“Or your self-esteem is way down, and you don’t see your potential. But I shouldn’t hold that against you, not after all you’ve been through. I searched countless systems, probed dozens of civilizations until one of my probes reported a potential match. But before I presented myself in my true form, I had to make sure the potential one met my criteria.”
“What are they, these criteria?”
“Willingness to sacrifice oneself for others, which you demonstrated over and over. Even now in the chapel, you told your deity you would gladly lay down your life to save your world and those you love.”
“And that’s the truth.”
“That alone sends you to the last one percentile, whether you realize it or not.”
“I see. What else?”
“Empathy for strangers, even people who did you harm.”
“I think people can always be better.”
“Yes, you’re willing to see the good in almost anyone. But also willing to give an enemy a second chance, which you did in approaching the conundrum with the princess with a clear head, not letting your emotions get the best of you, and recognizing she had no choice over her actions.”
“Well, that one was easy since I had been there myself, in her shoes, when my body killed the Emperor and all I could do was be a witness to something I would never have done.”
“Yes, a vile, cruel being that would have killed you and your entire planet without a second thought, yet you’ve shown remorse for that act, even though you were only a witness to it.”
“You do realize that I should be mad at you. You could have avoided a lot of suffering if you had clued me in on all of this in the first place.”
“Knowing one’s destiny, too early at least, can have catastrophic consequences. I’m sorry for deceiving you, but I had to be certain you were the one.”
“And I take it that now you are.”
“I am. You have the heart of a warrior but the kindness of a saint, a mix that’s extremely rare in the universe.”
“I don’t know what to answer to that. Thanks…I guess. But in the end, it was some luck that you found—”
She smiled.
“Holy shit…that alien, that was no accident, was it?”
“No, you were always meant to be found, Kevin.”
“But I clearly remember hesitating to use the pill.”
“Hesitation is part of life. At the end of the day, it’s the actions one takes that count, not whether they are debated in the first place.”
“Okay, let’s say I’m willing to forgive you for putting me through all of this, you’d better tell me you have a way for me to win this now, or I’m gonna lose some serious points with your evaluation of me, let me tell you that!”
She chuckled.
“Yes, I can help you win.”
“Why do I sense a but coming?”
“Because there is one. And you’re not gonna like it.”
“I’m okay if it claims my life.”
“It shouldn’t. At least, I hope not. But it will claim mine.”
For the love of god!
“Why?”
“The merging of my matrix with the chosen one will eradicate my programming, and once merged, I will slowly lose what makes me sentient.”
Kevin buried his face in his palms.
“That doesn’t make sense. Why?”
“To make sure this weapon I become or infuse to the chosen one is a one-off…You have to understand the Alphas wanted to survive, they didn’t even care about retaliating, they just wanted to find a way to survive, eliminate the threat without having to change their philosophy of life, and regress to a point in their evolution where war wasn’t part of their daily lives. I was supposed to give the chosen one the gift, he’d deal with the enemy, and then the weapon would disappear forever.”
“I see. I can’t believe I’m being put into this situation again.”
“Again?”
“To defeat 0-0-1, I had to sacrifice Myrianna as well.”
“Then I’m sorry to put you through this again. Know that I’m sacrificing myself willingly.”
“So did she and Darmak.”
“I may have helped him a little with that.”
“What???”
“I didn’t decide for him, but I sent him the telepathic message, a mental nudge if you will, on how to create the explosion. He chose to sacrifice himself of his own accord.”
“I see. So basically you saved my life, and I should be grateful, but I’m a little mad you whispered to him the means to sacrifice himself.”
“I know. I’m not exactly thrilled with that either if that makes any difference.”
Kevin wanted to say it didn’t, but the truth was that it did. He understood very well and respected Darmak’s sacrifice. After all, Kevin would die for the ones he loved. And while Darmak didn’t have a bond with him per se, he had a strong one with Lacuna.
“Believe it or not, it does. What he did was noble. That doesn’t make it any less painful and sad.”
“Agreed. Just like your journey until now.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, so what’s next?”
17
“Tell me how this is going to work,” Kevin asked.
“I’ll merge my matrix with your body, and then the countdown to my extinction will start. You’ll have less than forty-eight hours, give or take, then I’ll be gone, and so will the superhuman abilities I will grant you.”
“Define superhuman?”
“In this case, you’ll be able to think infinitely faster, and it will enhance all your reflexes, and your brain will work on overdrive, as it did with Project Sigma but for longer.”
“Won’t that be tiring?”
“Yes. In fact, your mind may not take it if you overdo it, so you’ll have to balance it well, not push yourself past certain levels.”
“Swell…and if I do?”
“Then I won’t be the only one who dies…”
“But it’s guaranteed that we’ll win?”
“There are no guarantees in life, but this has been my whole existence for eons, so the only thing I can guarantee is my destiny and that you’ll have all you need to complete your mission. Do both at once, save your world and destroy those responsible for destroying the Alphas and countless more. If left unchecked, the Kregan will consume any and every world they come in contact with.”
“Well, believe it or not, I don’t care about that part. I mean, I do, but right now my only focus is making sure my world is saved and those I love survive. I know it may sound selfish to hear.”
“It could be interpreted that way, yes, but I know that in your shoes, it’s normal to focus on what matters to you. And if I had made that choice previously, the Alphas might still be here. So, for what it’s worth, I understand.”
“Man, there must be some dark thoughts in that brain of yours.”
“Better not open that particular door, Kevin…I’ve had nearly an infinite amount of time to think and regret my choices, something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. In a way, you’ll be releasing me from a heavy burden today.”
Déjà vu.
“If you say so. Well, I guess let’s do this.”
“There’s one thing. I have to ask you for one favor before we do this.”
“Sure, shoot.”
“In the future, if any civilization is in dire need and there’s anything you can do to help, promise me you will.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“That was kind of a rhetorical question, but yeah, I can’t seem to say no to anyone in need, or have you not noticed that about me? So the answer is yes. If I can help with any galactic crisis, I will.”
* * *
“Ready?” asked Mira.
Kevin nodded.
“I guess this is goodbye, of sorts.”
“I’ll be in your brain, so not really.”
“Until you cease to exist, that is?”
> “Yes, but we have plenty of time to deal with that later. You should close your eyes.”
“Why? And when it happens, will it hurt?”
“Just trust me, close your eyes,” said Mira.
Kevin closed his eyes.
“You may feel a tingling sensation in your brain but keep your eyes closed.”
To say the experience was one of a kind for Kevin was the understatement of the year. He felt a million things invade him all at once, and for a moment, he was scared. The sensation reminded him of when he had lost control of his body.
Did he make a mistake? Was Mira trying to hijack him like 8-3-9-6 had? No, that was probably just a rogue paranoid thought, but after the trauma he had been through with the AI, who could blame him for doubting?
Soon the million tingling sensations stopped.
Merging complete, said Mira in his mind. You can reopen your eyes.
Kevin opened his eyes and immediately felt a weird sensation, his brain was firing on all cylinders; beyond even what he thought was possible.
At first, the feeling was highly overwhelming and unnerving at the same time. But, little by little, Kevin adjusted to the higher-speed brain functions.
A HUD superimposed over his sight.
What’s that?
I’ve connected you to the main computer, which is networked with the rest of the fleet.
Neat. So now I have full access to your computing power?
As well as the fleets, yes. Ready for more simulations?
How do we proceed?
Well, you no longer need the holo-room. Just close your eyes, imagine a scenario, and it will unfold in your mind.
Kevin closed his eyes and was amazed at the speed at which he could now test his strategies. The first ten still resulted in defeat, though he could see a better approach and overall tactic already.
How much time has elapsed?
Since you started the new sims?
Yeah.
Five minutes twenty-three seconds.
Wow. It felt a lot longer.
That’s because your brain is working a million times faster than you’re used to.
Kevin quickly ran out of juice though.
Why am I so tired?
The brain burns a lot of calories, especially at this mental processing speed.
That’s gonna be a problem.
No, not if you eat more often. I can also arrange for an IV to help compensate for that.
Yeah, I’m gonna go grab a bite while you work on that. That is, if you can still operate the ship from within my brain?
I can. Go and eat something. It’s going to be a long thirty-six hours.
Roger that.
* * *
“I thought I’d find you here,” said Lacuna.
Kevin answered between large bites of his sandwich.
“I’m starving!”
“I can see that, how come?”
Kevin proceeded to explain the meeting he just had with Mira.
“That’s heavy. How do you feel?”
“I’m not sure. It’s like I have a thousand ideas every second, and it’s a little overwhelming.”
“I can imagine. Is that all you’re eating?” She gestured to his sandwich with a jerk of her head.
“Yeah.”
“Where are you going after?”
“Back to simulation training, I guess.”
“Alright, I’ll stay out of your hair.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Relax, Kevin. I know you need to do this. It’s okay. Hope you can catch some sleep later.”
“Me too. See you there?”
She leaned over the table and gave him a kiss.
“I’ll be waiting for you in our quarters.”
“Don’t wait up too long. I’ll wake you when I get back.”
“Promise?”
“Absolutely.”
18
It took only two hours to find a good strategy and another hour to optimize it to the point where minimum casualty variations were calculated.
I think we’re ready, said Mira.
Thanks to you.
I don’t mind sharing credit with you, but I only provided you with a faster way of thinking. I didn’t impact your intelligence in any other way.
It sure doesn’t feel that way.
Don’t get too used to it, though.
I know this is only temporary. But tell me, now that we have a viable plan of attack, can’t you just extract yourself from me and save yourself?
I wish it were that simple. The process is irreversible by design. Which is why I’ve been so hesitant to do it until now.
I’m sorry. I wish you didn’t have to die.
I know, Kevin, but it’s okay. It was always part of my destiny.
That didn’t make Kevin feel any better.
Let’s hope mine is saving my planet.
Of that, I have no doubt.
That makes one of us.
Look, Kevin, it’s normal to doubt yourself. I think anybody would, in your shoes, but you’ve already achieved so much, so give yourself some credit.
I suppose.
We have plenty of time to work on the final details of our battle; you should get some rest. When you’re ready to sleep, just think of the word sleep and it should help put your mind at ease. If you keep thinking at this level of processing power, you’ll never manage to quiet your mind.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll see you tomorrow.
I’m always there with you, remember?
Kevin could see a problem with that, especially if he wanted to be intimate with Lacuna.
Right…about that.
I will deactivate my sensors any time you want. Just think about privacy, and I’ll be gone until you call me back.
Thank you, Mira, for everything.
My pleasure.
* * *
Boomer entered the bridge and was surprised to see Ziron. Everyone else was sleeping, but Boomer was feeling too nervous to find sleep. His anxiety levels were up the charts, and he had a bad feeling about their return to Earth.
Boomer couldn’t pinpoint why or what was bothering him, but something was there and prevented him from sleeping.
When Boomer heard tiny snoring noises coming from Ziron’s hovering pillow, he realized that Ziron didn’t seem to have the same issue.
Figures…
Boomer didn’t like the idea of waking up his friend, but he really needed to talk with someone. So he faked a sneeze, and Ziron jumped from his pillow as a result.
“Who’s there?” Ziron said, his voice still sleepy.
“Sorry, it’s me. I guess there’s something I’m allergic to on your bridge.”
“That’s alright, I didn’t really plan on falling asleep.”
That made Boomer feel a little better about his deception in waking up Ziron.
“Yeah, but since you did, it may be a signal you need the sleep.”
“I’ve been quite tired; burning the midnight oil, as a matter of fact. But what about you? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”
“Wish I could. Unlike you, I have nothing to do, and I can’t seem to fall asleep.”
“Maybe if you ate something.”
“Yeah, that’s not a bad idea, but even if I enjoy the taste, I can’t seem to digest all that well the food your replicators provide. Which reminds me, it might be a good idea to send a cleaning bot to hall number four, just saying. The good thing about going back to Earth is we can finally show you what real cuisine tastes like.”
“Gross. The replicator food can’t be that bad.”
“Like I said, the taste is okay, but the food does a number on my belly afterwards.”
“Isn’t taste more important?”
“Let’s agree to disagree on that one. Plus, I’m the only one of the crew that seems to enjoy it.”
“Fair enough. So tell me, what’s keeping you up?”
Boomer trotted near Ziron’s hovering cushion and j
umped on a nearby console, flipping some equipment down as he landed on the cabinet.
“Ooops, hope that wasn’t fragile.”
Ziron sighed. “It’s okay, not like it will be ready on time.”
“What are you working on?”
“Never mind that, don’t try to change the subject.”
“Right…I don’t know, I just have a bad feeling, like something is going to go awry, and I don’t like it.”
“It’s normal to be anxious about tomorrow. We’re going to engage a stronger fleet, and the stakes are high.”
“Yeah, my family, my planet; it doesn’t get any higher than that.”
“Kevin is ready, I know he is. I’ll do everything I can to make sure we win.”
“What if it comes down to doing something crazy?”
“I’m not sure I follow.”
“You know, like having to risk everything to win.”
“Then we’ll risk it. There can’t be a tie in this battle; we have to win.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about, I guess. When we were in your galaxy, Kevin and I were risking only our lives, and I think we adapted quickly to that, not that we had much time to think about it if something went wrong. But now…”
“But now billions of lives are on the line.”
Boomer whined and let out a low growl. “That’s just too much to put on our tiny little shoulders.”
“I agree, and I share your sentiment, but it doesn’t look like we have much choice. We gotta fight, and for everyone’s sake, we need to win.”
“Isn’t there a last minute invention you can pull out of your ass? No offense.”
“None taken, Boomer, why do you think I fell asleep at my console?”
“Right…”
“I can give you a pill to help you sleep, if you’d like.”
“Will it impact my reflexes tomorrow?”
“Not more so than if you don’t get any sleep.”
“Fair enough.”
“Go back to your quarters; it will be waiting on your replicator for you.”
Boomer barked and climbed down the console. “Thanks, Ziron.”
“And Boomer.”
“Yes.”
“No matter what happens, it’s been a privilege hopping galaxies with the both of you.”
Across the Galactic Pond - Box Set: The Complete FAR BEYOND Space Opera Series Page 51