by G. P. Hudson
“Exactly. Why kill the golden goose?”
“What is a golden goose?”
“An old Earth story. It was in one of the books Governor Sallas recommended I read.”
Arriving at the Imperial Science Center, they stood in awe of the towering structure before them. On entry, they found an automated system demanding payment. Jon sighed, keying in his account information, and the number of people in his party. When the system confirmed payment, they were allowed to enter.
Once inside, it became apparent that the Imperial Science Center was something of a museum commemorating the many Dvorkan scientific achievements. A blue female who seemed tall even for a Dvorkan, stood in front of one of the exhibits. Gathered around her was a group of what Jon could only assume were Dvorkan children, even if many of them were almost as tall as Breeah. The group stood in rapture, hanging off every word as the woman spoke of the Dvorkan age of glory, which appeared to be a highlight in Dvorkan culture.
“How will we find the scholar in here?” said Breeah.
“We won’t. This is obviously a tourist attraction. She’s got to be on one of the upper floors.” There was a group of visitors accessing what looked to be an information console in the co r ner of the main hall. “Lieutenant Jarvi, get AI access to that console. Let’s see if she can get into a database and find the scholar.”
“Understood,” said Jarvi, then headed toward the console and politely waited his turn. When the others finished Jarvi placed one hand on the terminal, facilitating the link for AI.
“I have gained level one access to the Science Center’s network,” said AI over Jon’s comm. “Accessing their directory. Miira Kev is located on floor one-hundred-forty-three.”
“Thank you, AI. Excellent work.”
“Your most welcome, Admiral,” said AI. “Would you like me to drill deeper into the network.”
“How’s the security? Will you get caught?”
“I believe I can safely probe this system without detection. I have not seen anything to indicate the presence of another AI.”
“Okay, go ahead, but be careful.”
“Of course, Admiral.”
“While you’re at it, how do we get up to the scholar’s floor?”
“Sharing directions with Lieutenant Jarvi now.”
Jon looked over at Jarvi. “Do you have it?”
“Yes, Admiral. Follow me.”
The group fell in behind Lieutenant Jarvi, who weaved his way through the crowds, and exhibitions. Jon realized the they weren’t drawing the same attention as they had elsewhere. They would attract the odd, curious look, but it would seem that had more to do with racial i n dentity, than intolerance. Kaizon One had so many different types of aliens, that Jon’s team had an easier time of hiding in plain sight.
Before long, they approached a set of elevators. Upon arrival, the doors of one of the lifts opened, and Jarvi ventured inside.
“AI, do you have control of this lift?”
“Yes, Admiral. Security restriction preventing access to the upper floors have been temporarily removed.”
“Good work, AI. Have you run into any problems?”
“Not yet, Admiral. This is not a military installation, so the security is not robust enough to hamper my activities. The restrictions are intended to keep tourists from going beyond the public areas.”
“Understood. Don’t make any unnecessary stops along the way.” The sight of a lift filled with humans and Diakans might look strange to an unsuspecting Dvorkan, and Jon wanted as few conflicts as possible.
“Yes, Admiral.”
When the doors opened, Lieutenant Jarvi took the lead again. The rest of the group followed, moving down a wide, empty hallway. Jon was thankful to not run into any Dvorkans. Things were going well so far, but that always made him nervous.
Jarvi stopped in front of a tall door. “This is it,” he said.
Jon wondered if he should knock. “AI, is there a notification system to request entry?”
“Yes, Admiral. Would you like me to notify the scholar of your presence?”
“Go ahead.”
When the door finally opened, an eight-foot-tall Dvorkan female stood before them. “What are you doing here?” she said. “The exhibitions are downstairs. This floor is not open to the public.”
“Miira Kev?” said Jon.
“Yes. Who are you? And how do you know my name?”
“We need to speak with you. It is very important.”
“What could you possibly want to speak with me about.”
“The Builders. We’re trying to find them.”
Miira’s eyes narrowed. “Who sent you? Never mind, I don’t care. Just get out of here.”
“I’m serious. We are in desperate need of your help.”
“And I’m serious too. I don’t know who, or what you are, but I’m done being ridiculed. Good bye.” Miira turned to walk away, and the door began to slide closed behind her.
“The Erinyie have returned!” said Jon.
The door slid open again, and Miira stared at Jon. There was a faint look of astonishment on her face. “What did you say?”
“The Erinyie have returned. We need your help. We need to find the Antikitheri. The Builders. This is no joke. I wish it was.”
Miira looked Jon over, as if trying to make up her mind. “Come in,” she said finally.
With a subtle sigh of relief, Jon and the rest of his group followed her inside.
“Where are you from? I do not recognize your races,” said Miira, gliding through the room with great strides.
“That’s because we are not from the Empire. We’re from an entirely different region of the galaxy. One with its own transit point network. We are on a mission to find the Builders. We need their help against the Erinyie.”
She seemed remarkably unfazed. “And you say they have returned? How did this happen?”
“We are at war with another race. An evil race known as the Juttari. We were winning that war, when the Erinyie arrived. The Juttari believe the Erinyie to be gods. We believe the Erinyie have returned to provide aid.”
“How do you know they really are the Erinyie?”
Jon, pointed to the Diakan members of his group. “These men belong to a race known as the Diakans. There is a Great See’er on Diakus who has the gift of sight. She sees the future, and the past. She identified the Erinyie, and told us about the Antikitheri, and how they are our only hope. That is why we are in this region of space. It was in the path of our journey. The Great See’er showed me the region of space where the Builders live. That is our destination.”
“Impossible. All evidence indicates that the Builders occupy a region of space at least five thousand light years away. No transit point reaches that far.”
Jon squashed an urge to explain the jump system. “We know where the region of space is, but it is rather large. Do you have any way of finding the home world?”
Miira locked her pitch-black eyes with Jon’s, quietly scrutinizing him. “You have a way to reach the Builders. Miraculous.” she said finally. “I can help you find their home world, but you must take me with you.”
“I’m afraid that trip has been canceled,” said a voice from the door.
Jon spun around to find a group of Dvorkans, clad in the same black military uniforms, pointing sinister looking weapons at them. He wondered briefly how they’d managed to get into the room undetected by his, or the Chaanisars’ augmented hearing.
“What is the meaning of this?” Miira said, her tone authoritative.
“The meaning,” said one of the Dvorkans, “is that you will shut your mouth, or I will melt it shut.”
Miira gasped.
“What do you want?” said Jon.
“Are you Admiral Jon Pike?”
“I am.”
“Then you are the one we want. The question is, will you come with us quietly, or will we start shooting your friends.”
“There’s no need for any of t
hat,” said Jon, knowing that if they started shooting many on his team would be cut into ribbons. “If it’s me you want, then I’ll come with you. If you start shooting, I won’t, and I’ll make sure you all die before the day is done. That is the choice I give you.”
The Dvorkan burst into laughter. “That is a very impressive speech, but I assure you it has no effect on me. Perhaps you need more convincing.” The Dvorkan started moving his weapon left to right. “Let’s see. Who should I make an example of.” He paused with the weapon trained on Anki. “Yes, the little human.”
Both Jon and Breeah jumped in front of the little girl, shielding her with their bodies. “I told you I’d come with you.”
“You don’t seem humble enough,” said the Dvorkan, still smiling.
“It’s hard to be humble with a dead man,” Jon growled.
The Dvorkan’s smile disappeared. “I don’t like you, alien. But my orders are to take you alive. Now come along, before I change my mind and kill your friends.”
“I’m coming. Just take it easy.” Jon slowly stepped away from Breeah and Anki. His team watched the Dvorkans as if stalking prey. But there was no movement, didn’t do anything to risk them opening fire.”
When Jon reached the Dvorkans, the commander slapped a device on his chest, and they all disappeared.
Chapter 2 4 3
“Where did they go?” said Lieutenant Jarvi, scanning the room.
“They are cloaked,” said Miira. “They’ve attached a cloaking device to your Admiral to make him untrackable.
Lieutenant Jarvi did not like what he was hearing., but he still had one option available. AI, are you able to track the Admiral through his comm? he said through his brain chip.
Yes, Lieutenant Jarvi. This is interesting technology. It would have hidden any signal from the comm from me, were I not already occupying the device.
Where is the Admiral now?
He has entered one of the lifts, and is heading to the ground floor.
Can you stop the lift?
Yes, although that might attract attention.
Just stop it temporarily, so that we can get down to the ground floor ahead of them.
Understood. Lift has been stopped. I have another lift waiting for you.
“Let’s move,” said Jarvi. “AI is tracking the Admiral.”
“Where are they?” said Breeah, falling into step beside Jarvi, while Anki trotted beside her.
“They are on the lift. AI has paused it so that we can get ahead of them.”
“You have an AI in control of our lifts?” said Miira.
Jarvi eyed her with suspicion. “It was necessary.”
“Interesting. How did you manage this?”
“Our AI is quite capable,” said Jarvi, as they all entered the lift. “Admiral Pike can explain it all to you after he is rescued.”
“How capable is your AI?” pressed Miira.
Jarvi ignored the question, focusing on how to get the Admiral back. AI, do you think you could create a virtual outline of the Admiral that our ocular implants can identify?
Yes, Lieutenant Jarvi.
Good, make the modification.
It is done. Your implants will identify the Admiral, even while cloaked.
Excellent. I suppose you cannot identify the Dvorkans he is with?
No. Unfortunately, the Admiral’s comm device does not possess any sensors that would allow me to locate them.
Understood.
“AI is extremely capable. We rely on her for much,” Breeah said to Miira.
“AI is my friend, too,” said Anki.
“Interesting,” said Miira. “The Empire considers artificial intelligence to be a threat, and has banned any advanced AI development.”
“Our AI is not a threat. At least not to us. To our enemies, that is a different matter,” said Breeah.
“You use your AI as a weapon?”
“At times. Our AI is quite powerful and can take over enemy computer systems,” Breeah said with pride.
“AI has given the Chaanisar the ability to see the Admiral,” Jarvi said, to the rest of the team. “The Chaanisar will attack once the enemy’s lift opens its doors. If the enemy is not cloaked, the rest will join the attack.”
“But if only the Admiral is visible to you, how will you target the enemy?” said one of the Diakans.
“We will attack them while they are still inside the lift. They will have little room to evade us. With the element of surprise, and our enhanced speed, we will prevail.”
“What about the Admiral’s safety?”
“The Admiral is our secret weapon. Once we strike, the Admiral will surely join in the melee. These Dvorkans are no match for the Admiral’s capabilities.”
“You speak with such confidence,” said Miira. “Yet you are unarmed, and much smaller than the Dvorkan soldiers. Surely this must be misguided arrogance. You do not stand a chance.”
“We are Chaanisar. We do not know arrogance, only victory, and the freedom of death.”
“I do not know what the word Chaanisar means.”
“Then watch, and learn.”
The lift reached the ground floor, and the group stepped out.
“Take your positions,” Jarvi said to the other Chaanisar. “AI, have the Admiral’s lift resume its descent.”
“Resuming lift’s descent,” said AI.
The Chaanisar stood ready, and brandished their concealed ion blades.
Moments later, the doors slid open, and the Chaanisar charged.
Chapter 2 5 4
The Dvorkans were partially translucent. Looking down at his own body, he found he too seemed to shimmer. “Am I cloaked?” he said to the Dvorkan commander.
“Look, we’ve got another genius alien on our hands,” the Dvorkan said disdainfully.
A smirk spread across a few Dvorkan faces, and Jon resisted the urge to permanently remove it for them. Inside him the creature growled its contempt for his captors. All in good time, Jon said to his symbiont. Look on the bright side. They just gave us their cloaking technology.
The Dvorkans led Jon to one of the lifts, and pushed him inside, the commander’s weapon still pointed at him. The doors closed and the lift headed down to the ground floor.
“What do you want with me? Is this another shakedown? Are you going to hit me up for credits at some point? Because if that’s what you want, we can just settle it now. No need for all this hostility.”
“This is about more than credits,” said the commander.
“Oh yeah? What’s it about then?”
Jon saw the stock of the Dvorkan’s weapon coming for his face, and sidestepped the blow. The Dvorkan commander stumbled when he missed, becoming visibly angry, and pointing his weapon at Jon’s head.
“Move again and I will melt your skull,” said the Dvorkan commander.
Jon laughed, and the Dvorkan pressed the muzzle of his weapon against Jon’s forehead, trying to push him into the wall. Jon didn’t budge. Instead, he pushed back with his head, forcing the weapon backward, to the astonishment of the Dvorkan, and his men.
“In case you haven’t noticed, you don’t scare me,” said Jon, ensuring the Dvorkan could see his resolve. He might be outnumbered, and outgunned, but he could still mess them up with psychological games. Their problem was their size, and their guns. It made them overconfident. Careless.
With such a large advantage, they took Jon’s fear for granted. They’d expected to be able to intimidate Jon. They’d expected Jon to became docile, and cooperative. What the commander didn’t expect was the crazy son of a bitch pushing his forehead against the weapon’s muzzle.
“Go ahead. Shoot,” said Jon. “Or aren’t your balls as big as the rest of you?”
The commander roared in anger, and for a moment Jon thought he had pushed him too far. Even with his enhanced speed, he couldn’t get out of the way fast enough if the Dvorkan fired. He didn’t find out, because at that moment the lift stopped moving.
“What happened?” the commander said to his men.
Relief washed over Jon as the Dvorkan removed the weapon from his head with a scowl.
“I don’t know,” came the response. “The lift has stopped moving.”
“You’re just as smart as this alien, aren’t you?” said the commander in frustration.
“It looks like we have some time to get to know each other better,” said Jon. “What planet are you all from?”
“I’m from Altara Three,” said one of the Dvorkans.
“Shut your mouth!” said the commander.
“You’ve got some real anger issues, you know that?”
The Dvorkan drove the stock of his weapon into Jon’s belly. This time Jon allowed him the satisfaction. Exhaling sharply, Jon doubled over, as he absorbed the impact.
“Maybe you will be quiet now,” said the commander.
“Seriously,” said Jon, still bent over holding his abdomen. “I was like you once. Angry at everything and everyone. It’s no way to live.”
The stock of the Dvorkan’s weapon connected with the side of Jon’s head this time, sending him face first into the floor. A big boot crashed into Jon’s ribs, lifting him off the ground, and hurling his body into the elevator wall.
Jon lay on the floor for a few moments, and then slowly got to his feet. As he did, he looked up and locked eyes with the glowering Dvorkan commander. “You know, I have to admit, you hit pretty damn hard. I honestly didn’t think you had it in you.”
The commander shook his head in anger and turned to his men, who were all watching the confrontation in amazement. “What are you gawking at? Get this elevator moving.”
As if on command, the lift began to descend. Jon chuckled. “That’s an impressive trick. You’ll have to teach it to me sometime.”
“The only thing I’m going to teach you, alien, is pain, followed by slow death.”
“Yes, that line is very frightening. I’m sure it scares the shit out of most of your prisoners.”
“If it doesn’t scare you, then you are a fool.”
Jon smiled. “Bring it blue boy.”
When the doors slid open, Jon saw the blur of movement that was the Chaanisar. They flew into the lift like winged demons, their ion blades crackling as they slashed about blindly. The cramped quarters ensured that the vicious strikes connected with soft flesh, and screams of horror rang out all around him.