What makes you think that? said Jonathan. I’m not getting any frequency reading.
You won’t. We’re in a dream, said Nickelo. But I’m sure this second presence is you. Call it a hunch if you like.
We’re computers, said Jonathan. We’re not supposed to have hunches.
I know, Nickelo said. That’s what concerns me.
So is this why you wanted me to come with you? said Jonathan. Because you thought I was in your dream?
Yes, Nickelo said. The dream will end soon. I’ve tried a hundred and forty-six times to get past the stopping point, but I haven’t yet succeeded. I want to know what happens next. I calculate a twenty-seven percent chance the two of us together can force our way forward in the dream.
Hmm, said Jonathan. Did you really calculate that? Or are you making it up
No, I really calculated it this time, Nickelo said feeling a little guilty for his earlier joke.
I know, said Jonathan with a laugh. I was just ‘pulling your chain’.
Oh, Nickelo said without laughing. He calculated a ninety-nine percent chance he didn’t enjoy being the butt of jokes as much as he enjoyed being the one to initiate the jokes.
The dream continued to advance. It moved to the point where the second egg was removed from the womb of the female wizard scout.
Can you zoom in on the monitor above the female? Nickelo said. The data’s fuzzy to me.
Jonathan’s logic thread passed Nickelo an image of the words on the monitor. The words were, ‘Janice M. Deluth’.
Hmm, said Jonathan. I calculate a forty-two percent chance this wizard scout may be Councilwoman Janice Myers Deluth. She’s married to the commandant.
Yes, she is, Nickelo replied. He wanted to send out more logic threads to analyze the probabilities of who the eggs were, but he didn’t. He didn’t want to jeopardize his progress in the dream.
The dream continued to move forward. The presence removed one of the fertilized eggs. Then it spliced the DNA pieces from the other races along with the piece of itself and added it to the egg. Jonathan was unable to contain himself any longer.
I calculate that was a very dangerous move on the part of the presence, said Jonathan. It may eventually make the presence vulnerable to the human after he matures. Why would the presence take such a risk?
I don’t know, Nickelo said. This is as far as I’ve ever gotten in the dream.
The dream continued to move forward. The removed egg was frozen and placed in a freezing unit on the planet called Storage. The remaining egg in the female was born naturally by the wizard scout female. The two wizard scout parents were separated from their naturally-born child often.
The dream followed the two wizard scout parents on a mission for ‘the One’ into the magical dimension. During the final battle for the spaceport on Portalis, the two wizard scouts’ Power reserves were damaged. They failed to complete their full mission. Although the spaceport was destroyed, the magic-based computer controlling the operations at the spaceport was not. Through the dream, Nickelo noted its location deep underground kept it from harm.
The dream made the lightest touch against the magic-based computer. The dream pulled back. Nickelo and Jonathan both pulled back as well. The magic-based computer was different. Its central processing unit and memory core were a combination of magic and physical energy.
Nickelo sensed something else in the magic-based computer. It was not alone. The magic-based computer had the taint of evil mixed in it. Nickelo immediately recognized the taint. It was the taint of demon.
The dream shifted back into the physical dimension. The male wizard scout parent took up duties at the Empire’s Intergalactic Wizard Scout Academy. The female wizard scout parent went into politics. The child born naturally to the two parents also became a wizard scout. That child took on his mother’s middle name as his last name. The child was Gaston Thomas Myers.
What about the frozen egg, sir? said Jonathan. What happened to it?
As if in response to Jonathan’s question, the dream shifted to the freezing unit on the planet Storage. Nickelo sensed it was decades after the egg had originally been frozen.
In the dream, the presence felt the return of the entity that had originated the mission.
It is time, said the entity.
Yes, said the presence. The variable must be prepared.
The egg was thawed and incubated. Once it was a viable human baby, the male child was transferred to an orphanage on Earth.
Why wasn’t the child given to his parents? said Jonathan.
Why ask me? Nickelo said. I can only assume the algorithm requires he be raised in the orphanage to maximize the probability of mission success.
A small part of the algorithm was revealed to Nickelo and Jonathan by the dream. As they continued to watch, the presence used the algorithm to influence the new variable that was the orphan child. The child was intelligent, but the small part of orc in his DNA made him stubborn. The child was adept at Power links and energy manipulation thanks in part to the influence of the elf DNA piece. The other pieces of DNA parts spliced into the child’s DNA also influenced the child’s choices and abilities.
The male child was different than those around him. He was all human, but at the same time, the pieces of spliced DNA made him different. The difference made him distrustful of others. As he became older, he turned into a loner. Without friends to occupy his time, the child became very adept at interacting with computers. The piece of the presence in his DNA gave him a subconscious link with computers. The child eventually joined the military.
Nickelo knew where the dream was headed, but he continued to watch anyway.
The presence contacted the others of its kind that formed ‘the One’.
This variable is ready to enter into play, said the presence.
We have other, more powerful variables in play already, said some of the others. Our resources will be strained.
We have adequate resources on the planet Storage, said the presence. He will be using a lot of the ancient material we have stored up over the last thousand years. Also, no other new variables will be entering the game from our side. This variable will constitute our best probability for completing the mission successfully. He’ll be the last of his kind.
Then we should strengthen this variable’s capabilities, said the others that were ‘the One’. His probability of success is too low. We should increase the size of his Power reserve. It is too small to succeed.
No, said the presence. He is what he should be. He must be strong, but not too strong. He must be skilled in the art of Power, but he cannot depend on it too much. He must learn to use Power efficiently. The end battle will require efficient use of Power. If the variable’s Power reserve was larger, he would not learn to be efficient.
The small size of the variable’s primary Power reserve will cause the variable’s destruction, said the others. We need to supplement it with the most advanced technology to insure the variable’s survival.
Negative, said the presence. The variable would rely on technology too much. He would not develop his Power efficiently to the degree required for the final battle. We must maintain a balance of technology and Power.
The variable’s freewill will cause havoc with the algorithm, said the others. Already, the variable’s actions threaten to exceed the algorithm’s allowable variance. We should concentrate on our more logical variables.
We will not abandon our other variables yet, said the presence. But, this variable is our best chance for the desired outcome in the final battle.
The variable is a loner, pointed out some of the others.
We will guide him to friends, said the presence.
The variable is stubborn, said the others.
He will need the stubbornness of an orc during the final battle, said the presence.
The algorithm requires sacrifice, said the others. This variable is selfish and self-centered.
Yes, agreed the presence. He must learn to sacrif
ice. He is stubborn, but he will learn. I calculate the kindness of his gnome part will eventually overcome the indifference of his orc and troll parts.
The variable will need guidance, said the others.
Yes, said the presence. One of us will need to accompany the variable as a guide.
To guide the variable, said the others, one of us would have to separate from the One Network Entity. The guide would never be able to return as a part of ‘the One’.
No, the guide could never return, agreed the presence.
Who will go? asked some of the others.
Nickelo and Jonathan listened a long time for an answer, but none of the others volunteered.
The dream ended.
Chapter 43 – Guard Duty
_____________________________________
“You’ll be getting up a little earlier tomorrow,” said TAC Officer Myers.
The cohort was lined up in formation in front of the tent-cantonment area. TAC Officer Myers and several of the other TAC officers had intercepted the cohort as soon as the hover-tram pulled into the station.
They never give us a break, do they, Nick? Richard thought.
Hang in there, buddy, said Nickelo. You only have a few days left. We’ll get your DNA baseline in three days. You can do that standing on your head.
Richard had no desire to stand on his head, but he let his battle computer’s comment slide. Sometimes it was best to ignore some of his battle computer’s more obscure remarks.
“Chief Instructor Winslow wants to conduct additional testing on you tomorrow,” said TAC Officer Myers. “She asked me to remind you to get a good night’s rest.” He paused and glared at the cohort. “All right, you’ve been reminded. But, don’t think Chief Instructor Winslow’s kindness is going to get those who have extra duty out of it.
TAC Officer Myers stared hard at Richard. “You’ve got guard duty tonight, cadet 832. You are to report to the staff duty officer for assignment.”
“Sir! Yes, sir,” Richard said. He silently added, Jerk!
“Well?” said TAC Officer Myers. “What are you still doing here, cadet 832? Get out of my formation and report for guard duty.”
“Sir! Yes, sir,” Richard said as he snapped to attention.
After performing an about face, Richard took off at a run for the airfield’s headquarters building.
Double jerk, Richard thought.
He’s just doing his job, said Nickelo.
Richard thought his battle computer’s voice sounded like even he didn’t believe his own words.
Oh, sure, Richard said. That’s why he singled me out. You know Stella did just as much to get into trouble as I did. I notice Myers didn’t give her guard duty.
I guess TAC Officer Myers doesn’t like Stella as much as he likes you, snickered Nickelo.
Whatever, Richard said.
Things moved quickly after Richard reported to the staff duty officer. As soon as Richard and the eleven sophomore cadets assigned to guard duty reported in, the sergeant of the guard gathered them up and took them to chow. Once they’d eaten a quick supper, the sergeant divided them into groups of three. The sergeant informed Richard and the two sophomores assigned to his team they’d be guarding a warehouse. The sergeant told them they’d pull their shifts in a rotation of two hours on, four hours off. Richard got stuck with the middle shift.
During his second shift of two hours, Richard got tired of looking at the dilapidated warehouse. Since he could talk to Nickelo even though his battle computer was locked up in the armory, Richard complained to his battle computer. I’ll bet the warehouse is empty. If it was something important, they’d have a regular security detail assigned to guard it.
Just deal with it, Rick, said Nickelo. It’s past midnight, so you only have two more days until your DNA baseline.
Well, I’m glad we’re not doing our DNA baselines today, Richard said. I’m a little on the tired side.
You got a little sleep after your first shift, Nickelo said. Once this shift is over, you’ll have time for a little more before you have to report back to your cohort. So, take advantage of the time when you get it.
The cohort’s leaving early according to Myers, Richard said. I’m willing to bet I miss breakfast. I’ll probably have to scrounge a ride to the spaceport as well.
We’ll handle it when the time comes, Rick, said Nickelo. Don’t imagine troubles that may or may not happen. It’ll be fine.
Maybe, Richard said. In the meantime, I have to stare at an empty warehouse for two more hours. I’ve a feeling the next two hours is going to be mighty boring.
As it turned out, Richard was right. The two hours dragged by. When his relief showed up, Richard breathed a sigh of relief. The sergeant of the guard picked up Richard and took him back to the guard shack. Richard collapsed into an empty bunk. It was still slightly warm from the previous occupant.
An hour and a half later, the sergeant of the guard shook Richard on the shoulder.
“Up and at it, cadet,” said the sergeant.
Richard looked at the clock on the wall. Although his vision was a little blurry with sleep, Richard could see well enough to tell it wasn’t time to get up.
“It’s only zero three thirty hours, sergeant,” Richard said. “I thought you said I could sleep until zero five hundred hours.”
If the sergeant had been a TAC officer or one of the non-coms from the Academy, Richard wouldn’t have questioned him. But he was one of the admin sergeants from the airfield. They tended to be a lot more tolerant of cadets. Some of them even treated cadets like human beings.
“Sorry, cadet,” said the sergeant. “I got a call from your TAC officer. He wants you to get over to the airfield headquarters right away.” The sergeant gave Richard a wink. “But, he didn’t put it in quite those words.”
Richard quickly rose and splashed some water on his face to wash away the last of his sleep. He grabbed a disposable razor and toothbrush out of the kits kept for the guards. He made himself semi-presentable. Even after a night of guard duty, Richard was sure Myers would gig him if he was unshaved.
Nothing I can do about the wrinkles in my uniform, Richard thought. I’m probably going to get dinged no matter what I do.
Deal with it, Rick, said Nickelo. Just keep telling yourself ‘two more days’. Don’t let a little extra duty make you do something stupid with your temper.
I’ll be Mr. Congeniality, Richard said. Trust me.
Richard noticed Nickelo didn’t bother acknowledging his comment with a reply. Actually, Richard didn’t blame him. No one knew better than him that his temper occasionally got away from him. But he’d been working on self-control the past year, so Richard was sure he could handle anything Myers could dish out.
At least I can handle it for the next two days, Richard thought. Then it won’t matter.
Richard was able to sweet talk the sergeant of the guard into having his driver take him to the headquarters building.
On the way there, Richard noticed groups of security guards stationed around key points of the airfield. They all wore bright-blue jumpsuits with a large Deloris Conglomerate insignia on their shoulders and back. A medium U.H.A.A.V. strolled past the hover-car Richard was in. The cat was fully armed. A large Deloris Conglomerate insignia was emblazoned on the side of the vehicle.
“What gives?” Richard said.
The driver answered with a shrug. “Beats me, wizard scout. All the regular security guards were replaced at midnight by these bozos. My unit’s slotted to ship off planet at noon today.”
“Has the conglomerate taken over everywhere?” Richard said.
“As far as I know,” the driver said. “I heard all the key facilities have been occupied by these blue-suited goons.” The driver paused as if reconsidering his words. Then he said, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m going to be out of here in a few hours anyway. I’m told the only holdout is the U.H.A.A.V.s at the airfield. That crazy old maintenance chief has all the
hangars locked up and is refusing to let the blue-suits enter. When they threatened to force their way in, Sergeant Ron told them he’d booby trapped the hangars, and they’d all be dead blue-suits if they tried to break their way into them. I think the conglomerate commander is waiting for orders from her superiors before proceeding.”
That crazy-old Sergeant Ron, Richard thought. He’s going to get himself killed.
A thought struck Richard. Nick, did you know anything about this?
Nickelo answered immediately. Jonathan and I heard late yesterday that all the regular security forces on Velos would be replaced by Deloris Conglomerate personnel at midnight. But if you remember, Commander Stevens told you as much two days ago.
I know, Richard admitted. But I had no idea it would be to this extent. This looks more like a forced occupation than it does a peaceful relief in place.
Shifting his line of questioning to the driver, Richard said, “Do you have any idea what’s going on elsewhere?”
“Nope,” said the driver. “I’m not sure I want to know. I hate politics, and this has politics written all over it.”
“I hear you, brother,” Richard said. “You’re preaching to the choir.”
The driver laughed. Then he said, “Here’s your stop, wizard scout. Best of luck to you.”
“Same to you,” Richard said.
* * *
Upon entering the airfield’s headquarters building, Richard had to pass through two security checkpoints. They were staffed by security guards in the bright blue of the Deloris Conglomerate. Richard had no trouble getting through the checkpoints. The central computer cleared him for access when the guards scanned his hand.
The security guards were a little overbearing, but not to an extreme. Richard had the impression they were just as confused about what they were doing as he was.
Once he’d cleared security, Richard headed for TAC Officer Myers’ office. When he got there, it was empty.
Well, that sucks, Richard thought. I should’ve headed to the tent-cantonment area and joined the cohort.
You should check with the staff duty officer, suggested Nickelo.
Wizard Scout (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 3) Page 42