: The Phisonher Corporation had no involvement with the making of this or any other video.”
“How can you watch this crap?”
“I love how this show is so—”
“—fucking ridiculous?” Jackie quickly interrupted Amanda with a scowl on her face.
“Yes that and other things come to mind.” Amanda snickered with a big chuckle at Jackie’s response.
Jackie bit her lip while she sipped a piping hot cup of java. She leaned against the door of Amanda’s quarters as they discussed the gross injustice in front of them. The scent of coffee and warm pastries filled the air of the hallway as they stared at the Vidscreen on Amanda’s countertop. Amanda sat and brushed her long wet brown hair as they continued to watch the program onscreen. The daily 8:00 a.m. meeting in the War Room was a half hour away so they had a little time to kill.
“We are back with Interrogation Room on the United States News Network with your host Tom Mzik.” The announcer stated with confidence.
“Hello America I am Tom Mzik and we are back with our guest Dr. Scott Early who has written the book Cobalt Fever. Now doctor, are you saying that newly promoted Captain Dace is not a patriot, a true American? The new popularity poll shows the percentage of Americans that favor her is a whopping ninety-eight percent. You can’t do a whole lot better than that.”
“For God sakes Tom this whole thing is a sham and an injustice. Where did this supposed ‘money’ come from to make this thing huh?” He was pantomiming air quotes violently in front of him with a scowl on his face. “How did this get funded? This whole program is hush-hush and who paid for it? That is right Tom, you and the American people did. Where is this secret lab located? Did the families of these wounded soldiers agree to this experimentation?” Dr. Early was now staring angrily into the camera lens. “We want answers and we want them now! Why is Congress not involved with this? The president is hiding something and we all deserve answers! How do we know he isn’t involved, after all he IS the President now BECAUSE of her—that thing they made?”
A Vidscreen in the background between the two men started playing a video. Petra was standing on the steps of the Capitol slicing off Long’s thick robotic head. The video repeated the ten-second clip several times in succession.
“Tom who in the hell is she talking to in these videos—herself? Is this THING even stable? Out there in the world are thousands of children who have seen this video and now emulate and idolize her. They are wearing her T-shirts, clothes, shoes, and buying toys with her likeness. Don’t you think it is sending the wrong message when anyone can just solve something with violence? Violence begets violence Tom! Who made her judge, jury, and executioner? We have laws in this country!”
“Ungrateful asshole—” Scoffing, Jackie walked away from the doorway towards the elevators and spoke into a camera in front of it to “open”. The elevator doors opened and standing inside the elevator was a sharply dressed officer of the United States Navy. It was Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephanie Matard. She was the newest employee in their arsenal and had just graduated out of Cobalt two days earlier.
“Hello Stephanie.”
“Hello Jackie.”
“How are you doing today?”
“I am good Stephanie. Are you ready for your first meeting?”
“Yes I am.”
“Level three,” Jackie instructed the elevator as she appraised Stephanie. A chill went through her. Stephanie was intensely sharp looking in her black uniform and gold pin striping and was lethal to boot. No nonsense involved with this one. Stephanie stood at attention in her Navy dress blues.
The door to the elevators opened and they walked together down the hallway into the War Room. Jackie breathed little memorial sigh remembering how Cooper loved this room. The smell of wood and polish filled her nostrils as she refilled her coffee cup at the café counter. People were starting to slowly fill the room, gathering their thoughts, yawning and talking to each other. All of these pictures and not one of them is Jim she thought. Petra seated stoically at the large wooden rectangular table was awaiting the start of the meeting in her dress blues.
“Hi Jackie, good morning,” Doctor Sanders said shoving a croissant into his mouth quickly.
“Good morning Norman how is the facility running? Good I hope.”
“It’s like a top spinning out of control as always.” He quickly brushed his face clearing it of any remaining crumbs, throwing his napkin away in the trash under a breakfast counter.
“Good I would be amazed if it wasn’t. Can it get any crazier around here?”
“Have you met our newest addition Stephanie?”
“Yes we spoke earlier today. She is a chip off the old Cobalt block that’s for sure.” He gulped down some coffee washing the rest of his food down his throat.
They were subconsciously staring at Stephanie. Not one single hair or thread was out of place on her or her uniform. Stephanie sat down directly across from Petra and they started what seemed to be a unique staring contest with neither of them blinking nor speaking aloud. Their eyes were pulsating in perfect harmony.
Hello Petra.
Hello Stephanie. How was your training?
Successful. Congratulations on your promotion Captain Dace.
Thank you. Are you communicating with COZAP as well Stephanie?
Yes but it will be ten days until the process is complete. Currently it is being mass-produced in bulk quantities and is in mid-production. Ray Nelson has been doing network link upgrades to my modules for pre-activation.
Does your Terprise have humorous strings of code?
No.
That is good. I would suggest that you do not accept this upgrade. Request to the technician to uncheck the box marked ‘Install Humor Upgrade with Cool Hergemgo Binary Application terms and conditions’ and that will remove it during your next upgrade installation.
Thank you, I will consider your advice.
The employees in the War Room, waiting for the meeting to begin, were wondering what these two were actually saying to each other. The only thing showing movement on either one of them was their irises. Each time they communicated, their pulsating irises were lit up like glowing rings of Cobalt hoops.
“Petra do not refer to my humor programming code in the third person. I am right here in the room with you.”
“Yes Ter I and everyone in this room know that fact.”
The lab employees and techs in attendance stopped mid-conversation and started staring at Petra who was now talking to herself aloud.
“I am suggesting to Stephanie that she not accept the upgrade. You are not funny. I am just stating a fact.”
“I am not funny Petra and I am shutting down my humor output code.”
“Thank you Ter.”
“You are quit
e welcome Petra.”
Are you having trouble with Terprise Petra?
No Stephanie, we have come to an agreement. She is not humorous. There are times when we do not need an upgrade. Sacrifices must be made for the betterment of any mission.
“Petra you have not sacrificed. Your digestive tract is filled with a fructose substance every thirty-three minutes on average and I have circulatory monitoring circuits redirect cells and waste energy to combat its negative effects with your thyroid glands metabolic functions and pancreatic enzymes. You currently weigh 155.34 pounds. If it were not for my monitoring program, you would now weigh 267.87 pounds. You are a fructose addict.”
“I will eat what I want when I want!”
Shocked and startled, everyone in the room froze in place as Petra’s fist firmly hit the thick wooden meeting table, cracking it slightly sending everything sitting on its surface bouncing up in the air. Freshly poured cups of hot coffee spilled all over the top of the glossy table as well as on everyone seated.
“If I have startled anyone it was not my intention. Ter please shut down.”
“Yes Petra.”
“Petra—are you alright?” Jackie asked curiously seeking an answer to Petra’s previous outburst.
“Yes Jackie. One of my ‘and/or’ Boolean argument gates seems to be corrupted. I will need new code.”
“I am not sure we can—do—that—Petra. We cannot just start writing or installing new sentence structure and code. We would have to basically put you out of commission for a while.” Jackie was now starting to get nervous. She shook her head looking Petra over, very concerned about this latest conversation.
“Then I must terminate my monitoring program.”
“You—you—cannot do that Petra! You need it to survive. I will take a look at your code later and run diagnostics when we are done here.”
“Yes Jackie.” Petra stood up at attention. Her beautiful dress blue uniform quickly began to disappear from the ground up. Petra was now naked, surrounded by a roomful of wide-eyed technicians and scientists staring at her with mouths agape. “Standards no compromise sir!” Petra began reciting her officer boot camp pledge loudly staring straight ahead as her right hand snapped up to her temple saluting like a Plebe. She began to sing the Army’s fight song as everyone in the room looked on, stupefied and wide-eyed. Lab techs passing in the hallway and other employees in the area had now gathered at the War Room door watching the weirdest scene in Med Lab history unfold right in front of their eyes. Petra began chanting the Army fight song naked as the day she was resurrected.