Socrates and the Sentinel

by Thomas Fay

  Twin azure beams of energy erupted upwards at frightening speed. They struck the transport ship, passing right through, and disappeared into the dark sky above. The transport ship dropped out of the sky. Striking the tarmac, it exploded, flinging pieces into the air. A giant fireball erupted outwards. A searing blast of heat swept over John’s exposed skin as he and Simone sheltered behind Hobbs’s car. Just as quickly it was gone. John opened his eyes and found he was looking directly at Simone.

  ‘You okay?’ she asked.

  ‘I’ve been better, but I’ll live. You?’

  ‘I’m alright.’

  ‘Help me up.’

  With Simone’s help he managed to stand. Surveying the burning remains of the transport ship, John beheld an incredible sight.

  Socrates stood in the centre of the tarmac between the two private jets. The explosion from the transport ship had scorched away the remains of his clothing and artificial skin. The airport lights reflected off his metallic endoskeleton.

  ‘Are you alright, John?’ the metallic being asked.

  John managed a weak nod as Socrates walked towards them. Casting a critical eye over his partner, John said, ‘That’s different.’

  ‘My artificial skin was not designed to survive high-collateral combat situations. Unfortunately, there is no way of restoring my external appearance.’

  ‘I wouldn’t be so sure.’

  ‘What do you mean, John?’

  ‘I think I finally know who built you and where you come from. I’m also certain that when we find that person we will confront Walter Menzies’s killer.’

  Simone looked at him but said nothing.

  ‘Before we go there’s one thing I have to be certain of,’ John said. He shuffled over to where a Council operative lay facedown on the tarmac. His visor had been shattered by the impact of hitting the Learjet’s fuselage. It lay in pieces. John knelt down and turned him over.

  ‘What is it, John?’ Socrates asked. John said nothing. He simply stared at what lay beneath the shattered visor. A glint of metal in the corner of his vision told him Socrates stood next to him. Simone had not moved.

  ‘That is a surprising development,’ Socrates said.

  ‘Yes,’ John agreed.

  The Council operative’s skin was pale, almost white. His head was of average size. His eyes were clear blue. That was where normality ended. There was no discernible mouth or nose or any other features found on a normal human face.

  ‘A man with no face. How is that possible?’ Socrates asked.

  ‘That’s what I’d like to know,’ John said. Straightening up, he walked back towards the private jet terminal. Simone watched him go, her green eyes reflecting the burning flames around them.

  Seventy-Six

  The warehouse at the back of Mascot had seemed dilapidated during the day. By night it took on a sinister quality. The partially exposed support beams and external cladding clawed at irregular angles, creating jagged shadows. Old doors and window frames creaked in the stillness of the night. The pale moonlight shone down on its exterior, obscuring more than it revealed. John motioned for Socrates to open the door. The android obliged and the three of them entered.

  ‘Professor?’ Socrates called out.

  After a moment of silence the sound of footsteps on concrete could be heard as someone approached them from the back rooms. The man who appeared was in his mid-seventies. He had grey hair, a wrinkled brow and penetrating deep-set blue eyes. There was a sense of wisdom and infinite sadness in his eyes.

  ‘Qallan Frost,’ John said.

  ‘Hello, John. It seems you have found your way to me at last,’ Qallan Frost said. He smiled at Simone. ‘My child. Thank you for all you have done.’

  ‘He knows, father,’ Simone said.

  ‘We’ll see,’ Qallan Frost said. He cast a critical eye over Socrates. ‘It seems things escalated rapidly. I’ll need to make a new skin for you if you are to continue your duties. Simone, please take Socrates to the polycarbonate bays. I’ll need a few moments alone with John.’

  Simone nodded. She cast a glance at John as she walked to the other end of the laboratory with Socrates by her side.

  ‘So you are Socrates’s creator,’ John said, once they were alone.

  ‘Yes. I was involved in the design and development of most of the advanced technology you have seen.’

  John looked at the most powerful man on the planet, the one whom billions saw as their saviour. There was one pressing question on John’s mind.

  ‘Why did you kill Walter Menzies?’

  ‘It’s not what you think, John.’

  ‘No? Well, what I think is that the Iona Corporation killed Walter Menzies because he was getting close to uncovering a way of generating clean, sustainable, limitless energy via the practical application of M-theory. And you killed him for it because it would have cut into your monopoly and control.’

  ‘No, John. While, yes, Professor Menzies was getting close to energy transference based on M-theory, it would not have worked. The technology is far, far beyond what humanity is capable of at the moment.’

  ‘But... the Flux Cell is based on the same technology?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘And you said it's beyond what humanity is capable of?’

  Qallan Frost stared at him but said nothing.

  ‘Where did the Flux Cell come from? Who are you really?’

  Qallan Frost said nothing.

  ‘Answer me!’

  Qallan Frost took a deep breath.

  ‘Very well, John. I guess you have earned the right to ask this of me. The Flux Cell is based on an advanced method of energy transference derived from M-theory. Except that our version of M-theory does not rest on the principle of eleven higher dimensions and four ordinary dimensions. It rests on an infinite number of dimensions. That is why we can employ the technology safely. Each cell draws an infinitesimal amount of energy from an infinite number of dimensions. The effect is never cumulative. No two cells access the same dimension at the same time. They are forever rotating through infinity. This is what makes the technology safe.’

  ‘But who are you? How did you come by this technology?’

  ‘We developed it. Over a hundred thousand years ago, around the same time that humans learned to control fire. Iona is not just a corporation. It was a planet, an entire solar system on the other side of the Universe. That solar system is no more. We have come here, journeying across the cosmos, to seek a new home. Your leaders agreed to allow us to settle in this city, on this continent you call Australia. In exchange we saved your world from extinction. We solved the oil shortage, eliminated the energy crisis. Humanity now has clean, infinite energy to sustain its growth into the future. And we have a new home.’

  Seventy-Seven

  Qallan Frost had an easy, graceful nature about him that somehow put John at ease despite the magnitude of his words. He reminded John of his uncle, a calm, patient and knowledgeable man who was always willing to listen and impart knowledge. No wonder billions saw Qallan Frost as their saviour. If only they knew the truth.

  ‘You’re not human, are you?’ John asked.

  ‘Our bodies are human. But we were not born on this planet,’ Qallan Frost replied.

  ‘What about the Council operatives?’

  Qallan Frost smiled.

  ‘I take it you have glimpsed what lies beneath their visors?’

  ‘Yes,’ John whispered.

  ‘They are a partially cloned human body. Given the high-risk situations that we send them into and the time required to grow complete human bodies, we devised a partially grown specimen we could utilise for field deployment in high-risk situations.’

  ‘So they’re expendable?’

  ‘To a degree, yes.’

  John took a deep breath. His mind was reeling from everything he had learned although, on some level, it all made sense and fitted with what he had begun to suspect. There was only one thing that kept nagging at him, the implicat
ions of which were disturbing.

  ‘What about Walter Menzies?’

  ‘I am truly sorry but his death was necessary and unavoidable. If he had continued to experiment with practical applications of his theories then he could have destabilised this entire region of space–time. The risk was too great. We had to eliminate him.’

  ‘I understand why you did but I don't agree with it. The greater good argument has never ended well in our history.’

  ‘Nor has it in ours.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Sadly, our new start on Earth has not allowed us to leave behind all of the problems of Iona. You see, we have always been split into factions: those amongst us that valued knowledge and understanding and those that sought a rigid and totalitarian way of life. Jonathan Gage is such a man. I, and my supporters, have always preferred the path of knowledge. A way to make life easier through technology and understanding. Gage would have seen you all enslaved, which is why he wanted Walter Menzies’s research for himself. It was the only way he could have maintained control once he had deposed me.’

  ‘Why would you work with him? Why allow him to be part of the Ruling Council?’

  Qallan Frost took a deep breath.

  ‘It was necessary, I’m afraid. Our society needed those with the drive and ambition to cross the stars to find a new home. Without practical men like Gage, we would have never made it. I can design the most sophisticated vehicles but I cannot pilot them through the cold and emptiness of space. The things we have seen during our voyage were both incredible and terrifying. Gage saved us on countless occasions.’

  John nodded.

  ‘I think I understand. You are like two halves of a whole. One cannot function without the other.’

  ‘That is a simplification but it is accurate to a degree.’

  John smiled. Then he frowned.

  ‘So what do you want? Why did you take over Sydney?’

  ‘What you are really asking is: are we a threat to your people?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘In truth, there are very few of us left. Many did not survive the intergalactic crossing. Of those that did, many perished due to the early prototype human bodies, which suffered cataclysmic failure upon contact with Earth's atmosphere. So no, John, we are no threat to you or the Earth. We will gradually transfer the sum of our knowledge to humanity in preparation for the revelation of our true nature. For now, only a few need to know. Not everyone is ready. There may be circumstances under which we will need to reveal ourselves earlier.’

  ‘Circumstances?’

  ‘Our accelerated demise. Or the arrival of another species.’

  ‘Another species?’

  ‘Yes. Should another species threaten the Earth, we will move to defend it and humanity.’

  ‘How?’

  Qallan Frost smiled. It was a very human reaction, which put John at ease momentarily.

  ‘You have seen the arc cannons that our ground-based transports are equipped with, the force field technology that we employ. These were all adapted from our intergalactic cruisers. The Ruling Council Chambers is more than just our seat of power. It houses weaponry powerful enough to destroy ships in orbit around the Earth, as well as, shield the planet from attack. Ultimately we can recall into service the intergalactic cruisers that brought us here in the first place.’

  ‘Where are those?’

  ‘That, I'm afraid, I cannot tell you, John. Believe me, if you knew the amount of times the world's militaries have asked us to share our technology and the even greater number of times we've caught them trying to steal it from us, you would understand.’

  John nodded.

  ‘I understand. What I still don’t get though is how you can claim to be helping us while at the same time you’ve created a city that exercises substantial control over its population. Not to mention the fact that you annexed this city.’

  Qallan Frost looked almost sad for a moment.

  ‘It is something which I have struggled with myself, John. My responsibilities are many, first and foremost to my kind, the Ionians. Yet I have always been torn by my desire to help your people. We needed to keep control of the clean energy technology in order to ensure we could operate free from any influence. We had to demonstrate just enough of our technological superiority to stop governments and private individuals from trying to gain control of the Iona Corporation. But I still wanted people to be free to think. That’s why I helped Professor Holstein with his research. It’s also why I have attempted to restrict the presence of Council operatives in people’s lives. It’s why we created the Sentinels. There are those of us, like Gage, who constantly argue for more control. It is something I will never allow them to have.’

  ‘So what happens now?’

  ‘Life goes on. The city of Iona is established. People are content. World-wide riots and chaos have been averted.’

  ‘No, I meant to me. I know the truth.’

  'Yes, you do. But who would believe you? And more importantly, who would do anything about it? The governments of the world know about us. They agreed to let us settle here. No, John. You are no threat to us. In fact, we have created the perfect position for you. As a Sentinel, it is your job to ensure that the people of Iona are treated fairly. That is why we created the Sentinels. You are the ultimate judge of what is right and wrong. Only in matters which affect both our species at the highest level will we act. The rest is up to you.’

  Seventy-Eight

  Simone returned from the polycarbonate bays. Socrates walked beside her. He was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt. His skin shimmered when he passed by a light source. It looked akin to paint drying on plastic. There was no hint of the metallic endoskeleton that lurked beneath.

  ‘There you are, good as new!’ Qallan Frost exclaimed. ‘John, if you will allow me to borrow Socrates for a short while, I need to go and restore balance to the Ruling Council. Jonathan Gage has been allowed enough free reign to last this city a lifetime.’

  John nodded. Then he reached into his jacket pocket. He withdrew the flash drive which contained all of Walter Menzies’s research into energy transference. He handed it to Qallan Frost.

  ‘Here, you’re going to need this to prove to the Ruling Council that the research doesn’t work,’ John said.

  ‘Thank you, John. I understand what you went through to recover this and it means even more to me that you would hand it over willingly now that you know the truth.’

  Qallan Frost kissed Simone on the cheek. Then he motioned to Socrates.

  ‘Socrates, if you would accompany me. I’m going to need your help getting into the Ruling Council Chambers.’

  ‘As you wish,’ Socrates replied. Turning his head, he looked at John with eyes that only looked human. ‘Will you be alright, John?’

  ‘Yes, I think so. Don’t take too long. We’ve got to get back to Sentinel HQ and help the Chief clean up.’

  ‘I will be there to assist you as soon as I can.’

  They turned and disappeared into the back of the warehouse. Moments later the sound of engines igniting reverberated through the floors and rattled the windows. A transport ship lifted into the air. Its quad engines rotated backwards, propelling the ship into the night sky. John was alone with Simone. He deliberately avoided looking at her as he pulled out his phone and called Fernali’s number.

  ‘Tesh, is that you?’ Fernali’s voice asked.

  ‘Yes, it’s me.’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘It’s over. Frost has the research and he’s on his way to the Ruling Council Chambers to retake his position. Things should be back to normal soon.’

  ‘So we won?’

  ‘Yes,’ John said, his eyes finding Simone’s. ‘We won. There’s a lockdown in effect in Iona. As soon as it’s over get back to HQ. I’d imagine there will be quite a mess to clean up.’

  ‘Sure. Are you alright? You sound different.’

  ‘That’s because my nose is probabl
y broken. I’ll be okay. It’s been a long two days.’

  ‘Tell me about it.’

  ‘I will sometime. Drive safe.’

  ‘Thanks. I’ll see you soon.’

  John switched the phone off. His eyes continued to look directly at Simone. Her lip trembled slightly as her green eyes stared at him. He could still remember what it felt like to kiss her. A part of him wanted to do that now. The other part, the rational part that knew what she was, held him back.

  ‘I’m sorry, John,’ Simone finally said. ‘I couldn’t tell you the truth.’

  John took a deep breath. Expelling it slowly, he nodded.

  ‘I know. Knowing the truth, what you are, it changes everything.’

  Simone moved closer. She reached out with her hand and gently touched his cheek.

  ‘Does it hurt?’ she asked.

  ‘Like hell. Partially cloned humans or not, those guys can still hit damn hard.’

  ‘I’m not like them, you know,’ Simone whispered.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I was born on Earth.’

  ‘But I thought Qallan Frost was your father?’

  Simone nodded.

  ‘He is. My mother was human though. I guess you could say I’m half human, half Ionian.’

  ‘Was?’

  Simone’s eyes clouded over for a moment, moisture glistening on their surface.

  ‘She died when I was very young. My father never really forgave himself. I always tell him there was nothing he could have done. I think it’s the main reason he tries so hard to make life better for everyone. He shares a deep affection for your species. It’s something many Ionians have but with my father it was more personal. He loved one human in particular.’

  ‘Your mother.’

  ‘Yes. So you see, he really is trying to help you.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Simone.’

  ‘For what?’

  ‘For doubting you and your father. I think Gage’s actions made me think the worst of you, of the Iona Corporation. I can’t imagine where the world would be without your father and the Flux Cell he developed.’