tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58709812642816380232024-03-13T07:02:58.394-07:00Pepper Siamendes: ReportThe log of Major Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military, ZenobiaZenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-90495148121925545612023-06-17T15:57:00.005-07:002023-06-17T15:57:48.570-07:00The Xin Caodi Incident - Prologue<p>"Dark-robed Night was shaking her two-horse chariot by means of the yoked pair, and stars attended her. A Pleiad hastened through the middle sky, with Orion and his sword." - Euripides, Ion<br /></p><p>It was expected that the political tensions we observed in Mu Draconis would have local consequences. </p><p>When the sword finally fell, it was still unexpected. <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-1785710282343527142015-04-15T22:51:00.000-07:002015-04-17T05:34:52.792-07:00Dot BotThe monarch's steps two female forms uphold,<br />
That moved and breathed in animated gold;<br />
To whom was voice, and sense, and science given<br />
Of works divine (such wonders are in heaven!)<br />
<br />
Iliad, Book XVIII<br />
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April 9 [2013] - Al Raqis City, Araxes<br />
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There was a sharp crack as fist struck the jaw of the combat droid. Its head snapped back.<br />
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The crowd roared.<br />
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White canvas sheltering the audience hanged limp in the oppressive heat of the day. The marble surface of the circular arena offered no relief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZp1NbiK65xjLuCyK0QVjkxNeM-eEKhTNLIgIuqqG6Xp0lCAU-pTm7E2Kt7YqSVe4Ai_9InmETbknN4Fsc_qeoY9mLmHp2Xa2jhE_f1bBJ0OuHcJgSYi-1LDRo5MfwBf4OUtHeWzc8Q-n/s1600/arena3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZp1NbiK65xjLuCyK0QVjkxNeM-eEKhTNLIgIuqqG6Xp0lCAU-pTm7E2Kt7YqSVe4Ai_9InmETbknN4Fsc_qeoY9mLmHp2Xa2jhE_f1bBJ0OuHcJgSYi-1LDRo5MfwBf4OUtHeWzc8Q-n/s1600/arena3.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
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In the pit below, two combatants stalked one another. <br />
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An Orion commander, her hair pulled back, her body sheathed in protective leather. She moved with the lithesome grace of a dancer and the intensity of a jungle cat.<br />
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Facing her, a UAP battle drone fashioned in the shape of a woman. By contrast, its movements were cold and precise, almost geometric. Its golden skin gleamed in the light of the two Mu Draco suns hanging low in the sky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr8xxodX6eJ4DsU9L7PYE_0A6b74IukY-IRi9gXBVykIzBBirtiRJsEFrM0ymZLpBk1AImxn_4UD_QSgM1dBPzfk3PLzUZRKtaZDotkBms_oryjKIuKX1nnGIVytVBPbB2RojElJOLj3H/s1600/arena5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr8xxodX6eJ4DsU9L7PYE_0A6b74IukY-IRi9gXBVykIzBBirtiRJsEFrM0ymZLpBk1AImxn_4UD_QSgM1dBPzfk3PLzUZRKtaZDotkBms_oryjKIuKX1nnGIVytVBPbB2RojElJOLj3H/s1600/arena5.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
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The machine attacked, leading with a forward kick to the abdomen. The Orion deftly avoided the kick but was clipped on the shoulder as a metal arm shot out.<br />
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The Orion woman struck, feigning a foot sweep, and following it with a vicious jab punch combination.<br />
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The drone’s AI was busy at work, measuring the Orion’s rate of respiration, recording and classifying technique, and calibrating small variations in the Orion’s movement. The program compared the force of the latest punch to all previous strikes and projected the woman’s endurance level. <br />
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The machine circled and delivered three rapid strikes to the Orion’s upper back. The woman stumbled forward, turned swiftly and dodged a fourth blow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwVB4qk3Qs9vTtvl8jEDPT5uVzYkeIy5kYwwCcWdIocYNsarFWjp0eLotKcM2NVk-GUgltaQX9KP6EE1lmjTByfUExeEKh4X8eX646NDfGA4TV__LP5xG2p65AYS_ACgQg2F50K4_5n-G/s1600/arena7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwVB4qk3Qs9vTtvl8jEDPT5uVzYkeIy5kYwwCcWdIocYNsarFWjp0eLotKcM2NVk-GUgltaQX9KP6EE1lmjTByfUExeEKh4X8eX646NDfGA4TV__LP5xG2p65AYS_ACgQg2F50K4_5n-G/s1600/arena7.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
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The woman pressed forward engaging the machine. With a fluid motion, she
turned a block into a grip and delivered an elbow strike to the droid’s
center mass.<br />
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The droid shook under the force of the blow.<br />
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---<br />
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It was the first day of May, Dakini Island, Paquin<br />
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The Red Sun had reached its zenith and began its slow descent to the horizon. A cool breeze blew in from the water. My hammock provided no shelter. If the wind got much stronger, I might just have to get up and find my sweater.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRa5QAc765Ye_L_rjezW1mqqo9k5UpsAFM5-gxH98BTceW89gBm0VXchRp-iUGZXTzbksoJGBggdHAFstdAWqutIBuXARpfv6UShbXVNMOsrB4xqFx5-4PvIzOftXfnrRxr2C4SbQto-n/s1600/Relaxing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRa5QAc765Ye_L_rjezW1mqqo9k5UpsAFM5-gxH98BTceW89gBm0VXchRp-iUGZXTzbksoJGBggdHAFstdAWqutIBuXARpfv6UShbXVNMOsrB4xqFx5-4PvIzOftXfnrRxr2C4SbQto-n/s1600/Relaxing.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
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I flipped through the contents of the file: still images, video captures, transcripts and statistics. It was an entertaining read. <br />
<br />
Though Magistrate Joan al Jofar had built the first arena on Araxes soil, it was her successor, the Legate Calina Tereshchenko who introduced the first arena games. Competition was a mixture of hand-to-hand martial arts. Weapons were forbidden except in matters of honour. Ranged weapons were prohibited at all times.<br />
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UAP Monitor had fielded a combat AI housed in a golden humanoid form, and entered it into the arena competition. It was a novel way to assess the hand-to-hand combat capabilities of a diverse population sample. Given the competitive nature of the arena, we had the opportunity to evaluate some of the best fighters from all factions active in the Mu Draco system.<br />
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Preliminary results had been informative, if not surprising,<br />
<br />
After a number of weeks, it had become apparent that Federationist officers were remarkably well trained, with one ship’s Captain in particular, remaining undefeated after seven matches. UNSC veterans also outperformed their opponents. This did not surprise me. I had seen some of their soldiers in the field.<br />
<br />
Eluvians and Orions were evenly matched. The Desertborn champion delivered a consistent and powerful showing. It would be interesting to see if climate variations would affect her performance. <br />
<br />
In time we would introduce our own athletes and field test our techniques, but not before our bot had finished gathering data.<br />
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Between arena engagements the drone was released into the general population to wander about as an autonomous probe. This led to an interesting encounter with the Arena Champion of the desertborn, Captain Ivana of the Trusted Transport Line, who began to ask the droid some very un-arena like questions.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The file was dated April 27 [2013]. Location: Araxes South<br />
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"Scanning..." declared the bot.<br />
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Captain Ivana had transported our drone to a private location, a ringed structure high above the southern desert. "Status is hostile?" asked the Captain. Up until now she had only had dealings with Dot in the arena. No doubt she was being cautious.<br />
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"Identification made," declared the bot, "Captain Ivy of Trusted Transport Line. Registered privateer."<br />
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Ivy operated a systems comm. “System identify please," she began.<br />
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The bot complied. “Unit identification - UAP Battle Drone # 393672 designated 'Dot Matrix'.”<br />
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“Dot Matrix a set related to Don Matrix the android unit?” asked Ivy.<br />
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“This unit is unique,” declared the machine. “Scanning Captain Ivy - species unrecognized. Explain."<br />
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Captain Ivy had no interest in revealing her origins. She restated her question. “Are you a set related to Dot Matrix the android?”<br />
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“This unit is unique,” repeated the bot.<br />
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“Continue identification and allegiance,” ordered Captain Ivy, the voice of authority.<br />
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The machine responded, “Unit identification - UAP Battle Drone # 393672 designated 'Dot Matrix'.”<br />
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“UAP is recognized and acknowledged,” said Ivy.<br />
<br />
“Understood,” replied the bot. It resumed its scan. “Captain Ivy - species unrecognized. Explain.”<br />
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Ivy ignored the question again and continued her interrogation. “Is the system owned by Zenobia?”<br />
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Dot replied, “Zenobia is a nation state, located on the planet Albion orbiting 34 Tauri A”<br />
<br />
“Is the system owned by Zenobia?” repeated the Captain.<br />
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Keying off the words ‘system’ and ‘Zenobia’, the droid continued its geography recital. “House Zenobia is the governing entity of the planet Albion and its moon Avalon. Albion orbits 34 Tauri A. The UAP governs all 34 Tauri systems as a federated government.”<br />
<br />
Ivy tried a different question. “Is the system owned by Morningstar Corp?”<br />
<br />
“Information on the Morning Star Corp is not in this database,” replied the bot.<br />
<br />
“What is the system's task?”<br />
<br />
“Explain.”<br />
<br />
“Is the system tasked at this time?” added Ivy.<br />
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“The 34 Tauri system consists of five stars and their planets and moons. The task of planetary objects is to orbit their suns,” the machine replied.<br />
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Captain Ivy realized her mistake. "Unit Dot Matrix is referred to as the system," she said. "Questions now resubmitted."<br />
<br />
Dot replied, "Processing."<br />
<br />
Ivy rephrased her question, “Is Dot Matrix owned by Zenobia?”<br />
<br />
“Unit identification - UAP Battle Drone # 393672 designated 'Dot Matrix' assigned to UAP Monitor, Araxes, Mu Draco system. It is this unit's task to learn.”<br />
<br />
“Is Dot Matrix owned by Morningstar Corporation?”<br />
<br />
“Information on the Morningstar Corporation is not in this database,” said Dot.<br />
<br />
“Is Dot Matrix learning the invasion probabilities of Al Raqis?”<br />
<br />
It was a good question. It showed that Captain Ivy was more than just a pit fighter.<br />
<br />
Dot replied, “Invasion probabilities of Al Raqis - these probabilities were calculated three point five solar standard years ago. File sealed..."<br />
<br />
Ivy interrupted, "Is Dot Matrix re-examining the invasion probabilities of Al Raqis?"<br />
<br />
"It is this unit's task to learn," restated the machine. "Invasion probabilities of Al Raqis - these probabilities were calculated three point five solar standard years ago. File sealed under orders of UAP Special Investigations Unit."<br />
<br />
There was a pause as Ivy clearly made some calculations of her own. "Is Dot Matrix presently housed in a schedule of housing with other Battle Drones?" she asked.<br />
<br />
You could see Ivy’s logic. How many more Dots, combat programmed, stood waiting high overhead beyond the fringe of atmosphere? <br />
<br />
The droid was not sophisticated enough to imagine such an image. It keyed off the word ‘housing’, and revealed more of its own design specifications, “This unit can be rehoused in a number of battle chassis,” it replied.<br />
<br />
Dot returned to the data missing from her earlier scan. “Captain Ivy - species unrecognized. Explain.”<br />
<br />
Again Ivy ignored the request and asked another question of her own. “Is Dot Matrix presently scheduled to station on the UAP Cruiser?”<br />
<br />
This time the machine did not reply to the voice of authority. It elaborated on its own probing statement. “Captain Ivy - auditory attachments non-standard. Explain. It is this unit's task to learn." <br />
<br />
Non-standard was a good term for them. The Captain's ears were long and pointed. <br />
<br />
“Is Dot Matrix under sole control of Major Muircastle?” asked Captain Ivy.<br />
<br />
It was too late. Captain Ivy had had her chance. The machine had learned the rules of this new game, of this verbal arena, and had locked on to target. "Captain Ivy - auditory attachments non-standard. Species unrecognized. Explain. It is this unit's task to learn."<br />
<br />
"Species is not registered in database," said Ivy, brushing the matter aside.<br />
<br />
The answer was good enough for Dot. She had learned something very important today. She had learned that her own questions can be answered. "Understood," she declared in her hollow mechanical voice. She classified Ivy according, "Species designation unknown."<br />
<br />
Ivy resubmitted her question. "Is Dot Matrix under sole control of Major Muircastle?"<br />
<br />
"Major Muircastle is the UAP Monitor assigned to Araxes, Mu Draco system…" The machine stopped suddenly. "Incoming message," announced Dot. "Recall order received."<br />
<br />
Captain Ivana pressed on, "Supply list of goals which Captain Ivana may provide assistance."<br />
<br />
The interview however was over.<br />
<br />
"Unit required to relocate. Captain Ivana, species unknown. We are here to help." <br />
<br />
And with that the bot departed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi293ht6GtWQpdNvjt5E4bsZkiNtm6JO2ivqT1I5VmXOa7r-LtK9d6GLJmOIsFDRbn3vTfINLgjfuX-6o0MXTu1NOcltcnsekkioL8sKGWrfvtFpR8e3Nr-ltMsNmtK3KxgKDJsvHMUCNbj/s1600/desert+sands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi293ht6GtWQpdNvjt5E4bsZkiNtm6JO2ivqT1I5VmXOa7r-LtK9d6GLJmOIsFDRbn3vTfINLgjfuX-6o0MXTu1NOcltcnsekkioL8sKGWrfvtFpR8e3Nr-ltMsNmtK3KxgKDJsvHMUCNbj/s1600/desert+sands.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a> Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-78011657803348891032014-12-31T18:21:00.004-08:002014-12-31T18:21:54.727-08:00The Immortal Game<div style="text-align: left;">
March 30 [2013]</div>
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Location: The Queen Alice Chess Club</div>
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"War is nothing but a duel on an extensive scale." - Von Clausewitz</div>
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It was a simple stone cottage at the end of a quiet lane. Sunlight filtered through the beech and sugar maple trees lining the path. A cool breeze from the nearby bay rustled the leaves. Off in the distance tall ships were moored.</div>
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The wooden floor boards protested as I entered the cottage. The cheerful fire was more inviting.</div>
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Game boards were situated in the two rooms on the ground floor. Chess problems were posted on the wall. The art on display spoke to the long, honoured tradition of the game.</div>
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The Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol involved the visualizing objects in three dimensional space coupled with the running of strategic simulations. It had a range of applications, both in planning and in the field. For the development of this technique, the study of chess was a useful starting point.</div>
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<i>Anatol Rapoport, in his introductory essay to the classic “On War” by Carl Von Clausewitz, details three philosophies of war: the eschatological, the cataclysmic, and the political. While not an exhaustive framework, these broad categories make a fine framework for the purpose of discussion.<br /><br />In the eschatological view, war is the critical chapter in history’s narrative. It is the storm that will sweep the world clean and will unite all under one ideology or leadership. Crusades, holy wars, and class wars all fall under this category. A more recent expression of this philosophy would be the Jade Revolution - in particular the writings of Jasmine Moonshade, also known as the Adherent.<br /><br />The cataclysmic view can seem very ethnocentric in nature, where war is seen as a catastrophe that happens to one’s people. It is an evil that visits. Protect and survive.<br /><br />It is a mistake to say it is a passive approach, however. An attitude that arises from this philosophy can be typified by the phrase, “Others may start the war. We will finish it.” Proud and defiant, determined to meet any threat real or perceived, the desert born people of the planet Araxes publicly demonstrate this approach.<br /><br />The third philosophy of war is political. It can best be defined by Clausewitz himself who said war is “a true political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse carried on with other means.” <br /><br />The UAP and the Orion Confederation are good examples of political entities that follow this philosophy. For such as these, war is rational and deliberate, waged for the fulfillment of national interest. War is a game of strategy. It is a game of chess.</i></div>
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I settled in front of a game board in the inner room of the cottage. I
choose a seat that, should I open my eyes, would provide me with a view
of the approaching path through two windows. A slight turn of my head gave me a clear line of sight to the only door. </div>
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The floor boards would alert me if anyone entered. </div>
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I closed my eyes.</div>
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My mind is the empty sky.</div>
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My thoughts are as the passing clouds. I do not grasp them. I do not push them away.</div>
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I visualize a grid, eight squares by eight squares. It resolves into a board of brown and beige alternating squares. I populate the top two and bottom two rows with symbols.</div>
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I rotate the board in 3D space. The symbols become chess pieces.</div>
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I am now playing white. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDWaMi-sENe2YtjykImgK8jpeMInIeQa4HwBuoP3OVMZ2_pXqP5aeT-xyhzuO5IGDko4bBnX-rLsfqbq596Y5w9Ip4ETvgSLdVXk-RPmieapi72Jrcl61QxrbDBjgOYAdpZgY61FW-AaJ/s1600/AMMP+(5)%2BOpening%2Bvisualization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDWaMi-sENe2YtjykImgK8jpeMInIeQa4HwBuoP3OVMZ2_pXqP5aeT-xyhzuO5IGDko4bBnX-rLsfqbq596Y5w9Ip4ETvgSLdVXk-RPmieapi72Jrcl61QxrbDBjgOYAdpZgY61FW-AaJ/s1600/AMMP+(5)%2BOpening%2Bvisualization.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></div>
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The white pawn moves two spaces forward to the critical center of the board. </div>
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The opposite black pawn responds gliding forward to meet the advance.</div>
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A second white pawn moves forward and comes to rest beside the first pawn. King's Gambit offered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c9zrXY1WQgyT11cX9ZC3BLqor3tOw4HSjYb09EoyDIKvj2gu1KrE-qDiuB6C1PDpW8q0pPR9h3G6xWt0VX25EPbM1ZhUK2_8aW5X8cCIrjUYRaKvX_ONkjRpNo9xxE_jhrEQ4hE3SAcQ/s1600/AMMP+(6)%2BKing%27s%2BGambit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c9zrXY1WQgyT11cX9ZC3BLqor3tOw4HSjYb09EoyDIKvj2gu1KrE-qDiuB6C1PDpW8q0pPR9h3G6xWt0VX25EPbM1ZhUK2_8aW5X8cCIrjUYRaKvX_ONkjRpNo9xxE_jhrEQ4hE3SAcQ/s1600/AMMP+(6)%2BKing's%2BGambit.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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The black pawn slides forward on the diagonal capturing the second white
pawn. The captured pawn is removed from the board. King's Gambit
accepted.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The white bishop begins to move... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq5y9S_4raVJ5S9BVwoiXRcKbsYmcEUCciLuRdO108px3etMp-z7LVn65FLzkXh4-wZOqxhCf1dtF7sXamT3j5renEzyXFDolKqdqPcfwg_IGYyZqnB9JQhKpTndbcIRXtUr_oj_w9BjG/s1600/AMMP+(7)%2BKing%27s%2BGambit%2BAccepted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq5y9S_4raVJ5S9BVwoiXRcKbsYmcEUCciLuRdO108px3etMp-z7LVn65FLzkXh4-wZOqxhCf1dtF7sXamT3j5renEzyXFDolKqdqPcfwg_IGYyZqnB9JQhKpTndbcIRXtUr_oj_w9BjG/s1600/AMMP+(7)%2BKing's%2BGambit%2BAccepted.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></div>
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--- </div>
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Move by move, I visualized a game from the historical record. This one was my favorite so far.</div>
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June 21, 1851 in London, England. It was an informal game played during a break at the international tournament. Anderssen, playing white, produced a checkmate despite sacrificing a bishop, two rooks and his queen. His opponent, Kieseritzky, had lost only three pawns. </div>
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The game was a fine example of rapid development and attack. As the game progressed, White gained and consolidated control of critical areas of the board. White sacrificed major pieces but in doing so diverted and blocked Black. Black gained material yet lost development and ultimately the game.</div>
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I wondered how these lessons might be applied to a combat situation. I selected a historical example. Could the results have been different?</div>
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--- </div>
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My mind is the empty sky.</div>
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My thoughts are as the passing clouds. I do not grasp them. I do not push them away.</div>
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I visualize a grid, eight squares by eight squares. It resolves into a map of Serenity Valley, Hera.</div>
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I populate the map with insignia. I rotate the map in 3D space.</div>
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The green shapes become trees. The contour lines become hills and slopes. The insignia become infantry units and air-tank of the 57th Overlanders, Independent.</div>
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I am now playing brown.</div>
Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-58816982893167001412014-08-15T13:43:00.000-07:002014-12-22T12:10:19.567-08:00The Fires of Araxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
February 5 [2013] - Araxes</div>
<br />
It was the fires that allowed us to locate the Sanctuary of Ghosts, the desert enclave of the Jade Revolution.<br />
<br />
Of course, by then it was too late.<br />
<br />
They had hidden themselves well, but not nearly well enough.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
In the capital of Araxes, the Laandsrat council was meeting as the news broke.<br />
<br />
The Legate Calina Tereshchenko took a breath, attempting to compose herself as notes and scattered images flash across the small screen in front of her, "The ... Sanctuary for the Jadeists was attacked."<br />
<br />
Shock and disbelief rippled across the chamber. Major Muircastle, quick to act, tapped his datapad, contacting his aide.<br />
<br />
Calina continued, "The Adherent sent word that an army dressed in black armor with reddened skin opened fire... She begged for assistance... I have sent security teams along with my personal guard to assist in the defense."<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother Ariadne Fall spoke, "This is a terrible violation of a place of peace, who would dare?"<br />
<br />
The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur now tapped some notes into her own data pad.<br />
<br />
Calina brushed her fingers across her cheeks, "They bombed the markets... the tunnels that their children took shelter..."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle logged in some coordinates and hit send.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUyVl0aBoipT9xS5e9IfTe0E4ylg8Lb7F0KW5JEl81RR4n-QY4Y1h6whm2oCHbaTpQw-C1YBeV9Tun-g7WDoSPXb1yRI76IUZPd-iPdZ0ZPdRKuNG_Q2twLXWiqu7_MBW3RTyQwORkk7-/s1600/fires+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUyVl0aBoipT9xS5e9IfTe0E4ylg8Lb7F0KW5JEl81RR4n-QY4Y1h6whm2oCHbaTpQw-C1YBeV9Tun-g7WDoSPXb1yRI76IUZPd-iPdZ0ZPdRKuNG_Q2twLXWiqu7_MBW3RTyQwORkk7-/s1600/fires+01.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
High above in Araxes orbit the UAP Watchtower made a course correction.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
"Casualties?" asked the Orion Advocate.<br />
<br />
"Legate," Lady Soynika, Yiaziis of House Morloch called out, "my people are too far away."<br />
<br />
Calina waved her hand then, clearing her throat, said "I apologize... the images... but this is an unprovoked attack. Since the Jadeists were given their religious freedom, they have been peaceful." She answered the Orion, "Nearly all, Advocate." She then turned her attention back to the screen, mumbling, "A full investigation will be launched as to who is behind this attack. If they are willing to attack a far flung outpost, is Azaadi next? Jita? will they make their way to the cities?"<br />
<br />
"Who has reddish skin?" asked Lady Soyinka, "All of us could fit that description except the Orions."<br />
<br />
Auryn Sapeur smiled and nodded, "Thankfully."<br />
<br />
"Red skin," said Major Muircastle, "or red painted skin like the Marauders."<br />
<br />
"Marauders?" asked Lady Soyinka.<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne took a deep breath, and shook her head, "Maker preserve us!"<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle replied, "Some terrorists who lived in the Alramady region before it sank into the sands exposing the ruins."<br />
<br />
"Yes," said Lady Baxton of House Zenobia, "the Marauders. Their sign was the red hand. They used to mark the city walls with their symbol."<br />
<br />
"I remember that," said Calina.<br />
<br />
"Paint?" asked Lady Soyinka.<br />
<br />
"To look like blood no doubt," added Lady Baxton.<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka snorted, "Dried blood is brownish black."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle joined in. "Paint is a verb in this case."<br />
<br />
"It's senseless," declare the Reverend Mother. "They had nothing to take... no reason, what possible motive against the Jadeists? no one, no one of.... of...." Her voice trailed off. "Who is the chosen investigator?" she asked.<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle tapped his pad at incoming images.<br />
<br />
Auryn Sapeur turned to the Reverend Mother, "Some need little reason to inflict pain and suffering on others."<br />
<br />
Lady Reiko Soyinka spoke, "Since the Desertborn are likely suspects, we cannot do the official investigation."<br />
<br />
Calina explained, "A lead investigator has not been assigned as of yet, Reverend Mother."<br />
<br />
As the Reverend Mother nodded in reply, Major Muircastle spoke, "An overfly of the sanctuary on the way to responding to a distress call revealed these aerial photographs of the Sanctuary. It is still aflame."<br />
<br />
Holo images flashed to life, dominating the chamber.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJzh4gWwjmU7jCVHX_x6GEpk_nSJ8W8corqFYtW-hXHWUVZuYZReIIXQn_-X2LyctW2tzzUf_epFj5gtsAjZjgLjnOvltxwxPyFPAFg7QQa3UmbqXGQwol5LzHsOpPpVm-DamankbBJey/s1600/fires+02a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJzh4gWwjmU7jCVHX_x6GEpk_nSJ8W8corqFYtW-hXHWUVZuYZReIIXQn_-X2LyctW2tzzUf_epFj5gtsAjZjgLjnOvltxwxPyFPAFg7QQa3UmbqXGQwol5LzHsOpPpVm-DamankbBJey/s1600/fires+02a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjoa-p39xkJTe3Kv_tjb4xycNlgpEEPt3WYdPmGSx2e9NrOwQgkrE1YhbWVqga1Z6OAAmG7l1Q9-0HUBWTWe5P2tN0rW7ZlIQEJAVuC9vbF1nrmFS9LOAASiVHj2Kgt4WDZgvH2O9yeXA/s1600/fires+02c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjoa-p39xkJTe3Kv_tjb4xycNlgpEEPt3WYdPmGSx2e9NrOwQgkrE1YhbWVqga1Z6OAAmG7l1Q9-0HUBWTWe5P2tN0rW7ZlIQEJAVuC9vbF1nrmFS9LOAASiVHj2Kgt4WDZgvH2O9yeXA/s1600/fires+02c.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Scattered blocks and toppled pillars. Were in not for the flames engulfing the area, from the air the sanctuary would look like a child's discarded toy.<br />
<br />
Calina Tereshchenko sighed, "Just.. awful."<br />
<br />
"Legate," said Lady Soyinka, "my people will recover the bodies when the investigator clears the ruins."<br />
<br />
Calina nodded.<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka continued, "They are mostly moonbabies. We will honor their traditions... "<br />
She turned to look at a pale man standing at the back of the room, "... if one will tell us their traditions."<br />
<br />
"Clearly, Mr. Blackstone is overwhelmed by the news," replied the Legate, referring to the pale man. "I will ask him to communicate with you regarding burial traditions."<br />
<br />
"There are two Federationalists at the site," said Major Muircastle, "Probably the STC who called in the distress call. There are no signs of survivors viewable from aerial view. We request permission from the Yiaziis to allow our officer to enter the premises to look for survivors and render assistance."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka replied, "Major, my people are likely to be accused. The Sanctuary was allowed to the Jadeists. It is from the Jadeists that you must ask permission."<br />
<br />
The Legate, however, had other ideas. "As the Adherent sent word for assistance to me, I will give that permission, Major," she said.<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle articulated our position for the record. "We wished to ensure that you see that we recognize the treaty protocols in the area. The UAP humbly requests permission to check the sanctuary for survivors and render whatever assistance we can." He added, "We're here to help."<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne nodded, "The truth cries out to be known, and justice grants the permissions in this case I'm afraid. Every effort must be made to find survivors... and answers."<br />
<br />
Mr. Blackstone lifted his head from a moment of prayer and addressed the council, "Moonbabies have no traditions of burial. Our bodies are cast into the deepest crevices back home."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka requested to be recognized. <br />
<br />
In response, the Legate recognized the delegate from House Morloch.<br />
<br />
"I have two points, Legate," began Lady Soyinka.<br />
<br />
"Yes, Yiaziis?" asked Calina.<br />
<br />
"Since Mr. Blackstone has spoken," said Lady Soyinka, "and since the traditions of the Moonbabies are disrespectful and wasteful... since the Jadeists chose to make their home here... Araxes will claim the bodies. The Desertborn will take them and honor them."<br />
<br />
The door of the chamber opened.<br />
<br />
Mr. Blackstone turned and gasped. <br />
<br />
"The second point..." added Lady Soyinka. Her voice trailed off as a figure at the back of the room began to draw all attention.<br />
<br />
"I... don't believe what I'm seeing," said Calina. "Is that another hologram?"<br />
<br />
It was a small woman. Her skin white as marble. Her hair the colour of cotton. <br />
<br />
As she calmly entered the chamber, all eyes were upon her. The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur pulled out a small tricorder and began to take sensor readings. Lady Soyinka turned her datapad slightly, rapped it with a knuckle and sat back in her chair.<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
Though long presumed dead, stories claiming that Jade had survived the attempt on her life had begun circulating a few months earlier. But this was the first time in over a year, that anyone had seen Jade Moonkill on Araxes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnW2pFAxzgVkenQAi7gQNwHsktYc7-NY4saMDKNxh1W7E_LTxVfsCn4dCCZdQgrO6vqKjvWnVvW9SLyenenmjEsvvTPkFM1fUsxMm-mgve7yj_Mic9RiZsjmC2kK89uCUrNrBsecd4THE/s1600/fires+03a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnW2pFAxzgVkenQAi7gQNwHsktYc7-NY4saMDKNxh1W7E_LTxVfsCn4dCCZdQgrO6vqKjvWnVvW9SLyenenmjEsvvTPkFM1fUsxMm-mgve7yj_Mic9RiZsjmC2kK89uCUrNrBsecd4THE/s1600/fires+03a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOUSiS-MFubSckECWHJ17vG2im9t3ds-T90gn3k1XGiPRl1LcUk64UB5zMZcT-9xNVoec6c3X206LX-oK29ZAD-e9fzjBv9eeWnBOI8SwHHCv38NY2_-cJBb78-awG5-elhnkZgVq_V4M/s1600/fires+03c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOUSiS-MFubSckECWHJ17vG2im9t3ds-T90gn3k1XGiPRl1LcUk64UB5zMZcT-9xNVoec6c3X206LX-oK29ZAD-e9fzjBv9eeWnBOI8SwHHCv38NY2_-cJBb78-awG5-elhnkZgVq_V4M/s1600/fires+03c.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Jade paused and looked around the room then smiled, "Hello, sorry to interrupt the meeting. Please continue."<br />
<br />
"What are you doing here?" asked Calina, "I thought you were still out toward Booty Bay."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle did not wait for Jade to respond. He pounced on the red button in front of him, requesting to be recognized. "House Zenobia humbly requests the Legate summon Ms. Moonkill to the stand."<br />
<br />
Jade replied, "I would like to know more about the people who are killing those who live their lives in peace." She walked up the isle towards the stand. "No summons needed," she added. "I will gladly step forward."<br />
<br />
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Ms. Moonkill," said Major Muircastle. "There are a number of questions regarding your disappearance and the poor girl that was murdered in your stead."<br />
<br />
The Legate Calina Tereshchenko was clearly bothered by this. "Is that appropriate for this time, Major?"<br />
<br />
It was Jade who answered in the Major's defence. "Death of an innocent is never appropriate," she said turning to face Calina.<br />
<br />
"To question you about your disappearance? Death? Over the attack that occurred at the Sanctuary?" asked Calina.<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka was also intrigued, "However, the Major's question is a good one."<br />
<br />
The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur turned to Lady Soyinka. "Agreed."<br />
<br />
The Major replied, "Ms. Moonkill was presumed dead and returned. How often do we have the opportunity to get answers about a brutal murder and cover up?"<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother Ariadne smoothed the look of astonishment off her face and leaned forward a little in her seat, "There are many questions, but very few answers for yours, Ms. Jade Moonkill... the investigation has only begun. But you, you may be able to answer some old questions of ours."<br />
<br />
"Someone murdered that other child and Ms. Moonkill disappeared," stated Major Muircastle. "We would like to know who assisted her is disappearing."<br />
<br />
Jade turned and looked at the Major "I only recently became aware of the murder of one of my fellow moonbabies. An act taken, without my knowlege, to hide my leaving Al Raqis. I left as I had been convinced it was best for my safety and those around me for me to leave."<br />
<br />
"Is that a crime?" asked the Reverend Mother.<br />
<br />
"Accomplice after the fact," explained the Major.<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka was not convinced. "Nonsense," she said.<br />
<br />
However, Calina shook her head "I must be more dazed than I thought. That looks like Jade but does not sound like her at all."<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother raised an eyebrow, "Facts not in evidence, to leave without notice or trace is admirable... not criminal. Only if she was proven complicit in the criminal murder are her travel arrangements any of your business... with all respect to my esteemed colleague."<br />
<br />
"You left of your own volition then," said the Major. "The news of your murder made even the news in 34 Tauri, how could you be unaware?"<br />
<br />
Jade waved a hand dismissing the Major's comment. "I would be more concerned with your comments, sir," she said, "and the questions of this chamber, if this council was not quick to dismiss my own presumed murder when it allowed all of you to be freed from the charges you faced..."<br />
<br />
The Major continued undeterred. "Give us the names of your accomplices so that we can find out who murdered that girl to cover your departure."<br />
<br />
"... but now that you're free you wish to throw questions around and wield that power," Jade continued. "Very well sir. Here are some answers."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle just shook his head.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6RToDpj0XEeyk30aYk9WY5Frar9CKFSTOPNPBIEZUCyhdmpM19Ya5Dnw80SZkcm9amKajCYo4PV1uDJzN50wb6ZJ5wh4Xu7M1TRObdxTbtS7ciIPP2ihiPktR4roWLd7Eeu3uP47xgwv/s1600/fires+04a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6RToDpj0XEeyk30aYk9WY5Frar9CKFSTOPNPBIEZUCyhdmpM19Ya5Dnw80SZkcm9amKajCYo4PV1uDJzN50wb6ZJ5wh4Xu7M1TRObdxTbtS7ciIPP2ihiPktR4roWLd7Eeu3uP47xgwv/s1600/fires+04a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD0Fiu8TvmSZBaKWMxIiIChAgqkn9th9i2DXM0beStNLicT61R_NvxuhLAXTFP4PGF7-atg2_UtKFTT0JZM8Hg5SqU-1Z-X2HqonQAqNLHTuhz7OSbBXQuCIMKOErm15ym-Iz_YZhwkPA/s1600/fires+04c.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD0Fiu8TvmSZBaKWMxIiIChAgqkn9th9i2DXM0beStNLicT61R_NvxuhLAXTFP4PGF7-atg2_UtKFTT0JZM8Hg5SqU-1Z-X2HqonQAqNLHTuhz7OSbBXQuCIMKOErm15ym-Iz_YZhwkPA/s1600/fires+04c.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"First," said Jade, "you should be ashamed of yourself because not once have you asked the name of the victim. You claim to show concern for her death but do not even attempt to know who she is or anything about her beyond calling her moonbaby and child or girl. You should be ashamed Mr. Muircastle, for I am ashamed of you."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle began, "We are first intere..." He stopped suddenly then cried out, "YOU KNOW THE VICTIM'S NAME?"<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne explained, "Her identity could not be ascertained from what was recovered from the scene. We deal in a few factualities. It was long assumed to be YOU."<br />
<br />
The Legate Calina Tereshchenko had heard enough. She sat up and challenged Jade. "Just who do you think you are? Accusing him of lack of caring about who she was? Given the fact - you yourself have said this over and over - Moonbabies are disposable. Records, even by DNA were not able to be located either here or in 34 Tauri. And the fact that her FACE was blown off made facial recognition impossible to haul back to your home planet and ask them: Oh Hey! Do you know this girl? Her head was shot off but do you know her anyway?"<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle advanced,"How long have you been withholding information about this crime?"<br />
<br />
Jade pressed on. "Second, her death laid unsolved for so long cause you were happy to believe it was me that died, 'cause it freed you . Freed you from the crimes you committed and allowed to happen. But now. You claim to wish to know and solve her murder only cause you are afraid of what might happen if you don't. Innocent you called her. How dare you use that word in this chamber that spills forth filth and call it justice!"<br />
<br />
"One would guess that she recently learned of it and returned as soon as she could," suggested Lady Soyinka.<br />
<br />
"I am guessing the exact opposite," replied the Major. "That she has been withholding information since the day she left."<br />
<br />
"And like most of what you do sir, you are guessing wrong," replied Jade.<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle kept the pressure on. "What is the identity of the victim and who helped you? You can include the rest in your manifesto."<br />
<br />
Jade lowered her head and took a deep breath. She then looked up and around the room. "One of the first things I learned in school is to get answers and learn the truth, one must be silent." She paused. "That's the problem in this chamber. No one wants to be silent long enough to learn anything. Too busy asking questions."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka addressed the UAP officer. "Major, to withhold evidence in a murder is not compatible with the rest of the woman's profile."<br />
<br />
"Right now I am only interested in the identity of the victim and the identities of the conspirators," replied the Major.<br />
<br />
"Shall we let the Messiah speak for herself, Yiaziis?" asked Lady Baxton.<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka protested, "There is a FIRE BURNING!"<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
And indeed she was correct. Images from the sanctuary still flooded into the chamber, as the UAP drone explored the ruins.<br />
<br />
As the politicians, religious and military leaders argued, the fires raged, consuming both corpses and holy books. <br />
<br />
Any sense of urgency was misplaced however. There was no one left to save.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g3sN2td_3O9zPs252785fuma-rKyrfIt0ogKgFGOKhIwHpamy0Bvxzk7I6wquRA_fjoJlG39ROyWVYFpFrk03hBN__YQnYw_uatG20vREuFOkRVJCGeiP-PIzA48lJT1Xrxs08y5R0DI/s1600/drone+002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g3sN2td_3O9zPs252785fuma-rKyrfIt0ogKgFGOKhIwHpamy0Bvxzk7I6wquRA_fjoJlG39ROyWVYFpFrk03hBN__YQnYw_uatG20vREuFOkRVJCGeiP-PIzA48lJT1Xrxs08y5R0DI/s1600/drone+002.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Major Muircastle addressed the Laandsrat, "There is little reason to believe that this person is Jade Moonkill."<br />
<br />
"Are you suggesting DNA testing Major?" asked Lady Baxton.<br />
<br />
"The DNA test would be inconclusive," he replied, "There was no previous record to compare it to. Right now we have this preaching marionette obstructing justice while moralizing. Answer the questions put to you, alleged Jade Moonkill!"<br />
<br />
The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur cracked a smile at the comment.<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne looked across at the Yiaziis Lady Soyinka and muttered, "I am more interested in the tragic events at the Jadeists Sanctuary as well, worse even than it being a senseless act by faithless beasts, what if it was a thoughtful deliberate act? What evil do we face then?"<br />
<br />
Jade's eyes flare a bright green as her shoulders square back and she stood to her full height. The innocence in her face faded as she slammed a fist on the desk in front of her. "SILENCE SIR! I WILL HEAR NOTHING MORE FROM YOU!" Seething with anger, she stared directly at the Major. She then let her breath out, "There are innocent people dying in my name, dying because they wish to live in peace, and you concern yourself with one that died so long ago to protect me? SAVE THE LIVING AND THOSE THAT CAN BE SAVED! There will be time to bury the dead and find justice for them later!"<br />
<br />
"Nice try," replied the Major, "Answer the questions."<br />
<br />
Jade slumped as the light fades from her eyes and her stance returns to normal. "What questions sir? You have asked so many and haven't stopped long enough for me to answer. Plus you have already said you will not believe anything I say anyway."<br />
<br />
"I asked the name of the victim and the names of the people who assisted you in leaving the planet," he replied. "I also asked you how long have you known about your alleged murder. All of which you avoided answering, instead preached."<br />
<br />
Jade smiled and giggled, "In that order?"<br />
<br />
"Stick with these three questions, then you can preach."<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne interrupted, "I advise her not to answer those questions without the advice and benefit of counsel, Major." She smiled.<br />
<br />
"The Reverend Mother is correct," added the Legate.<br />
<br />
"She can lawyer up if we arrest her," said the Major.<br />
<br />
Calina argued, "This is not an inquest or a court of law."<br />
<br />
"Arrest her for what exactly?" asked the Reverend Mother, "breathing?"<br />
<br />
"Obstructing justice," said the Major. "She has knowledge about a murder and is witholding it. Legate, are you uninterested in the answers to those questions?" He added with a whisper, "You perhaps could ask them?"<br />
<br />
Blackstone, the albino man standing at the back of the chamber marched forward. He slammed his fist on the table in front of the Major. "You have asked your questions. Now remain silent till she answers or I will silence you! Show her respect!"<br />
<br />
"Step down, boy," the Major warned.<br />
<br />
Jade touched Blackstone's shoulder. "I am fine," she said. "They do not threaten me. Do not threaten them, friend."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle countered, "This marionette had plenty of opportunity to answer the questions and has preached canned speeches instead."<br />
<br />
Blackstone glared at the Major then lowers his head. "I am sorry, my lady," he said to Jade.<br />
<br />
The Major had not finished. "Next time, run boy.. "<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIStUjUVWjbuJamqU6r5kI36dSX6dHCk7SVevuYhgSwxXLs0Za6BLVO38J-QaAhZ78-gW7RoSZaJyjkEgHa8CvMD1j8TV1A7vP_crZJIQO8a1mSzcFxmIZglErJ9NUex7Bae85SoYE4IdY/s1600/drone+003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIStUjUVWjbuJamqU6r5kI36dSX6dHCk7SVevuYhgSwxXLs0Za6BLVO38J-QaAhZ78-gW7RoSZaJyjkEgHa8CvMD1j8TV1A7vP_crZJIQO8a1mSzcFxmIZglErJ9NUex7Bae85SoYE4IdY/s1600/drone+003.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Let us all take a breath," said Lady Baxton, "These are stressful times... perhaps Jade can tell us the name of the murdered girl so we can contact her family."<br />
<br />
Jade answered the Major. "When the mines collapsed back home. Scott went in and dragged a dozen men, twice his size out. Do not underestemate or threaten him."<br />
<br />
"There are no threats here," said the Major. "Just you using theatre to avoid answering questions put to you."<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne spoke, "I have a question or two... questions apart, Jade Moonkill, granting you are Jade Moonkill for the moment, can you give any hint as to WHO would attack the Sanctuary? and second, has this tragedy drawn you out of hiding?"<br />
<br />
Jade replied, "I only became aware of the attacks when I arrived her today. I do not know who is doing this though I will find out. And I was not in hiding. I was in school."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka chuckled.<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother continued, "So you were traveling here anyway and not secretly? Good, that perhaps takes that scary motive off the table."<br />
<br />
"Donna Stephanie, Darrian Aljon, and about two weeks," said Jade, finally answering the Major's questions.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
And with that statement, the tension evaporated from the room.<br />
<br />
Reverend Mother Ariadne nodded. Lady Soyinka grinned.<br />
<br />
"Donna Stephanie?" asked Lady Baxton. "That was her name?"<br />
<br />
"Thank you," said Major Muircastle. "You may now have your speak truth to power speech. Carry on."<br />
<br />
Jade Moonkill turned and faced the Major. "The answers to your questions now that you have stopped yapping like a puppy long enough for me to answer." She stopped and then said, "I am sorry sir, you misunderstand me. I leave the speeches to politicians like you. I only wish to know what is being done to protect those that live..." She paused uncomfortably, "under my name."<br />
<br />
The Major did not retreat. "Your future victims are unaccounted for at the moment."<br />
<br />
"My future victims?" asked Jade. "I do not attack them."<br />
<br />
He whispered, "That remains to be seen."<br />
<br />
Jade countered, "I am not one of those that ordered they be captured and brought in for questioning like criminals."<br />
<br />
"All are easy enough to check," said Lady Soynika, "and if they do check out, then I nominate the Moonkill to be a member of the investigating team."<br />
<br />
"Nominate Jade," objected Lady Baxton, "to investigate the crime that she is the star witness for? Yiaziis, I cannot follow your logic."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka explained, "If her story is borne out, and it is easily checked, then she has a vested interest in finding who attacked the Sanctuary. She will make the best hunting lizard. Another must be chosen to accompany her."<br />
<br />
"Search and rescue teams are on the scene," said the Reverend Mother, "the investigation must work alongside that effort and quickly. The site is not secure so neither is the evidence."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDhM_w9ztR4ZfqtvYva9K-PErykuwoDuBCwg4R3-kHgkEdMObjByQ-hfbinbw2QXvOZg3Hg82pfdSBbQ2irLgvbScI2U9YZeV4DrYRwaQ56PUfFNbB5FqBKxXXxlpIWv0ScViWG1m-Ory/s1600/drone+004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDhM_w9ztR4ZfqtvYva9K-PErykuwoDuBCwg4R3-kHgkEdMObjByQ-hfbinbw2QXvOZg3Hg82pfdSBbQ2irLgvbScI2U9YZeV4DrYRwaQ56PUfFNbB5FqBKxXXxlpIWv0ScViWG1m-Ory/s1600/drone+004.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Major Muircastle began, "Donna Stephanie was martyred so you could go to school. Did Mr. Aljon slaughter these to cover a shopping spree? Shall the Jadeists now be called 'Stephs' as she was martyred for their sins?"<br />
<br />
These remarks brought giggles from the gallery.<br />
<br />
"Major," replied the Legate,"if you recall, Jasmine did not exactly believe me when I told her that Jade was still alive. So, renaming them 'The Stephs' would not be appropriate."<br />
<br />
The Major would not be denied. "House Zenobia makes a motion for a minute of silence for Donna Stephanie," he said, "murdered so that Jade could go to school."<br />
<br />
"Major!" protested Calina. "I have had enough of your blatent hostility and disrespect."<br />
<br />
"Sir, do no make light of the beliefs of others," said Jade.<br />
<br />
"This is an outrage," replied the Major.<br />
<br />
"If we were at the bar," added Calina, "it would be expected." <br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother joined in, "Impertinence and rudeness do not suit you, Council Muircastle."<br />
<br />
"He is merely pursuing the truth, Reverend Mother," said Lady Baxton in support of the Major.<br />
<br />
"You know, you're right," said Major Muircaslte, "I should not get upset about this travesty unfolding before us."<br />
<br />
The Legate turned Lady Baxton, "So mocking the situation is pursuing the truth?"<br />
<br />
"This woman," replied Lady Baxton, "if this is Jade, had us all arrested or have you forgotten?"<br />
<br />
"I was not arrested," said Lady Soyinka.<br />
<br />
"she in effect overthrew this government on a technicality..."<br />
<br />
"and, it was the Beit Dawla...."<br />
<br />
"No Yiaziis," replied Lady Baxton, "you hid in the desert."<br />
<br />
"She could not have done it without the rest of the Beit Dawla," said Lady Soyinka. She then added, "I neither hid nor ran into the jail."<br />
<br />
"I was treating her as a hostile witness," explained the Major "but since she has since replied, so I will allow the theatre to continue."<br />
<br />
The Legate Calina Tereshchenko stood up, "I've enough for one evening. The application of House Lynch will be considered at the next meeting." The council stood as she left the chamber and the assembly began to disperse. Small conversations began in various parts of the hall.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother Ariadne leaned back in her chair and remarked to the Orion Advocate, "I was evacuated immediately prior to the warrant being issued. It was thrilling... they spirited me away in the night."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle overheard the comment and asked, "And they didn't have to kill anyone for you to leave?"<br />
<br />
"Of course not," replied the Reverend Mother, "The Sinisterhood Adepts evacuated me. It would be inappropriate for a Reverend Mother to be forced to answer the charge." She grinned.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToHp64OjZcxJ5-CZl6FvwwSJPIjsTwT0DiXXPgFXQIWOD5e9Cx-f10BV8_wMXFgoZeWGAzeswwRG5E2FOIWDa0Cttbel4qxJtakXkZZKbazLG8csjnvxulSxpibN8OLHaCnduGcfJYead/s1600/drone+005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToHp64OjZcxJ5-CZl6FvwwSJPIjsTwT0DiXXPgFXQIWOD5e9Cx-f10BV8_wMXFgoZeWGAzeswwRG5E2FOIWDa0Cttbel4qxJtakXkZZKbazLG8csjnvxulSxpibN8OLHaCnduGcfJYead/s1600/drone+005.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Jade, meanwhile turned to Lady Baxton, "When you were in prison upstairs. I gave you my teddy bear. So that you would not be lonely and would have someone to talk to."<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle interrupted."You have the bear?" he asked Lady Baxton.<br />
<br />
"I have kept it safe," she replied.<br />
<br />
"Lady Baxton," said the Major, "we need that bear."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka understood immediately. "DNA," she said.<br />
<br />
"I will send over a forensics team," added the Major.<br />
<br />
Lady Baxton froze then spun to look at Jade. "Then we can establish if this is Jade!"<br />
<br />
Watching quietly, the Orion Advocate saved her tricorder readings.<br />
<br />
"Jade... is this really you?" Lady Baxton asked cautiously.<br />
<br />
Jade reached down into her boot and pulled out a knife. She dragged the blade across the palm of her hand and pressed it to the table leaving a bloody hand print. "There Aodhfionn, feel free to take all you need." She addressed the Major by his first name. They were old friends by now.<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle took out a handerchief and blotted the blood. He then reached out and brushed a hair off her shoulder. "I hope you are Jade," he said, "I hope for your sake, that you are not."<br />
<br />
"I will have the bear ready Major," added Lady Baxton.<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother watched with unease at the spilling of the body's water against local custom. She turned to see the Yiaziis' reaction.<br />
<br />
Jade smiled up at the Major, "Please be kind enough to clean up the rest, sir." She then addressed Lady Baxton. "Only you and I know what was said that night in the cell." <br />
<br />
"I have told no one else," admitted Lady Baxton.<br />
<br />
Jade continued, "You were, at that moment. My trusted advisor. That is why I gave you my teddy bear.. You needed someone in there you could trust."<br />
<br />
Lady Baxton turned white. Jade had just revealed to the crowd that, from the safety of her jail cell, Lady Baxton had been advising Jade during the revolution. Most certainly it was an act of sedition. <br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka looked at the handprint, not taking her eyes off of it. "You would not spill either water or blood," she began. "You have been away a long time, Moonbaby. You have been given this Path to tread. You must choose to walk it... or not."<br />
<br />
"I would and always will be willing to spill my own to protect those I love and serve," replied Jade.<br />
<br />
The Yiaziis gestured to the handprint. "This is neither."<br />
<br />
Still flustered, Lady Baxton babbled, her eyes darting about the chamber looking for any movement from the guards. "It is the red hand of Jade to counter the red hand of the Marauders. It is a sign!" <br />
<br />
A voice in the gallery, Naomi Lynch De Azaadi whispered, "This is madness"<br />
<br />
Jade straightened herself, her eyes flashed green. She reached out and traced a symbol in blood on Lady Soyinka's forehead. "The light and the dark can only survive if they accept they are both part of the same day. Our people will walk this world together."<br />
<br />
Lady Soyinka grabbed Jade's wrist. "The Light and the Dark are sides to the same coin," she said. "Be careful...Messiah. You walk a deadly Path."<br />
<br />
"Would victims like Stephanie be the light or the dark? or the edge?" asked Major Muircastle.<br />
<br />
The Reverend Mother Ariadne cast her eyes downward and made a gesture in the air with her hand, as if warding off an invisible evil.<br />
<br />
"What happened to the Children, Pied Piper?" asked Lady Soynika and she released her grip.<br />
<br />
Jade's eyes went pale and she froze looking down at where Lady Soyinka had held her wrists. "I only wish to protect those who need it," she replied.<br />
<br />
"Like how you protected Stephanie?" asked the Major. "The cult in your name has brought more ruin upon the moonafflicted than neglect did."<br />
<br />
"A bodhisattva should not monopolize faith," added Naomi Lynch De Azaadi.<br />
<br />
Jade turned quickly on her toes and headed for the exit.<br />
<br />
Major Muircastle called out after her, "You might as well have sold them off to the Umbrella Corporation or Soylent Green."<br />
<br />
"Leave her be!" said Lady Soyinka. "She did not dictate to them. They walked their own Paths."<br />
<br />
"Accomplice after the fact," pronounced Major Muircastle.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-37090842603166570152014-04-16T19:34:00.003-07:002014-04-17T11:24:49.149-07:00Requisition of Scientific PersonnelFrom: A. Muircastle, Major, UAP Monitor assigned to Mu Draconis<br />
To: A. MacMoragh, Colonel, UAP Special Projects, Paquin<br />
<br />
Reference: Araxes Environmental Instability<br />
Subject: Requisition of scientific personnel and investigating possible artificial causes.<br />
<br />
Date: January 29, 2523<br />
<br />
Observing Zapedzki Industries construction is nearly a full time endeavour. Besides their constantly evolving ground facilities, they have orbiting facilities on many levels.<br />
<br />
Recently, a high orbit Zapedzki Industries research station exploded. Fortunately for the planet's residents, the debris was mostly absorbed by the Trojan meteor field in the vicinity. No planetside debris related injuries have been reported, although such incidents are not reported with a great deal of transparency. Although the Legate, Calina Tereschenko, operates with greater transparency than the Chief Magistrate, the service bureaucracy she inherited has opacity habits. We are resigned to the fact that if we want to know what is going on in Araxes, we have to investigate for ourselves.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFXrR9JYFid8aJfcjql8q6Op10ot0sXesrEGATeEaqqHNbsu_rLq8WKRPhzmNcYSjN3_t8AJpJAacmMiKMAApExqiQDGftZ-U1Aerv-jVamewRYBhz8_wfxwi8D0n18SP2o9FCfjMw2mh/s1600/Deep+Desert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFXrR9JYFid8aJfcjql8q6Op10ot0sXesrEGATeEaqqHNbsu_rLq8WKRPhzmNcYSjN3_t8AJpJAacmMiKMAApExqiQDGftZ-U1Aerv-jVamewRYBhz8_wfxwi8D0n18SP2o9FCfjMw2mh/s1600/Deep+Desert.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There has been a great increase in damaging environmental events in Araxes. The meteorite bombardment has decreased to a moderate level, but has still not ceased for any length of time. Something in the desert builds up an electric charge until large expanding bubbles of arc plasmoids explode upon the desert floor. We are still learning the names of the various incarnations of high speed sand and dust storms.<br />
<br />
The volcanic plug known as Mount Barkal, which had been dormant since before Imperial occupation has recently become active. Tectonic instability has led to seismic events in the eastern desert basin, destroying the Zionist enclave there and the Plasma Storm Industries Compound that followed thereafter. Further seismic activity wiped out the Splintered Rock starport and refinery. Plasma Storm Industries received an Imperium contract to rebuild the starport and refinery. The eastern desert basin known as Vieux Carre is mostly a bare crater. It looks like a meteorite, cometary or asteroid impact crater, but other theories include a giant sinkhole from the seismic activity. We are going to inquire with an Ouroborean planetologist named Mr. Senet once he returns from a diplomatic mission, we will see if he has any revelations in the matter.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgOQ17lDJsOvWJmGekZ8wxrXouNagx5U5mNbByuLl-fKv2X9L6b7rA94S-jiiGfpMwEXK9M9QiYpL0BOA044aAlU6wkUxyScx3oNeELDrvZkYnLpjpvxMfL42fqqLlRJ3O6ZODJxHksJm/s1600/Vieux+Carre+Crater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgOQ17lDJsOvWJmGekZ8wxrXouNagx5U5mNbByuLl-fKv2X9L6b7rA94S-jiiGfpMwEXK9M9QiYpL0BOA044aAlU6wkUxyScx3oNeELDrvZkYnLpjpvxMfL42fqqLlRJ3O6ZODJxHksJm/s1600/Vieux+Carre+Crater.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Species of subterranean indigenous lifeforms previously unknown to use have moved closer to the surface. A species of supposedly alien origin appears to be infesting the remote deserts. Desertborn Morloch Yiaziis testified that the arthropod species is of alien origin and inedible. We are sending out teams to collect biological samples.<br />
<br />
The local government is currently focused on internal matters and is giving us free rein to investigate the matter. We will do our best to contribute to public safety. We're here to help.<br />
<br />
We do not have any evidence linking Zapedski Industries, Plasma Storm Industries or NavCorp to the meteorite, storm, volcanic or seismic disturbances, nor the related changes in the local fauna. Even if the cause in not-artificially induced, it is prudent to discover the source of the problem. I have requisitioned scientific personnel to assist current teams to investigate the matter. If we are able to determine a causal link between the environmental troubles and a given faction, we will bring in the Special Investigations Unit.<br />
<br />
We have requested Dr. Qui Von Wer Foreman Serendipity from the Zenobie Institut Polytechnique to assist us in investigating the explosion and other related incidents. Dr. Serendipity provided useful insight into NavCorp and was able to show evidence that they have indeed stolen UAP sponsored research.<br />
<br />
NavCorp, formally Spatium-Tempus Navigantium Corpus, had been an enigma for some time. Dr. Serendipity's studies combined with a couple of covert and overt interactions by UAP personnel has uncovered some insight into their internal activities. Dr. Serendipity's theory is that NavCorp is using a plasma antenna dozens of kilometres long and wide to collect antiparticles created from cosmic ray explosions and an orbital scale particle collider called a Fermitron for the creation of exotic matter. This somehow relates to Space-Time Metric engineering which Dr. Serendipity says would be dangerous too close to a gravity well.<br />
<br />
Although we do not have specific intel on the matter, we are going to investigate whether Zapedzki Industries or Plasma Storm Industries is also involved in possible space-time metric engineering.<br />
<br />
There are other candidates worth paying attention to. Captain Sisko of Starfleet Torchwood Command, a Federationalist subfleet, is often investigating some manner of spatial or temporal anomaly. The departing Khan of Botany Bay has long claimed her people had ancestry in Araxes in Tanimi Erg. The Pryxis Alliance's home system recently went supernova somehow and have also reduced their local presence. The return of the Orion Confederacy should not be ignored.<br />
<br />
Podwangler Zapedzki, founder of Zapedzki Industries, is currently a fugitive from UAP justice. Zapedzki is wanted for corporate espionage, working with restricted technology and for supporting the independent uprising on Shadow. He is currently hiding out in the southern hemisphere of Araxes, exploiting the Treaty Autonomous Area to avoid legal claims on his person. He is possibly hiding elsewhere in the system. Imogen Carling, the current CEO of Zapedzki Industries, is aggressively pursuing Mr. Zapedski. The Araxes security of ZI has a strong presence of UAP hired military, such as Xander Halostar, who are well armed and trained.<br />
<br />
Mr. Zapedzki has been known to deal with restricted technology and it is possible that he is doing so now. It is also possible that Zapedzki industries is carrying on that tradition. A third possibility is that the research station explosion was deliberate sabotage by some competing company or even Mr. Zapedzki himself.<br />
<br />
We are formally requesting permission to reopen the NavCorp study and also to investigate Plasma Storm Industries.<br />
<br />
Input from inhabitants of some of the Farms would be helpful if it would not compromise security.<br />
<br />
A. Muircastle, Major, UAP Monitor assigned to Mu DraconisZenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-70622981729088309342013-11-05T13:31:00.002-08:002015-01-01T10:09:01.478-08:00The Grand HotelNovember 10 - Albion City, Zenobia<br />
<br />
"I know that ghosts have wandered on earth." ― Emily Bronte<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2T4xD5Xcc99IAVrt_GH39U_NSEeyjt9NtjuHDirPdQwo6lHp_Gc42KUdTKtwahYk5Fhyphenhyphen6NWxL5KeiXCDiWsnMXUC7dgeTLDgBjuO4W6u3dRg8Xamg7HiguxyTkqzHCizYaPe2Uf74eft/s1600/binary01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2T4xD5Xcc99IAVrt_GH39U_NSEeyjt9NtjuHDirPdQwo6lHp_Gc42KUdTKtwahYk5Fhyphenhyphen6NWxL5KeiXCDiWsnMXUC7dgeTLDgBjuO4W6u3dRg8Xamg7HiguxyTkqzHCizYaPe2Uf74eft/s400/binary01.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
You could see my hotel quite clearly if you entered Albion City from the west. Towering above the skyline, the colour of glacial ice. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YR7ZSNgAXIgCCN-jPTU9p3R3YokdUQEfxkLL8PdeGDSDIpo23BItebhsduGSE-WPhRJ11M52DKn0hZPGMQKq0jV49ZkGDqECVicIqaE5Vvp96Gj2vD9sLznBbQFc6JNDxFCdl1YLNT5u/s1600/binary02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YR7ZSNgAXIgCCN-jPTU9p3R3YokdUQEfxkLL8PdeGDSDIpo23BItebhsduGSE-WPhRJ11M52DKn0hZPGMQKq0jV49ZkGDqECVicIqaE5Vvp96Gj2vD9sLznBbQFc6JNDxFCdl1YLNT5u/s400/binary02.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Top UAP officials stayed here when on world. I was told the Parliamentary Press Secretary even had offices on the top floor.<br />
<br />
I would be staying here while in the capital, providing there was enough room. I did not have a reservation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh557E-a7E3OjU8TW11CocBE7JGh4NfV0-M7xHG9n2jtgNbyeSjZ5NfDKz71xUW1t8i7xdROgyqF4NX5r2gkglm9BzEbpG_bbg4qVbpu96hNqyYzQ5PmEjezr66_puJtHUu6QrrHUV3MhO-/s1600/binary04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh557E-a7E3OjU8TW11CocBE7JGh4NfV0-M7xHG9n2jtgNbyeSjZ5NfDKz71xUW1t8i7xdROgyqF4NX5r2gkglm9BzEbpG_bbg4qVbpu96hNqyYzQ5PmEjezr66_puJtHUu6QrrHUV3MhO-/s400/binary04.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The lobby seemed deceptively small for such an imposing structure, but it did not lack in comfort. Plush carpet and soft chairs. Original art from contemporary masters were displayed upon the walls. A reception desk cut from one piece of black marble dominated the room.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68DMvTJEdS9KIyCZyfq5Dx12tsku41NBpCH_6MwyH2_JRuq9kPYbVzGRl0MujMF1xzpV29LJ4Giw0gdMU1LQmgLEmyFdSk02C9OogxqntH_aOr4sddwDNNLe7xyCC9z8349Lba_v1KncH/s1600/binary03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68DMvTJEdS9KIyCZyfq5Dx12tsku41NBpCH_6MwyH2_JRuq9kPYbVzGRl0MujMF1xzpV29LJ4Giw0gdMU1LQmgLEmyFdSk02C9OogxqntH_aOr4sddwDNNLe7xyCC9z8349Lba_v1KncH/s400/binary03.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Fortunately, my sudden arrival did not appear to cause inconvenience for the hotel staff. They coded my room access to my biometrics and I was whisked away in the elevator tube to my lodgings for the night.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
My luggage was waiting for me when I arrived.<br />
<br />
I began to unbuckle my armour as I took in my surroundings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeigFqU7mrYmgR-HcVLWGbd5-KFVDwIpjXaJ8_fPfLbTZdWW0Dwbb6JYtGtlWWP02YAc6mop_Q8S1jq-hGSIhdyW41Q1WhcSxoFO3JeO-uoQUNQHRW8fsn2AxyvdD2WqIxheE_l1a8nMv/s1600/binary05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeigFqU7mrYmgR-HcVLWGbd5-KFVDwIpjXaJ8_fPfLbTZdWW0Dwbb6JYtGtlWWP02YAc6mop_Q8S1jq-hGSIhdyW41Q1WhcSxoFO3JeO-uoQUNQHRW8fsn2AxyvdD2WqIxheE_l1a8nMv/s400/binary05.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The room was simple but the view was spectacular. Opaque from the
outside, the walls themselves were tintable windows. My window looked
out over Heroes' Square with its monument to those who died preserving
the Union.<br />
<br />
I sent a quick message to Ceasar to let him know I had arrived safely, as if I was merely on a two day work related conference. Given my line of work, a call home was a luxury we were usually denied. Other couples indulged in all sorts of imaginative games to introduce thrills into their marriage. <br />
<br />
We pretended we had a normal life.<br />
<br />
I took a hot shower and ordered a light meal from room service, before settling into my evening, reviewing some of the unlocked Umbrella files.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<i><br />CyaN go bron = Nanocyborg <br /><br />Nanotech, microscopic machines that can build and repair, is quickly becoming to our culture what atomic energy was to the 1950s and the computer was to the information age, a world-changing technology. <br /><br />It's easy to get carried away with what nanotech will be capable of. There are limitations, just as there are with any technology.<br /><br />Nanobots are microscopic (technically nanoscopic), self-replicating robots that can invisibly act inside of your body. Vast sums of money are being poured into nanotechnology. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbldiPI5sqs12ab0ItxPkpYfXjOz0rK0NmgSJjihtlhmEB9GlzqhJoZlIOAQ07Up-ogjQd_LCle_7CwttgTgyuprwlV1jg3-1Hx1THFS7djSYFrcOIOdg2ZsjdwJdtEtj6-BJ999PPEhF/s1600/binary06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbldiPI5sqs12ab0ItxPkpYfXjOz0rK0NmgSJjihtlhmEB9GlzqhJoZlIOAQ07Up-ogjQd_LCle_7CwttgTgyuprwlV1jg3-1Hx1THFS7djSYFrcOIOdg2ZsjdwJdtEtj6-BJ999PPEhF/s400/binary06.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<i><br />These techniques aren't just theoretical, for a while now scientists have successfully used nanotech to repair optic nerves in blind people by building a custom synthetic molecule that, when injected, arranges itself into a nanofiber to repair the nerve.<br /><br />Umbrella scientists in cooperation with Weyland-Yutani are developing and testing nanorobots that target and kill cancer cells like tiny hunter-killers.<br /><br />It's simply a more advanced, more mechanic and less invasive form of medicine that could someday detect and repair body disease and trauma at a cellular level.<br /><br />Researchers at Weyland-Yutani have taken it even further, saying that certain recent advances in materials for making nanobots can create more complex nanobots, that we could replace the nuclei of our cells with nanocomputers that would do a faster, more efficient job than the nucleus that evolution left us with. Weyland-Yutani has not commented on a state of development of these nucleus nanocyborgs.<br /><br />Umbrella Laboratory Scientists have already created a nano-cyborg, by fusing a nanoscopic silicone chip to a virus. These cyborgviruses operate for up to a month after the death of the host. Cyborg bacteria and protozoans have demonstrated similar post mortality metabolism.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJ4I3HrQ0G7d9qNlKOGBltF6fJ3VAsYJQwZ2Bmxi3nSUd7_qPq3kEJ5_IM9x6sSPlMtcLPuViC42YN_fLolVV7JCQKwikvfKGtedQoGTIoqeRLuZZqHnndQwUUBd48QumxtdsF2dC-i4M/s1600/binary07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJ4I3HrQ0G7d9qNlKOGBltF6fJ3VAsYJQwZ2Bmxi3nSUd7_qPq3kEJ5_IM9x6sSPlMtcLPuViC42YN_fLolVV7JCQKwikvfKGtedQoGTIoqeRLuZZqHnndQwUUBd48QumxtdsF2dC-i4M/s400/binary07.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<i><br />Umbrella Laboratory Researchers in cooperation with scientists at Weyland-Yutani are experimenting with nanobots set up neural connections to replace damaged brain cells. These nanobots are able to rewire thoughts to reprogram otherwise irredeemable sociopaths.<br /><br />The nanobots in the brain are programmed to keep functioning after the death of the host. They form their own neural pathways, meaning they can the host’s brain to keep operating its limbs after it has deceased, right up until it decomposes to the point where it is mechanically incapable of movement.<br /><br />Somehow a spontaneous programming error altered the nanobots self-replication protocols. Usually the death and eventually decomposition of the host means the end of the nanobot functionality cycle. The rewrite made it that in order to preserve themselves, they'd need to transfer to a new host. Therefore, nanocyborg zombie bites a hole in a healthy victim, letting the nanocyborg stream in and set up camp in the new host. Once in, they shut down the part of the brain cortex that resists and leave the brain stem intact.<br /><br />Various methods of trying to destroy the nanocyborgs using other nanobots or substantial Electromotive Pulses have either been ineffective or counterproductive. Research continues.</i><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FVQqnF7ip5SIkRndAYbReuy7zTbjFFQZ7wcuoCL3biNlFVLP9Ms_Pp1P-lijZi8a_rnT2XYc5Pw2KfdKWK6Z-QeYMw2mn_FxPqqUiDeVAe9v8WoMQEA8IJHQ3YOGlYxP3nd30EDReVSU/s1600/binary08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FVQqnF7ip5SIkRndAYbReuy7zTbjFFQZ7wcuoCL3biNlFVLP9Ms_Pp1P-lijZi8a_rnT2XYc5Pw2KfdKWK6Z-QeYMw2mn_FxPqqUiDeVAe9v8WoMQEA8IJHQ3YOGlYxP3nd30EDReVSU/s400/binary08.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It was well into the night when I finally crawled into bed and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
The next day...<br />
<br />
The spacetime laboratory on Level 3 was filled with noise.<br />
<br />
A cacophony of pumps wheezing, and bells chiming. A white hourglass, the height of a tall man, slowly rotated in the center of a hexagonal control room, with a dull grinding sound.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ppeii-4E4_QEj2qBmQBK3dE9kOgB9N1pcIB1XBAuvTuADWFXvvSBcTAnc2P6h6dDm8BzSr7j_5v9zDc2MM-XiSLxaVBKFVwRrdSZKEnpwtiZ06I-IkmUftG86HlC1DJmE5dpHcru4f9j/s1600/binary09a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ppeii-4E4_QEj2qBmQBK3dE9kOgB9N1pcIB1XBAuvTuADWFXvvSBcTAnc2P6h6dDm8BzSr7j_5v9zDc2MM-XiSLxaVBKFVwRrdSZKEnpwtiZ06I-IkmUftG86HlC1DJmE5dpHcru4f9j/s400/binary09a.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
From a certain angle looking into the control room, one was given the odd impression that the surface area of the laboratory floor extended beyond the surface area of the building. <br />
<br />
The research staff at the Zenobia Institut Polytechnique prided themselves in pushing the boundaries of science. They described the laboratory as a No Place, and analogous to a Klein Bottle, a vessel where the inside is also the outside. <br />
<br />
This explanation did not help.<br />
<br />
It was disorienting, though I had been assured that this was a normal reaction. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
My boots echoed on the tile floor.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPzr1KnmPapOV1Da3jwJxD8TvxUnXQQlUZ8TmdsClGH0aPyzjko5E47YBUhEIPH211V8hS6JOmrLjN4hklalTr4WcEXuHx1lIdtP9FuUhbw9xAtq-SoLqLnYNFoQ_sQwAXTdL0ivDRWX8/s1600/binary10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPzr1KnmPapOV1Da3jwJxD8TvxUnXQQlUZ8TmdsClGH0aPyzjko5E47YBUhEIPH211V8hS6JOmrLjN4hklalTr4WcEXuHx1lIdtP9FuUhbw9xAtq-SoLqLnYNFoQ_sQwAXTdL0ivDRWX8/s400/binary10.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Flashing and glowing, translucent red cubes hovered in the air. <br />
<br />
Located on Level 4, the mainframe was instrumental in the study of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym5_6l5WLiEtpTG9R8YCzdjLOoo1TVA-EN_mtJnfQwPACIQkuYnhoMZEKqTV2BjdrAuLF86x3oBSoJilHULW1kUnT13xw3OP0ah1a3TmdO5BXC39WKUhPslDEBxdPX-AgqfQQnOXfiz6l/s1600/binary11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym5_6l5WLiEtpTG9R8YCzdjLOoo1TVA-EN_mtJnfQwPACIQkuYnhoMZEKqTV2BjdrAuLF86x3oBSoJilHULW1kUnT13xw3OP0ah1a3TmdO5BXC39WKUhPslDEBxdPX-AgqfQQnOXfiz6l/s400/binary11.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
During an experiment in non-linear transit, through a connection made to a place called Olyesti, two Artificial Intelligences bearing Umbrella Corporation signatures had invaded the polytech systems late last month. <br />
<br />
They had appeared visually as holograms of two young girls, one red and the other white. <br />
<br />
Now, they resided here.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bjDRUNL700gV5l1GnY021d843-p7kEIqucsrbTxutQGLdIRzyCzLIJA6ye4SI8WDSGedQgV1mbiRARAmpLu6y5zeG_Al7HizzTmc6b57wGz1R4OKWdsT1LVEJAIMoYBQEtBxLMLKDgE5/s1600/binary12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bjDRUNL700gV5l1GnY021d843-p7kEIqucsrbTxutQGLdIRzyCzLIJA6ye4SI8WDSGedQgV1mbiRARAmpLu6y5zeG_Al7HizzTmc6b57wGz1R4OKWdsT1LVEJAIMoYBQEtBxLMLKDgE5/s400/binary12.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a>Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-45552783041619371692013-10-27T11:14:00.001-07:002013-10-27T11:16:34.865-07:00The Incursion of the QueensOctober 28 - Zenobia Institut Polytechnique, Albion City, Zenobia<br />
<br />
"Everything was happening so oddly that she didn’t feel a bit surprised at finding the Red Queen and the White Queen sitting close to her, one on each side" - Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There<br />
<br />
---<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>This is an automated alert.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qdi2JBVA1IEzk_iEJ4cJVUvuktoM36Vish6dTay9elekQJ11zqmffem0B5dC4FSLci-MspcMjQsdFndTfNd61LmAHeMAKeHNgobHnrg4WQ3qr4iqC3T7BAb-UrJiXQxo7Mc6KmQu4Nu2/s1600/Red+Queen+Temporal+Lab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qdi2JBVA1IEzk_iEJ4cJVUvuktoM36Vish6dTay9elekQJ11zqmffem0B5dC4FSLci-MspcMjQsdFndTfNd61LmAHeMAKeHNgobHnrg4WQ3qr4iqC3T7BAb-UrJiXQxo7Mc6KmQu4Nu2/s320/Red+Queen+Temporal+Lab.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><i>Temporal Laboratory. </i>Unauthorized access.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xdoa1h850Q-gG_LgLUHwKdj5FIH34BpmXhvi1AzQrs4t96f39Cy5v9V9kTFCKa_2_OR0rP7_h_ghNWrj79nW1dfvCDO61S9pUCo8iKhXYo1N3_bcJaXdSmHKOMeQ84mth9ZeHgaPW1jA/s1600/White+Queen+Red+Queen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xdoa1h850Q-gG_LgLUHwKdj5FIH34BpmXhvi1AzQrs4t96f39Cy5v9V9kTFCKa_2_OR0rP7_h_ghNWrj79nW1dfvCDO61S9pUCo8iKhXYo1N3_bcJaXdSmHKOMeQ84mth9ZeHgaPW1jA/s320/White+Queen+Red+Queen.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
<i> Intrusion detected. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4ZBwY09Fc5SSHHcJxspVxDJvKhGuXQL3iwETJyUm7FmCeqJUu1me4HVPMLoD7hfaV2LeS9mzo8b7sWQQwpJMlcEjUMV_Mj7h_sAZMXBQz2GvuZoSPtPllT9iyFr_hFjrrw35YI_JnMbc/s1600/Red+Queen+Mainframe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4ZBwY09Fc5SSHHcJxspVxDJvKhGuXQL3iwETJyUm7FmCeqJUu1me4HVPMLoD7hfaV2LeS9mzo8b7sWQQwpJMlcEjUMV_Mj7h_sAZMXBQz2GvuZoSPtPllT9iyFr_hFjrrw35YI_JnMbc/s400/Red+Queen+Mainframe.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mainframe compromised. </i>Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-75014876929550606852013-10-23T17:08:00.004-07:002013-10-23T17:13:44.986-07:00All SoulsOctober 28 - The Arrow Star Hall, Paquin <br />
<br />
"And it is All Souls' Night,<br />
And two long glasses brimmed with muscatel<br />
Bubble upon the table. A ghost may come;<br />
For it is a ghost's right,<br />
His element is so fine<br />
Being sharpened by his death,<br />
To drink from the wine-breath<br />
While our gross palates drink from the whole wine."<br />
- W.B. Yeats<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtAXweE17hn-8Uj8FB2tojVXmz_GaBQYv-MLgPtZFPP4wcyCUNh71CbxCKTibEN6mzLq1yFuQpb6pkIPA93uEjMiH1ERbM0Skv4FTNx4Hlc4ccjCvveLUXp8Q4TEeMdu8L1mc3ch8FotJ/s1600/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtAXweE17hn-8Uj8FB2tojVXmz_GaBQYv-MLgPtZFPP4wcyCUNh71CbxCKTibEN6mzLq1yFuQpb6pkIPA93uEjMiH1ERbM0Skv4FTNx4Hlc4ccjCvveLUXp8Q4TEeMdu8L1mc3ch8FotJ/s400/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Although the holiday was three days away, tonight was the Hallowe'en Party at the Arrow Star Hall. Ceasar and I had managed to secure tickets for this exclusive gala. Unfortunately, at the last minute Ceasar was called in to work. That meant I was either staying home or going alone.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt2ARrUBE2hk7T0QSY8fJ3He4jVfuIrnjsoM5Mucnig0SuZqfj1HK3mTqis3uiaB3CSDazawBCs_FjPhoYeUVs_6dhzwC5mKmnvwgKOfgsoARvKykIAxCE0en4esdEaHAI08HNXWTxCjh/s1600/1d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt2ARrUBE2hk7T0QSY8fJ3He4jVfuIrnjsoM5Mucnig0SuZqfj1HK3mTqis3uiaB3CSDazawBCs_FjPhoYeUVs_6dhzwC5mKmnvwgKOfgsoARvKykIAxCE0en4esdEaHAI08HNXWTxCjh/s400/1d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I wore the gown that the Consurali Jai Raghilda had made for me. The reception for which it was intended had not materialized. I had my hair done earlier in the day. A black fox fur stole wrapped around my shoulders, black opera gloves, and a red domino mask completed my ensemble.<br />
<br />
This felt like my first night off in years. Time spent in quarantine doesn't really count.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK4vPMJ60KVwjpSMDMaHDSPEg2FrLyJ8dyvvGNQihekygdoUIfOkTJL7GMF2igDuaAIjOFMcDX6b6kzWGOauXdsnH7DqjPA6eQEVYfJmGF_T6wP_0babvWnNuH3ZhiIbWNBYnP096tJqh/s1600/2a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK4vPMJ60KVwjpSMDMaHDSPEg2FrLyJ8dyvvGNQihekygdoUIfOkTJL7GMF2igDuaAIjOFMcDX6b6kzWGOauXdsnH7DqjPA6eQEVYfJmGF_T6wP_0babvWnNuH3ZhiIbWNBYnP096tJqh/s400/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The Arrow Star Hall was designed in the oriental style. It was made of teak, hand carved and accented with brass ornament. A fountain graced the inner courtyard.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfmh87l4nBLCMS7QHQi5iNHmuVUdph-oNBbmvJyWz_z5CpssZ5xMHEfbF1dYCOHLgCgzJD46hj-W7c8uWwtxlyEc6E68ckl2WLeDwRPhHuq0NYnqLGyKyPKddeU00xStBgyi9aviGRN3V/s1600/2g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfmh87l4nBLCMS7QHQi5iNHmuVUdph-oNBbmvJyWz_z5CpssZ5xMHEfbF1dYCOHLgCgzJD46hj-W7c8uWwtxlyEc6E68ckl2WLeDwRPhHuq0NYnqLGyKyPKddeU00xStBgyi9aviGRN3V/s400/2g.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The dance hall itself occupied the entire west wing. A stage sat in one corner. Doors on the far wall opened to the gardens. A corridor to the left led to the east wing of the building.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_BNb5au-gxSJZr0MezriUjN9S5UDJKXdOADsdJ3q5mAb4ZgQk_23xCmTjONxSdW3ufbU6u2w502QHc-1cyVLqTvjy0tEzHwu-Wj4s59SAw3nWtOe7Fsr1-W9ocOBHXWUw_2OiDBB6mMX/s1600/3a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_BNb5au-gxSJZr0MezriUjN9S5UDJKXdOADsdJ3q5mAb4ZgQk_23xCmTjONxSdW3ufbU6u2w502QHc-1cyVLqTvjy0tEzHwu-Wj4s59SAw3nWtOe7Fsr1-W9ocOBHXWUw_2OiDBB6mMX/s400/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It seemed all of high society was represented. The Companions of Paquin were there, each on the arm of a prominent politician or celebrity. The Reverend Mother of Araxes and her consort made an appearance, much to the delight of the crowd.<br />
<br />
Svetlana Pleiades was also present. She had fashioned herself into some kind of Czarina these days. She didn't notice me. Maybe it was the mask.<br />
<br />
She was using her own name again, even with the threats on her life and after we had provided her with a new identity as part of a plea bargain. She would not be the first person in witness relocation to revert to an old identity. The pull from the past is too great. <br />
<br />
You can't escape who you are.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I danced a little bit. I caught the attention of a large robotic spider that seemed intent on following me across the dance floor. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnLIGuqHwlqtPWFPLE0jFNNMqvBWfdHN0kmvzszLYeezSqqkPcuajcrpbT59AFCpNqsn2qNHpGnjMRP62CT3tv_9q0fDIPloBk8bLqIIxrqWpAmEunb7SDRefQU7siqLRseKzZmMjByg/s1600/3g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnLIGuqHwlqtPWFPLE0jFNNMqvBWfdHN0kmvzszLYeezSqqkPcuajcrpbT59AFCpNqsn2qNHpGnjMRP62CT3tv_9q0fDIPloBk8bLqIIxrqWpAmEunb7SDRefQU7siqLRseKzZmMjByg/s400/3g.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The hall filled with fashionably late arrivals. The hostess of the event gave tarot readings to interested guests. Laughing couples went off to be alone in secret places.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq1d-cQKRmnbP-C6JBECRB9OTz7F1G7esN7fxAEJEQ4H-qacCIEkpglmzjryTUvK2lz5lq40FWCGmO4iHxV3EeRAuAlIZwikNfo7OexOmNLHRO5aNMhl5nQL023o8r0CUPouNJfgFL-Uh/s1600/4a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq1d-cQKRmnbP-C6JBECRB9OTz7F1G7esN7fxAEJEQ4H-qacCIEkpglmzjryTUvK2lz5lq40FWCGmO4iHxV3EeRAuAlIZwikNfo7OexOmNLHRO5aNMhl5nQL023o8r0CUPouNJfgFL-Uh/s400/4a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I watched, I felt a strange disquiet, of being out of sync with the merriment. I put it down to being there without Ceasar.<br />
<br />
The robot spider had moved on, leaving me alone once again. I wandered down the hallway stopping only to nibble on the canapes set out on a long table.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwNj18MIjx8WPCQOxku86WTch-5pc8ewJi5_sqh85G5yvYcMzrbYyy1CxxglqoYPduj1vwyISih50lmlyYYtsRAv3ZBrNWKLH2o9lE4PUnabUc09xATA7K0RG7-fvLhAdAD_ZBkApOl36/s1600/5d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwNj18MIjx8WPCQOxku86WTch-5pc8ewJi5_sqh85G5yvYcMzrbYyy1CxxglqoYPduj1vwyISih50lmlyYYtsRAv3ZBrNWKLH2o9lE4PUnabUc09xATA7K0RG7-fvLhAdAD_ZBkApOl36/s400/5d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The east wing of the building was divided into two floors. On the lower floor, a well stocked bar occupied the south wall. A small lounge complete with piano was tucked away on the other side. On the far wall, near the stairs, was another door leading outside.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72DvHZuFwRvdJLtIxqI_p0RnbtRX1u3jyy_SzwQrpHTd3Yx8HQd6Jd0mDm87qtcExlhyh4S4hTaMQqeP6wKoNP50Sw49F0EJ8UcXIOeJ82gbtrI9cAwHDMuCHbe3lHugKbkqDyz0C4ANZ/s1600/6a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72DvHZuFwRvdJLtIxqI_p0RnbtRX1u3jyy_SzwQrpHTd3Yx8HQd6Jd0mDm87qtcExlhyh4S4hTaMQqeP6wKoNP50Sw49F0EJ8UcXIOeJ82gbtrI9cAwHDMuCHbe3lHugKbkqDyz0C4ANZ/s400/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I rested briefly in the lounge then headed upstairs to explore. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
At the top of the stairs, I found a comfortable little room. Attractive art. Furniture the colour of thick cream.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3dzeHoKcwQNR3elLNETB5u4zVtgy59dyFDkLZW6f9B3WtEvazqjkq9ewv4afp9ngnldWCzyuCHhB40DDlu_X7PcZhNChEXwXNqjP5_mD_DFNU9XX7CVX0JhgFhgK07gblAY5dIsOX70U/s1600/6g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3dzeHoKcwQNR3elLNETB5u4zVtgy59dyFDkLZW6f9B3WtEvazqjkq9ewv4afp9ngnldWCzyuCHhB40DDlu_X7PcZhNChEXwXNqjP5_mD_DFNU9XX7CVX0JhgFhgK07gblAY5dIsOX70U/s400/6g.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SXhh-4i3eMm8zLTw4GxwgX-idKNtcsUkAMFWdOWWvX5HD1ayyXiKytk_DYYdjoB_abGHf1kdXfWSLvLmNGs3j9sznM-bAnompSHV7vvZI2PbPJ9c1ZLr2B6EpWWdscovATJ_3rWTnTUc/s1600/7a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SXhh-4i3eMm8zLTw4GxwgX-idKNtcsUkAMFWdOWWvX5HD1ayyXiKytk_DYYdjoB_abGHf1kdXfWSLvLmNGs3j9sznM-bAnompSHV7vvZI2PbPJ9c1ZLr2B6EpWWdscovATJ_3rWTnTUc/s400/7a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There was a small library against one wall. A stack of books next to a chair had been carelessly knocked over then abandoned for some other pursuit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TX8woB1mnHl4hxY7vIfeetlubIpD8FXsFGkvugDt1h9cbXX5R6EaYKYEKJTBmAss1hByjG_bel_-KoE3gxL5C25FMUAfxy_1C0nbHLjI-cDphcTKBr_Y7Y-DgM2VtevaYB36PyTbRQLd/s1600/8a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TX8woB1mnHl4hxY7vIfeetlubIpD8FXsFGkvugDt1h9cbXX5R6EaYKYEKJTBmAss1hByjG_bel_-KoE3gxL5C25FMUAfxy_1C0nbHLjI-cDphcTKBr_Y7Y-DgM2VtevaYB36PyTbRQLd/s400/8a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The lights in the hallway were off. I did not think to look for a switch. Instead I walked forward, drawn by a sliver of light from underneath a door to another room.<br />
<br />
I pushed the door open to reveal a small theatre.<br />
<br />
On the wooden floor lay the body of a man.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq8bDSXjQF0r0BBzOH7qeB8pH5IyinaLNSiBNlxBbuv7GMFuWzgjwWN234UZE9R9zLz6jLNymyI_bnO1lDQ2F2kgdjwHW0Lh1VgG9h6AEeLbxHbxilpULZHUBkIbdUfJgm_wZbwYht5_z/s1600/8d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq8bDSXjQF0r0BBzOH7qeB8pH5IyinaLNSiBNlxBbuv7GMFuWzgjwWN234UZE9R9zLz6jLNymyI_bnO1lDQ2F2kgdjwHW0Lh1VgG9h6AEeLbxHbxilpULZHUBkIbdUfJgm_wZbwYht5_z/s400/8d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
He was partially clothed and covered with a small rug. There was blood on the rug and on the floor. A knife lay close to his hand.<br />
<br />
I sighed heavily. <br />
<br />
This was supposed to be my night off.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JpgKUfq0P5KGMK_FbvpmGpUFuiCXBlxA-kZNV-RDyGhmfvlzn9tj2Ri8W5l-oQgXVPTtXNQqoh97mQncgEjq-0QbSv6ou0rxiQI2xMO0K1nJjLm6jsIgcTMGHXXwuB0I42-BLGZBwO8h/s1600/9b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JpgKUfq0P5KGMK_FbvpmGpUFuiCXBlxA-kZNV-RDyGhmfvlzn9tj2Ri8W5l-oQgXVPTtXNQqoh97mQncgEjq-0QbSv6ou0rxiQI2xMO0K1nJjLm6jsIgcTMGHXXwuB0I42-BLGZBwO8h/s400/9b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qRBAxxcZxI7mTSM0CSQFbhUNtQ8JaLGONHYT1m9eIZC7fdtmTcHYtOW7PUiwzkypkMVBZa1RaA0embUmumZPIGfAfvKUNfAufa15FI6YlFCrSu-ianzoK2ZpBp8R3B4DMomuSacHjkCS/s1600/9c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qRBAxxcZxI7mTSM0CSQFbhUNtQ8JaLGONHYT1m9eIZC7fdtmTcHYtOW7PUiwzkypkMVBZa1RaA0embUmumZPIGfAfvKUNfAufa15FI6YlFCrSu-ianzoK2ZpBp8R3B4DMomuSacHjkCS/s400/9c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsw5u38lizTFJ1UCHdV_GCuMlPeNZD2R0uUNycV9hGVBO006Dse4jC15T6cyHGsW3VUNa0NYXTuzzhHNTj25tjnBeiNe0xUbEFAYi7cjr3f4ZfK8Y5glBQemvStLSUuAKzQRKHnY8p9-7/s1600/9d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsw5u38lizTFJ1UCHdV_GCuMlPeNZD2R0uUNycV9hGVBO006Dse4jC15T6cyHGsW3VUNa0NYXTuzzhHNTj25tjnBeiNe0xUbEFAYi7cjr3f4ZfK8Y5glBQemvStLSUuAKzQRKHnY8p9-7/s400/9d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-42892062720456422492013-10-16T13:34:00.000-07:002013-10-16T13:36:51.920-07:00Coffee with CortexOctober 22 - Spinwheel City, Paquin<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXx15uiD9_ri3H7txHnv1-k4XlW-ikZgJc775735yQuGbBB82IIGa4tLW9CvERkB4lCGwsil_dqT5DpjAOULRCbjlLQjTI60JbqTJbn1695qfQxwMtH-oWEvDK5uNxy6Xfl8BfOkzPvwm/s1600/coffee1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXx15uiD9_ri3H7txHnv1-k4XlW-ikZgJc775735yQuGbBB82IIGa4tLW9CvERkB4lCGwsil_dqT5DpjAOULRCbjlLQjTI60JbqTJbn1695qfQxwMtH-oWEvDK5uNxy6Xfl8BfOkzPvwm/s400/coffee1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
To: Pepper Siamendes, Major, UAP Special Investigations Unit<br />
From: Aodhfionn MacMoragh, Colonel, UAP Special Projects<br />
<br />
Reference: Umbrella Hive disaster<br />
Subject: Media pressure.<br />
<br />
If it will advance your investigation and get actionable evidence or suspects, use your media contacts.<br />
<br />
Please recall the restrictions from the media relations handbook:<i> “Avoid use of media outlets whose modus operandi is to foment dissent in the form of relentless and irrational contrarianism against the Alliance, designed to advance the objective of creating a deliberately misinformed body politic whose fear, anger, mistrust and discontent is the manna on which they sustain their parasitic, succubus like existence.”</i><br />
<br />
Please keep this office informed about the nature of the outcomes.<br />
<br />
Aodhfionn MacMoragh<br />
Colonel<br />
Union of Allied Planets, Special Projects<br />
Paquin<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The warehouse housed a mechanic's shop. The air held the scent of rubber tires, of motor oil and grease. Four vehicles were arrayed along one wall. These were new machines, designs I have not seen on or above the roads.<br />
<br />
Half way down the row of vehicles was a man, stripped to the waist with his head under the hood of a car. The muscles of his back and arms tightened as he worked. The hair on his arms and torso was the colour of steel.<br />
<br />
It was Tillery Woodhen, CEO of the Cortex News Service and Mayor of Spinwheel City.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWw7fAnTnsR3uLpnApuZt-lZ-KIRt-kjYL8czOcGRAnvvLvC8F_1LNeqU0gHY9ve5GbgaWvE4Gsmx_fb3PT16QWO-CU4Kx9XWhZ3DiwVPa_FaACOTqNcyhWahJ3QA2MDNaygpGcLcTTE7/s1600/coffee2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWw7fAnTnsR3uLpnApuZt-lZ-KIRt-kjYL8czOcGRAnvvLvC8F_1LNeqU0gHY9ve5GbgaWvE4Gsmx_fb3PT16QWO-CU4Kx9XWhZ3DiwVPa_FaACOTqNcyhWahJ3QA2MDNaygpGcLcTTE7/s400/coffee2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Tillery looked up. "Hi Pepper."<br />
<br />
"Hello Tillery," I replied.<br />
<br />
I watched as he wiped grease from his hands. "I didn't know you tinkered with cars," I remarked.<br />
<br />
"It's an old hobby of mine," he explained.<br />
<br />
"An impressive fleet," I commented. It was quite a range of vehicles. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrQH9OmXlTHfLjKDpuUENoIRAMiiJyhS28InUMzfXM0JQT7e5u0bqa1MTMRLChmFPpO6TkX1hLNnrXR9BOd24WNZDlgaCEH7xrJatFkKFkIp14KieBCv6F0VjAzoXmObNEUyxF__t9pyT/s1600/coffee3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrQH9OmXlTHfLjKDpuUENoIRAMiiJyhS28InUMzfXM0JQT7e5u0bqa1MTMRLChmFPpO6TkX1hLNnrXR9BOd24WNZDlgaCEH7xrJatFkKFkIp14KieBCv6F0VjAzoXmObNEUyxF__t9pyT/s400/coffee3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Besides," he continued, "these are prototypes of some cars we plan to sell."<br />
<br />
"And you work on them yourself?" I asked. I was honestly impressed.<br />
<br />
"I like too." He chuckled, noticing my expression. "I wasn't always an executive."<br />
<br />
I laughed gently, "No, of course, I don't suppose you were... but I always imagined you started in journalism."<br />
<br />
"Yeah. but unless you own the paper, you don't make much money. I moonlighted as a vehicle mechanic." His hands now clean, Tillery looked around for his shirt. He paused. "Wait, are you in civvies?"<br />
<br />
"I was just out for a walk," I said, "enjoying the city."<br />
<br />
"I'm just so used to seeing you in uniform," he added.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIG1QxxV8PFGQqN9Tjr1ua0xw_O-IZ2OR8HqxrF9sqKZ69vQt_UPddHnXL5SoWrNj490uZz2El5QKhJQ7jYozRAbH8hVfSwFB9pMlrwjyQWcu8YrBeH2Sy03l7tLeN25N3Kg-8McrAl6M/s1600/coffee4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIG1QxxV8PFGQqN9Tjr1ua0xw_O-IZ2OR8HqxrF9sqKZ69vQt_UPddHnXL5SoWrNj490uZz2El5QKhJQ7jYozRAbH8hVfSwFB9pMlrwjyQWcu8YrBeH2Sy03l7tLeN25N3Kg-8McrAl6M/s400/coffee4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I chuckled, "And I am used to seeing you in a business suit.. not up to your elbows in grease"<br />
<br />
Tillery grinned, "Touche."<br />
<br />
"Do you have time for tea?" <br />
<br />
"Sure."<br />
<br />
"Do you have a favorite spot?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"Not really," he replied. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f4ZHTxG55pwAnBzLNmbinEqIeYlg4LEqy4swurxTSU9QI6WDI4uzYXBMEmXzCsVopNp5_Rz9BYTS0346gVCOuwWJxtz4PFB7FTN1izNN4443u2uOtfVm4BYbkMYmKHfVyIgsoNmjoTdu/s1600/coffee5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f4ZHTxG55pwAnBzLNmbinEqIeYlg4LEqy4swurxTSU9QI6WDI4uzYXBMEmXzCsVopNp5_Rz9BYTS0346gVCOuwWJxtz4PFB7FTN1izNN4443u2uOtfVm4BYbkMYmKHfVyIgsoNmjoTdu/s400/coffee5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Somewhere close then," I suggested.<br />
<br />
"Well, we can easily drive," he said thoughtfully. "Only place I can think of is the diner near the mall."<br />
<br />
I knew the place. Ceasar and I ate there all the time. "That sounds perfect," I said.<br />
<br />
Tillery selected a metallic green Speedster Hovercar with an open top. The kind of car people on my salary can only dream of owning.<br />
<br />
"Hop in," he called.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The seats were pale grey and made from the softest of leather. They were shaped to adapt to the body. The chair sighed as I settled in.<br />
<br />
Tillery started the engine with a firm voice command, then with a twist of the wrist deftly maneuvered the machine up and over the other cars. The engine purred softly in response.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vkTSNwV_OHAWt_ZNs0G5DBO4E0KQqlapVSDYO7G7BqeyMv3W2eUrqTnpkCsbwwGinUMJvDrHfYtGi6vy0jT2u5NmR6lHsHmMoCQS7eEWFpx24kkAp8gYNy6wQZf7UGX58ly8Z1VJ9T76/s1600/coffee6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vkTSNwV_OHAWt_ZNs0G5DBO4E0KQqlapVSDYO7G7BqeyMv3W2eUrqTnpkCsbwwGinUMJvDrHfYtGi6vy0jT2u5NmR6lHsHmMoCQS7eEWFpx24kkAp8gYNy6wQZf7UGX58ly8Z1VJ9T76/s400/coffee6.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL4DtQYbW5z085QRDGoHX27h6f3bx9QXsZh1xNdGUsMtZ33JwnIwvNFJXHO60bIHk0JHkJa8xRp9W0qBpEGKhFQzsqYe7c208U-uCQcDxPvCgF8o7QUrEfulePC2ZroxtzFbpkGriRNBH/s1600/coffee7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL4DtQYbW5z085QRDGoHX27h6f3bx9QXsZh1xNdGUsMtZ33JwnIwvNFJXHO60bIHk0JHkJa8xRp9W0qBpEGKhFQzsqYe7c208U-uCQcDxPvCgF8o7QUrEfulePC2ZroxtzFbpkGriRNBH/s400/coffee7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We glided over the streets of Spinwheel, taking the long way around to fully enjoy the ride. Tillery landed the vehicle by the side of the busy street near the shopping mall.<br />
<br />
"Careful," he warned, as I climbed out of the car, "the cabbies around here are insane."<br />
<br />
We placed our order at the counter in the diner. I ordered a Cafe au Lait. Tillery ordered a chai.<br />
<br />
"Would you prefer to sit outside?" he asked.<br />
<br />
"Certainly," I replied.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Traffic was brisk this time of day. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyWtewy4c9JVHddl7rDAd3pyiBHhJgs-ZgfUDU7rgWv1eFY2eqE-a1IjznObs4SpCIN7kEub0oVoK-HHz5oTyiQfiyIw6Bk8H5ELiLlF5ylXcxV6xeNMhlXK9enb7c9fk-r_kMGOsq_IT/s1600/coffee8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyWtewy4c9JVHddl7rDAd3pyiBHhJgs-ZgfUDU7rgWv1eFY2eqE-a1IjznObs4SpCIN7kEub0oVoK-HHz5oTyiQfiyIw6Bk8H5ELiLlF5ylXcxV6xeNMhlXK9enb7c9fk-r_kMGOsq_IT/s400/coffee8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We sat ourselves at a small table perched on the sidewalk, on stools hugging the window of the diner. In absence of a proper patio, and on such a busy street, it seemed more an act of defiance than a place to relax. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
"So what's up?" Tillery began.<br />
<br />
"What can you tell me about the Umbrella Corporation?" I asked,<br />
<br />
"Not a lot," he replied. "I know they're secretive, but I don't compete with them. I don't do a lot with nanotech and pharmaceuticals."<br />
<br />
I nodded and sipped my coffee.<br />
<br />
"Why do you ask?" he added.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXqSsSqsaBrMBERxyha8NNrmj0YhIXRNgLFU5W7QAsWdVX6Qz1eKkmm6VIvQn-OXWabo2ubrvGsUpobWRXOnjcu1n5s3bkFDzKUV1_olbkhAfxz-8evzt2D2rIsyhwM0GpHBFGkXptlcN/s1600/coffee9b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXqSsSqsaBrMBERxyha8NNrmj0YhIXRNgLFU5W7QAsWdVX6Qz1eKkmm6VIvQn-OXWabo2ubrvGsUpobWRXOnjcu1n5s3bkFDzKUV1_olbkhAfxz-8evzt2D2rIsyhwM0GpHBFGkXptlcN/s400/coffee9b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I am gathering information," I explained. "There was an industrial accident a short while ago, and the government has an interest."<br />
<br />
"Where?"<br />
<br />
"At one of their laboratories. Fortunately, not on Paquin."<br />
<br />
"Dragon's Egg?" he asked.<br />
<br />
"No," I replied. "I am sure that there stock prices would suffer should word of this find there way into the news stream."<br />
<br />
Tillery raised an eyebrow, "And you say this to the owner of a cortex network."<br />
<br />
"Just two old friends having a coffee and enjoying the pleasant weather... and how about you Tillery? Anything new?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitExc7pE0TFCuMKhO0Y0TJM1Y6BkoOJXGU5MSjHMUcO1lU5RjzGdBzRne2oFDb_2GuGwchIfex2K75WrDtL7tPsGaOK1vyvjmVs34hWIzgXIDh7SUd0HE87TPAntDG7Ma7Kczak4vj4UgL/s1600/coffee9c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitExc7pE0TFCuMKhO0Y0TJM1Y6BkoOJXGU5MSjHMUcO1lU5RjzGdBzRne2oFDb_2GuGwchIfex2K75WrDtL7tPsGaOK1vyvjmVs34hWIzgXIDh7SUd0HE87TPAntDG7Ma7Kczak4vj4UgL/s400/coffee9c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Tillery would not let it go, "Uh huh, and not hoping to put hints into the press?"<br />
<br />
I smiled playfully, "I am sorry, Mr. Woodhen. My department has no comment." <br />
<br />
I could see Tillery restrain the urge to roll his eyes. "How have you been outside of work?" he asked instead.<br />
<br />
"Oh fine thank you." I took another sip from my coffee. "It is nice to have some time at home."<br />
<br />
"You seem to be settling down quite nicely here," he added.<br />
<br />
"The climate agrees with me and the beaches are lovely," I said truthfully.<br />
<br />
"Have you explored any other part of the planet?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, I have ... Dakini Island... Extropia."<br />
<br />
"Always feel like Spinwheel is the dowdy older sister to Extropia," he remarked.<br />
<br />
"Oh Spinwheel has character," I replied. <br />
<br />
"I know," he conceded, "Just a different kind of flash."<br />
<br />
I changed the subject. "When does your term for Mayor come up for renewal?"<br />
<br />
"Before too long," he replied, "but I haven't heard of any other candidates."<br />
<br />
"You should have no trouble getting re-elected," I said.<br />
<br />
"Probably not."<br />
<br />
I finished my coffee.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyV005a59rOyvTjJQ8NWlKPY46pNyTti3Wbv5EYbCNWLiKDF6l0_nWUg2tC5qPYkmCMqT0Abdia2G11gOmNWtX2MI_rrhJ0lyh7w2vrEVpbcm0h7w9DCVnhsFq9N9Fy4VcwU_0oVhdRuQ/s1600/coffee9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyV005a59rOyvTjJQ8NWlKPY46pNyTti3Wbv5EYbCNWLiKDF6l0_nWUg2tC5qPYkmCMqT0Abdia2G11gOmNWtX2MI_rrhJ0lyh7w2vrEVpbcm0h7w9DCVnhsFq9N9Fy4VcwU_0oVhdRuQ/s400/coffee9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I must be heading back to my office Tillery," I said finally, getting up from my stool, "I am glad to have found you doing well."<br />
<br />
"It's good to see you too," he said, "And I'll ask around about Umbrella."<br />
<br />
I smiled, "Thank you." With a nod in farewell, I turned away and walked towards the government building at the center of town.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-11826827739045565122013-10-12T22:01:00.000-07:002013-10-12T22:01:01.529-07:00In from the ColdOctober 13 - Spinwheel City, Paquin<br /><br />"On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies." Sun Tzu<br /><br />---<br /><br />It was a warm afternoon. The day was bright and the air cool.<br /><br />I waited at the side of the landing field of the small spaceport in Spinwheel City. Of course, it was designed for shuttles and small craft only this close to the the urban core. <br /><br />Even so, every now and then, someone would engage thrusters too early when leaving the surface. The windows would shake, and the people in the street would jump. Locals would complain. <br /><br />It was at those moments, my blood would sing and I would relive how it feels to ride the thunder into the stars.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Two years ago, I employed an individual to provide information on the factions and organizations operating in the Mu Draconis system. As the years move along, she continued her work for us behind the scenes, providing us with intelligence, research and prototype technology.<br /><br />More than an informant, she became a valued asset deeply embedded in the culture of the private militaries and rogue warlords that seem drawn to the deserts of Araxes.<br /><br />As I was handling the Ardra case at that time, up to date information of the status of the system was essential, so we took the step of keeping her attached to my team. <br /><br />She went by a variety of names. She spoke in a number of languages. She took a variety of appearances.<br /><br />Today, she was Najah Liasa.<br /><br />---<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SzDtRxg64w3oEN9QJkejqJcfTF4__Vtbion02H1hqaWvVle4pE_DXLEM-cgiWLOlOxCGiocNYKILffP5j5NKrtckkPPBUThrjbHc6oWPCS5fttZAFwC3gTT8rLafXe6hPU6MEzwOsVNx/s1600/ex1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SzDtRxg64w3oEN9QJkejqJcfTF4__Vtbion02H1hqaWvVle4pE_DXLEM-cgiWLOlOxCGiocNYKILffP5j5NKrtckkPPBUThrjbHc6oWPCS5fttZAFwC3gTT8rLafXe6hPU6MEzwOsVNx/s400/ex1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />
She walked across the tarmac. She wore a black flight suit. Her long curly hair was pulled back. <br /><br />"Welcome to Spinwheel," I said.<br /><br />"Thank you." she said with a nod, her accent thicker than usual.<br /><br />"I trust you had a pleasant flight?"<br /><br />"Indeed," she replied, "a little rocky but that's what happens on your ship's third space trial." She smiled looking up towards the sky.<br /><br />"Come," I said, "Let us find somewhere to chat."<br /><br />She nodded and followed after me.<br /><br />As we passed through passport control, I flashed my badge at the customs bot. "She is with me," I said and we continued without interruption.<br /><br />We walked down Church Street and turned left towards the small beach. <br /><br />I settled into a chair giving me a clear visual of the approach from the beach. My contact took the seat opposite, giving her a view of the street. The chair creaked slightly under her as she sat down.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA-0nyzZOkmEQEFBr1zBfPWvmTDp9WIlJuFTNqCxnRSocE8b7YmFvTtMS8XN-WbpxvAB5FP1igtO3FRiGr3rLTuUsqIAiGK5hhUxeYeE6GGRTs4HBFSY_NAeUaRQq9wzIaW4pIKLiI0QO/s1600/ex2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA-0nyzZOkmEQEFBr1zBfPWvmTDp9WIlJuFTNqCxnRSocE8b7YmFvTtMS8XN-WbpxvAB5FP1igtO3FRiGr3rLTuUsqIAiGK5hhUxeYeE6GGRTs4HBFSY_NAeUaRQq9wzIaW4pIKLiI0QO/s400/ex2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />Between us, we had visual coverage of any major approach to our location. From a distance, we would simply be two friends gossiping over coffee and pastry. <br /><br />"So what do you have for me?" I began.<br /><br />My contact smiled, "I've been out in the Black for a long time, I'm still catching up with events. " she said, "But as far as my side, I've moved all House Narstrom operations to Uradia and ordered the navy to blockade it from unauthorized travel, the UNSC has pulled off Al Raqis again and the Ta Seti destroyed my favorite ship." Her accent was thick and very rich, like something from the desert regions of Earth-That-Was.<br /><br />I nodded, "How active are the Ta Seti since the Battle of the Wadi?"<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc142XhZvxCQI5u2SeMSndDeRdBZZRi__pZPrH0bdbuou8J6ZS2YMKMVJas0BXPDHMHsWevKLem3zMF8Y4txvn_T_UKBwxVKddaAgqn2kym3guQQiOhUBS-R3eCWsXDEd65eq6qRJnUvb/s1600/ex3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc142XhZvxCQI5u2SeMSndDeRdBZZRi__pZPrH0bdbuou8J6ZS2YMKMVJas0BXPDHMHsWevKLem3zMF8Y4txvn_T_UKBwxVKddaAgqn2kym3guQQiOhUBS-R3eCWsXDEd65eq6qRJnUvb/s400/ex3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />"Getting bigger, Getting a lot more deadly. Not to be trifled with, as I said, they destroyed my flagship, I did not stand a chance." She slid some photos across the table from a pouch on her leg.<br /><br />I accepted the photographs. "Thank you," I said quietly.<br /><br />Najah Liasa nodded. "Don't mention it," she smiled, easing her legs out.<br /><br />Coffee came and went, while I looked through the pictures.<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclyGmDb1FQ1jahHGdtUZNMVYWpmn00qsytxjAEIUZhFliR5BxfgEAiOY-jVQ9E79LOAdFhtTvaFAjoJ5gRPUSi0odQp_yI2rsNpATpu5RDyVkHdasGXRCm69FvMh-d3ms2f_fIcxGTDJR/s1600/hnrn+%282%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclyGmDb1FQ1jahHGdtUZNMVYWpmn00qsytxjAEIUZhFliR5BxfgEAiOY-jVQ9E79LOAdFhtTvaFAjoJ5gRPUSi0odQp_yI2rsNpATpu5RDyVkHdasGXRCm69FvMh-d3ms2f_fIcxGTDJR/s320/hnrn+%282%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The images showed my contact's ship assisted by a Federation craft engaging two star shaped vessels and fighters.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDMGUpPrDmx1R7pJdbwYl_zq5M1e4fvGfrbDuszJ5AsrqrREzgYdqH9pvQbkAALvEfE3zOsdoW9JNLb0-_4v1kCVpM7IDDlsY84Y0SdLsC0W2Tz9pOhhocCMFKvz7kn52VNwT6-VdL6GU/s1600/hnrn+%283%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDMGUpPrDmx1R7pJdbwYl_zq5M1e4fvGfrbDuszJ5AsrqrREzgYdqH9pvQbkAALvEfE3zOsdoW9JNLb0-_4v1kCVpM7IDDlsY84Y0SdLsC0W2Tz9pOhhocCMFKvz7kn52VNwT6-VdL6GU/s320/hnrn+%283%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The Federation markings where difficult to make out without magnification but the ship could have been Starfleet Torchwood.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiNL6q1MaXugYGsr97TLeDgFVk8FMaY65jVGjba4RSP14Sd7Ja_zYmobAEcXBL3L-mpph4rQoVBKj4ZyrRSowjjdIAua42JDQEanDtYMdbY_AluA2tocyFtNS8NMe3ph_-Npf32Z-VnxN/s1600/hnrn+%284%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiNL6q1MaXugYGsr97TLeDgFVk8FMaY65jVGjba4RSP14Sd7Ja_zYmobAEcXBL3L-mpph4rQoVBKj4ZyrRSowjjdIAua42JDQEanDtYMdbY_AluA2tocyFtNS8NMe3ph_-Npf32Z-VnxN/s320/hnrn+%284%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IFYxb5i3Xe_Xh0bS5Q5hOMyUiVEOWTkGgwJU7Fc2hV0ZBzn0y8KMTkfwTCwISaUIsl0811G35jIYxUqjyQnLp-n3N4cNIgNo9unYl8mixqzhx0k_3ZPSDebBYzO1cX0S6h0pw8J4hq3U/s1600/hnrn+%285%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IFYxb5i3Xe_Xh0bS5Q5hOMyUiVEOWTkGgwJU7Fc2hV0ZBzn0y8KMTkfwTCwISaUIsl0811G35jIYxUqjyQnLp-n3N4cNIgNo9unYl8mixqzhx0k_3ZPSDebBYzO1cX0S6h0pw8J4hq3U/s320/hnrn+%285%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The Federation ship appeared to take serious damage to its saucer section, but the Ta Seti ships cut the Narstrom ship into chunks like so much soft cheese.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEolrVGMtaAwxOi9jb9rK8gR_wCm4bEDK7UTXDPYF3Oxzn2sD397L0zxEzMHpEIBbaoRI-pWagZZetURvM3TYyAU9Z53j5B9iSyhjC8pCUaMub4v57GLMKk_uKZ2DXg1F8eiZd3dS0PqT5/s1600/hnrn+%281%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEolrVGMtaAwxOi9jb9rK8gR_wCm4bEDK7UTXDPYF3Oxzn2sD397L0zxEzMHpEIBbaoRI-pWagZZetURvM3TYyAU9Z53j5B9iSyhjC8pCUaMub4v57GLMKk_uKZ2DXg1F8eiZd3dS0PqT5/s320/hnrn+%281%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
"So your tactical analysis of the situation," I asked, "what needs to be done to contain the threat?"<br /><br />She took a deep breath, "The Ta Seti certainly are mobilizing something, I aided the SSFS with investigating a possible Jeffries Tube the Ta Seti have landed. I would warrant they are planning something, and giving the SSFS's response they are being dangerously underestimated."<br /><br />"Can your unit provide the necessary support in case of further Ta Seti action?"<br /><br />She shook her head, "No, the UNSC on Al Raqis has been redeployed, and I've been ousted from command."<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshExIsYaNxYrz1WBfVeH8g9UBEoz_Hok8vL3Uh-jI-a3s2y1lGGMumHmfs7DCsYBs6nZJxn8GVe5zW-sQHBir8gbN9tFjHWAkkwLFggo_hgn9hUk8Fck75eVssw4_frFlRyMHOHYl6CMS/s1600/ex6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshExIsYaNxYrz1WBfVeH8g9UBEoz_Hok8vL3Uh-jI-a3s2y1lGGMumHmfs7DCsYBs6nZJxn8GVe5zW-sQHBir8gbN9tFjHWAkkwLFggo_hgn9hUk8Fck75eVssw4_frFlRyMHOHYl6CMS/s400/ex6.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />I nodded. These things happened in her world. It was chaotic and violent. <br /><br />She continued, "We were infiltrated by an insurrectionist who tried to start a witch hunt."<br /><br />"Tell me more," I said.<br /><br />"I had a promising soldier named Ico Harbinger. When my unit reached its peak strength, I noticed there started to occur some... infighting. At the time, I thought this was only growth pains, but it turned out to be something much worse."<br /><br />"You suspect a Myrmidon agent?"<br /><br />"No. Pre-covenant war Eridanus rebels," she sighed.<br /><br />I nodded again. The UAP and the UNSC. We had our Browncoats. They had their Eridanus Rebels. We had a common understanding of such things.<br /><br />"Tell me," I said, "what do you need to rebuild?"<br /><br />She shook her head, "I'm in no position to reinstate my arms on Al Raqis, and given the course of my duties to the HNRN, I cannot provide support at all."<br /><br />"Do you need extraction?" I asked plainly. <br /><br />She nodded. "I think Uradia may be compromised as well," she said. "My HNRN is not a military. We're scientists. Scientists who make very large guns, but scientists nevertheless."<br /><br />It would be a loss not having my contact active in the outlying regions, but you have to take care of your own.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL1WawnIrYY6tjxWQd-qwKwcR0PuJ3ZbgIZPyu6ktNAn53aV7MjkJXE4a9JIN5xFYpEaKkM4imOV1EvvdRvU3B4PI4sk15C3CJYyv_TXG3ECkPVgr53YIVTZvTJg4y_JyST9Lf9VNwwlR/s1600/ex5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL1WawnIrYY6tjxWQd-qwKwcR0PuJ3ZbgIZPyu6ktNAn53aV7MjkJXE4a9JIN5xFYpEaKkM4imOV1EvvdRvU3B4PI4sk15C3CJYyv_TXG3ECkPVgr53YIVTZvTJg4y_JyST9Lf9VNwwlR/s400/ex5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />"Sounds like it maybe time for you to come in from the cold," I said.<br /><br />She agreed. "It is," she said.<br /><br />I smiled, "Your work has been invaluable." It was the simple truth. <br /><br />"Thank you." she smiled in reply.<br />Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-28161183618022734462013-10-03T16:16:00.001-07:002013-10-03T16:24:24.243-07:00Farm GirlOctober 6 - UAP Safehouse, Northern Provinces, Zenobia<br />
<br />
"There they became farm servants for pay in the household of the king."- Herodotus<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
We decided that I would stay on the Farm for one extra day. I woke early and sent a quick update to my commanding officer, then made my way downstairs and began some chores.<br />
<br />
I grew up on this world. I live on Paquin, but this planet is my home.<br />
<br />
Zenobia, or Albion as it appears on many star charts, has the coolest and dimmest climate of any planet in the Core. We are not near a main sequence star like Londinium or Sihnon. We do not orbit one of the protostars like Santo, Persephone or Shadow. We receive light from multiple sources by being equidistant to several sources at any given time. <br />
<br />
When the White Sun sets, then the protostars Qin Shi Huang, Lux and Murphy are all out in the sky. During the tiny sliver of time when these also have set, we get light from Red Sun, Himinbjorg and Heinlein. This late twilight condition is our darkest time of the day, but it doesn't last long.<br />
<br />
Given our location in the White Sun system, having no real night is essential. It allows us to accumulate the heat necessary to support life.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
As a result, our fauna is mostly crepuscular, biologically adapted to be more active at dawn, dusk and on moonlit nights, like cats and dogs, rabbits and ferrets, guinea pigs, mice and rats. Moose and deer inhabit our forests. Swifts, nighthawks, woodcocks and crakes fill our skies.<br />
<br />
Viney, leafy vegetables and root vegetables grow well here. We can grow mountains of fodder crops and hence we have a lot of feed lot livestock. Lots of good fodder crops also makes for a good dairy industry. We are famous for our cheese.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKruR7nnturjYl9ErP2Cm7YP56sgdy7FOzaeKBRN3ZgtyEiZ-7nf0VQO9TPYea71pMVlILnp7yJk6p0A0pqLl5OTRXbRehDTLGpCky8Q7VAbkDJQ6TV9rnX1F0M59f10axiqyK1L8FbOSP/s1600/Farm201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKruR7nnturjYl9ErP2Cm7YP56sgdy7FOzaeKBRN3ZgtyEiZ-7nf0VQO9TPYea71pMVlILnp7yJk6p0A0pqLl5OTRXbRehDTLGpCky8Q7VAbkDJQ6TV9rnX1F0M59f10axiqyK1L8FbOSP/s400/Farm201.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Clover and ferns and a lot of climbing and creeping ivy grow well under these conditions. Here you will find clover grazed beef. Sheep and goats are also popular. Sheep and goats are well suited to the lighting and the grazing conditions. <br />
<br />
And, because of the crepuscular conditions, Zenobia ranches a lot of browsing animals like deer. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_ZL153dO2GuoGQyLymvDuwKpo1J3HXzZjOm-5sfBDeadZbvauSyiTtPrFti-NQh8WfdMpTgdde70u_GtsHXQghHBGT2xf2v_m75PbXhcEK7n5U1gACw8HgzYqfj2R48cs3gKihPCVg5l/s1600/Farm204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_ZL153dO2GuoGQyLymvDuwKpo1J3HXzZjOm-5sfBDeadZbvauSyiTtPrFti-NQh8WfdMpTgdde70u_GtsHXQghHBGT2xf2v_m75PbXhcEK7n5U1gACw8HgzYqfj2R48cs3gKihPCVg5l/s400/Farm204.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Most of the flora is shade tolerant, or grows but slower.<br />
<br />
Some plants do exceptionally well in our long but relatively cool shaded
days. We grow the best garlic, ginger, ginseng, goldenseal and onions
in the 'Verse. Our garlic, ginger and onions are intensely savory. We
are not so good at making spicy things like chili peppers. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwT9ggbeq771mvQVU1b7HpPrz6jzN-Umo1f5ZYOp87ZyxxqlXOfzSWVTg6Ccx6DQW7D8h9zHceGMy6hiLHkW0mMWa8Mdd4TFnfv7bodXD1fY6WmBKrgRbag8gefglYXirt0_jYlJJJS4i/s1600/Farm205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwT9ggbeq771mvQVU1b7HpPrz6jzN-Umo1f5ZYOp87ZyxxqlXOfzSWVTg6Ccx6DQW7D8h9zHceGMy6hiLHkW0mMWa8Mdd4TFnfv7bodXD1fY6WmBKrgRbag8gefglYXirt0_jYlJJJS4i/s400/Farm205.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwipzeKP08AanOsi6Py5fa2Fsuc7KQiTEJz2g7QZG3ziuszBgci8lgsdVhMpengQUxKj13S9aMqgcOvy_Ieou7MPhStcvHtU-Nlfp-GBl5Z6NlvGK5eFy61KnkbfX5NPrWZGEFGxtntVc/s1600/Farm206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwipzeKP08AanOsi6Py5fa2Fsuc7KQiTEJz2g7QZG3ziuszBgci8lgsdVhMpengQUxKj13S9aMqgcOvy_Ieou7MPhStcvHtU-Nlfp-GBl5Z6NlvGK5eFy61KnkbfX5NPrWZGEFGxtntVc/s400/Farm206.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Although Jerusalem Artichokes like the sun, they grow in bad soil and in low light if there are long days. It is a source of inulin, a kind of sugar. It is the potato of sugar. It looks like sunflowers but has tuberous roots like potatoes and grows on marginal land. Jerusalem Artichokes are our major source of locally grown sugar.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG8OSdfU6t-PJKyPhR50VEK1ak4hb4x58G1JGJuwEZNjVybo_oX7hrsbmO5Aveql86SOhCYmpRfehzLpeedRKs8YQpGgo37HKZzMe0aqXkdu2WXs3llM8mU3ErpxadgkjrmUuGC6mIpNv/s1600/Farm206b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG8OSdfU6t-PJKyPhR50VEK1ak4hb4x58G1JGJuwEZNjVybo_oX7hrsbmO5Aveql86SOhCYmpRfehzLpeedRKs8YQpGgo37HKZzMe0aqXkdu2WXs3llM8mU3ErpxadgkjrmUuGC6mIpNv/s400/Farm206b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrO7B6Dbqq_lJknR_DNMAIWMHlUFi5skvYMykec1ydTwGOJoDcWvkAnnGAkMv8VJQCug9HmwYSxlcwiu_bnj0G0kA_eu_vZjxAuyyf7ppgv2e3dtF28u21_RX0b-8fDUDeJ_v0eaRR9Ev/s1600/Farm206c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrO7B6Dbqq_lJknR_DNMAIWMHlUFi5skvYMykec1ydTwGOJoDcWvkAnnGAkMv8VJQCug9HmwYSxlcwiu_bnj0G0kA_eu_vZjxAuyyf7ppgv2e3dtF28u21_RX0b-8fDUDeJ_v0eaRR9Ev/s400/Farm206c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The giant amount of root and leafy fodder along with Jerusalem artichoke, potatoes, yams, turnips, means great pork. You couldn't get better unless you fed them a diet of mother's milk and baby food. Since our root plants grow like wildfire from the perpetual twilight, we can graze the pigs in the field.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRZwO7TNt1bwu2Izk3y-5mMpIwqcCha9JBZQf1nhsTW2OPffLYXayAUd1qOvE4yb7G0Q_ximN4n1eRrl9eDYuM84HnKKBkOHmMTBG2M4rAn47oxL4myY4vc2Lkhwb1YAHdowyOWlHu7SM/s1600/Farm207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRZwO7TNt1bwu2Izk3y-5mMpIwqcCha9JBZQf1nhsTW2OPffLYXayAUd1qOvE4yb7G0Q_ximN4n1eRrl9eDYuM84HnKKBkOHmMTBG2M4rAn47oxL4myY4vc2Lkhwb1YAHdowyOWlHu7SM/s400/Farm207.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Fruit trees need full sunlight conditions.<br />
<br />
Apples will grow here, but generally, they tend to be smaller, and more tart that you might find on a brighter world. However, they can be used to make a variety of fine desserts to follow a thick venison steak smothered in a cheese and onion sauce, with fluffy white potatoes, glazed carrots and yams.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5txPZSDsyCeb1YzWQV3J32Nb2w9te5WLvsilHDBiBYUGsLn9zgk3iDb76neqhfmHtP_ZJB3IwgVCurvJnqJXOgObw2e1HPAtsXndT9Xob6LYpCtyI1gogZkVTNKq66jOfi0eLBY_vgrN/s1600/Farm208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5txPZSDsyCeb1YzWQV3J32Nb2w9te5WLvsilHDBiBYUGsLn9zgk3iDb76neqhfmHtP_ZJB3IwgVCurvJnqJXOgObw2e1HPAtsXndT9Xob6LYpCtyI1gogZkVTNKq66jOfi0eLBY_vgrN/s400/Farm208.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceMPzQCkpdH8VJZUcPbGIHdY1Q1VKcNNYLGVPmg8mD2Csn8n_Njdrwp_suRI9H9BSjbtfyI97yHm-N62mJ5_fEkkf_PjrnRJFjeX0e_ARXeTx2vRGnLtypHdS96FRYA7qGoDQjFXfeChn/s1600/Farm209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceMPzQCkpdH8VJZUcPbGIHdY1Q1VKcNNYLGVPmg8mD2Csn8n_Njdrwp_suRI9H9BSjbtfyI97yHm-N62mJ5_fEkkf_PjrnRJFjeX0e_ARXeTx2vRGnLtypHdS96FRYA7qGoDQjFXfeChn/s400/Farm209.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
To Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh, Special Projects<br />
From Major Siamendes, SIU<br />
<br />
Update<br />
<br />
1) Jadeist activities may have spread to 34 Tauri as one source claims members of this group have been seen on Dragon's Egg, near Hales Township. This has not been verified.<br />
<br />
2) Debriefing begun with tenant at the Farm-One facility: NavCorp methods, and approach. Transcript forwarded.<br />
<br />
3) The tenant at the Farm-One facility has reported that one satellite orbiting Avalon has been recently reconfigured to pass over that location at 90 minute intervals rather than once per day. This appears to cause the tenant some concern. The tenant remarks "If it was official, they would program 16 of them, but they only used one." <br />
<br />
4) The tenant at the Farm-One facility has also reported that NavCorp has embedded a signal to drones and distributed networks in the video of an android auction. The tenant reports that NavCorp have been losing control of their drones. The tenant recommends finding these rogues.<br />
<br />
5) A total of 13 files from the Hive have been unlocked so far. These include material on Alliance training techniques as follows:<br />
<br />
Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol<br />
<br />
Topics named in this protocol with their own file:<br />
<br />
Nootropics<br />
Nootropic Diet<br />
Lucid Dreaming<br />
Dream Learning<br />
Gansfield Effect (Ganzfeld)<br />
Uberman Sleep<br />
Treadstone Protocol<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
[OOC -My thanks to co-author Jai Raghilda<br />
for her eloquent description of our world.]Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-67224034256215630472013-09-03T16:24:00.000-07:002013-09-03T17:49:53.159-07:00The FarmOctober 5 - UAP Safehouse, Northern Provinces, Zenobia.<br />
<br />
Helena: They do say that man was created by God.<br />
Domin: So much the worse for them. God had no idea about modern technology.<br />
- Karel Capek, "R.U.R."<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
In the mountains of Albion, there were two farms. Isolated from each other by a substantial distance, yet identical in every other way. Each was situated in its own valley. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fmHwjoMJyXbi1SFM7Rnx60IRWpXIF9zeNMV3u-8wJaLI5hQjtiammohCgyC4jbjI0pHnWMPBTFQxNvt4-WGWEiE_aGwnFAzA4YlumQJuAfharPv6JwbLNLUegaGxMms2R1i9pqJvTQ7g/s1600/Farm101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fmHwjoMJyXbi1SFM7Rnx60IRWpXIF9zeNMV3u-8wJaLI5hQjtiammohCgyC4jbjI0pHnWMPBTFQxNvt4-WGWEiE_aGwnFAzA4YlumQJuAfharPv6JwbLNLUegaGxMms2R1i9pqJvTQ7g/s400/Farm101.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
They were part of an experiment to explore the degree to which a person can be linked to and live vicariously through the experiences of her clone. The physical setting was identical to reinforce the building of memories based on these channeled experiences.<br />
<br />
I had clearance to visit the primary. Once on world, I traveled north by shuttle. After passing through a checkpoint tucked away in the surrounding mountains, I made the last part of the journey on foot. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM-SvdgcOZhaKK0YRijxKKtx0KTUAogw5wG1HzEOwc6pd0nVzRuuStXxagm_cKS-tbofaNH1ogcONw2yKJ1tAFdMkHLnll67SxLu2KuVrrWZ-qax-vfl8mzpai-3Le7i5olpmINTYDPys/s1600/Farm101a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM-SvdgcOZhaKK0YRijxKKtx0KTUAogw5wG1HzEOwc6pd0nVzRuuStXxagm_cKS-tbofaNH1ogcONw2yKJ1tAFdMkHLnll67SxLu2KuVrrWZ-qax-vfl8mzpai-3Le7i5olpmINTYDPys/s400/Farm101a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The hike was long but the day was pleasant. A cool breeze, just enough to be refreshing, blew from the southwest. It played with the grass, the thin blades undulating to give the illusion of waves.<br />
<br />
I crossed this green sea towards the only group of structures in the meadow.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2ro_2yi-VuxEIdjy6mPGDSbyaxCOaCAA1OeuFeC6Yt9gx8SOhDmKwS2atD1R53qASMni2BXOnuGSanNn3tAyZ97Pbv1GQG1mvuN4RoHVwhgXR_2IBZWu0nHHQFGvFwEsVoQ6nsy9G1s6/s1600/Farm101b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2ro_2yi-VuxEIdjy6mPGDSbyaxCOaCAA1OeuFeC6Yt9gx8SOhDmKwS2atD1R53qASMni2BXOnuGSanNn3tAyZ97Pbv1GQG1mvuN4RoHVwhgXR_2IBZWu0nHHQFGvFwEsVoQ6nsy9G1s6/s400/Farm101b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The cottage itself was made of stone. A small orchard was situated to one side. A patio sheltered by vines was located on the other. Vegetable gardens would be in the back. A small barn, its upper level converted into a guest room, peeked over the cottage. Trees dotted the grounds, along with the tools and implements of the farm. Rustic and pure, this place embodied human activity in its most simple and forgiving form.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PVnXsCwhyphenhyphenRy-pd4KfVIMSoMO2AS0yDjUPWg5kPw9zrawZKG6IpleK5LxXNOzr98QN4emwKptWMEE0yYfPXSyp7rCWtqd765qth1GaGCoT0FTxNqgzq1pTf2mkTPVEBjysIPpUQbY1s4L/s1600/Farm101c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PVnXsCwhyphenhyphenRy-pd4KfVIMSoMO2AS0yDjUPWg5kPw9zrawZKG6IpleK5LxXNOzr98QN4emwKptWMEE0yYfPXSyp7rCWtqd765qth1GaGCoT0FTxNqgzq1pTf2mkTPVEBjysIPpUQbY1s4L/s400/Farm101c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I drew close, I spotted a figure on the patio. Seated in a wheelchair, a woman small and shrivelled, was hunched over the eye piece of an antique brass telescope. She was dressed in a deep red sweater and plaid skirt. The face of a young girl was draped over the back of her chair, like the hood of a jacket. A mask of fair skin and golden hair to be worn at will. This was Ardra.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYt46Ib5WWtDigc_uPiMMyZwvcMRwvFJctOQen5hnjvciXJyarXIhQxr0VsjNRciI_uNas5g9EhNpWpt80vDMaBzrocUKAeqi22utuxEXBPMV2mG250HizdVvxGWJaJurHhkUydDzltr0/s1600/Farm102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYt46Ib5WWtDigc_uPiMMyZwvcMRwvFJctOQen5hnjvciXJyarXIhQxr0VsjNRciI_uNas5g9EhNpWpt80vDMaBzrocUKAeqi22utuxEXBPMV2mG250HizdVvxGWJaJurHhkUydDzltr0/s400/Farm102.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I called out, "Hello..."<br />
<br />
She looked up from the telescope.<br />
<br />
"Hello Audrey?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"Yes I am," replied Ardra. "Hello Major, welcome to my new home."<br />
<br />
"Thank you," I said as I stepped onto the patio, parting the grapes and peeking at the hearth.<br />
<br />
Ardra noticed my interest. "The wine and barbecue are genuine," she said. "You can eat and drink some. I cannot yet consume such fare."<br />
<br />
"Thank you," I replied. "I was told... I have brought you some spice."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m80KGH2GDzt6KNCzVni3SQQqpcdcC81Q5CpsCcJehuael3QPLusL0OGQW5cyjJ9BrgCr2t5ae1aKyYwgEm-mamh0jK7eSGfQ88N2Ez40E5HoHTy8Wi7wkvglMRozS_RY6RkPhTKttcKz/s1600/Farm102a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m80KGH2GDzt6KNCzVni3SQQqpcdcC81Q5CpsCcJehuael3QPLusL0OGQW5cyjJ9BrgCr2t5ae1aKyYwgEm-mamh0jK7eSGfQ88N2Ez40E5HoHTy8Wi7wkvglMRozS_RY6RkPhTKttcKz/s400/Farm102a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I am a great expense for the Alliance to keep," she said.<br />
<br />
I set down my bag against the post, opened the pocket on the side and lifted out a small package. "Do you like your new home?" I asked and offered her the pouch of spice.<br />
<br />
"The Alliance appreciates nostalgia," she remarked and accepting the small gift she added, "Thank you, Major."<br />
<br />
I smiled, "You are welcome."<br />
<br />
"Please, have a seat," she invited, "Look out the telescope if you like."<br />
<br />
"Thank you," I said but sat on the bench to one side to allow a clear view of my host.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsCmkkohxbJUyxsUDhxOp-oEgwC4tuoBHOC_hPE1RGfKDn_zkdgo0biTpnnzWJlHXcCPGvDthUdZKgVUuxxczzYBIPPbITCjdy2jlWqWvg_3OUhub9cYO3rr3MlfVg3Yq-E20ViJrykTV/s1600/Farm102b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsCmkkohxbJUyxsUDhxOp-oEgwC4tuoBHOC_hPE1RGfKDn_zkdgo0biTpnnzWJlHXcCPGvDthUdZKgVUuxxczzYBIPPbITCjdy2jlWqWvg_3OUhub9cYO3rr3MlfVg3Yq-E20ViJrykTV/s400/Farm102b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"It is currently facing Avalon. I have been upgrading the optics."<br />
<br />
"Then I must take a look," I replied and changed seats to be able to use the instrument.<br />
<br />
Ardra continued, "Lenses made from materials with negative refraction indexes. An Araxes Desertborn product. They are more clever than what is commonly assumed."<br />
<br />
I placed my eye against the eyepiece and looked at the Moon. "The Desertborn?" I asked.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuahlz6AknfTom8SPnet3ogInMrCMQd4QQrc_EFTG9B-qbHiCkJ_n-U4Gi33tsHkPtjrOmF-BnTm5mf6bDWTwLa4ySUjKbJFOs3Spem8hiaBTZacyxpoZ2-3tmgl3yu_eSV_KZFjENdApT/s1600/Farm103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuahlz6AknfTom8SPnet3ogInMrCMQd4QQrc_EFTG9B-qbHiCkJ_n-U4Gi33tsHkPtjrOmF-BnTm5mf6bDWTwLa4ySUjKbJFOs3Spem8hiaBTZacyxpoZ2-3tmgl3yu_eSV_KZFjENdApT/s400/Farm103.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Yes," answered Ardra, "They are conservative and minimalist in their approach to some tasks, and thus easily overlooked."<br />
<br />
"It is a very clear view," I remarked.<br />
<br />
"There is no distortion down to even the atomic scale," she said. She then added with a whisper, "You took the hiking route in?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGygSLM-PQZQo8aN7s3Lq-7FxLpoP4ovibU78dhFltwZHe0Nv1Un4SH0eCjgBr0ZG_AYJn4nKM46_3FQhij50dFt3jwQqA52dIKwuQjlmSiMNOq7fMUUrOMa45pjocIkmcUU_0N8u6m0s0/s1600/Farm102c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGygSLM-PQZQo8aN7s3Lq-7FxLpoP4ovibU78dhFltwZHe0Nv1Un4SH0eCjgBr0ZG_AYJn4nKM46_3FQhij50dFt3jwQqA52dIKwuQjlmSiMNOq7fMUUrOMa45pjocIkmcUU_0N8u6m0s0/s400/Farm102c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I looked up from the telescope. "Yes.. no air traffic allowed in this area. Even a Colonel would have to walk in." I smiled, then nodded towards my bag. "I have brought a change of clothes ... in case you required any help around the farm."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8-FenBl7M8XRKtD6AB4q_p233N3zT1B3gnC-Oc07nfbZTOP4RgTkp8mqQ-ekHQJZmz9z4dhzSq6f89gByeK_Wg5JfPuJc5XQNIWMKI2O828EJV1_9z-GrbOhLg4l3q3FGJEijgF_S0nN/s1600/Farm103b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8-FenBl7M8XRKtD6AB4q_p233N3zT1B3gnC-Oc07nfbZTOP4RgTkp8mqQ-ekHQJZmz9z4dhzSq6f89gByeK_Wg5JfPuJc5XQNIWMKI2O828EJV1_9z-GrbOhLg4l3q3FGJEijgF_S0nN/s400/Farm103b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"The help is efficient and discrete," she said. "I have not taken to giving them instructions. Having human employees takes some getting used to. I grew accustomed to mechanical servitors which I can remote control."<br />
<br />
"The Arudra."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHuPkjlN4DErXr6MUuWggc7fZCNOHO1ewb1_GBAwGFP9u6ww0lU3RF8ZbpKwyW4nx2SMjUtQuap0YkZIR3ezD0fZZOBu1P3DdkLnV6cls93swCNkLfpw4Sj5v_xCyBfAv101jnaAJK0zU/s1600/Farm103c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHuPkjlN4DErXr6MUuWggc7fZCNOHO1ewb1_GBAwGFP9u6ww0lU3RF8ZbpKwyW4nx2SMjUtQuap0YkZIR3ezD0fZZOBu1P3DdkLnV6cls93swCNkLfpw4Sj5v_xCyBfAv101jnaAJK0zU/s400/Farm103c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwJv41QtTrBmQwFFOiHAULiMg3N_G-kSdo4Vi_CYc-Gjvl1PsNvRHqq0gGtpjfQ8ajFpc8h6ux_0vOtdyoFIgkzgg4QXGzJMSnpCdheWnT5hNKP6Yz_2AvCE_eSvI9aX8zcA5sKt7_Zsz/s1600/Farm104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwJv41QtTrBmQwFFOiHAULiMg3N_G-kSdo4Vi_CYc-Gjvl1PsNvRHqq0gGtpjfQ8ajFpc8h6ux_0vOtdyoFIgkzgg4QXGzJMSnpCdheWnT5hNKP6Yz_2AvCE_eSvI9aX8zcA5sKt7_Zsz/s400/Farm104.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Yes," she replied. "Some have left the grid."<br />
<br />
"Left the grid?"<br />
<br />
"The ARDRA program connected them," she explained. "It made them 'think' that they were all extensions of the same being. You have probably noticed symptoms of it with the LilyBell unit. She has a program conflict caused by another distributed network."<br />
<br />
"And now?" I asked.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpiwEIAQKsSE3Gt6LMaKdO5sUuz9LNwQtG3eM93dj2m1mF0Ur0VwfHaqQeHLwFF3zIoKYn-ax7W_d6xyB_SNxdUpJlWR3a3hqCJFYhIFRrESAeU_1Io8uMjTZLztexdabsQ15ddjuPA8z/s1600/Farm104a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpiwEIAQKsSE3Gt6LMaKdO5sUuz9LNwQtG3eM93dj2m1mF0Ur0VwfHaqQeHLwFF3zIoKYn-ax7W_d6xyB_SNxdUpJlWR3a3hqCJFYhIFRrESAeU_1Io8uMjTZLztexdabsQ15ddjuPA8z/s400/Farm104a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMWc1uigoAIh6QUrGeoPw4qOIVNUPopPB3qLTip9zYgVBxFBTPUFcR86LHjeguXlSfUpSzi_0mzC_IA5isuf43wnc2-F4h-gNndrqdKPp07M_218CzgjkJyiD3TE3xYNli-U9mmi8geAG/s1600/Farm103a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMWc1uigoAIh6QUrGeoPw4qOIVNUPopPB3qLTip9zYgVBxFBTPUFcR86LHjeguXlSfUpSzi_0mzC_IA5isuf43wnc2-F4h-gNndrqdKPp07M_218CzgjkJyiD3TE3xYNli-U9mmi8geAG/s400/Farm103a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Ardra did not reply. Instead, she checked the chronometer on her screen. Without a word of explanation, her motorized wheelchair lurched forward and she sped towards the cottage. As she reached the door, she called out, "We need to go inside for five minutes."<br />
<br />
I followed quickly.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The interior of the cottage was small and cozy. It was one large L-shaped room with the bed on one side. Chairs and a sofa occupied the central area.<br />
<br />
Shelves against one wall were full of leather bound books. The titles printed in gold leaf. Her father's books.<br />
<br />
A trusty pot bellied stove stood in a corner ready to chase the slightest chill from Ardra's delicate frame.<br />
<br />
There was a thick eiderdown comforter on the bed. Deep pillows. Chairs one could curl up and get lost in, drifting away in the delicious warmth of a sunny afternoon. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
"I have been timing the surveillance satellites," she began. "They are very clever. They use satellites orbiting Avalon."<br />
<br />
"They?" I asked.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP_iUDKJ4fG4LYDqGkYh0LVDSp1uc8-OW5qeDPg4Gq_qyhOefJgHtqJf250JHeowdgg_JFMFToDnxX1E62jPzp_2qN4mrObvBsyP-PVbEHtpe-hy0IccJ1xFEalnoJuzC1KPeuWfWwrFR/s1600/Farm104b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP_iUDKJ4fG4LYDqGkYh0LVDSp1uc8-OW5qeDPg4Gq_qyhOefJgHtqJf250JHeowdgg_JFMFToDnxX1E62jPzp_2qN4mrObvBsyP-PVbEHtpe-hy0IccJ1xFEalnoJuzC1KPeuWfWwrFR/s400/Farm104b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I am not in a position to identify the satellite owners," she replied darkly.<br />
<br />
"I can have a team investigate..." I began tentatively. What was I seeing? Was she showing signs of post traumatic stress? <br />
<br />
She continued, "The trajectory of certain satellites are adjusted so that with each sweep, we are in its view."<br />
<br />
I frowned, "That is troubling. This is meant to be a safe house."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFSQqBHdsYDDQDW-lGcXRLm80p_Vy8ISmUcD8BzJWhEd07si_FKja_lwdY5x0gs0flnb1tr0q3IhIcfdtkimnNbEXDHG_m2ceD8jQjJg0f6fdvigYooKjK9mZIcPWG2R8gKHIs7vlVKxs/s1600/Farm104c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFSQqBHdsYDDQDW-lGcXRLm80p_Vy8ISmUcD8BzJWhEd07si_FKja_lwdY5x0gs0flnb1tr0q3IhIcfdtkimnNbEXDHG_m2ceD8jQjJg0f6fdvigYooKjK9mZIcPWG2R8gKHIs7vlVKxs/s400/Farm104c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"It could be Special Projects keeping an eye on me," she added. "They are low orbital satellites, 90 minute period. Their trajectory should only take us into view once a day or so, but they are being adjusted. If it was official, they would program 16 of them, but they only used one. I have tracked satellite trajectory for 20 years. Old habits."<br />
<br />
"NavCorp has been putting pressure on the authorities to find you," I admitted.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq2s6kMCW9HA7DxJDUXbxAmTQyJonB6jEcbKr1U2PlS4iGbWHgFodb3awE9cJGtLMymG6ZrSyKOnyvjcVUrC6SnBo2_tq_oG6Hcoi2Ok9_GpFA1m3PBvWYW0aFsfr61fQ9v4YzeqFOfQY/s1600/Farm105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq2s6kMCW9HA7DxJDUXbxAmTQyJonB6jEcbKr1U2PlS4iGbWHgFodb3awE9cJGtLMymG6ZrSyKOnyvjcVUrC6SnBo2_tq_oG6Hcoi2Ok9_GpFA1m3PBvWYW0aFsfr61fQ9v4YzeqFOfQY/s400/Farm105.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"They have a sizable investment in me," she agreed. "They are losing control of some of the drones. They even make radio requests. I have downloaded one from the 'Cortex' network."<br />
<br />
Ardra headed out the door. <br />
<br />
"It is over by the wine," she said as she checked her telescope.<br />
<br />
Next to a half bottle of imported red wine lay a flimsy piece of paper. It resembled a static photograph but one touch would engage the video.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KmR8CXhZ1Z-0p-sHkStxjKvhfeYSlpc_pauWtmWt5voowBlpEHnsYU7ZdB9_D4-N4JoJzOp20avfsseqVUoHXIxw4jIDmGZbKGKbXdC7GcX7H1QWfDAy-ypWIcjfB3iQ6GDdLTiVKczY/s1600/Farm105a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KmR8CXhZ1Z-0p-sHkStxjKvhfeYSlpc_pauWtmWt5voowBlpEHnsYU7ZdB9_D4-N4JoJzOp20avfsseqVUoHXIxw4jIDmGZbKGKbXdC7GcX7H1QWfDAy-ypWIcjfB3iQ6GDdLTiVKczY/s400/Farm105a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"You can take that with you," she said.<br />
<br />
"Thank you," I replied.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgtpJNUFtf4rWdQ2Rro5lxD2TOMIy_G0dUrFbc2Kz2W_qZTCHzytmQd0g7pL5NhT7eCN1tlMw1wy3J1yXS67AphxgH-grt4YdlyFIhuxsNMDqniM3GdioQb4bAt2B-sj7EJHhVzFXxmyM/s1600/Farm105b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgtpJNUFtf4rWdQ2Rro5lxD2TOMIy_G0dUrFbc2Kz2W_qZTCHzytmQd0g7pL5NhT7eCN1tlMw1wy3J1yXS67AphxgH-grt4YdlyFIhuxsNMDqniM3GdioQb4bAt2B-sj7EJHhVzFXxmyM/s400/Farm105b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"It has an embedded signal."<br />
<br />
I tapped the picture and watched as the image came to life. "An android auction?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88BABdiUmfV2QHbpinuEMiraLHO3tC2jW8eP1zHoKHLZUBkpl1nOtA99UUsjZVyxCbpeTqa_PDW3N2p_NjelfDoCFibTdul2_ois7LohJESUt-VD_bGijWp3mTW8qjWd-xVtBZdhqsCyA/s1600/Farm105c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88BABdiUmfV2QHbpinuEMiraLHO3tC2jW8eP1zHoKHLZUBkpl1nOtA99UUsjZVyxCbpeTqa_PDW3N2p_NjelfDoCFibTdul2_ois7LohJESUt-VD_bGijWp3mTW8qjWd-xVtBZdhqsCyA/s400/Farm105c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"A fantasy android auction," corrected Ardra. "Not even Lilybell or K4 would sell for prices that high."<br />
<br />
My mouth tightened. Part fashion show. Part slave auction. While it was perfectly legal to buy and sell androids, I found this version of the business quite distasteful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/EZyyORSHbaE?t=3s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video played itself out.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8bSvmwZEhSzNwvP5jcO2FVEUpEaRlwmhyXoNiVfjtzpzczYMjtgLqsMiJUDSWVo1aVFUSweWYJtTax5JIny427uhJ_g97ZDmlnHRKaqJIBBFL8n0i_-1oBQUAq8GdhkTftU96_w3BNz/s1600/Farm106a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8bSvmwZEhSzNwvP5jcO2FVEUpEaRlwmhyXoNiVfjtzpzczYMjtgLqsMiJUDSWVo1aVFUSweWYJtTax5JIny427uhJ_g97ZDmlnHRKaqJIBBFL8n0i_-1oBQUAq8GdhkTftU96_w3BNz/s400/Farm106a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaig2Q75ckcyo9yyZwS6yoScBik7yNBYPgYWcB05zFF8cCuZ6Sm_r8n5LX0Q4hP8SbpivWJdOhoiqNO-wSxZJLZh1AKD06BxF9KN8-2hHnK4tCXtzgXOyvZ7JOp2F9QSAkDKQC3Sasaxv/s1600/Farm106c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaig2Q75ckcyo9yyZwS6yoScBik7yNBYPgYWcB05zFF8cCuZ6Sm_r8n5LX0Q4hP8SbpivWJdOhoiqNO-wSxZJLZh1AKD06BxF9KN8-2hHnK4tCXtzgXOyvZ7JOp2F9QSAkDKQC3Sasaxv/s400/Farm106c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
A host of identical synthetic women paraded down the catwalk, each dressed to suit a different fantasy. Bids registered in flashes of hovertext, while a chorus of androids sang about freedom.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_ipkO66vY4zVFChLV7i2xG4Cx91imTxTJhBSAW7fZNfpxMquPM665L4UCIg9dL7l6ccmVS1nV-gvzdCwsls2BSWuFnONrH-QGIjkdYaVjWScc8g_ymgD5TYTgsJFWeWfj8hPeX-iVARN/s1600/Farm107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_ipkO66vY4zVFChLV7i2xG4Cx91imTxTJhBSAW7fZNfpxMquPM665L4UCIg9dL7l6ccmVS1nV-gvzdCwsls2BSWuFnONrH-QGIjkdYaVjWScc8g_ymgD5TYTgsJFWeWfj8hPeX-iVARN/s400/Farm107.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The depraved indulgences of the ultra-rich. <br />
<br />
I was familiar with these events. We monitored these auctions very closely. When someone mistreated an android, it was an early indicator of sociopathic behaviour. <br />
<br />
"The embedded signal is a ping," explained my host. "The ARDRA program used something much like it."<br />
<br />
"What do they hope to achieve?"<br />
<br />
"They are fishing for more drones," she said. "And for other less sophisticated distributed networks. Nothing as sophisticated as the Cortex or Blue."<br />
<br />
I turned off the paper.<br />
<br />
"The Corpus has a 20 year investment in automating many aspects of their operation," she added. "They did not anticipate my willfulness."<br />
<br />
I nodded as I considered this information.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkIqiMEw97KQTE35z_nIiCdKfd7HaeSDQevWTWQhPplx2DaXP_I4vdYyiRFCTVl5nCasOPHhTNxtla6pwEdOVaxmSjsocVg0ts5pGwunHMqRH8JaL7RTkJ0_9CatJRXRt_3TLDVD7065T/s1600/Farm107b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkIqiMEw97KQTE35z_nIiCdKfd7HaeSDQevWTWQhPplx2DaXP_I4vdYyiRFCTVl5nCasOPHhTNxtla6pwEdOVaxmSjsocVg0ts5pGwunHMqRH8JaL7RTkJ0_9CatJRXRt_3TLDVD7065T/s400/Farm107b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Ardra continued, "I stood at the precipice of transcension, stared into the singularity and blinked. To transcend you have to let go of the fetters of your former life. Leave behind the petty sentiments and attachments.... I failed."<br />
<br />
As gently as I could I said, "I am no mystic, but it seems to me that our connectedness to others is what makes us whole."<br />
<br />
"I was not able to let go," she confessed. "I exploited the tools granted to me for my own sentimental purposes. Unlike other navigators, I was not a volunteer."<br />
<br />
"How did you first meet with NavCorp?" I asked, settling on the floor beside her.<br />
<br />
"I first learned of them in a virtual game I played while at the hospital," she replied. "I was plugged in to an experimental system to allow people in cryostasis to still interact with equipment onboard ship. When I passed permanently into a coma, I was still plugged into the game. It was not until years later did I awaken. At that point, I was at Junction."<br />
<br />
"Junction?"<br />
<br />
"It is one of the Corpus transport hubs. It is not a destination, but a junction to other destinations."<br />
<br />
I nodded.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48veXH_jy4L_Ll1SdMH6HoqBnxviv4p0UD8tPGCNt_6-MId_ebxkKS3prUMYo5wXfEF6uBOLGEMK1Y1Ne_l6sUbn-YxVPyNwRBSZp9yg1r0vygUMlyxCkdoTcqZ2uq_QVN3wu2YigeA-f/s1600/Farm107c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48veXH_jy4L_Ll1SdMH6HoqBnxviv4p0UD8tPGCNt_6-MId_ebxkKS3prUMYo5wXfEF6uBOLGEMK1Y1Ne_l6sUbn-YxVPyNwRBSZp9yg1r0vygUMlyxCkdoTcqZ2uq_QVN3wu2YigeA-f/s400/Farm107c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
She continued, "The nexus requires a large area of flatspace. If you place the junction in an area away from a solar system, you can have multiple termini in closer proximity."<br />
<br />
"And then what happened," I asked, "after you awakened?"<br />
<br />
"I had no idea that I had awakened. It was very similar to the virtual reality game. I continued on as if I was still in the game. At that point, I acted as if I were the avatar Ardra. It is easy to forget yourself. I continued on for years as Ardra, until my contact with the Red Queen."<br />
<br />
"The Red Queen?"<br />
<br />
"The Umbrella Distributed Network," she explained. "Through the Red Queen, I met up again with Mercedes. At that point, I realized I was not in a game."<br />
<br />
"And she didn't fully realize who you were," I stated, "as she hired a crew to retrieve a body from the Colchester she thought was yours."<br />
<br />
"I have been working on my exit strategy since then," she added.<br />
<br />
"I am glad we could help," I said honestly.<br />
<br />
"We will see if the Alliance considers my expense and resource requirements worth the return."<br />
<br />
"I imagine you will be heading your own projects soon," I suggested. And with her extended life span, I imagined she would be overseeing longitudinal studies that would only come to fruition by the time my grandchildren were old.<br />
<br />
"I must repurpose," said Ardra. "Without my operation of the ARDRA network, I am just another spice mutant."<br />
<br />
"Hardly," I countered. "Your experiences alone put you above most of our scientists."<br />
<br />
"Dr. Serendipity will no doubt accuse me of stealing his work," she said.<br />
<br />
I shrugged with a little smile. <br />
<br />
"Alliance scientists are living in the equivalent of the era of Da Vinci," she said. "Great minds, but without the resources to realize their vision." She then added, "That is what the Corpus does, poach."<br />
<br />
"And now they are seeking drones," I said glancing again at the video capture.<br />
<br />
"I think rogue drones are seeking drones," she said.<br />
<br />
"How concerned should we be?" <br />
<br />
"Turing grade artificial intelligences are not deterministically created, thus occasional anomalies such as Krenshar and Lilybell are containable. Krenshar is one replicant, not a threat. But what if 100 drones shared his consciousness. All thinking they are him, then the Replicant Order becomes a viable threat."<br />
<br />
"What do you suggest we do?"<br />
<br />
"The Corpus will not admit there is a problem," she replied. "I would start by finding the rogue drones."<br />
<br />
I nodded, "Okay."<br />
<br />
"They used to be less effective," she said. "Dr. Serendipity used to hunt them in the desert."<br />
<br />
"And find out who is messing with our satellite," I added, standing up and dusting off my jeans.<br />
<br />
"Has he successfully captured one of the Arudra drones without the self destruct?"<br />
<br />
"Yes," I replied. "That was some time ago."<br />
<br />
"It would be an older model," she mused. "Usually drones only went rogue when they were damaged in certain ways. Damaged such that they were no longer connected to the distributed network. To control the maximum number of drones, they will seek out Turing Grades to turn. Turing Grades are difficult to deal with. As you saw with the Lilybell unit."<br />
<br />
"We will need any information you can provide on how to deactivate these drones," I said.<br />
<br />
"That is the problem posed by the Turing Grades," she answered. "Each one will create its own unique mini network. There won't be single answers."<br />
<br />
I nodded, "Anything you can provide will be a help."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oG0AzDtZiOU2I-HN5fEr00Qkzd2XiKuHspZ9lR-u_FrA4YE0f5C4PD2bdbpemIM-XMmgE8r030AS3M3cAg3sTpZzRYwsLeoZibD7Z0XyuB8iXsWnryogWUiU4DtHy85dd1E4_C8clLxb/s1600/Farm107a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oG0AzDtZiOU2I-HN5fEr00Qkzd2XiKuHspZ9lR-u_FrA4YE0f5C4PD2bdbpemIM-XMmgE8r030AS3M3cAg3sTpZzRYwsLeoZibD7Z0XyuB8iXsWnryogWUiU4DtHy85dd1E4_C8clLxb/s400/Farm107a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"If they are based on the ARDRA program, each of the drones will think they are the primary. Each one will be like the social selves postulated by William James. A slice of the whole, but not seeing themselves as separate."<br />
<br />
"That might explain why some of the drones dressed themselves like you," I suggested.<br />
<br />
"A side effect," she replied, "especially when they went rogue."<br />
<br />
"We might be able to use that."<br />
<br />
"When separated," she elaborated, "they do not contain all of the information to be complete as before. They will continue to think they are that same complete unit."<br />
<br />
"We are back to what I said about wholeness coming through connection," I pointed out.<br />
<br />
"If I had not given into sentimentality," she said. "this problem would not exist."<br />
<br />
"This is not a problem Audrey," I insisted. "It is an opportunity."<br />
<br />
She continued, "I would be blissfully plundering other cultures scientific ideas on behalf of the Corpus."<br />
<br />
"Instead of being on the verge of shaping your own," I put in.<br />
<br />
There was a pause. Somewhere a breeze shook the leaves on the trees. Somewhere a cow called out from the barn. <br />
<br />
"Yes, I am Audrey now," she said finally. There was a hint of resignation there.<br />
<br />
"And may I say, it is a pleasure to meet you," I said warmly.<br />
<br />
"In a way me too," she replied. "For the first time in 20 years, I am reasonably sure these are my own thoughts. Descartes was wrong. It could be someone else's thoughts in your head."<br />
<br />
I smiled.<br />
<br />
"They have tested you?" she asked. <br />
<br />
"Constantly it seems," I said dryly, reflecting on my two months in quarantine.<br />
<br />
"The Alliance has a long record of allowing experiments to run," she said. "Like Old Londinium separating twins..... Get your own testing."<br />
<br />
"How do you mean?"<br />
<br />
"Make sure some labtech did not fudge a report on orders of some operative."<br />
<br />
"I am certain I am not that important," I dismissed the idea.<br />
<br />
She would not be deterred. "That could be worse if someone considers the results of some experiment to be more valuable than your current role. A calculated risk. You are more trusting than I am."<br />
<br />
"I serve our Alliance," I replied. "It is my purpose."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrgahFKWkBDxDBdpGosk8D7UyTGK3NM9m8_9nIGRgqsBlpCUpYrhMtTRtDaJ7d_2gP0Gp0jmKPJKIVG-8Dxs1GPcYH0IKB69PNEMOPSzCJXJ2SGalPS7KCeQHl_fGez0GP9HHVlH9skoE/s1600/Farm108a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrgahFKWkBDxDBdpGosk8D7UyTGK3NM9m8_9nIGRgqsBlpCUpYrhMtTRtDaJ7d_2gP0Gp0jmKPJKIVG-8Dxs1GPcYH0IKB69PNEMOPSzCJXJ2SGalPS7KCeQHl_fGez0GP9HHVlH9skoE/s400/Farm108a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Make sure they do not exploit that in ways you would not be pleased with."<br />
<br />
"It is not a blind faith," I explained. "I am aware that there are those who would abuse power are drawn to positions of power." It had always been so. <br />
<br />
"It does not have to be from the top down," she said. "Seemingly insignificant people can cause great damage."<br />
<br />
I considered the point, then replied, "Thank you for your advice, Audrey."<br />
<br />
"A labtech at Angels of Mercy did not forward a lab report showing metastasizing in a young Audrey 20 years ago. Negligence or deliberate?" She did not wait for a reply. "I went from being a patient to being an experiment to being a utility," she then added with a whisper, "to being a refugee."<br />
<br />
"Then I hope that this," I indicated the surroundings, " begins to make things right." <br />
<br />
I liked to think that no matter what other purpose the Farm served, that it would be a healing place for Audrey. A safe harbour. A salve for the damage in her soul, and a chance to begin again.<br />
<br />
"Now if you have somewhere I can change," I said, "I would like to do a little work in the garden for you before I head back."<br />
<br />
"The guesthouse is yours to use," she offered graciously.<br />
<br />
"Thank you."<br />
<br />
"The potatoes need digging," she added. "Yukon Gold, I am told they taste buttery."<br />
<br />
As I gathered up my bag, Audrey Aurotharius checked her chronometer, then engaging the motor on her wheelchair, headed indoors once again.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The wooden stairs creaked as I made my way to the small guest room.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsM-zoZHNuxhyRkzip4CbIGmcrPq2eHfaqLHUKgDUcKUmz-cjjp8uCg5tCzRpppXq-YSx6x7C6lzNFu548eqyW6A-FpgfGBCRcUhqyIkLX-6moA98vBp0heqwPYfX3iJ0veNkiQWjw0dxD/s1600/Farm108b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsM-zoZHNuxhyRkzip4CbIGmcrPq2eHfaqLHUKgDUcKUmz-cjjp8uCg5tCzRpppXq-YSx6x7C6lzNFu548eqyW6A-FpgfGBCRcUhqyIkLX-6moA98vBp0heqwPYfX3iJ0veNkiQWjw0dxD/s400/Farm108b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The ceiling was low and the bed tiny but the room looked comfortable. A small window overlooked the patio. An ornate cedar chest squatted in one corner.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImZZNS1tHGBPhevGXpdi-hZmfrfcxiPQxq-qINy3ZMDCMUINi_d8YqV-poDBB7D5Bt0Kl2rzHyqfcdCkJQMheX_NXmw1-cK26-M0uK2L1-V7CpshpORwtVEpMMHglPzUE72rQcnSi_Io8/s1600/Farm108c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImZZNS1tHGBPhevGXpdi-hZmfrfcxiPQxq-qINy3ZMDCMUINi_d8YqV-poDBB7D5Bt0Kl2rzHyqfcdCkJQMheX_NXmw1-cK26-M0uK2L1-V7CpshpORwtVEpMMHglPzUE72rQcnSi_Io8/s400/Farm108c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I prepared to unpack, a message arrived from Special Projects. It was an image from the Farm mirror site, where Professor Aurotharius lived with his daughter Audrey's young clone.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTii7gxSthlVl4s4uXTOSHvDxLzNX5bBcC2apH8SzrK5wPr6JfZqsWrwgfwWWj1rZwO6-haHIKW_dGQKoyqOSf3E1ukgNa3ZYXYrp6O-1aMs0mSD7qLvNcLhog0LvmFQuggiR9iTgdDOz/s1600/Skygazing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTii7gxSthlVl4s4uXTOSHvDxLzNX5bBcC2apH8SzrK5wPr6JfZqsWrwgfwWWj1rZwO6-haHIKW_dGQKoyqOSf3E1ukgNa3ZYXYrp6O-1aMs0mSD7qLvNcLhog0LvmFQuggiR9iTgdDOz/s400/Skygazing.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The accompanying text read:<br />
<br />
<i>A quiet evening, Wylder showing Audrey how to tell the difference between satellites and meteors. Audrey was very interested to learn about low orbiting satellite trajectories.</i>Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-2135010461517938122013-08-09T14:30:00.004-07:002013-08-09T14:30:55.803-07:00Dragon's EggOctober 2 - Dragon's Egg<br /><br />Hale’s Moon had never been a peaceful place. With meteors showers, reaver attacks and bandits sweeping into town at semi-regular intervals, it was amazing that any mining company operating there had managed to turn a profit.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYSvwxLloizJPs2H2U0nLGKe3B13vcwhUO4QVO76tcGIJDFMk5RBCJMFdvuTG3PifzJdn_WlBqqJRpPs5HE0DiFMOu99VNSr0cIrsxSeTKbBTpTF1eY_aHEDPPBvXHh-YFIpvwN_q917s/s1600/de1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYSvwxLloizJPs2H2U0nLGKe3B13vcwhUO4QVO76tcGIJDFMk5RBCJMFdvuTG3PifzJdn_WlBqqJRpPs5HE0DiFMOu99VNSr0cIrsxSeTKbBTpTF1eY_aHEDPPBvXHh-YFIpvwN_q917s/s400/de1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />When a series of violent earthquakes rocked the moon it was determined that the situation was of grave concern. Distress calls went out. The Alliance expected the worst and rushed ships to the area. Our corporate partners, Blue Sun, helped fund an evacuation.<br />
<br />
We all watched in horror as seismic events of increasing magnitude continued to ripple across Hale’s until finally the little grey moon shook itself apart.<br /><br />Survivors were taken to Dragon’s Egg and were given a chance to start over, to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9VQMAQP6GKSIztXqma-wjeqv2e7H5kLaRCrSa7uPL3Gmhult4y_ZFrJ5PXqbMgmdNGqpY2WlRBPF7v8uy03ZVZTBKxNeiHRDpiflYv_nKH5uiItbWUcRASXT9rGuPsddnPqzaw8w3cZx/s1600/de2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9VQMAQP6GKSIztXqma-wjeqv2e7H5kLaRCrSa7uPL3Gmhult4y_ZFrJ5PXqbMgmdNGqpY2WlRBPF7v8uy03ZVZTBKxNeiHRDpiflYv_nKH5uiItbWUcRASXT9rGuPsddnPqzaw8w3cZx/s400/de2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />Things were not easy those first few months. The settlers had arrived during the winter. It was a testimony to the hardiness of people out here on the rim that they managed as well as they did rebuilding a community.<br />
<br />
Once the settlement had been established, and the state of emergency was lifted, the military withdrew. The mining town itself was owned and operated by Blue Sun. Security was contracted out to serve as local law enforcement. There was no need for a military presence.<br /><br />We are not a police state after all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp4J4H4K3Um3Zi-RxAR3Zh3v-CjdSZiuNs-lByR7Mf7q_Ck1Nc85gYdWvWstwvbxOJtv67dIjAoO_yUZdBSOEG6mvnWdkJUB4KLB5VTswdsG4GY3dBvKyMKKWKXaryLwtFcFCMrOX8Z0-/s1600/de3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp4J4H4K3Um3Zi-RxAR3Zh3v-CjdSZiuNs-lByR7Mf7q_Ck1Nc85gYdWvWstwvbxOJtv67dIjAoO_yUZdBSOEG6mvnWdkJUB4KLB5VTswdsG4GY3dBvKyMKKWKXaryLwtFcFCMrOX8Z0-/s400/de3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />With the coming of spring, the refugees from Hale’s Moon found their reward at last. The glacier streams were clear and fresh. The meadows and hills were covered in a thick carpet of green. It was a little emerald gem set against the black velvet cloth of space. Life was good.<br />
<br />It did not take long, however, before over mining, and what turned out to be a rather unstable climate, transformed Dragon’s Egg into a parched and dirty world. Riverbeds were now dry and cracked. Dust and haze choked the air. And you had to go hunting to find anything green and natural.<br />
<br />
---<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr_t4Re_DXLxNXFUBW6aQHgCh5SYQk_4T0YceXiVhhM3xCRu0jvk8XpjfeyC7dxKSY5cd-MAp5rjm3nB7I1TCccReSQn3f6D-Qdx34ZP9yEXzCmFRCx7M9hRMiMDDCmdPpVMB7MGBJ_dR/s1600/de5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr_t4Re_DXLxNXFUBW6aQHgCh5SYQk_4T0YceXiVhhM3xCRu0jvk8XpjfeyC7dxKSY5cd-MAp5rjm3nB7I1TCccReSQn3f6D-Qdx34ZP9yEXzCmFRCx7M9hRMiMDDCmdPpVMB7MGBJ_dR/s400/de5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />"Hello, officer. May I be of assistance?"<br /><br />Her name was Kia Marrah. I had never met this woman but I knew her from recordings of the Laandsrat proceedings. She was the Blue Sun representative to Araxes.<br /><br />"Hello," I replied, "I am looking for the local law enforcement."<br /><br />"I’ve not seem them of late," answered Ms. Marrah. "They were supposed to be patrolling today."<br /><br />"I see... well, who would be the local administrator then?" I asked.<br /><br />"That would be Ms. Zhangsun," she replied.<br /><br />Before I could comment further, we were interrupted by a familiar voice.<br /><br />"Kia? I heard you out here. Who are you...oh."<br /><br />Kia turned. "Yes, Ms. Zhangsun."<br /><br />"A pleasant surprise," said Xoxo Zhangsun graciously. <br /><br />I smiled. "Hello Ms. Zhangsun. Indeed it is. I trust you are well?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p3RkQ_4MVxyIMGVt8gv2dlBPpRpyZNrLPAEU-qoZZN97sERa-v2BZXSRpqjWqHExmCSGmPwsNK5N_a4ZY8KibLfUnydwx6CgwldwsVd_hff_3Jl2TP0O-bQENGBHTqxv4LubEw7nXvvp/s1600/de6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p3RkQ_4MVxyIMGVt8gv2dlBPpRpyZNrLPAEU-qoZZN97sERa-v2BZXSRpqjWqHExmCSGmPwsNK5N_a4ZY8KibLfUnydwx6CgwldwsVd_hff_3Jl2TP0O-bQENGBHTqxv4LubEw7nXvvp/s400/de6.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />
"Then you are not here for the reception. It is not until two and a half hours from now…I am..." she looked at Kia, "… well enough."<br /><br />"Why don't we go inside," suggested Ms. Marrah.<br /><br />Ms. Zhangsun smiled. "Yes. Major?"<br /><br />"That would be fine," I agreed.<br /><br />"This way," said Ms. Marrah. <br /><br />---<br /><br />She led the way to a solid looking house fashioned in the oriental style. Torches mounted on the outside of the structure proved to be effective illumination in the ever-present dust. <br /><br />Inside, antique table and chairs suitable for the Borgia or the Medici occupied the center stage. A thick rug cushioned the footfall. A screen divided the room concealing the entrance to the rest of the house.<br /><br />The hearth dominated the room. It would have been overpowering save for the high vaulted ceiling. A fire raged within its confines, illuminating the central space and banishing the shadows to the corners of the chamber.<br /><br />"What a pleasant room..." I remarked. "... and such a cheerful fire."<br /><br />"Please, join me," Ms. Zhangsun invited as she settled into a chair with her back to the front door.<br /><br />Kia Marrah remained standing ready to attend to her employer’s wishes.<br /><br />I also remained standing, but angled to face the fire.<br /><br />Ms. Zhangsun addressed the younger woman. "Kia, would you leave us please. I'm fine."<br /><br />"Yes, Ms. Zhangsun."<br /><br />"You can check on Cody and the...situation in the mines."<br /><br />Kia Marrah nodded as she left.<br /><br />"Thank you," acknowledged Ms. Zhangsun. She then turned her attention to me. "So what brings you to Dragon's Egg? I'm sure it’s not on your list of social visits."<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKMz9dV5VKvAswTJLV3BaP8iK-zhKWRSBauc6w-BRSUkbvPX_o44CQCIJmzlu7E2HlI17JKBJphbiAy8A5GHlEW0TzKeXfnhCU1wfG9BIxpn-Syji6VM_F9aBJ7V-Am3xuerXFfCV8xTZ/s1600/de7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKMz9dV5VKvAswTJLV3BaP8iK-zhKWRSBauc6w-BRSUkbvPX_o44CQCIJmzlu7E2HlI17JKBJphbiAy8A5GHlEW0TzKeXfnhCU1wfG9BIxpn-Syji6VM_F9aBJ7V-Am3xuerXFfCV8xTZ/s400/de7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />
Still watching the flames I began, "My sources report you have had further trouble from Niska."<br /><br />Her face darkened. "I suppose you might call it trouble. He is a source of... reminders."<br /><br />"Has anyone been hurt this time?" I asked.<br /><br />Ms. Zhangsun replied, "Following the glass factory explosion, he - or someone who wished to be seen as he - left a note, attached via his trademark daggers. No. It was just a note. Advising people who live in glass houses......" She left the sentence unfinished.<br /><br />I turned to face her. "And the recent device," I asked, "who dismantled it?"<br /><br />"I did not see it," she replied, "No one tells me anything. It’s as if everyone is constantly trying to protect me. From what, I don't know. It’s not me that should be fearing."<br /><br />"Indeed."<br /><br />"The old bastard just can't let well enough alone," she added.<br /><br />"I would like to see any analysis on the latest device," I said, "but I can't seem to locate your local law enforcement officers."<br /><br />"Cerberus."<br /><br />"Yes."<br /><br />Ms. Zhangsun began, "Why the Alliance chose to contract security out to them I have no idea. They could not find their... well, never mind. I would imagine Elix would have done it."<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GvtWBb9MkfRZyXRJz82IgeGUBZKKC6NqCyZiZ4CZOefE2a_BD99pU9IsxmZqttbtvthEuptPAlOiJYjpbsQw65hdo6S_Nm1J1i3wSN5zbRbrJyazzqmHUvnO1haG0GrkPezwZFFB9JYy/s1600/de8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GvtWBb9MkfRZyXRJz82IgeGUBZKKC6NqCyZiZ4CZOefE2a_BD99pU9IsxmZqttbtvthEuptPAlOiJYjpbsQw65hdo6S_Nm1J1i3wSN5zbRbrJyazzqmHUvnO1haG0GrkPezwZFFB9JYy/s400/de8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Are they fulfilling their contractual obligations?" I asked.<br /><br />"Oh yes, I suppose. I am just not impressed," she added, "Then again, that should come as no shock. There is a man, Neo Poza. Do you know him?"<br /><br />"I have met him," I said. "A mercenary last I knew. Is he now with Cerberus?"<br /><br />"Poza?" she asked. "I doubt it. He is not one for commitments... Tell me, Major, how are your investigations into the Jade Revolution these days?" she added with a smile. It could have been guess work on her part or a little hint that she knew we had an interest.<br /><br />"The Jade Revolution is an interesting study." I said. It was all I was prepared to confirm.<br /><br />"They meet here, you know," she remarked conspiratorially.<br /><br />"Go on," I prompted. <br /><br />"The little wastrel child and her follower. I've seen them! They think they are invisible!"<br /><br />"Why do you think they are here?" I asked.<br /><br />"I have seen two of them," she continued, "Here! Well, not here in my home. But, out near the mines. The one called the Adherent..."<br /><br />I nodded. "Jade worked as a miner."<br /><br />" ... and one other, I did not recognize her. But, clearly she is one of them." Ms. Zhangsun stopped and tilted her head. "So perhaps the mines are sacred to them." She started to laugh.<br /><br />I smiled in response.<br /><br />"Would you like me to let you know if I see them again?" she asked. "Or find traces of them on my trips down into the mines?"<br /><br />"I would, thank you."<br /><br />She returned to my original concern. "I wish I could do more to help minimize Niska's impact on the colonies, but he knows how to stay this side of the law."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09R_HQwDQKm9HdWOfgkv7Am261icqii4BH1g3BF5UWW_m-IMeBOFAatua4yOSQHm6svOrBZOOqVompu6vqMlroOcANRlNCqvFK_7HC7o9ngnYwcD-c_1CC_CvCrhv40e3g9TEoiOJf-XE/s1600/de9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09R_HQwDQKm9HdWOfgkv7Am261icqii4BH1g3BF5UWW_m-IMeBOFAatua4yOSQHm6svOrBZOOqVompu6vqMlroOcANRlNCqvFK_7HC7o9ngnYwcD-c_1CC_CvCrhv40e3g9TEoiOJf-XE/s400/de9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />"I appreciate your input," I said.<br /><br />Ms. Zhangsun continued, "He makes my skin crawl to be honest but...he gives such delightful gifts." She stopped and smiled. "And of course, all of his organizations have our technology installed, which is, shall we say, useful?"<br /><br />I did not reply. Instead I said, "I will let you prepare for your tour." If I had been offered a drink, this is when I would have set down my glass.<br /><br />"Thank you," she replied and she rose from her chair.<br /><br />"Thank you for your time," I added politely.<br /><br />"Be careful, should you venture alone," she warned. "Cody tells me the snakes are back in full force."<br /><br />"I will," I assured her.<br /><br />"I don't know why," she continued, "Lily's supposed to be taking care of them. Let me see you to the door."<br /><br />As the heavy wooden door opened, a tiny swirl of dust rushed inside passed our ankles and exhausted itself on the stone tiles.<br /><br />We paused at the threshold and exchanged pleasantries.<br /><br />"Delightful to see you again, Major."<br /><br />"It was nice to see you again too," I replied.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-83262213527175981042013-08-07T13:54:00.001-07:002013-08-07T13:54:19.884-07:00Pelican"Then sayd the pellycane <br />
When my byrats be slayne<br />With my bloude I them reuyue <br /> Scrypture doth record,<br /> The same dyd our Lord,<br />And rose from deth to lyue."<br /><br /> Skelton, "Armory of Birds." 1510<br /><br />---<br /><br />The air was cool. The sky was grey, almost matching the colour of the sea.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx-9cccL7nRrpejJOGvA1sYUDRyHhhD9zGrL03zzrAB4A4HKLLPjzwLJ7XW1srCqrNMd1IUEFVBIbiAHULMnU7Whf0VD4LvzFgtDSye_9cvNe1QBPIV18rH5NBDWDwvpugJi0rlAX83RQ/s1600/pelican1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx-9cccL7nRrpejJOGvA1sYUDRyHhhD9zGrL03zzrAB4A4HKLLPjzwLJ7XW1srCqrNMd1IUEFVBIbiAHULMnU7Whf0VD4LvzFgtDSye_9cvNe1QBPIV18rH5NBDWDwvpugJi0rlAX83RQ/s400/pelican1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />I was sitting at a table under a large umbrella on the seaward side of a pier. My arms were hanging at my side. The umbrella was blue and white.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE7k22n4rP0hA4_aWALhRVAh9sqfaK-Nzx-HVyRZmEOGFp5QU017_2KJ5-V81L1Tm8Ujz56RK3-_5NGonz5A-eW4lUzBS_QmEPe5mcOO4I2YIVyW7OLU8kaVdYMnPKd6dSiB75tb9c6th/s1600/pelican3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE7k22n4rP0hA4_aWALhRVAh9sqfaK-Nzx-HVyRZmEOGFp5QU017_2KJ5-V81L1Tm8Ujz56RK3-_5NGonz5A-eW4lUzBS_QmEPe5mcOO4I2YIVyW7OLU8kaVdYMnPKd6dSiB75tb9c6th/s400/pelican3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />Behind me, a crowd gathered in the pavilion to see a collection of colourful gacha machines. I could hear the call of birds, the waves, and the cheerful sounds of people enjoying the holiday like atmosphere of the surroundings.<br /><br />In the chair opposite me sat a large pelican. Neither of us said a word.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bp5oWATpTmm9BlaxLS6sZ0bWRI_lv6QBV61K4YZ1kGTR3aLBNsEcNnig3FU5Fbher7K-IJtQfOE15p6a82YKZcephSa8X0gV1rhX5tbck60D2zWwJ_cR8i-GkW9DRJdeiLLDhQJOCZJo/s1600/pelican3a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bp5oWATpTmm9BlaxLS6sZ0bWRI_lv6QBV61K4YZ1kGTR3aLBNsEcNnig3FU5Fbher7K-IJtQfOE15p6a82YKZcephSa8X0gV1rhX5tbck60D2zWwJ_cR8i-GkW9DRJdeiLLDhQJOCZJo/s400/pelican3a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />She regarded me with a look of both kindness and wry amusement. <br /><br />Then I awoke.<br /><br />---<br /><br />October 2 - On board the "Relentless", on route to Dragon's Egg from Paquin<br /><br />The aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeated the galley. I sat hunched over my cup, willing myself awake. <br /><br />It had been a particularly vivid dream. It lingered like a physical presence in the room.<br /><br />A pelican.<br /><br />A pelican under an umbrella.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aaG-61KF8kMIn-iNXNYONhfRTwQ7y2gaGpCN41KWDFvURgiqBavPIDVnRj57wXGZSpJBm8YKjUnxv4QqqrIOao3H8gtqJl5HSzNwsngPrHFtDYxv9F9xLTuUJvPoP_0xOJBRBB8UnsLg/s1600/pelican4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aaG-61KF8kMIn-iNXNYONhfRTwQ7y2gaGpCN41KWDFvURgiqBavPIDVnRj57wXGZSpJBm8YKjUnxv4QqqrIOao3H8gtqJl5HSzNwsngPrHFtDYxv9F9xLTuUJvPoP_0xOJBRBB8UnsLg/s400/pelican4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />
Almost instinctively. I reached for the list of Umbrella file names I had been decoding. <br /><br />Of the file names I had yet to open, three contained the same letters as the word pelican.<br />
<ul>
<li>cliMate clAMp Point gone or lap lan</li>
<li>crino CloRine trap</li>
<li>raison sUeT cliNt purse pro void</li>
</ul>
Of these, only one contained uppercase P indicating the start of a word. <br /><br />cliMate clAMp Point gone or lap lan<br /><br />There were three other uppercase letters. This meant a four word puzzle. I began to sift through the letters.<br /><br />P...<br /><br />Protocol<br /><br />This word had shown up before.<br /><br />A...<br /><br />Alliance<br /><br />The rest of the puzzle unfolded from there. <br /><br /><i>Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol.</i><br /><br />Interesting. An Umbrella file on an Alliance protocol. <br /><br />---<br /><br />Excerpts from the <b>Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol</b> (AMMP)<br /><br />"Many people have experienced being able to perform actions without their conscious mind needing to exert much control. Frequently dialed telephone numbers can appear to be memorized by your fingers instead of your mind.<br /><br />"Dancers, athletes and musicians drill reflexivity until their bodies know what to do without conscious control. The whole human mind/brain/sensorimotor system uses a function known as cognitive mapping to allow it to function at high levels.<br /><br />"A graduate student studying autistic savant syndrome was tasked to memorize calendars. At the end of the experiment, he was able to tell you what day it was on any given date within the period covered by the calendars he studied. He didn’t have to calculate or remember to get the right answer, he just knew it. His brain took the information in and arranged it into a cognitive map in order to make it easy to get at.<br /><br />"Certain repetitive tasks performed so many times that without even trying to develop the ability, via simple repetition, the brain builds up a cognitive map that allows those tasks to be routinely fulfilled without the conscious mind needing to exert much control.<br /><br />"These few examples are a shadow of the sort of ability that could be deliberately inculcated."<br /><br />---<br /><br />"The Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol (AMMP) is not as invasive as the Academy's so-called 'reader' program. Candidates are chosen who have shown a natural aptitude for mental mapping, cognitive mapping and certain analytical processes. Most of these have already been preliminarily trained. <br /><br />"A mental map is mentally placing all of the objects in a room in your mind, a cognitive map is when you runs simulations in your mind of that room.<br /><br />"The original program was a set of drill training in certain memorization and cognitive processes. Certain meditative processes to screen out distractions and better focus on given tasks. Different specialty categories would include combat engineering, tactical assessment, decryption, signal analysis and profiling.<br /><br />"Certain intensive techniques include using sensory deprivation therapy and sound/visual induce time dilation.<br /><br />"Later enhancements to the program include nootropic drugs and other biotic and chemical cognitive enhancers, the Ubermann sleep schedule, Gansfield effect controlled hallucination, lucid dreaming, dream-learning and the Treadstone protocols."Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-21180228433251180312013-07-31T13:37:00.002-07:002013-08-02T04:55:28.054-07:00With Respect Always<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
October 1 - Spinwheel City, Paquin</div>
<br />
It waited for me on my desk. A cube shaped box bearing the insignia of the Umbrella Corporation. These were the files I had obtained during my mission to their research and development facility<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJMmwniPYaMFCoLU9AmJo9uwbBHdMjLpAhv1r2dEcazT1hFNZREmuWsrUxg20veiUR-rK9-dLL6g61YGMfLOx3XNKFup2GKLyG9XcHS7Amb3xKe37mBfzV69FlNQS2sM7x469F3w7jr9V/s1600/ufiles1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJMmwniPYaMFCoLU9AmJo9uwbBHdMjLpAhv1r2dEcazT1hFNZREmuWsrUxg20veiUR-rK9-dLL6g61YGMfLOx3XNKFup2GKLyG9XcHS7Amb3xKe37mBfzV69FlNQS2sM7x469F3w7jr9V/s400/ufiles1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I unlocked the cube and paused as twenty-five slender disks unpacked themselves upon my desk. <br />
<br />
Each file was encrypted, sealed with a string of uppercase and lowercase letters clustered to suggest words. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>a big zoron City </li>
<li>cliMate clAMp Point gone or lap lan </li>
<li>creDid Laim gun </li>
<li>crino CloRine trap </li>
<li>CyaN go bron </li>
<li>Droopci iN tote </li>
<li>Eec girl SeleNe cedes benign engine</li>
<li>fifteEn Geld scaf </li>
<li>God spoons a limo Taxi </li>
<li>Head ai hear Steve rEcon cipy tent</li>
<li>Hoh storm peer </li>
<li>i graph no SEcRet phage fad monopoly </li>
<li>MerSi Destrui aeon DruG pitS racy tec disc</li>
<li>neeL Drragi man </li>
<li>No one likes AviaN muurtox build</li>
<li>noni lOng Crag </li>
<li>optios corN </li>
<li>ProMs Tangu bilts Cnics</li>
<li>Pronto sloc tree Toad </li>
<li>raison sUeT cliNt purse pro void</li>
<li>sailor Vic meet Zip bimoP </li>
<li>Spreem nebUla </li>
<li>temp nEA gemini Metal goiter Gone lux nude</li>
<li>Tom like Zab </li>
<li>woops i Lean tom init Naan</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P5s6ebdK68FqdEbCPeFCkqwXUJoDEJrVFD6h6n6jt_J70FZLHW_Js7VoMx4w8g-lOUM6A9OYzzeeLMFoTSZlDimA2UlqI38QHFBNX82PGGJbKE2aAjFW0CLl_xp1MQ5f9nF-7UJ_F8Qi/s1600/ufiles2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P5s6ebdK68FqdEbCPeFCkqwXUJoDEJrVFD6h6n6jt_J70FZLHW_Js7VoMx4w8g-lOUM6A9OYzzeeLMFoTSZlDimA2UlqI38QHFBNX82PGGJbKE2aAjFW0CLl_xp1MQ5f9nF-7UJ_F8Qi/s400/ufiles2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
When decoding simple substitution ciphers, it is my custom to look for the most common letter. From frequency studies, we know the most common letters in any given language, the most common letter pairs, and so on. Patterns soon become easily recognized. Other factors such as the length of the passage, use of familiar phrases, also play a role.<br />
<br />
With unscrambling my process is different. I look instead for the least common letter and build the pattern from there. As the letters are out of order, the patterns in the plaintext are not so apparent. <br />
<br />
Having some sense of the context and the associated jargon is useful in either case. <br />
<br />
For this analysis, I decided upon three initial assumptions:<br />
<br />
1) the unscrambled text was in English,<br />
2) each upper case letter represented the first letter of a word,<br />
3) there were no letter substitutions or false inclusions.<br />
<br />
I chose one of the shortest letter strings to begin.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgIYBC37JcJlP9R4WLvXNoxGxwUKsNvlEM8YUTIj-cJxF2TxGpDRB9D3rBlKyXSlADauZB_gGw0rAqRb7Z_6aiyUN3WpjoHDqDbhG5R4pjXj46B5S-aXbPQy-x_I17CpVdPtr0ILU40Sq/s1600/ufiles3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgIYBC37JcJlP9R4WLvXNoxGxwUKsNvlEM8YUTIj-cJxF2TxGpDRB9D3rBlKyXSlADauZB_gGw0rAqRb7Z_6aiyUN3WpjoHDqDbhG5R4pjXj46B5S-aXbPQy-x_I17CpVdPtr0ILU40Sq/s400/ufiles3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Tom like Zab<br />
<br />
This string contained four vowels and six consonants. Of the consonants, two were the capital letters T and Z. <br />
<br />
There were few words that began with the letter Z. Fewer still using only the letters from this string: Zoe or Zombie.<br />
<br />
I removed the letters for "Zombie" and T k l a became "Talk."<br />
<br />
Tom like Zab = Zombie Talk<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
I set aside the first unlocked file for later review and selected two more files.<br />
<br />
creDid Laim gun<br />
<br />
neeL Drragi man<br />
<br />
These two strings had nine out of thirteen letters in common, including capitals: DLreiamgn<br />
<br />
The additional letters in each string were:<br />
<br />
cdiu<br />
eran<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5drgTNX2QBYhyVV9Ev1a3XI_Ya3-wqwIS0ZArBbbYzuo-3phDavzDPVi9NPwoFapK14qZXnrQJKtoXloqKhBkzVszujkguXoKAiwqolSgNALbW4NmdyraT0qbwaLHYIPk2oOV5g1cdrSs/s1600/ufiles4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5drgTNX2QBYhyVV9Ev1a3XI_Ya3-wqwIS0ZArBbbYzuo-3phDavzDPVi9NPwoFapK14qZXnrQJKtoXloqKhBkzVszujkguXoKAiwqolSgNALbW4NmdyraT0qbwaLHYIPk2oOV5g1cdrSs/s400/ufiles4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I matched the initial letters to each set yielding this result:<br />
<br />
D.... cdiu<br />
L.... cdiu<br />
<br />
Lucid<br />
<br />
D.... eran<br />
L.... eran<br />
<br />
Learn<br />
<br />
From the common letters came the word "Dream" and the -ing suffix. <br />
<br />
I now had two more file names:<br />
<br />
creDid Laim gun = Lucid Dreaming<br />
<br />
neeL Drragi man = Dream Learning<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I worked throughout the morning and well into the afternoon, stopping only to collect a tuna salad sandwich, an apple, and a medium sized coffee from the cafeteria. I unlocked a total of six files before turning my attention to other business.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgkRu2jl2Hei0fVHazLU3r-p9Q7V2jGh3WeKDVDhsV7GvTgHuMoEGFtsikcB3sqT1azypbEVrHCj4SsF5Iap09krjkPvE2FMFRcbtEJRIiH7j4zaMCTlC7Z0zddfBBFLLfB_iQdLJnjRI/s1600/ufiles5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgkRu2jl2Hei0fVHazLU3r-p9Q7V2jGh3WeKDVDhsV7GvTgHuMoEGFtsikcB3sqT1azypbEVrHCj4SsF5Iap09krjkPvE2FMFRcbtEJRIiH7j4zaMCTlC7Z0zddfBBFLLfB_iQdLJnjRI/s400/ufiles5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
A few days before while I was still under medical observation, a message had arrived: two static images with voice. <br />
<br />
**From a 'concerned citizen' ".....Thought you aughta know that Niska's 'round. Left a callin' card and a couple of his bombs.... Might be 'nother attempt on Xoxo. Other'n that nothin' much to say...." Transmission ends**<br />
<br />
The images showed a note pinned to a wall with a small knife. The text on the note was written in Russian. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RP_5KZufuUOWJoD-ABcJ7HO0BwCRJz9HTbRAW1LLC9cH-Qi3eorgK3HvEcx0TVWQpkbXVISm0U4cwFB9Khkzd9nXhcBG36Or9yBGp2KVVQyZe0WOu9DEfeRRfvorU2c7geazliO4yfvH/s1600/niska0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RP_5KZufuUOWJoD-ABcJ7HO0BwCRJz9HTbRAW1LLC9cH-Qi3eorgK3HvEcx0TVWQpkbXVISm0U4cwFB9Khkzd9nXhcBG36Or9yBGp2KVVQyZe0WOu9DEfeRRfvorU2c7geazliO4yfvH/s320/niska0.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJh-bSCbp6yUXmeb6fo-rqGeCguuLjI-yQmbyHB0qCETBhbQiYYsg-yv18PZAwdFfTduQtWjBNMdcvVlbeXQ0iYig2sZmNyJVSwnA2xJN4GVxgJHrc9sz_6Vwb-5iXwwf9Ml-Q8Njhx4a/s1600/Niska1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJh-bSCbp6yUXmeb6fo-rqGeCguuLjI-yQmbyHB0qCETBhbQiYYsg-yv18PZAwdFfTduQtWjBNMdcvVlbeXQ0iYig2sZmNyJVSwnA2xJN4GVxgJHrc9sz_6Vwb-5iXwwf9Ml-Q8Njhx4a/s1600/Niska1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgDfEY3fhFoDt2YPQRWpvdzrtnppJS236gwhIyCzvDwAR2qUHWhg8kdIgagRgnSF-_Hpq9-JZYy460HZa7owSLBUAdXGUHqMFuAIScBwa0P73AVextXGwFADEajiCS_hZC2roljseo6rc/s1600/niska2.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgDfEY3fhFoDt2YPQRWpvdzrtnppJS236gwhIyCzvDwAR2qUHWhg8kdIgagRgnSF-_Hpq9-JZYy460HZa7owSLBUAdXGUHqMFuAIScBwa0P73AVextXGwFADEajiCS_hZC2roljseo6rc/s320/niska2.bmp" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
It read:<br />
<br />
<i>My dear Xoxo,<br /><br />So sorry to hear about the explosion in the plant but glad to hear that production is not affected. I think people in glass houses should be more careful where they throw sarcastic stones.<br /> </i><br />
<i>With respect always,<br />Niska</i><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
There was no name attached to the transmission itself. However, I recognized the voice of the 'concerned citizen.'<br />
<br />
It was Cody Winterwolf.<br />
<br />
I collected my files and summoned a shuttle.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-84583882892486260122013-07-26T13:38:00.000-07:002013-07-26T13:38:26.012-07:00Quarantine"Primum non nocere"<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
My quarantine began at the point of extraction from the Umbrella research and development facility. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2pZhxfMD0Xtqcx4vf0tNLrmyPXzIQCs9kuH8AI1X8HsPk0Cbu5hLoIzt-G4rqLOj4XfqeXTwQN6_YMrvJrYbKosGHVvEf1Hj8MCXCRziR_yFfldXnAbQ0s3__dwfTgVI8TY0qnGXfEHe/s1600/qu+01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2pZhxfMD0Xtqcx4vf0tNLrmyPXzIQCs9kuH8AI1X8HsPk0Cbu5hLoIzt-G4rqLOj4XfqeXTwQN6_YMrvJrYbKosGHVvEf1Hj8MCXCRziR_yFfldXnAbQ0s3__dwfTgVI8TY0qnGXfEHe/s400/qu+01.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU4iAKZaAKh-_kFUEOc1LgiosggKNe2lMDxc0ylTbBV5MlrQ1Or6XTRgR6UaCHbHlVOJFs7kCGJxIkH0V4uHQNIHpPY93bPPoi0E0k2EijN5zNBxruJqNgdJ-GmE4O8GpzAHnxuN2xHYZ/s1600/qu+02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU4iAKZaAKh-_kFUEOc1LgiosggKNe2lMDxc0ylTbBV5MlrQ1Or6XTRgR6UaCHbHlVOJFs7kCGJxIkH0V4uHQNIHpPY93bPPoi0E0k2EijN5zNBxruJqNgdJ-GmE4O8GpzAHnxuN2xHYZ/s400/qu+02.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My clothing was removed, my equipment was taken and logged, and I was placed in secure containment. Testing started immediately for exposure to known pathogens and to establish a baseline.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWXkiN85NbHqkd26SRgwTM172lsgPIDtulW1H-egIKMhAmHVi4KGVpdkkRxW9M3iu85w5MYlGUsRuhs5A-ndKdJ6Ygl0swmN0AGiren7Ht7qoZs_xYf2Jh6sZn5LPnpb8yF-xVb_E0EZ6/s1600/qu+03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWXkiN85NbHqkd26SRgwTM172lsgPIDtulW1H-egIKMhAmHVi4KGVpdkkRxW9M3iu85w5MYlGUsRuhs5A-ndKdJ6Ygl0swmN0AGiren7Ht7qoZs_xYf2Jh6sZn5LPnpb8yF-xVb_E0EZ6/s400/qu+03.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I was transported to a sealed wing of a hospital on _________, where I was subjected to an exhausting series of examinations.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN-Sn2nr0zRs3NhPjJ0AEpv4wcc0IbB6U_7S6hd3CgkAr_lBFIqZ8goTRXv2ygzD81WqY1l21eRCKFGStGyqFtYz9fsiJHKe0XwKHXHAxKeC4wy_MYp24al4Xj5GCfwi6mbySeiReml7T/s1600/qu+05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN-Sn2nr0zRs3NhPjJ0AEpv4wcc0IbB6U_7S6hd3CgkAr_lBFIqZ8goTRXv2ygzD81WqY1l21eRCKFGStGyqFtYz9fsiJHKe0XwKHXHAxKeC4wy_MYp24al4Xj5GCfwi6mbySeiReml7T/s400/qu+05.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp1qVXKktIVrrk9Zs2kAXwoaAeaAutCchBpaljT0CvLkfLRK2tEzOC0S1YcbNzptpzGhUqoNsWd_LJtPZM5giI6JA0WrAg1TeZ0I5BVzv9SP1IDKYUwnZ__gE94ZjDpULm_rMfAY-1euk/s1600/qu+06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp1qVXKktIVrrk9Zs2kAXwoaAeaAutCchBpaljT0CvLkfLRK2tEzOC0S1YcbNzptpzGhUqoNsWd_LJtPZM5giI6JA0WrAg1TeZ0I5BVzv9SP1IDKYUwnZ__gE94ZjDpULm_rMfAY-1euk/s400/qu+06.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
What was perplexing was the interest taken by the senior medical staff in the wounds I had obtained during my fight in early July with the spice mutant. Certainly I had exacerbated the injuries to my ribs through my exertions on my last mission. Their clinical interest seemed to extend beyond that.<br />
<br />
So, under constant observation, and keenly aware that the armed guards at my door were not there for my protection, I settled in as best as I could for the duration, confident that the data I gathered from the Umbrella files and systems would yield actionable results and would be worth the inconvenience of medical isolation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPb8WX5nnlERy_yZGmvJXfk22TikR2d6GHkVH8jA9oWhSPbogcJnj4JvzZYbFDofJ8GiwGeQ7hj5jt6AgQfyPQYwYvoQ4tjI-vc8PdiP82wzG01FREQTEju0kDpKHzJ9LAhc8n6pLygLP/s1600/qu+04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPb8WX5nnlERy_yZGmvJXfk22TikR2d6GHkVH8jA9oWhSPbogcJnj4JvzZYbFDofJ8GiwGeQ7hj5jt6AgQfyPQYwYvoQ4tjI-vc8PdiP82wzG01FREQTEju0kDpKHzJ9LAhc8n6pLygLP/s400/qu+04.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
September 30<br />
<br />
The sun poured into my hospital room, as it had done every day for the past eight weeks. Shadows from the furniture traced a path upon the floor from west to east like imperfect sundials. The shadows were growing longer. The days were growing shorter.<br />
<br />
Outside of my window, the leaves of the trees had started to turn colour. The sugar maple and the trembling aspen. Soon, the mighty oak would follow and with the ensuing riot of colour we would have our proof that the autumn had arrived.<br />
<br />
This is how I marked the changing of the season.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
"Major?<br />
<br />
It was Captain Manda Soldi Westminster, dressing in her white nurse’s habit but with the additional protection of a UAP standard issue flak jacket, a breather mask and regulation stun gun.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyuNydq0pTY8tJQFniWxUnxf5trcj22_efgOQywHqGOWDC5hVANJVQUr-C83tZyIkZCYvSHTX0V5KoXd9MjNMFjiUJnVFirmcGvFtLbNb3C3KLv46WFPm1EXUyGrIofqPxt5GO5nwKKsP/s1600/qu+07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyuNydq0pTY8tJQFniWxUnxf5trcj22_efgOQywHqGOWDC5hVANJVQUr-C83tZyIkZCYvSHTX0V5KoXd9MjNMFjiUJnVFirmcGvFtLbNb3C3KLv46WFPm1EXUyGrIofqPxt5GO5nwKKsP/s400/qu+07.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Well, hello Captain," I said, putting aside my book, "nice to see a friendly face."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fidUiaIBOxBMQH_mRomPCPoL0cVK3oKvqI9_e0ZzJvok7iWUk-tdait63sUalhpE34cm2tghBBl-lkopZQgpUy25gHEGyRqpAIcOpjaVG2HcacTJ0ED0AGI7rF1IB8pjDsvZhrIr_jcz/s1600/qu+08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fidUiaIBOxBMQH_mRomPCPoL0cVK3oKvqI9_e0ZzJvok7iWUk-tdait63sUalhpE34cm2tghBBl-lkopZQgpUy25gHEGyRqpAIcOpjaVG2HcacTJ0ED0AGI7rF1IB8pjDsvZhrIr_jcz/s400/qu+08.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I looked in on you a few times," she replied, "but you were probably unaware. Good to see you upright." She added, "Let me look at your chart a moment."<br />
<br />
The Captain slowly reached over for my chart. She made no furtive movements, nothing that would startle or alarm.<br />
<br />
"Yes, well," I said calmly, "just observation."<br />
<br />
"See? Your chart," she said as if I might interpret her movements as hostile and become enraged. She glanced at the document. "It says most of your injuries are healed, but the ribs are going to be sore for a while."<br />
<br />
I smiled patiently, "So I believe."<br />
<br />
"Duty with minimal chance of physical confrontation for a short while," she ordered. "These tests look good. Let me take off this vest." She slipped her stungun into her bag, and began to unbuckle her body armour.<br />
<br />
"I suspect they were more concerned I would develop a taste for brains," I remarked.<br />
<br />
"There are tests for that now." She cleared her throat. "By UAP medical protocols, I am required to speak to you in a condescending tone now. 'What did we learn about confronting spice mutants?' That was the obligatory condescending tone, supposedly patronizing."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8FwxI3-HHyUHQYSqKajjHOY6pzIJb3S2xaFHI85K-RgVT6BVBZI1kvQ2_HVo-tpFIwUVgazAaqVOIBz-3O5WG9wAExL43_sb43hvSRXX_1-wv30DBeK7J9AM6-TFZfwNpDhfCAd-y2HE/s1600/qu+09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8FwxI3-HHyUHQYSqKajjHOY6pzIJb3S2xaFHI85K-RgVT6BVBZI1kvQ2_HVo-tpFIwUVgazAaqVOIBz-3O5WG9wAExL43_sb43hvSRXX_1-wv30DBeK7J9AM6-TFZfwNpDhfCAd-y2HE/s400/qu+09.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"And well done too," I added.<br />
<br />
"You should see the protocols if you came here for reproductive counseling," she added. “Tell me about the nature of your confrontation with the spice mutant. Did it touch you?"<br />
<br />
"It chased me," I said. "I attacked it with a knife. It had a gun, which was unexpected."<br />
<br />
"Did its blood or saliva touch you?" she asked pointedly.<br />
<br />
"Not that I am aware of," I replied.<br />
<br />
"I don't have a voucher chain for the knife," she said. "Do you know if it was quarantined?"<br />
<br />
My knife? I couldn't remember. Didn't I drop it in Wadi Emet?<br />
<br />
"I was retrieved by Monitor," I said, "put into medical stasis and shipped from Araxes."<br />
<br />
"We are not broadcasting in or out of Araxes," said the Captain, "so I can't inquire until my return. I will have to check with him. Your weapons, uniform and gear were quarantined from the Hive mission."<br />
<br />
"Yes, I believe that is correct."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8kYXXGmdu2QN3FDUss2535OcRK9N6QHckJmUuP1XQuasUl8UvBfPr7fQUp_wXVY3P10lZPun1b8eFH__OJo3-XcpWPl1MXFHw3WFQq5Jjl7mIpH0Tr7qA-HLj-sSOoAAhCQBZw2MNu_x/s1600/qu+10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8kYXXGmdu2QN3FDUss2535OcRK9N6QHckJmUuP1XQuasUl8UvBfPr7fQUp_wXVY3P10lZPun1b8eFH__OJo3-XcpWPl1MXFHw3WFQq5Jjl7mIpH0Tr7qA-HLj-sSOoAAhCQBZw2MNu_x/s400/qu+10.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The Hive is the name by which Umbrella employees, and former employees, referred to the research and development facility I recently visited.<br />
<br />
Captain Westminster continued, "When I return to Araxes, I will find out about the knife and your other gear. Spice mutants can be problematic."<br />
<br />
"He had been a miner..." I said. "I found a card on his body."<br />
<br />
<i>Somebody's child.</i><br />
<br />
"Normally spice is not dangerous," explained the Captain, "but in massive doses, the body's systems react radically."<br />
<br />
"I would like to see that research," I interrupted.<br />
<br />
She continued, "We were concerned that possibly that reactivity was passed to you and possibly interacted with unknown materials at the Hive."<br />
<br />
"Send a copy to my office," I added, climbing off the bed. The tile felt cool under my bare feet.<br />
<br />
"It is within your clearance I am sure," she replied. "Let me close the door to the ward." <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WHO1kuwsGCren0LjV1mfvaujwh8r52vNWAKOih6XnztU702dxLQmatHzZahKSEC3ydteBjl53Myn0McrWf_MtN4WDfqzXFZwGm71qmCgWtX479phVud9n9e-wX2IZiLCwRsmE_nInQ2K/s1600/qu+11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WHO1kuwsGCren0LjV1mfvaujwh8r52vNWAKOih6XnztU702dxLQmatHzZahKSEC3ydteBjl53Myn0McrWf_MtN4WDfqzXFZwGm71qmCgWtX479phVud9n9e-wX2IZiLCwRsmE_nInQ2K/s400/qu+11.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
She marched across my room, and secured the door before returning to the foot of my bed.<br />
<br />
"The original Audrey was Patient Zero in that research," she began.<br />
<br />
"Go on," I urged.<br />
<br />
"She is by no means the first spice mutant, but she is the first spice mutant we have clinical studies on. Most spice mutant like the one you ran into in Araxes are usually the result of massive infusion of raw spice."<br />
<br />
"And we have these clinical files," I said.<br />
<br />
"We have some of them," she replied, "retrieved from Angels of Mercy."<br />
<br />
I nodded.<br />
<br />
"We believe Umbrella has some also," she added. "We have not yet determined where they conduct that research."<br />
<br />
"You worked for Umbrella," I said. It was not a question.<br />
<br />
"I have been embedded since Med school," she admitted.<br />
<br />
"Tell me about that."<br />
<br />
"The Colonel cleared me to speak freely," she said.<br />
<br />
I waited for her to continue.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxiyrF93ZwrDfE9iQfLQ8hMhFMkpY-tlxv5JZgosMkAEYZGEfCttSajBWx0_kWDOFFcb98OQOLeurrHGwMG-hIbfuVKAJ20eInVYL7la0DmCWKMqSCEOYuAz7Xv1_ckSvALbUvOgkhy03/s1600/qu+13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxiyrF93ZwrDfE9iQfLQ8hMhFMkpY-tlxv5JZgosMkAEYZGEfCttSajBWx0_kWDOFFcb98OQOLeurrHGwMG-hIbfuVKAJ20eInVYL7la0DmCWKMqSCEOYuAz7Xv1_ckSvALbUvOgkhy03/s400/qu+13.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"I knew Mercedes since University," she said, "She is a bit younger than me, but was quite advanced. Married a prominent professor right after graduation. He recommended me for an internship at Umbrella. I had already been recruited into the UAP. They recommended I go forward with it."<br />
<br />
"Mercedes' husband," I repeated.<br />
<br />
"Yes," answered the Captain, "Professor Celestalis. He passed on some years ago."<br />
<br />
"And so you took the internship..."<br />
<br />
"Yes," she replied, "nothing special at first. Standard research internship. Long hours, tedious work."<br />
<br />
"Researching what?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"It was nothing secure at the time. Later, I completed my residency at a UAP hospital and continued on in UAP service. But I was occasionally invited to conferences, and with authorization have traded information to Umbrella, and received intel, which led to my assignment to Special Projects full time, and being lent to you with the SIU."<br />
<br />
"So you have been playing an interesting role when it comes to Umbrella," I observed. "Tell me, what were the topics of these conferences?"<br />
<br />
"Mostly immunology and geriatrics. Organ cloning."<br />
<br />
"And your original work for them," I asked, "the unsecured research... Tell me more."<br />
<br />
"Prions and protozoans."<br />
<br />
I frowned a little.<br />
<br />
The Captain explained, "Prions like what spreads Mad Cow Disease and protozoans like what causes Malaria."<br />
<br />
I nodded slowly.<br />
<br />
"Same as thousands of grad students," she added, "Nothing cutting edge."<br />
<br />
"Of course," I allowed, "but I want to know every little thing. Things you may not think of as important."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXkmqVSsh7bjgNPnFc-cWwUPaAW2_JtLCaRWDGlRrUdnum1RrihwQjUxH8-SlqNHt5Zx07NxeRyHVz56SO7sg3Yp5p8_HBNH2P7ofdVrdq3LHOdITgCooz0Doku_4sK4mGlnyyuGKwrBJ/s1600/qu+12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXkmqVSsh7bjgNPnFc-cWwUPaAW2_JtLCaRWDGlRrUdnum1RrihwQjUxH8-SlqNHt5Zx07NxeRyHVz56SO7sg3Yp5p8_HBNH2P7ofdVrdq3LHOdITgCooz0Doku_4sK4mGlnyyuGKwrBJ/s400/qu+12.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Most of my assignments at the conferences is to see who talks to who. Modern medicine is still struggling with how to deal with prion and protozoan related diseases. You can't make a vaccine for them. Despite the health issues related to them, because they are not good candidates for weaponizing, not much research has been done on them. They consider them problems for poor people."<br />
<br />
I considered her reply. Weighing the choice of words, turning the phrases over in my mind. "When do I get out of here, Doctor?" I asked finally.<br />
<br />
"You can get out of here today," she said, "if you take rest leave for at least five days and return for a checkup."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29OOwkNr8pAVRUqv9pBSwT7lHonkxxGj4KU6rPXo5KLpKMsJkJYrUzgYR5apLqfb29yun23CJ1I-tTCuSY8Txqv2GeGr6erPnREtK1mp_WhFfOc_yAmZp1E61BaC3ucCn8L2BfGlodP9_/s1600/qu+14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29OOwkNr8pAVRUqv9pBSwT7lHonkxxGj4KU6rPXo5KLpKMsJkJYrUzgYR5apLqfb29yun23CJ1I-tTCuSY8Txqv2GeGr6erPnREtK1mp_WhFfOc_yAmZp1E61BaC3ucCn8L2BfGlodP9_/s400/qu+14.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Fine," I agreed. "I am sure the nurses will be pleased. I am not an ideal patient."<br />
<br />
"They have been careful not to say."<br />
<br />
"Thank you Doctor," I replied.<br />
<br />
Manda continued, "We ran nano cams thru your blood, no sign of the kinds of nanites like we found in Audrey. We would like to do so again in five days, just to be safe." She then added, "There is one other thing. We would like you to keep a dream diary."<br />
<br />
"A dream diary?" I asked nonplussed.<br />
<br />
"Set an alarm to wake you up about 20 minutes early," she said, "and write down what dreams you were having. Go back to sleep and see if you get another. Just write down whatever you can remember. If you have difficulty with that, we can provide you with a machine that will wake you toward the end of the dream, but it is better if you can do it yourself."<br />
<br />
"What does this have to do with anything?" I asked suddenly skeptical.<br />
<br />
"The theory is that if something is affecting your mind, the first signs would show up in your dreams. It also has therapeutic value."<br />
<br />
"I see...."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlFSQrfZ-ekehDvLwoaLOIrA5T4QA1U1l86DjQyDr-lPdsi8QRzbeqo_A4M5YgkptQroTol4Sq0M1jI82_-ShjCZp6Klr4nE8HbPe696UeBz37IZQ0sapIJlqhQ5kG9YLFYm_jmAAHsv6/s1600/qu+15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlFSQrfZ-ekehDvLwoaLOIrA5T4QA1U1l86DjQyDr-lPdsi8QRzbeqo_A4M5YgkptQroTol4Sq0M1jI82_-ShjCZp6Klr4nE8HbPe696UeBz37IZQ0sapIJlqhQ5kG9YLFYm_jmAAHsv6/s400/qu+15.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
But I did not see. I did not understand why this was necessary.<br />
<br />
"If you consider it awkward," she continued, "you can consult with someone else besides me. You would be the first to recognize if something is out of place in your own subconscious. It is best if you keep the journal for your own use. After a while, you will probably not have to wake yourself to remember your dreams. We have been concerned about such things since Commander Faith."<br />
<br />
I did not answer at first. Finally, I said, "Well, it will be good to sleep in my own bed, dreams aside."<br />
<br />
"You have civilian street clothes to wear?" asked Manda.<br />
<br />
"Yes." I pointed to the drawer beside my bed.<br />
<br />
"You can be discharged as soon as you can collect your things and yourself. We will probably have the labwork back on the Hive samples by the time you return to duty."<br />
<br />
"Good," I said firmly.<br />
<br />
"It is a troubling sign," she added.<br />
<br />
"Troubling?"<br />
<br />
"Identification is key in the response to biowarfare," she explained. "Biological agents that require a lot of time to identify reduces containment."<br />
<br />
Slowly, thoughtfully, I begin to gather my things.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZnJzZ08mEUa6wUYKhQcSBbCaJp23Azdr842Ql4vSbY2DlczzZJexvkbibQldi8jUrPnaWiMqlER-TYJ2cyv5_dwn_hPCrpzml2UER3v2_k7rf8mOFQc3ZMLTJoEMsJFbqrNWSni_3i1a/s1600/qu+17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZnJzZ08mEUa6wUYKhQcSBbCaJp23Azdr842Ql4vSbY2DlczzZJexvkbibQldi8jUrPnaWiMqlER-TYJ2cyv5_dwn_hPCrpzml2UER3v2_k7rf8mOFQc3ZMLTJoEMsJFbqrNWSni_3i1a/s400/qu+17.jpg" width="400" /></a>Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-19982725879603822042013-07-22T14:01:00.000-07:002013-07-22T14:27:57.022-07:00Gehenna (Part Four)I came into a place void of all light,<br />
which bellows like the sea in tempest,<br />
when it is combated by warring winds.<br />
- Dante, Inferno, Canto V, lines 28-30<br />
<br />
Water fell like rain. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVGCuMxA6RpQwdZP8RolCDS0qm9MBWotzwDOcM-yiUUYtQbSBVtlVHu9WujA7v5HxY-Re7LtsSTIrKu-yTSHHYEVb9LcEeo7Ir8zPmsCaveBd_rB-DML6B7UR17zI-XLrGn87PGHbsG3/s1600/g4+%2800%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVGCuMxA6RpQwdZP8RolCDS0qm9MBWotzwDOcM-yiUUYtQbSBVtlVHu9WujA7v5HxY-Re7LtsSTIrKu-yTSHHYEVb9LcEeo7Ir8zPmsCaveBd_rB-DML6B7UR17zI-XLrGn87PGHbsG3/s1600/g4+(00).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Whether it was leaking from broken pipes or represented a massive condensation problem, I could not tell. Perhaps this was water draining from the laboratories upstairs, with their putrid contents….<br />
<br />
<i>I will never feel clean again.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvHO3QJmonVO2zuSe9lgMzBPCctGaHaH5eN6v79BZZmXvXTAfS-6Ez1fu55LE3TUiZ7WOEb3RDsBnogk1wzPX00bdjYPg3Dk0tstZmTBkaiz5L18Ew2DUEHjhWRlAIvc8jd4MARzdBzl/s1600/g4+%2801%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvHO3QJmonVO2zuSe9lgMzBPCctGaHaH5eN6v79BZZmXvXTAfS-6Ez1fu55LE3TUiZ7WOEb3RDsBnogk1wzPX00bdjYPg3Dk0tstZmTBkaiz5L18Ew2DUEHjhWRlAIvc8jd4MARzdBzl/s1600/g4+(01).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Weapon drawn, I trudged through the utility tunnels, splashing through the water pooled upon the ground. The lights mounted on the walls were ineffective, so I had to rely again on my flashlight.<br />
<br />
Where were the rats?<br />
<br />
Groans and gurgles echoed throughout the tunnels but I could not place the source of the sound. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rtECKbkEssf9Z5zsI_hrsoJdDLI839y89-kGvdGCus9UHtE7NNkkf9_Xz0GAKiaRV39zV73FTDLJIyJiRXWMo_Jbfl8QMQBhjt5K6EhDeTGnSvFYNAjFTFQBMH7ndvriVcbqZpDRysG0/s1600/g4+%2802%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rtECKbkEssf9Z5zsI_hrsoJdDLI839y89-kGvdGCus9UHtE7NNkkf9_Xz0GAKiaRV39zV73FTDLJIyJiRXWMo_Jbfl8QMQBhjt5K6EhDeTGnSvFYNAjFTFQBMH7ndvriVcbqZpDRysG0/s1600/g4+(02).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I climbed up onto the pipes that ran suspended from the ceiling. There was some degree of relief from the dripping of water, otherwise I had no illusions.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9skWR6bfugbuYF6hDeEI2S74kkalDcvoXkgxrTvk_hF4YgEveK2xlQYMSUNt78L7OmSm1NQTlMpHd3VT-vKKgId8l2JbS50FsIw1Lf-JfKz6GbynbLpKVFmsccoYIELV6G8QyDGX5eFDU/s1600/g4+%2803%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9skWR6bfugbuYF6hDeEI2S74kkalDcvoXkgxrTvk_hF4YgEveK2xlQYMSUNt78L7OmSm1NQTlMpHd3VT-vKKgId8l2JbS50FsIw1Lf-JfKz6GbynbLpKVFmsccoYIELV6G8QyDGX5eFDU/s1600/g4+(03).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There was no refuge in this place. <br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
I pushed open a metal floor grate and climbed out into a dark hallway.<br />
<br />
I was again among a suite of laboratories, divided by intersecting corridors, like those on Level One. Given that I had not climbed stairs to reach here, I judged that I was still in a basement level of some sort, likely on the same elevation as Dining Hall B.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQsMqs-JBPyHV0y3y9uSeXVojwqBdfe-FAE0JTq41UopR5Oes89aWADkgpBNuzJRVZa3cWqtEJzICzGhI4r_pK_Kikc-Ey9cOz99TD1g97x1Ldek3loof5gGGXz9OAVjkpwFrCigRCGSS/s1600/g4+%2804%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQsMqs-JBPyHV0y3y9uSeXVojwqBdfe-FAE0JTq41UopR5Oes89aWADkgpBNuzJRVZa3cWqtEJzICzGhI4r_pK_Kikc-Ey9cOz99TD1g97x1Ldek3loof5gGGXz9OAVjkpwFrCigRCGSS/s1600/g4+(04).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The lights were completely out in this wing and the rooms were completely flooded. In several places, thin streams of water leaked forcefully through chips in the reinforced glass.<br />
<br />
Examination of the damage revealed that each break was a percussion cone fracture with the larger mouth of the funnel on the outside of the room. This meant the force of impact was coming from inside the laboratory. Someone inside the flooded chamber had tried to break the glass by repeatedly striking the window. He or she had used a pick, or more likely the pick shaped poll on a fire axe, and probably did so as the water was rising.<br />
<br />
I could start to piece together the story of what may have happened here. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xgIguZ5jQyVAs7IP0_MpKCp_V-QfNbSuNz9D-fdXrtkOKbBwFN3fzYh6rh-Ddu8aADMoIg3e_BMyZFe0N2jCCt1X8y2bceaS7r_5_4FU5zVym4fJWFgS1IFMIgOwZ3uCvzChG4UndqAg/s1600/g4+%2805%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xgIguZ5jQyVAs7IP0_MpKCp_V-QfNbSuNz9D-fdXrtkOKbBwFN3fzYh6rh-Ddu8aADMoIg3e_BMyZFe0N2jCCt1X8y2bceaS7r_5_4FU5zVym4fJWFgS1IFMIgOwZ3uCvzChG4UndqAg/s1600/g4+(05).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I had found evidence of two mechanical failures that had resulted in deaths of three or more people – the robot arm in sterile packaging, and the flooding of the laboratories on two separate levels. If these events were concurrent, that could indicate a system wide malfunction.<br />
<br />
The two women on Level One who appear to have drowned as a result
have now reanimated. Whether these creatures were ever clinically dead
or were somehow caught at the very moment of expiration I had no way of
knowing. Other former employees of the facility appear to be in the same
state though I had not ascertained the cause of death in each case. <br />
<br />
One could posit that exposure to an unknown agent produced these
effects, though I do not know the nature of this substance, the means by
which it was delivered, nor the time lines involved. I also do not know
if exposure had been accidental or deliberate. Exposure may have been a
result of the systems failure or may have predated the malfunction. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-qE3r8yy6erHfRv4us1UMnJqckpCBrxlwhV4JijmuudSNfUNSprN0q0ta0E8QqawAGpwgJUZ-CpcLzW3JjcuIy-diAJUMBE5EV-JK65CBZ2z-jGH_lXSx8C_HCTiDHz3h9pgjUE8vcA8/s1600/g4+%2806%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-qE3r8yy6erHfRv4us1UMnJqckpCBrxlwhV4JijmuudSNfUNSprN0q0ta0E8QqawAGpwgJUZ-CpcLzW3JjcuIy-diAJUMBE5EV-JK65CBZ2z-jGH_lXSx8C_HCTiDHz3h9pgjUE8vcA8/s1600/g4+(06).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJa2R_0KjFM-d04NnUKxNAWlz2ScU-LmdC1DgHyNqmaGa3PAHlbCRC4-bqyT_FIGmojO9zrBtZsB6Ljf4E4nLvbgOYZrNi_qOKZKHdLiQfbY5Viqyomu1rC6naTSMXQRPkpt-eV0koRTT/s1600/g4+%2807%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJa2R_0KjFM-d04NnUKxNAWlz2ScU-LmdC1DgHyNqmaGa3PAHlbCRC4-bqyT_FIGmojO9zrBtZsB6Ljf4E4nLvbgOYZrNi_qOKZKHdLiQfbY5Viqyomu1rC6naTSMXQRPkpt-eV0koRTT/s1600/g4+(07).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqAtoj0Umt3vgkikJ3e1jF-V8w7u-eXYIR7V2Pd4clPlS3FIFQNBNk2c_TN2_sooSx8MOCZCzTzw-W0NdSA5rkYYDsuYHDOL1VGbT6lqrBnqsDXmLQ3LiKbCGl1ESkAmKmiNZxBXZnTab/s1600/g4+%2808%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqAtoj0Umt3vgkikJ3e1jF-V8w7u-eXYIR7V2Pd4clPlS3FIFQNBNk2c_TN2_sooSx8MOCZCzTzw-W0NdSA5rkYYDsuYHDOL1VGbT6lqrBnqsDXmLQ3LiKbCGl1ESkAmKmiNZxBXZnTab/s1600/g4+(08).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The sign read 'Laboratories' as if everything up to now had been practice. It pointed down the hall to the right. I followed the arrow and came to a window overlooking a dark room. The windows were reinforced with wire. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDn7RVnN65BwCCIq_KoxV0RtKx2KsHH_Y3DckcWe1g6Z7FlvjlpsrErQyn3Q5yfYxvCgxZHHlOlqG-r1pWOlmMwiHGgqsAO0vq7pZnqCBXNhpFashewU5WTQOdvt0VHZlDMwxnJqr-zxx/s1600/g4+%2809%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDn7RVnN65BwCCIq_KoxV0RtKx2KsHH_Y3DckcWe1g6Z7FlvjlpsrErQyn3Q5yfYxvCgxZHHlOlqG-r1pWOlmMwiHGgqsAO0vq7pZnqCBXNhpFashewU5WTQOdvt0VHZlDMwxnJqr-zxx/s1600/g4+(09).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
This was new.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzU_QRVFSXtfuw9klFqyeVP6PGRoaLTbHiEe570JLslUNBvuAOqxdDlU4uuv5uf0n4e-VRv5nA-YxVM4n55Psr7qjpKQTQfmg6PE0SZzxlFjSmqUGQD1gcYNgUd6QkNmIbJh0rBixVPB1/s1600/g4+%2810%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzU_QRVFSXtfuw9klFqyeVP6PGRoaLTbHiEe570JLslUNBvuAOqxdDlU4uuv5uf0n4e-VRv5nA-YxVM4n55Psr7qjpKQTQfmg6PE0SZzxlFjSmqUGQD1gcYNgUd6QkNmIbJh0rBixVPB1/s1600/g4+(10).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The door slid upwards with a hiss. The room was uncomfortably cold.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTgUrsuMKgYyK6iT4ZU5oo6-xnqVrDZykakVOpGj-yia3vB_Zy6zAblIchVIu3cywxyHt61UybEwKclywVQlXwRYOIMmj0O4jxhQOU2Rj4oz6UP5Owtjh19U3BuD-CRthnC4pjAZO8p_i/s1600/g4+%2812%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTgUrsuMKgYyK6iT4ZU5oo6-xnqVrDZykakVOpGj-yia3vB_Zy6zAblIchVIu3cywxyHt61UybEwKclywVQlXwRYOIMmj0O4jxhQOU2Rj4oz6UP5Owtjh19U3BuD-CRthnC4pjAZO8p_i/s1600/g4+(12).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScDyEOMlUp5SQypQj-aGVfCkWiq-vUvYGDp4Q9l1VvAK9SqPnFgYcoZBJAqs1oVU9xkbCJg-GIhX0rIBUatJGcd92juAwCwvjGHLMyI4_hwKCTf0ZLHv8KHSt0Cu88XpVjNUZnTA_Gf6a/s1600/g4+%2811%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScDyEOMlUp5SQypQj-aGVfCkWiq-vUvYGDp4Q9l1VvAK9SqPnFgYcoZBJAqs1oVU9xkbCJg-GIhX0rIBUatJGcd92juAwCwvjGHLMyI4_hwKCTf0ZLHv8KHSt0Cu88XpVjNUZnTA_Gf6a/s1600/g4+(11).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Inside were eight tubes, each the size of an adult, each filled with a luminous pale blue substance. They were arranged in three rows. A ninth tube at the middle of the back row was broken. The same blue substance collected in a thick cloud upon the floor, preventing me from inspecting the intact tubes. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXiaQNa9VYV2dUaQVoNVv2AiXA-rCDSnNy7yAsyfMSUYFPBLBh7ZsmQal0XBLir97iEA_Sp8qSFMUgELExZUkHnsk1q590GidhU6JN0-pfF48jxeE4cL5Zmo8VFKyf22Kf6p0koqmxgF-/s1600/g4+%2813%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXiaQNa9VYV2dUaQVoNVv2AiXA-rCDSnNy7yAsyfMSUYFPBLBh7ZsmQal0XBLir97iEA_Sp8qSFMUgELExZUkHnsk1q590GidhU6JN0-pfF48jxeE4cL5Zmo8VFKyf22Kf6p0koqmxgF-/s1600/g4+(13).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Off to one side, there was another workstation. The files were still active. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZbSO33fBBgTfJat485kK7rbadXHyvc0CxJUE9NBYpd5lRaDhW1BF4qL_-Y1Jfg-5DqBrzYeAg5826kKFtry25WTalJ63Rc322MfNZMmvevPNoMJmmLHpsNj_7DQ0wzLUedcpuZTFZFkm/s1600/g4+%2814%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZbSO33fBBgTfJat485kK7rbadXHyvc0CxJUE9NBYpd5lRaDhW1BF4qL_-Y1Jfg-5DqBrzYeAg5826kKFtry25WTalJ63Rc322MfNZMmvevPNoMJmmLHpsNj_7DQ0wzLUedcpuZTFZFkm/s1600/g4+(14).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My clothes were damp from the water in the utility tunnels. I began to shiver as I attached my device to the computer to clone the hard disk. The absurd notion crossed my mind that I might catch a chill, as if that was the worst thing that could happen to me here. <br />
<br />
My thoughts were interrupted by the device signaling that the copying process was now complete. Thankfully, I removed the device and replaced it my jacket pocket.<br />
<br />
Avoiding the cloud on the floor, I moved towards the back of the room to have a quick look at the broken tube. It had been shattered leaving only the support base and some broken glass. Nearby, a large fan blade snapped off its mounting lay on the floor. It left a hole wide enough that I could step through without trouble.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n-t-f0IBvKKvbTbus9lv3i8lAAr2-rvzY69uZ1BAysiCTbJxDtrkcXRGMkliOgOcOGRK3VA0dIhwXeHoNrwaPYQEjJkbro8oBGJ4gYusubF00gyOK93yjgC2oVhYwXEnWt07T9Vwrmrs/s1600/g4+%2815%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n-t-f0IBvKKvbTbus9lv3i8lAAr2-rvzY69uZ1BAysiCTbJxDtrkcXRGMkliOgOcOGRK3VA0dIhwXeHoNrwaPYQEjJkbro8oBGJ4gYusubF00gyOK93yjgC2oVhYwXEnWt07T9Vwrmrs/s1600/g4+(15).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
What manner of being could do such a thing?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsEpkuIzscn8bPjRFo_7YYZe8EgqfBx18Jn4snv3AVVTzGbnBeFXQlgetc5WrkS6Y9T5g0u3J336ANne52VcqMC5MCpjrJ53NxuTMUtU6uiDss9gjNGyOFYIEZzY6J1_EPA3psY4ulYO7/s1600/g4+%2816%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsEpkuIzscn8bPjRFo_7YYZe8EgqfBx18Jn4snv3AVVTzGbnBeFXQlgetc5WrkS6Y9T5g0u3J336ANne52VcqMC5MCpjrJ53NxuTMUtU6uiDss9gjNGyOFYIEZzY6J1_EPA3psY4ulYO7/s1600/g4+(16).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Cautiously, I climbed through the opening to the space beyond. My flashlight came to rest upon a maintenance ladder stretching upwards. I took hold of the rungs and began to climb.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The path of life is upwards for the wise, <br />
that he may depart from Sheol beneath.<br />
Proverbs 15:24<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRdSGMrzoesfbKSoBvMHIcY3UA2IaSuLl7Sbb3_wUPKU3K6SV-adqYmMC5NlouoRAgR2dWy2PwedrGz4Ndu3aBfxzxoNtav1K1r89nWEkVlySw_x6zlSzVnxkGiJm1Gu-gLLqTvl-bemY/s1600/g4+%2818%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRdSGMrzoesfbKSoBvMHIcY3UA2IaSuLl7Sbb3_wUPKU3K6SV-adqYmMC5NlouoRAgR2dWy2PwedrGz4Ndu3aBfxzxoNtav1K1r89nWEkVlySw_x6zlSzVnxkGiJm1Gu-gLLqTvl-bemY/s1600/g4+(18).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I climbed, the floor beneath me disappeared into the blackness. I pushed aside the fear that something could drop onto me while I was on the ladder.<br />
<br />
Darkness above.<br />
Darkness below. <br />
<br />
I did not know where I was heading, only that I was going in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyQpfPQ_SwyHVlX6i-HAdBjeWJbHs7Gc9bnUV9nkhGkAAh5gCQlTP0IdzaHIOhUEkfMT6bwoExrQEBWw9oHhcJ4vd-HOURTzLwg_ImjtyVvhIxhdy3sZHalNxAtJMY7zRGmqL9AToQsW9/s1600/g4+%2817%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyQpfPQ_SwyHVlX6i-HAdBjeWJbHs7Gc9bnUV9nkhGkAAh5gCQlTP0IdzaHIOhUEkfMT6bwoExrQEBWw9oHhcJ4vd-HOURTzLwg_ImjtyVvhIxhdy3sZHalNxAtJMY7zRGmqL9AToQsW9/s1600/g4+(17).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
“Keep fast thy hold, for by such stairs as these,”<br />
The Master said, panting as one fatigued,<br />
“Must we perforce depart from so much evil.”<br />
- Dante, Inferno, Canto XXXIV<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
After an eternity of climbing - changing ladders a number of times - I came to a small windowless room with a door on one wall. I shone my flashlight across the surface of the floor, looking for marks in the dust and grime. The results were inconclusive.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXtt37Q0pQOPPLHllMXN4jN3n3gC7jKYyeWCBjpoY5xce4jqGHDe7yr049AmqpxNIcBWina1IR-Xlp2jj29v0k4DamCitoQOakj8tXtPaugYNSnDrpIcXFqIj0mbYL08e5AUjGvBT4HGK/s1600/g4+%2819%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXtt37Q0pQOPPLHllMXN4jN3n3gC7jKYyeWCBjpoY5xce4jqGHDe7yr049AmqpxNIcBWina1IR-Xlp2jj29v0k4DamCitoQOakj8tXtPaugYNSnDrpIcXFqIj0mbYL08e5AUjGvBT4HGK/s1600/g4+(19).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The door was unlocked. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSrKq5PUGE2Tm2CN2Nf1t_EXKuv4mRaSPEAWILp_2FziJHx9qdW0JJoG73ojsACrFeJl1NRrJTGxqorVvMWgRy1r2qowXaGuQqfi0Oaom1Md4Xzr0ckW5_a_JGsebJtpjyFu1H-YUvKkJ/s1600/g4+%2820%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSrKq5PUGE2Tm2CN2Nf1t_EXKuv4mRaSPEAWILp_2FziJHx9qdW0JJoG73ojsACrFeJl1NRrJTGxqorVvMWgRy1r2qowXaGuQqfi0Oaom1Md4Xzr0ckW5_a_JGsebJtpjyFu1H-YUvKkJ/s1600/g4+(20).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It opened to a dark tunnel with train tracks.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWY-KPlm6PnFTUXi5guo2e0BLIlJEbh754apjNb31vB2gYTAI0awMXsM4nfMuFLuvlqOLtWbH9vuEIc_Ms934zjreOOaITFErp7CViP_ItQWAl7B6kDLXRHt4zY1u9C_f9F2LFl9fSQ5Q/s1600/g4+%2821%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWY-KPlm6PnFTUXi5guo2e0BLIlJEbh754apjNb31vB2gYTAI0awMXsM4nfMuFLuvlqOLtWbH9vuEIc_Ms934zjreOOaITFErp7CViP_ItQWAl7B6kDLXRHt4zY1u9C_f9F2LFl9fSQ5Q/s1600/g4+(21).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I had come full circle. I was back on Level Four.<br />
<br />
Entering the area from a different angle I now had the advantage. Using the train as cover, I cleared the platform before rushing forward to the first set of blast doors of my return journey.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgY3FCREmjq3WFgUqZOGpxdjn0q_HEUH3DAzyUl-F49aYWsy_3x2CV294np1SZjqsk585tMQWnBbyv0YGlVIO04ZED2hAFZUSApNSa9sH3sMEg_XPsaGuxoYhIdGcGx3PaoAXeLhPEPdz/s1600/g4+%2822%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgY3FCREmjq3WFgUqZOGpxdjn0q_HEUH3DAzyUl-F49aYWsy_3x2CV294np1SZjqsk585tMQWnBbyv0YGlVIO04ZED2hAFZUSApNSa9sH3sMEg_XPsaGuxoYhIdGcGx3PaoAXeLhPEPdz/s1600/g4+(22).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikasr19V_9tfBUABNgihcQBIhZ9wjQOSV8-_ePiwRFyRSWSymCev7ueTKy_n9COqDpeGXaJUfzH6ovMDwzU7ztI3MbypYagAT2rxj1yxC9e0LYV1cRM3Dby_Bs0dTHmzKN1VTUXbvxVDh_/s1600/g4+%2823%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikasr19V_9tfBUABNgihcQBIhZ9wjQOSV8-_ePiwRFyRSWSymCev7ueTKy_n9COqDpeGXaJUfzH6ovMDwzU7ztI3MbypYagAT2rxj1yxC9e0LYV1cRM3Dby_Bs0dTHmzKN1VTUXbvxVDh_/s1600/g4+(23).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The warehouse and show laboratory still lay ahead. I had a good sense of the terrain and expected some resistance.<br />
<br />
I was very low on ammunition but I used what I had to good effect.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPvm-GNA5EPiE1ICQoEBEBAJJVwlQoRSnTrUaHDmz8TuEhOVcWX3HU4HX0EhWPvQFMuhQgjvY-gfF7HuZg0wPVD3yM0mSMi9HlyxfTgn-D32GyfhkDQIflGlWSz_SoTWToqQ7ayYqSigM/s1600/g4+%2824%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPvm-GNA5EPiE1ICQoEBEBAJJVwlQoRSnTrUaHDmz8TuEhOVcWX3HU4HX0EhWPvQFMuhQgjvY-gfF7HuZg0wPVD3yM0mSMi9HlyxfTgn-D32GyfhkDQIflGlWSz_SoTWToqQ7ayYqSigM/s1600/g4+(24).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtYF6eiSIdnAfP3R5H_ivMqgnW9pHG_3-W9qyMsoJ_kqu1ZsdTZ_6SIC43-lDvVslCjQtsjrTlbF1VP5gMPj1n0Zm_bBv1XPN2zB2AyglgTIauakmK6Rj0_NtG3beApLl3ZSYvEe6sIRp/s1600/g4+%2825%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtYF6eiSIdnAfP3R5H_ivMqgnW9pHG_3-W9qyMsoJ_kqu1ZsdTZ_6SIC43-lDvVslCjQtsjrTlbF1VP5gMPj1n0Zm_bBv1XPN2zB2AyglgTIauakmK6Rj0_NtG3beApLl3ZSYvEe6sIRp/s1600/g4+(25).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Throughout the facility, I had found signs of violence. The afflicted did not attack each other. This suggested that not everyone in the facility had been exposed to the substance or the material had not been uniform in its effects. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWkxNrh5IH1qIiYFdkscjRoD4sr0YwYdGJS8Z2i3aHevNlV4DS23mQJezkURTSAyloR2zjOFmBZYb6t7K6-aLTn9tEpfn4Fk7EO7yAL5C6e1A3nAp-Qw54XYw5NS_vLyaQ5Us7k3Tuk7p/s1600/g4+%2826%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWkxNrh5IH1qIiYFdkscjRoD4sr0YwYdGJS8Z2i3aHevNlV4DS23mQJezkURTSAyloR2zjOFmBZYb6t7K6-aLTn9tEpfn4Fk7EO7yAL5C6e1A3nAp-Qw54XYw5NS_vLyaQ5Us7k3Tuk7p/s1600/g4+(26).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
While not excluding this, it was also possible others had entered the facility. Bullet casings in the stairwell suggested security personnel involvement.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PAUeA5qhsp4zi9HAROIojEE9tEK4Us_Hkop1roq_QlMLLto-kGAVscW_1oc2QRLP6-zwOlDYKisH8jJhiWQNl-Jw_1urFrpv0A5_VpEPHR3AOJiJdaJH_jvyGngb-fu-tuc9v1Wrd3f6/s1600/g4+%2828%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PAUeA5qhsp4zi9HAROIojEE9tEK4Us_Hkop1roq_QlMLLto-kGAVscW_1oc2QRLP6-zwOlDYKisH8jJhiWQNl-Jw_1urFrpv0A5_VpEPHR3AOJiJdaJH_jvyGngb-fu-tuc9v1Wrd3f6/s1600/g4+(28).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
One question still burned in my mind: if others had passed through this facility before me, had containment been preserved? Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-19802360891848168572013-07-19T22:09:00.001-07:002013-07-19T22:27:44.576-07:00Gehenna (Part Three)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Pp9T9SbN1_b7U1N7cLcjTjEzYs7IZQ3JFf4F3DCg7UXtjTXj0iGHphJfqQWCJqG1NOluaxbGhrNhqq7fue3XGN04hxO-yqtYzUkn9K_NnGkQEVQL1h6m3ErLIFZNKSL3IP05YVpQ3CZ/s1600/g3+%2800%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Pp9T9SbN1_b7U1N7cLcjTjEzYs7IZQ3JFf4F3DCg7UXtjTXj0iGHphJfqQWCJqG1NOluaxbGhrNhqq7fue3XGN04hxO-yqtYzUkn9K_NnGkQEVQL1h6m3ErLIFZNKSL3IP05YVpQ3CZ/s400/g3+%2800%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I had returned to Level One. The hallway from the lobby turned to the right and led directly to a suite of four laboratories. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDdmLjdvpwQVSK2OBn3eqC0HiWmrSuxko3bnJIqY5E-6u9qT63gCdOK-DSnMMkHHMjsacVCQgDnUMzFoppTR56nIykhHx203p0DnJ1dqKvQA8zTzoAYNy4F3R-SifFtkOxgXmLqK-AdEk/s1600/g3+%2802%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDdmLjdvpwQVSK2OBn3eqC0HiWmrSuxko3bnJIqY5E-6u9qT63gCdOK-DSnMMkHHMjsacVCQgDnUMzFoppTR56nIykhHx203p0DnJ1dqKvQA8zTzoAYNy4F3R-SifFtkOxgXmLqK-AdEk/s400/g3+%2802%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The laboratories were distinct rooms, separated by the intersection of two corridors. Of the four rooms, two were partially flooded. One of these flooded laboratories was occupied.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AGHtWjGUyYHX2X_BcQa4WDvEgE5SRBE5_66ZUiDCWsK_rSiwqD3N1RQdMSAHVStTKk2nnx5wXvrkuVNnkyjPT6Hfy16v7HPdTmQFq82uOhiZe4IPmeEx-uwvPnRK5_nEeDoB0_R64KsZ/s1600/g3+%2803%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AGHtWjGUyYHX2X_BcQa4WDvEgE5SRBE5_66ZUiDCWsK_rSiwqD3N1RQdMSAHVStTKk2nnx5wXvrkuVNnkyjPT6Hfy16v7HPdTmQFq82uOhiZe4IPmeEx-uwvPnRK5_nEeDoB0_R64KsZ/s400/g3+%2803%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Wading through the water, two figures slapped their hands and pressed their mouths against the reinforced glass. Muffled groans seeped through the window. <br />
<br />
It was an opportunity to make close observations. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJTPpzCxbk1ox6dNxjQrpcRIN2fWTKXQcGMW4pbpNnEQIhF-E26f1JAwfJxrH3XHhfyhkQEGFUtGW8gsdrGRe0ODQVQcUoeEH5WZGWDcw6pXb9LrDckC7XJT1y_utaCcXW1MyktC2s7oV/s1600/g3+%2804%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJTPpzCxbk1ox6dNxjQrpcRIN2fWTKXQcGMW4pbpNnEQIhF-E26f1JAwfJxrH3XHhfyhkQEGFUtGW8gsdrGRe0ODQVQcUoeEH5WZGWDcw6pXb9LrDckC7XJT1y_utaCcXW1MyktC2s7oV/s400/g3+%2804%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The two figures were women. Height and weight roughly the same. They wore similar clothing. They ignored their sores and open wounds. These wounds resembled injuries received post-mortem. <br />
<br />
Each had traces of fine white foam in the mouth and nostrils. The pads of the fingers and palms of the hands were swollen and wrinkled. The skin was pale. Despite their animated nature, these two showed the signs of having recently drowned.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSp5SyaxgLCK1HjAUsRc75DNWbfiyMpzkL0PbRlQNe2vdf1vzGGjyhGRTWZn-F_QY2uEbfidFfWg8XzNxl7n3T-2D0XUPLkvCF5M0J-GN6zJMuDpiBpv1RRsRArdbHIwqjQjxM13L-2kg/s1600/g3+%2804a%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSp5SyaxgLCK1HjAUsRc75DNWbfiyMpzkL0PbRlQNe2vdf1vzGGjyhGRTWZn-F_QY2uEbfidFfWg8XzNxl7n3T-2D0XUPLkvCF5M0J-GN6zJMuDpiBpv1RRsRArdbHIwqjQjxM13L-2kg/s400/g3+%2804a%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Why did they cluster together? Why did they not attack each other but would swarm when someone uninfected was near?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LhuFQZixxSGsKj3QtW9TWsJXFEemCKmenJrh9zAcjEwqRLC_h3B_x2MirKJ5SDTzbdqgHJ0PJu_ZDROXnZoiCtfUnk5Ai3oNv2mCq4CN9CGz43k0S5XB7u2adOmddU3vfdGKf4TDMNUT/s1600/g3+%2805%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LhuFQZixxSGsKj3QtW9TWsJXFEemCKmenJrh9zAcjEwqRLC_h3B_x2MirKJ5SDTzbdqgHJ0PJu_ZDROXnZoiCtfUnk5Ai3oNv2mCq4CN9CGz43k0S5XB7u2adOmddU3vfdGKf4TDMNUT/s400/g3+%2805%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
In an adjacent lab, I found evidence to support the notion that trauma to the cranium was the most effective means of stopping these wretched souls.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeISWnnqqgRf0tbhiGkJTRcfNjrXeFcBSCO2T1oI0Ga0k0rMz1qmLykyTVPhmqE-lCrbeu64xZ0hhLxKJgCep2rs_0DdDk3D0z9VxUfZ_NMYV9ku5Ap6kWMCHBAY2DfTF2ZkvUNgOGwZpJ/s1600/g3+%2806%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeISWnnqqgRf0tbhiGkJTRcfNjrXeFcBSCO2T1oI0Ga0k0rMz1qmLykyTVPhmqE-lCrbeu64xZ0hhLxKJgCep2rs_0DdDk3D0z9VxUfZ_NMYV9ku5Ap6kWMCHBAY2DfTF2ZkvUNgOGwZpJ/s400/g3+%2806%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The door was open on a third room. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij8eO1Zfm9YsE5gXAZrBmdtDJXNt6ckMp_DbCL-inYMkwUrxril-6Lr8o6bUC8lrLBFCKMiFgq_-SbXfvo8h8L_47r78PiMLvqZRAP0M4GzpUaE160H4Kz_O6sV167fNJ5vCalh16G1D8/s1600/g3+%2807%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij8eO1Zfm9YsE5gXAZrBmdtDJXNt6ckMp_DbCL-inYMkwUrxril-6Lr8o6bUC8lrLBFCKMiFgq_-SbXfvo8h8L_47r78PiMLvqZRAP0M4GzpUaE160H4Kz_O6sV167fNJ5vCalh16G1D8/s400/g3+%2807%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Inside, I found more signs of violence, but no bodies. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymvZ_UfLouaL2q6rNHq7QaXnPlB9dYUwHaN51H9GzsL5J3Qk-3Y-CgWiBanR45vaktdQ92Qc65403yBIGp40Gh3Bp61iKMGVFpD6tisVdsxF_xrgQ87LY_G8XzXUgaUQzHBwTsDzh_WDd/s1600/g3+%2808%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymvZ_UfLouaL2q6rNHq7QaXnPlB9dYUwHaN51H9GzsL5J3Qk-3Y-CgWiBanR45vaktdQ92Qc65403yBIGp40Gh3Bp61iKMGVFpD6tisVdsxF_xrgQ87LY_G8XzXUgaUQzHBwTsDzh_WDd/s400/g3+%2808%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The computer had also been purged. An automated security measure perhaps, resetting to a predetermined configuration after a certain period of inactivity. Either that or someone had stopped long enough in the middle of the apocalypse to erase their research.<br />
<br />
At the back of the room, was a second doorway leading to a maintenance corridor and stairs leading down several flights.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R0bCxeKJvaMMd2qubQi5nHBfnM9TWet8Uvp3Im09TYwfoaycoPc_pLSC0d45b7eWuQP0CNKhgSkrF4dPnvjIyvb17HmUNbjB9DT7dlkbatL6ggJ-yWFFxazQIomztxgi5Cj0v5LHywXQ/s1600/g3+%2808a%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R0bCxeKJvaMMd2qubQi5nHBfnM9TWet8Uvp3Im09TYwfoaycoPc_pLSC0d45b7eWuQP0CNKhgSkrF4dPnvjIyvb17HmUNbjB9DT7dlkbatL6ggJ-yWFFxazQIomztxgi5Cj0v5LHywXQ/s400/g3+%2808a%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKmyuFbSVeuFpZRGTd8fq1xkoJtG6GEWvMemu5IC7thvwfWP62n0tVDmMxMoS0auhaCUjVNHMS3LqTCNC53dwVn_SYHc2cdos2BALbARrjZWb0k5izp4dfygznv9FVYIUTNSQo4KWsaXg/s1600/g3+%2810%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKmyuFbSVeuFpZRGTd8fq1xkoJtG6GEWvMemu5IC7thvwfWP62n0tVDmMxMoS0auhaCUjVNHMS3LqTCNC53dwVn_SYHc2cdos2BALbARrjZWb0k5izp4dfygznv9FVYIUTNSQo4KWsaXg/s400/g3+%2810%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
A small sign indicated this was Dining Hall B. Despite the name, the room was now being used for some kind of storage. Large, square, metal containment units were spread out around the room. Tubes and hoses leading to and from the units lay across the floor. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9sV82r97ehUu2THq1GX18qDx3B0XRwTa8TBP3c32iUVAIomvSRNcTZk2xcVXF6wYhD4p0nC4sm0WQQ8OAS6V6x3hvEkPqbrhsLHP2C969kB7SrR2ZafWmdymvDyQBDtdsP9HzBheK75q/s1600/g3+%2811%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9sV82r97ehUu2THq1GX18qDx3B0XRwTa8TBP3c32iUVAIomvSRNcTZk2xcVXF6wYhD4p0nC4sm0WQQ8OAS6V6x3hvEkPqbrhsLHP2C969kB7SrR2ZafWmdymvDyQBDtdsP9HzBheK75q/s400/g3+%2811%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Each unit had a small window of thick glass in the front near the controls. Try as I might, I could not determine the contents under containment.<br />
<br />
I walked around the edge of the room, careful not to disturb anything.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM349nUg_Ru7uH8VsxVcJ7ptC7UJfjupcELlOeTQuIfRgKDG7SLcmnZbgh5-cM3AdmSfV1rQVuACKAkyoOhbX5fCK6v_vIHOpqKO6eKReDFgQ6rfiyJ68-b_eETMFS9SepeK3NOh3QilR/s1600/g3+%2812%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM349nUg_Ru7uH8VsxVcJ7ptC7UJfjupcELlOeTQuIfRgKDG7SLcmnZbgh5-cM3AdmSfV1rQVuACKAkyoOhbX5fCK6v_vIHOpqKO6eKReDFgQ6rfiyJ68-b_eETMFS9SepeK3NOh3QilR/s400/g3+%2812%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
‘The horror of that moment,’ the King went on,<br />
‘I shall never, NEVER forget!’<br />
‘You will, though,’ the Queen said,<br />
‘if you don’t make a memorandum of it.’<br />
<br />
- Lewis Carroll,<br />
Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
There was one desk, surrounded by multiple monitors, situated in the center of the room. It faced a long narrow corridor with glass walls. A bank of monitors was arranged on either side of the entrance to this passage. The lights in the room glowed softly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLW21hfj8xwktCYaNv1qLqXh6qN7fK0VjiCa8xwDjYRWaqUqYPR6c-QQ-b8jA7MgCS9_2g3lQdT_idxdC99rNKoVBCYHYHv07OVXYf4NZ2lDs80XKBJB7eiShWURrdRTPBBog6nCeu6dl/s1600/g3+%2813%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLW21hfj8xwktCYaNv1qLqXh6qN7fK0VjiCa8xwDjYRWaqUqYPR6c-QQ-b8jA7MgCS9_2g3lQdT_idxdC99rNKoVBCYHYHv07OVXYf4NZ2lDs80XKBJB7eiShWURrdRTPBBog6nCeu6dl/s400/g3+%2813%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I had found a computer of obvious significance.<br />
<br />
There were two other exits to the room. The first led to a short corridor and the dining room from which I had come. Behind the second door was a barely audible moaning.<br />
<br />
<i>No, we are not going to open that door.</i><br />
<br />
I settled into the chair.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ODVKn5Kg1WAc8YjLcGl3mHAnp5hncpFu4U-HZZvD1ubSAuc-C5aaTos1zsb0INtENcLWz-7rldzdMRrgsnE83NxaFBGFhrmsddPp8ds6Xr-wYR7N7zhWcKgsz0iApqlfzJTFAN3bkwmK/s1600/g3+%2815%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ODVKn5Kg1WAc8YjLcGl3mHAnp5hncpFu4U-HZZvD1ubSAuc-C5aaTos1zsb0INtENcLWz-7rldzdMRrgsnE83NxaFBGFhrmsddPp8ds6Xr-wYR7N7zhWcKgsz0iApqlfzJTFAN3bkwmK/s400/g3+%2815%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Collecting electronic evidence comes with its own challenges. The data itself is very delicate. It can be easily damaged or destroyed.<br />
<br />
It is also what we call ‘latent evidence,’ which is to say that, like DNA or blood type, in its natural state it cannot be read. Equipment and software is required to open and view digital data. Therefore, it must be gathered without knowledge of content.<br />
<br />
Under normal circumstances, my team would be removing the hardware by following established procedures. However, given the present situation, I had to modify my collection technique.<br />
<br />
Before touching anything, I photographed the workstation, including the model and serial numbers of the computer, the position of the mouse, and what was on each screen. The mouse was on the right suggesting the last person to use this workstation was right handed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD23CxsYh-krHySDoL6gatWTiOvleWeXKW0mlhdirOjWfUVXcIFQL0bkEmq9_TDkgnfYCmuPFZAe3l6ksmL3qn3__zy8bGwK7ot-4Lb1oH8z1W3P3Iw7C1qOe1Gcmd1aGV9WFqH5qR_ta/s1600/g3+%2814%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD23CxsYh-krHySDoL6gatWTiOvleWeXKW0mlhdirOjWfUVXcIFQL0bkEmq9_TDkgnfYCmuPFZAe3l6ksmL3qn3__zy8bGwK7ot-4Lb1oH8z1W3P3Iw7C1qOe1Gcmd1aGV9WFqH5qR_ta/s400/g3+%2814%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There were four disks and a flashdrive also to the right of the keyboard.<br />
<br />
A second flashdrive with the corporation logo was connected to a port on the left.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4bf2pV4XOVPoPQjRKZRsu0gjfVHpycOtjXEfQe3ruA-G1YJ0t6xr7sJsKTuNySBjHg3rRaiXZhlBRt8P4A1Zg1eD12fsrbw5GTRX-AqygzJL-QMwJDct1BlyeYRcpF_2koDNG1QcDgsc/s1600/g3+%2816%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4bf2pV4XOVPoPQjRKZRsu0gjfVHpycOtjXEfQe3ruA-G1YJ0t6xr7sJsKTuNySBjHg3rRaiXZhlBRt8P4A1Zg1eD12fsrbw5GTRX-AqygzJL-QMwJDct1BlyeYRcpF_2koDNG1QcDgsc/s400/g3+%2816%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I left everything in place and attached a device I had brought to clone the entire drive. The sorting would come later.<br />
<br />
While I waited, I took an inventory of the contents of the desk. I catalogued each item, sealing them in protective envelopes.<br />
<br />
Once the process was complete, I removed the flashdrive from the system and securely stowed it with the items I had gathered from the desk. I collected my device and rose from my chair.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I proceeded to inspect the corridor ahead of me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH2hM7O7cNlAGRVDrWPXqjyOzm59FdpB1tmp5UQlUvGR4g7CcgF_hjESBxeJAA1Kaizq5dhCGb52s6ZFKK2ljif6ZKIbF32wqiT0a6zz8msoD2tgQwPWwuYZQrBywK9wTkMBY8FwbWRZl/s1600/g3+%2817%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH2hM7O7cNlAGRVDrWPXqjyOzm59FdpB1tmp5UQlUvGR4g7CcgF_hjESBxeJAA1Kaizq5dhCGb52s6ZFKK2ljif6ZKIbF32wqiT0a6zz8msoD2tgQwPWwuYZQrBywK9wTkMBY8FwbWRZl/s400/g3+%2817%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The walls were glass. Rows of fluorescent tubes ran the length of the corridor behind the walls. The floor was metal grill on two sides with a center strip made from a heavy glass. The function of such a design was not apparent.<br />
<br />
At the far end of the corridor, a heavy security door stood open.<br />
<br />
I was about one third of the way down the hall when the lights came on.<br />
<br />
I froze. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YS-tlvQOgW0ez7gh_3dfPZVilyvt24SX1gmCmnLQoNChWvRnsphruORRtT4KTKaXab63hszccsqY4BpFajNdx4529qb2zLvEjFt1vqOgpPueUzI4iuDRe-1sqYhaHDExGRe0x6ecIp-M/s1600/g3+%2818%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YS-tlvQOgW0ez7gh_3dfPZVilyvt24SX1gmCmnLQoNChWvRnsphruORRtT4KTKaXab63hszccsqY4BpFajNdx4529qb2zLvEjFt1vqOgpPueUzI4iuDRe-1sqYhaHDExGRe0x6ecIp-M/s400/g3+%2818%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Nothing further happened. <br />
<br />
Slowly, I continued down the passage, alert for any change. The lights hummed. My boots sounded hard upon the metal deck. <br />
<br />
I reached the door at the end of the hallway, and stepped through to the chamber beyond.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The door opened to a small square room. A circular vault in the floor surmounted by a frame was situated in the center. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw0C5wgHAkzG2CK9aWDn6zYHYF060bHVrd1tMGD432IcoQ5OLbnSbmwAydSOdeKCEFQ8eRAGjsQzCrnqZMXqgTRsLwthpUd2D71Yc73-M0xyi0e0BAmMRLZDKsYWNK9qpOQPd-vGDcGAx/s1600/g3+%2820%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw0C5wgHAkzG2CK9aWDn6zYHYF060bHVrd1tMGD432IcoQ5OLbnSbmwAydSOdeKCEFQ8eRAGjsQzCrnqZMXqgTRsLwthpUd2D71Yc73-M0xyi0e0BAmMRLZDKsYWNK9qpOQPd-vGDcGAx/s400/g3+%2820%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I bent down and ran my fingers over the surface of the vault. It was approximately one meter in diameter. It was smooth and cool to the touch. It appeared to be heavily shielded.<br />
<br />
I had no means to open this. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMBJQRltzQ5gWwYAZSDW9nbn8LRXIc-tFlI-ABznyAoAc3Aif_OKDvYKmvBNK010zjX3uf_REu8KQdZhctqThrYsd_tDL_Df5-kpmlDKeunHynpnClkMNs0Q9gGOM45oMwR7YUqA6yqqE/s1600/g3+%2821%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMBJQRltzQ5gWwYAZSDW9nbn8LRXIc-tFlI-ABznyAoAc3Aif_OKDvYKmvBNK010zjX3uf_REu8KQdZhctqThrYsd_tDL_Df5-kpmlDKeunHynpnClkMNs0Q9gGOM45oMwR7YUqA6yqqE/s400/g3+%2821%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I sat back on my heels and assessed the situation.<br />
<br />
We had made a miscalculation. We should have risked sending a full team. There was something here more valuable than encrypted files and tissue samples. I was certain of it.<br />
<br />
Behind the vault, I found a hatch in the floor. It opened easily. It was some sort of utility access.<br />
<br />
I stood debating my next move. I was probably done here. Do I return the way I came or do I press forward?<br />
<br />
Blackness waited. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_IGKrVmbC6oavrjvXSIirPt_2qgPu3N0VnByLQAR07OTygXFfOmIVKFHd61wpWfOQ_oV1X0Np_YFJKnWmHeEarZc8I_V9YFIjS8v22FepWKMwaa1OffojM8xm3pHTYHyl1aCNal4UtDr/s1600/g3+%2823%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_IGKrVmbC6oavrjvXSIirPt_2qgPu3N0VnByLQAR07OTygXFfOmIVKFHd61wpWfOQ_oV1X0Np_YFJKnWmHeEarZc8I_V9YFIjS8v22FepWKMwaa1OffojM8xm3pHTYHyl1aCNal4UtDr/s400/g3+%2823%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I turned on my torch and climbed into the hatch.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-57732137589124051052013-07-17T17:35:00.000-07:002013-07-17T17:35:24.190-07:00Gehenna (Part Two)Their sighs, lamentations and loud wailings<br />
resounded through the starless air,<br />
so that at first it made me weep;<br />
- Dante, Inferno, Canto III, lines 22-24<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I slowly lowered myself down the shaft. The elevators in this area were off line too. I elected to take a direct approach.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsILkKwFSaQfrpH466EVKdulfFV7x_EuKX4enx0FfHHC72n299_eJmqBheTFTCgcqEJbnsoO0-P1KzwVffksfwMv75RwWzkwkBGoTrbgQUpHhQQDQ1OPRlpFW_Ff8xC-v-G2rPp7tjgDK/s1600/g2+%2800%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsILkKwFSaQfrpH466EVKdulfFV7x_EuKX4enx0FfHHC72n299_eJmqBheTFTCgcqEJbnsoO0-P1KzwVffksfwMv75RwWzkwkBGoTrbgQUpHhQQDQ1OPRlpFW_Ff8xC-v-G2rPp7tjgDK/s400/g2+%2800%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I was not using any form of mechanical friction brake or harness, I had the rope wrapped around my waist in the traditional fashion. It was static rope, a nylon core in a black, braided polyester cover. Low elasticity.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7ExC5a4CR9JE_d69CQ7d1AoY6dAxLR3964C28nFubkbVOczmWzT1683T4xLAEHw0XJABY6MK2FOpM66UPROif_DkvNDFUVdvV-qKn9gU71kgo0cllkzSkWFL0tAp7LsTXB8Gd_9LoGhK/s1600/g2+%2801%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7ExC5a4CR9JE_d69CQ7d1AoY6dAxLR3964C28nFubkbVOczmWzT1683T4xLAEHw0XJABY6MK2FOpM66UPROif_DkvNDFUVdvV-qKn9gU71kgo0cllkzSkWFL0tAp7LsTXB8Gd_9LoGhK/s400/g2+%2801%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
It had only been a month since being attacked by the spice miner in southern Araxes. While I was feeling much better overall, I could feel this was stressing my injured ribs.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJKZoENlRo38HE34xeGMsdLRbR58gLG24uzahIL7ZyL4r95I27oZNzmF79ZkQfnNhPj7m5ihev7t9XplHW3ISe8UPIwOLXxTP_08vvJkUkWdqUkm2sm8S90BHUXgrvushNGnJ2QV3o7MD/s1600/g2+%2803%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJKZoENlRo38HE34xeGMsdLRbR58gLG24uzahIL7ZyL4r95I27oZNzmF79ZkQfnNhPj7m5ihev7t9XplHW3ISe8UPIwOLXxTP_08vvJkUkWdqUkm2sm8S90BHUXgrvushNGnJ2QV3o7MD/s400/g2+%2803%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I came to rest on the lowest floor the elevator would have reached. I was now on Level One. The floor with the loading bay, and its train, was Level Four. This meant two floors above me remained unexplored. I did not like the idea. I was determined not to overlook anything of value, and I did not want any unknown dangers lurking behind me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Pt9CGekaI55ItKKAvA5sPdpeO_8GRybUrAFNSYYzfEyMwMq3LVpmJhnG9zsC6IQRg15SDBlVWoABMrRWZKUqAiL0qZy8_VcarF-MBn5R7pXssXkBi0RyeQyEtE5mQ1tAigWdwHZYIG_/s1600/g2+%2804%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Pt9CGekaI55ItKKAvA5sPdpeO_8GRybUrAFNSYYzfEyMwMq3LVpmJhnG9zsC6IQRg15SDBlVWoABMrRWZKUqAiL0qZy8_VcarF-MBn5R7pXssXkBi0RyeQyEtE5mQ1tAigWdwHZYIG_/s400/g2+%2804%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
To my surprise the elevator to my right sat open. As the only light in the lobby, it seemed warm and welcoming. I peeked inside. It was clean. It appeared to be in working order. I stepped inside and pressed the button for the second floor.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJyS7K9TsTINxkq22WbxNlVAYUR5N_mg2fzV1JMFXjBZdDUGKnWw43LS2WlhN2k18IJKsL4hU6Ju0-mVq9kKYmIK22ZY08y8ssCVkCh8YT_t9NxuneoOJKAz801Ah_O1JRLRGyutgAS7/s1600/g2+%2805%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJyS7K9TsTINxkq22WbxNlVAYUR5N_mg2fzV1JMFXjBZdDUGKnWw43LS2WlhN2k18IJKsL4hU6Ju0-mVq9kKYmIK22ZY08y8ssCVkCh8YT_t9NxuneoOJKAz801Ah_O1JRLRGyutgAS7/s400/g2+%2805%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I heard the moaning first, then the helpful little ding announcing my arrival. The door began to slide open with a faint scraping sound...<br />
<br />
Time slowed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-7MmG9Y-ATBE4ekS_hc7PijqP3AoIT7nGAeRIiFricTX7lqnvqAvyZMFqR2JEfuKeV-zUR536uk0Au-bRGb6YAdtgTZAI6vwzBAsjECVKL5KFGjkz25V-VxnYH_mnksS6q-9HeOHAYmR/s1600/g2+%2806%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-7MmG9Y-ATBE4ekS_hc7PijqP3AoIT7nGAeRIiFricTX7lqnvqAvyZMFqR2JEfuKeV-zUR536uk0Au-bRGb6YAdtgTZAI6vwzBAsjECVKL5KFGjkz25V-VxnYH_mnksS6q-9HeOHAYmR/s400/g2+%2806%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14yiHzIYYGZCm_oymJa4b97jfemRR9mIFU5HmNLQPztyfziUe6OYesxaTZwCgPDFsgwa2NeAqQ8sfRfx7nJdN64QRz3N5_b5-Qe5M9KDg0nec6ZUmkYGtcbonWAvGgsm_gh6K_Pt9ny8s/s1600/g2+%2807%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14yiHzIYYGZCm_oymJa4b97jfemRR9mIFU5HmNLQPztyfziUe6OYesxaTZwCgPDFsgwa2NeAqQ8sfRfx7nJdN64QRz3N5_b5-Qe5M9KDg0nec6ZUmkYGtcbonWAvGgsm_gh6K_Pt9ny8s/s400/g2+%2807%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIga2LVKJprK_LhYEnoujAaLVmSkA0ncaiIQXERP9d-lfC4b_ybL1q4QJeMoKVbb4nIlSEsr9EtryklZhO5UVqYa4Mu8m2fmTWRovrowpApVp14xWp62LW5lhxSJFwoEY0vzydUl1cG-pQ/s1600/g2+%2808%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIga2LVKJprK_LhYEnoujAaLVmSkA0ncaiIQXERP9d-lfC4b_ybL1q4QJeMoKVbb4nIlSEsr9EtryklZhO5UVqYa4Mu8m2fmTWRovrowpApVp14xWp62LW5lhxSJFwoEY0vzydUl1cG-pQ/s400/g2+%2808%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Half a dozen shapes loomed. I saw my gun lower. I felt my finger tighten on the trigger. The weapon erupted, its muffled sounds amplified in the confines of the elevator.<br />
<br />
Bodies pressed forward, hands grasping, and then collapsing in a red haze. Moans turned to cries and screams. The firing mechanism slammed home again and again. Empty cartridges leapt to the floor, tinkling as they struck the tiles.<br />
<br />
Then suddenly it was over, and I was left with the sound of my heart pounding. I steadied myself against the wall and fought the urge to tear off my mask.<br />
<br />
A moment passed.<br />
<br />
Gingerly, I stepped over the grizzly remains and into the second floor lobby.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I made my way past a series of three sealed rooms. This was sterile packaging. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXTuquoleH-vrIH8m5PxfmVCX29SyQC_hYTezmLhPEN_1m4GxA463W5JEW2wjrF6eOfFz7VTCrE1HWMXxRx95h1f6KC1771B_E0cinWOGiFuDT-RjmdbMhNy8thg26HmMp1vRYqKKpwxJ/s1600/g2+%2809%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXTuquoleH-vrIH8m5PxfmVCX29SyQC_hYTezmLhPEN_1m4GxA463W5JEW2wjrF6eOfFz7VTCrE1HWMXxRx95h1f6KC1771B_E0cinWOGiFuDT-RjmdbMhNy8thg26HmMp1vRYqKKpwxJ/s400/g2+%2809%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
In the last room of the series, an articulated robotic arm spun violently around in wide circles. The sharp claw at the end waved triumphantly above human remains on the floor. <br />
<br />
A machine malfunction had resulted in a gruesome, fatal accident. Another piece of the puzzle.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3D_wQzpa3Q5pZ6xGNltwUPyrFVewMyJkBqbRC6ky-hix1Vhk9I3TaKTyo9Aof4Al7VKN25zDro_zCq37oNTFG1IKZQHM6qigzMECySfqPSYRrYTXygBJB-943DBGH1aNmhYKgQsW2JUI/s1600/g2+%2810%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3D_wQzpa3Q5pZ6xGNltwUPyrFVewMyJkBqbRC6ky-hix1Vhk9I3TaKTyo9Aof4Al7VKN25zDro_zCq37oNTFG1IKZQHM6qigzMECySfqPSYRrYTXygBJB-943DBGH1aNmhYKgQsW2JUI/s400/g2+%2810%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Still shaken by the incident at the elevator, it seemed to me that the further I travelled into this facility, the greater the horror that waited.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The hallway led to a set of steps and beyond that into a larger office area.<br />
<br />
A cyclone could not have done more damage. Cubicles and partitions shattered as though by a mighty blow. Chairs and desks uprooted. Papers now scattered like so many fallen leaves. The lights here, where they worked, flickered on and off.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eHfhcX3euM8xsKJNKRa7q2ItGdT4mOaFeVJWn8OcaQZ8g71xOpNOl_lpKGyPcH57e47iG22RA6UD9zGzkYCHAew_36W1UsUyUlWOvuwlWqYbVVrApYwvGLbfCiKRsKv0NfVkjaRaR15R/s1600/g2+%2811%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eHfhcX3euM8xsKJNKRa7q2ItGdT4mOaFeVJWn8OcaQZ8g71xOpNOl_lpKGyPcH57e47iG22RA6UD9zGzkYCHAew_36W1UsUyUlWOvuwlWqYbVVrApYwvGLbfCiKRsKv0NfVkjaRaR15R/s400/g2+%2811%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
On my right, at the far end of the room, I could see people.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Her dress had been pretty once. Stylish yet business appropriate. Perfect for the office. She had been someone who had taken pride in her appearance, no doubt taking care that final morning to make herself presentable for whatever the day might bring.<br />
<br />
But now the bow on her dress was hanging limp to one side. The heel of her right pump was missing making it difficult for her to balance. Her skin was a sickly pale. Her head hung at an odd angle as the muscles in her neck began to fail. Her hair had the dry texture of the deceased.<br />
<br />
She hovered amidst the debris of her working life – the memos, the work orders, family photos, and those little artifacts we add to our office area to make it our space, <br />
<br />
She was not alone. A man stood by the false window weaving back and forth. Another, with broken limbs, dragged himself in small patterns across the floor. The geometry of the damned.<br />
<br />
But it was the woman who caught my attention, and to her my gaze returned. I could not bring myself to pull the trigger.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxnd36JWSGtUsVSxQurSGxKmlUqIaJm2BwLcvwjcUHReHI1-tnz0xL3-zqTzX2VQVbmw0kGZlDvzHy3-lcat_w4iR555b1z9zv6ANajzb3szEDU-uBcl8DROesMgEdsymNJtqfdjbG9DP/s1600/g2+%2812%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxnd36JWSGtUsVSxQurSGxKmlUqIaJm2BwLcvwjcUHReHI1-tnz0xL3-zqTzX2VQVbmw0kGZlDvzHy3-lcat_w4iR555b1z9zv6ANajzb3szEDU-uBcl8DROesMgEdsymNJtqfdjbG9DP/s400/g2+%2812%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
How many people had worked in this facility? How many were affected? <br />
<br />
I lowered my weapon. I decided she and her co-workers presented no immediate danger, and I turned my attention to the opposite side of the room.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
A cardboard box sat open on one of the upright tables, someone’s attempt to gather things of importance. Sadly, the carton was empty. It would have been useful to see what someone felt was valuable enough to save. Confidential memos might have been actionable. Personal items could have helped identify victims.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlh1N_cK8tcyemJy9rHbmu54PBORR6Y_AsntAmoCu9QTNWmVeoYUo2XQI7qp1leuOj6l02wwDA_9qx1m5-2_OAa2En_NDf3eDrOB5-xrz32yEeETpNXO2FbiJPKQ7oufDcOGrAIw0t3jg/s1600/g2+%2813%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlh1N_cK8tcyemJy9rHbmu54PBORR6Y_AsntAmoCu9QTNWmVeoYUo2XQI7qp1leuOj6l02wwDA_9qx1m5-2_OAa2En_NDf3eDrOB5-xrz32yEeETpNXO2FbiJPKQ7oufDcOGrAIw0t3jg/s400/g2+%2813%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I glanced at the papers spread out across the floor. There was too much evidence here. What I would give for a week in this place with a forensic team! I needed time to measure and to classify. I needed time to build a case of criminal negligence against Umbrella.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64USB-ddyxJq8n26whO2_qwmj0F9q19_01CVgggdkspyxBBRcz1NoKs052fLbBqSq8m_6_O6q5CdipJdzWEYhg0YJiZVGZZS2uMG7UaU6eSvCRa63SEv4YhhkfTO_7Rirj7TCjw2YP-8k/s1600/g2+%2812a%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64USB-ddyxJq8n26whO2_qwmj0F9q19_01CVgggdkspyxBBRcz1NoKs052fLbBqSq8m_6_O6q5CdipJdzWEYhg0YJiZVGZZS2uMG7UaU6eSvCRa63SEv4YhhkfTO_7Rirj7TCjw2YP-8k/s400/g2+%2812a%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
But weeks I did not have, and we had decided on a covert approach to maximize the value of any information I might find. <br />
<br />
Quickly, I began to sort through the papers on the floor. I took what I thought useful. Kneeling down, I stuffed my pockets with phone message logs, signed packing slips, schedules for who made the coffee, anything with a date and a name. <br />
<br />
<i>Somewhere these people had families.</i> <br />
<br />
I stood up, and took one last look around the room, then returned the way I came.<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
Level Three, by contrast, was dark and cold.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_-zwAeRM4bO5uZ9yhke8eHRrhwKewJgEfwM6nhhtwWY8g_kWFOJMYGBHYo0TbiIWpuX1elHMWShZZPwTkFW768pgcs_Ux9YQgDuUiFoqIANNTua5I_NqLw42Fdn4TQop9c4LNbU_TrE/s1600/g2+%2814%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_-zwAeRM4bO5uZ9yhke8eHRrhwKewJgEfwM6nhhtwWY8g_kWFOJMYGBHYo0TbiIWpuX1elHMWShZZPwTkFW768pgcs_Ux9YQgDuUiFoqIANNTua5I_NqLw42Fdn4TQop9c4LNbU_TrE/s400/g2+%2814%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As the elevator door closed, I lost my only source of light, and the darkness engulfed me. I turned on my flashlight.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU7uMDY2G4ySj7gBKbwp-cdpTwNpikjEA8GvEGSx90ZUEoBHk_-U18qt9uZrm_oPAxxtGmJOwz-G83hp_HqHkbHyHxHMUvtvey_N8xlWXLSKInI7uEMUVF6ZH4kw0X_O7tJjDfZ7MXziS/s1600/g2+%2815%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU7uMDY2G4ySj7gBKbwp-cdpTwNpikjEA8GvEGSx90ZUEoBHk_-U18qt9uZrm_oPAxxtGmJOwz-G83hp_HqHkbHyHxHMUvtvey_N8xlWXLSKInI7uEMUVF6ZH4kw0X_O7tJjDfZ7MXziS/s400/g2+%2815%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The layout of the lobby was identical to those I had seen so far. The hallway, on this level, turned to the left. There was an unhealthy chill in the air. Refrigeration gone terribly wrong.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qqkiHU4fyzCwrfK0lpfnBOdYjKVujcYtR_583dGh8LbDvCqLntLsh3QyLOtmCXMt7OYzzGy99byXF0FvkNxlaeFWHMTi6XeYVS7IHXGxNHRNcXf1tIAGPDcb7Ru1OwY5UU5FK1xcKb1g/s1600/g2+%2816%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qqkiHU4fyzCwrfK0lpfnBOdYjKVujcYtR_583dGh8LbDvCqLntLsh3QyLOtmCXMt7OYzzGy99byXF0FvkNxlaeFWHMTi6XeYVS7IHXGxNHRNcXf1tIAGPDcb7Ru1OwY5UU5FK1xcKb1g/s400/g2+%2816%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Down the corridor, a door stood open. Mist spilled out into the passage. A glow from inside beckoned. I clamped my flashlight to my belt and crept forward.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfofWQ23_L6GgjKRYeQH61Q8rKrYUDDHHbqnJcdURZtwrDgpwTx2O2eo-8mykla-L8bq-vTR7NNTnD0lzd_e2Rg3oacACKzO5q84hbBn5jdb1K7_ly4GjcGQqnkRCqlymGebthnZBoEQmr/s1600/g2+%2817%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfofWQ23_L6GgjKRYeQH61Q8rKrYUDDHHbqnJcdURZtwrDgpwTx2O2eo-8mykla-L8bq-vTR7NNTnD0lzd_e2Rg3oacACKzO5q84hbBn5jdb1K7_ly4GjcGQqnkRCqlymGebthnZBoEQmr/s400/g2+%2817%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I had found cold storage, but nothing prepared me for what was inside.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnqsDIxyBW_VCqosL6Oba5tj0Q7331v5Bq_wM3Cx1d4foaNMxgwrgHly72FLQzhTb04xhASUekx4jAyVrUz2NLthogHwR5RkG4SXvtYAj7nBj0LdxhB-a2l3zSv046xSMjJ3xTj9mKXTh/s1600/g2+%2817b%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnqsDIxyBW_VCqosL6Oba5tj0Q7331v5Bq_wM3Cx1d4foaNMxgwrgHly72FLQzhTb04xhASUekx4jAyVrUz2NLthogHwR5RkG4SXvtYAj7nBj0LdxhB-a2l3zSv046xSMjJ3xTj9mKXTh/s400/g2+%2817b%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Bagged, and hanging from a rail on the ceiling, were two figures. A third figure was stretched on its back across a small examination table.<br />
<br />
They were humanoid in shape but there was nothing human about them. Each was taller than any man. The skin on the top portion of the head appeared to be pealed back and the bone removed to reveal the hemispheres of the brain. Agony was written on the lower section of the face.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiGAVAPq4aFWdCFaelbeul_CBaBd16MUwkQEY0bLhpinB_Y4530uUTLhV6umJobiefuL6z3Fqht52MVHIXwueiGvUs4ZO0vf5eehiUHmSNwWaFG7qwTzJm5wAsT8pdw6RqZgiHOL3jzgW/s1600/g2+%2819%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiGAVAPq4aFWdCFaelbeul_CBaBd16MUwkQEY0bLhpinB_Y4530uUTLhV6umJobiefuL6z3Fqht52MVHIXwueiGvUs4ZO0vf5eehiUHmSNwWaFG7qwTzJm5wAsT8pdw6RqZgiHOL3jzgW/s400/g2+%2819%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Muscles appeared exposed on the torso and limbs. The limbs were distorted, as if the creatures were as comfortable on four legs as two. The hands resolved into long claw like fingers or talons.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHiCx1IlVILeSHQeDBcbL9L9Ho0o6bRYUErQjBbmRCZ7foCRN7zfFkKcJly1LORo1jqwIqcig9blslQYpx6lobxarxGfwPihYN1pDFYJ9_HtnVgzr4LlSykO7RlE0LKszUaL2iLOEQeK6/s1600/g2+%2820%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHiCx1IlVILeSHQeDBcbL9L9Ho0o6bRYUErQjBbmRCZ7foCRN7zfFkKcJly1LORo1jqwIqcig9blslQYpx6lobxarxGfwPihYN1pDFYJ9_HtnVgzr4LlSykO7RlE0LKszUaL2iLOEQeK6/s400/g2+%2820%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
As I stood contemplating the atrocities before me, it was clear that this had been deliberate. The design of these creatures may have been discovered through a series of experiments, but here were three such beings, apparently identical. One was still attached to monitors. That suggested an attempt to study and to replicate. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOFwSoUVln-2jn-UHHohMisGwXKdj-Pw4bnvLOVAwWbWaptWXS__FJubxLVgel8jBE0gKowsA5cmGOQa27707_7EREFbUgeNHws-mUSnymIAp56y4_d4MvINLKcmCxzeXtH9TpXx22zNT/s1600/g2+%2821%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOFwSoUVln-2jn-UHHohMisGwXKdj-Pw4bnvLOVAwWbWaptWXS__FJubxLVgel8jBE0gKowsA5cmGOQa27707_7EREFbUgeNHws-mUSnymIAp56y4_d4MvINLKcmCxzeXtH9TpXx22zNT/s400/g2+%2821%29.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I took photo images, measurements, and tissue samples.<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
At once I understood,<br />
and I was sure this was that sect of evil souls who were<br />
hateful to God and to His enemies.<br />
- Dante, Inferno, Canto III, lines 61-63Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-76844721955125223792013-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:002013-07-15T16:40:54.644-07:00Gehenna (Part One)August 3<br />
<br />
Down to Gehenna or up to the Throne,<br />
He travels the fastest who travels alone.<br />
– Rudyard Kipling<br />
<br />
All hope abandon, ye who enter in.<br />
- Dante, Inferno, Canto III, line 9<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
The plastic card made a click and a beep as I passed it sharply through the reader. The light changed from red to green, and with a deep rumble and a hiss the heavy blast door began to open, revealing a long, wide metal corridor.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc6DM_ZVFXQ8pARuUlXCPz-PQ_V3FTx2vc-AZlWdj9NcMUsBqOmQ7Eh3qpT8kNa9qzfCM0EmM41Xhwgulz9T55yJMSYNzGzhyRYAThjNOuUH8ptCH918mCXW6wugDgxHs0Rka0qa1k7q-/s1600/g1+%2800%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkc6DM_ZVFXQ8pARuUlXCPz-PQ_V3FTx2vc-AZlWdj9NcMUsBqOmQ7Eh3qpT8kNa9qzfCM0EmM41Xhwgulz9T55yJMSYNzGzhyRYAThjNOuUH8ptCH918mCXW6wugDgxHs0Rka0qa1k7q-/s1600/g1+(00).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This was to be an off record investigation. We had word that the Umbrella Corporation was closing a branch office and one of their laboratories. Routine downsizing. Nothing unusual.<br />
<br />
But the closure was happening fast, in a matter of days, and we had heard rumours of an industrial accident.<br />
<br />
While we could have made a very public display, a site seizure and full investigative team, it was decided that I would go in alone. Even with a rapid response team, we would need time, and more than rumours, to obtain the necessary warrants. Any delay allowed Umbrella to finish the process of expunging data and constructing the scenario they wanted to present.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3MVD7s8wFh42ThyphenhyphenQrZ07OulvpY0GCEhghHOwIJ4EuFJtQN4wf3bdlictbu8KDK0FiuOgXu4xBiJpE_bHkX0h3NT4cXE12A-d40llDpf0PC5mCEEH-f6oVOUIycoM2dbO2IDvYaFQEBu5/s1600/g1+%2801%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3MVD7s8wFh42ThyphenhyphenQrZ07OulvpY0GCEhghHOwIJ4EuFJtQN4wf3bdlictbu8KDK0FiuOgXu4xBiJpE_bHkX0h3NT4cXE12A-d40llDpf0PC5mCEEH-f6oVOUIycoM2dbO2IDvYaFQEBu5/s1600/g1+(01).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
We needed to act fast and we wanted a minimal footprint. Gather what information we could without them being aware that we knew. Let them bury the facility in concrete under the illusion that their darkest secrets were safe. <br />
<br />
No Alliance issue uniform this time. Just the lightest of body armour under street clothes. I would use an employee identification card and some sketchy information on the layout of the facility obtained by people we had monitoring Umbrella for some time.<br />
<br />
I was given a series of injections, none of which I recognized. I would carry some mission specific items for sampling, recording, and packaging evidence. A flashlight, a med kit, a knife, rope, a breathing mask, a machine pistol with a sound suppressor completed my equipment list - and more ammunition than I could ever imagine needing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJwGgCts9xFOI6UUVm7ppG7C_JbPBftvME9_0nF9YYLTVh42-b-jnMb2-YtpV7QCdpTbleikW4kR6gY2eRx-TwlBR6LpZbv-beANPgFqjWANrs9s5xQDgJ3Bj63zrx0tl1X2qGmDG9Vw4/s1600/g1+%2802%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJwGgCts9xFOI6UUVm7ppG7C_JbPBftvME9_0nF9YYLTVh42-b-jnMb2-YtpV7QCdpTbleikW4kR6gY2eRx-TwlBR6LpZbv-beANPgFqjWANrs9s5xQDgJ3Bj63zrx0tl1X2qGmDG9Vw4/s1600/g1+(02).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The corridor let out into a small foyer. Four elevators were stationed here, none of which responded to the call button. Double doors, at the back of the room, led to a set of stairs.<br />
<br />
Access to the roof was blocked. I would find no exit here, should I so require.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR6ENUqG49odZB4Dff4KcqXsYPTMYphyphenhyphenTg0w-FsXc6-dSxMt8cX19CYZek-ChNngJM3PRqZF2X_fBjNtxJGV5MgFO6k9297BA72u3XRWdL4yG_WFin2JaNVb5peHg8o9imMdCanxpyrp_/s1600/g1+%2803%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR6ENUqG49odZB4Dff4KcqXsYPTMYphyphenhyphenTg0w-FsXc6-dSxMt8cX19CYZek-ChNngJM3PRqZF2X_fBjNtxJGV5MgFO6k9297BA72u3XRWdL4yG_WFin2JaNVb5peHg8o9imMdCanxpyrp_/s1600/g1+(03).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The lights were working well in this section, but the area below was cloaked in darkness. I descended into the gloom, my footsteps echoing in the stairwell.<br />
<br />
The area at the foot of the stairs was lit only by the colourful glow of several vending machines.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrekT4fBeT5ChzV6T_Pp20FdlnCIK09ZuHgqb3pv2xaH3eZ-bO6CrdnsGWe6PuJwCcu9YKS3inMfsAQtcPT5aI4DhoO_swipu7-12gGfr_ONCl6DArOH3XeUdHnERCVZpuSwf93oMnFzy/s1600/g1+%2804%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrekT4fBeT5ChzV6T_Pp20FdlnCIK09ZuHgqb3pv2xaH3eZ-bO6CrdnsGWe6PuJwCcu9YKS3inMfsAQtcPT5aI4DhoO_swipu7-12gGfr_ONCl6DArOH3XeUdHnERCVZpuSwf93oMnFzy/s1600/g1+(04).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
There were shell casings on the floor. A few hits on the back wall, and one on the side of the steps. There were no bodies however. It was like someone had been firing at shadows under the stairs while in a desperate rush to leave the facility.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDbmYOwEDETlq599ea2SeD1s4yzPok3iipOOousiI8A1fypGroifgkdtrWgVjNxWGkXJNU8LYLyAjj_kSjfeIqYownUmMD9JiEOElm8FV-k05rUh7EP04vKYh10u2zK5qZnCkdSc2ZVby/s1600/g1+%2805%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDbmYOwEDETlq599ea2SeD1s4yzPok3iipOOousiI8A1fypGroifgkdtrWgVjNxWGkXJNU8LYLyAjj_kSjfeIqYownUmMD9JiEOElm8FV-k05rUh7EP04vKYh10u2zK5qZnCkdSc2ZVby/s1600/g1+(05).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
As I approached the next set of doors, I could hear the sound of rushing water.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I found myself on a raised hallway overlooking the main lobby.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5A9XSFAGa0Ngc9qttpCDxfFYY_bM_cdPNfw9ziBRYNWnWVYJKoKSKaP3g5DL2xxzFIn19InT8AZGDN5FYZsoDZ8jho1QbXphrFa60m5SNKjUHmY000FhUTyYrD2na_df8mrYnbM3DjDI/s1600/g1+%2806%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5A9XSFAGa0Ngc9qttpCDxfFYY_bM_cdPNfw9ziBRYNWnWVYJKoKSKaP3g5DL2xxzFIn19InT8AZGDN5FYZsoDZ8jho1QbXphrFa60m5SNKjUHmY000FhUTyYrD2na_df8mrYnbM3DjDI/s1600/g1+(06).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The rushing water was an indoor waterfall pouring down the wall of large windows separating the passage from the lobby below. The flow of water had been designed to be soothing and to add moisture to the dry climate controlled atmosphere. Now, uncontrolled, it had all the comfort of a burst pipe. <br />
<br />
There was an elevator to my right. It was a crime scene, in and of itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzRx1P_Jwevb3G2zAIYFS6e-q0mrdttidatuyrXKNRWMGjbhgYUCwkkLQNiGXvnSv3zsW0h9ICz-jWgn37CapjQrKZnm3o4PgCOHo8bFsC_XpNn6tS2lS_zVfJrUVCPqxgQn6pEfMBrWr/s1600/g1+%2807%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzRx1P_Jwevb3G2zAIYFS6e-q0mrdttidatuyrXKNRWMGjbhgYUCwkkLQNiGXvnSv3zsW0h9ICz-jWgn37CapjQrKZnm3o4PgCOHo8bFsC_XpNn6tS2lS_zVfJrUVCPqxgQn6pEfMBrWr/s1600/g1+(07).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Each drop of blood can tell a story.</i><br />
<br />
There is on average 4.7 liters of blood in the human body. With the complete severing of a carotid artery, 100 ml of blood is released under pressure with each pulse of the heart. This process will last for approximately 30 seconds. <br />
<br />
I did the calculations. About three liters... I shone my flashlight around the car. <i>Yes, that's about right.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilrorWQeWY-BJK3_Nup_gkb0aNWqJpf7U44Gzu6tMKTra5omOP_M2rP3H2tv-i9X1GV8bmEUuSCTO7awj3zREZ25A9bUn3A5BLDez8DI_p5_Q7H0cDZ3Q2X7SQAxP5cF2ENRvdLq0OTEd/s1600/g1+%2808%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilrorWQeWY-BJK3_Nup_gkb0aNWqJpf7U44Gzu6tMKTra5omOP_M2rP3H2tv-i9X1GV8bmEUuSCTO7awj3zREZ25A9bUn3A5BLDez8DI_p5_Q7H0cDZ3Q2X7SQAxP5cF2ENRvdLq0OTEd/s1600/g1+(08).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Given the height of the stain, the first gush struck the left wall. The victim was then pulled down and to the right. There were no bullet holes, no shell cartridges. The streaks on the floor ending at the door indicated that the remains were dragged from the elevator on another floor, before the car made its last lonely journey to this level.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR0LwuC17JcB9tZhh6u43L18tPzrT88Yxo2tdvbCcPBmcQsFCKXP1jKjpu7ZQNI9x5lmPkQAYHYuD42b9OAPXBXZCUTmefB3_HAmLl6-mcC9oE7DAjPuZuyFZvUuTwOhUbaaHoyXhf4ln/s1600/g1+%2809%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR0LwuC17JcB9tZhh6u43L18tPzrT88Yxo2tdvbCcPBmcQsFCKXP1jKjpu7ZQNI9x5lmPkQAYHYuD42b9OAPXBXZCUTmefB3_HAmLl6-mcC9oE7DAjPuZuyFZvUuTwOhUbaaHoyXhf4ln/s1600/g1+(09).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I took a small sample of blood and placed it in a sterile evidence vial. I checked my weapon and then moved on.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDoFu-aBordfCghz067anh9_vWYyzz9exK_jUy-4uVe1LPgvUyfIEBduZcFxSa2fN2cPwkKZFVClBYlBEETWPEgO8x-Fy0FplmD0pvmhFoRJu5I4oWtiSLW-XPteP87dZGfHcL_tFoSC-/s1600/g1+%2810%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDoFu-aBordfCghz067anh9_vWYyzz9exK_jUy-4uVe1LPgvUyfIEBduZcFxSa2fN2cPwkKZFVClBYlBEETWPEgO8x-Fy0FplmD0pvmhFoRJu5I4oWtiSLW-XPteP87dZGfHcL_tFoSC-/s1600/g1+(10).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The lights were working in the main lobby. A reception desk was situated near the steps. Comfortable furniture of soft white leather sat empty. Tables and chairs at the far end had a functional look about them, as if the area doubled as a lunch room.<br />
<br />
Two blast doors were situated along one wall. My identification card did not work on the left door. This did not trouble me. I was informed that it would not work on every point of entry. I had to try regardless.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWI2jAk1FTPEHxmxSpxgeeq6gmGbJ4vO9Kj2P4dxGdHdJWXP2n_3wIGooH076AgDT-MAQnUVyVjtRlOeGoQzZB8NVNtCHCMppFfhz8SjACCYcNjnrrBMmS6MYXTL1yHadP7EvJMieP0JO/s1600/g1+%2811%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWI2jAk1FTPEHxmxSpxgeeq6gmGbJ4vO9Kj2P4dxGdHdJWXP2n_3wIGooH076AgDT-MAQnUVyVjtRlOeGoQzZB8NVNtCHCMppFfhz8SjACCYcNjnrrBMmS6MYXTL1yHadP7EvJMieP0JO/s1600/g1+(11).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The right door opened to a short corridor. There were shelves against one wall. Crates here and there covered by tarps bearing the corporation logo. A window at the far end gave a glimpse of a laboratory waiting beyond.<br />
<br />
Cautiously, I walked forward, weapon ready. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR46qVMbM00C2wKcS6citMx5Qp3hoz6ki_VWcEjt-VzyswAEf-awzQqFh3whxaDPPbwM-n0fD7a5BAjezY8DugZyhjB4TyUDsibmwLmtajtMS3jrAM2X6xzjYDumDxFRhmkjzoVGlE3kDQ/s1600/g1+%2812%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR46qVMbM00C2wKcS6citMx5Qp3hoz6ki_VWcEjt-VzyswAEf-awzQqFh3whxaDPPbwM-n0fD7a5BAjezY8DugZyhjB4TyUDsibmwLmtajtMS3jrAM2X6xzjYDumDxFRhmkjzoVGlE3kDQ/s1600/g1+(12).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I stopped short upon hearing a sound. A single moan of someone in pain. The moaning grew louder, joined now by a second then a third voice.<br />
<br />
They shuffled around the corner. Men and women, their clothing torn, their skin pale or discoloured, their features distorted. The moans became a chorus of hisses and groans. They surged forward arms outstretch, mouths open.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDnEb70PYL0qXHBPru_SVU4tOqjlD6LwtvlKIP0qQcKNuA3misT-vlBkbi4ZKHvRvg6BgNP4Bls9IZFQj5FEde1TJvFrLoHYvLIe4nrDIn_labZFpEA4owSuMyNvje9Zl-Nn_CJSovr7a/s1600/g1+%2815%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDnEb70PYL0qXHBPru_SVU4tOqjlD6LwtvlKIP0qQcKNuA3misT-vlBkbi4ZKHvRvg6BgNP4Bls9IZFQj5FEde1TJvFrLoHYvLIe4nrDIn_labZFpEA4owSuMyNvje9Zl-Nn_CJSovr7a/s1600/g1+(15).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I pulled the trigger and began a slow withdrawal to give myself room. With tight controlled bursts, I targeted the closest and the fastest.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3OZBX_QXT8CA5p98OUroyDsQu_GxWI3hfd4Q69H8e3BiJamvreV9jdKiX16yDel5z4QW8ssYS6z-FNHVvBowfI1LpZuvYSDVJk5M1ZsMfbfTeOagofeCGIXCgZNggnjbO_NrxNUL1llh/s1600/g1+%2813%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3OZBX_QXT8CA5p98OUroyDsQu_GxWI3hfd4Q69H8e3BiJamvreV9jdKiX16yDel5z4QW8ssYS6z-FNHVvBowfI1LpZuvYSDVJk5M1ZsMfbfTeOagofeCGIXCgZNggnjbO_NrxNUL1llh/s1600/g1+(13).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSVVXdb7P3fpb6MPETe0l-IZb45sxb7eREwR0Rgfdc7PJsqx9zrXITwaexGvxAu9g69wb4PZxGswDmajp7KNh0qerAtPM0QVwFKXN5tKabLPYjvUjabnU7rGI8CgHimU3UxQBHb4hJ8zH/s1600/g1+%2814%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSVVXdb7P3fpb6MPETe0l-IZb45sxb7eREwR0Rgfdc7PJsqx9zrXITwaexGvxAu9g69wb4PZxGswDmajp7KNh0qerAtPM0QVwFKXN5tKabLPYjvUjabnU7rGI8CgHimU3UxQBHb4hJ8zH/s1600/g1+(14).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A woman collapsed. A man staggered backwards. <br />
<br />
A second man struck in the chest, fell heavily to the ground, but after the briefest of moments, he rolled onto his side and began to stand up again.<br />
<br />
My blood turned cold, but a small detached voice in my head remarked, <i>“Ohhhh, that is why there were no bodies under the stairs.”</i><br />
<br />
I fired again, striking the neck and forehead. He fell once more and this time remained still.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLcDkRywTgNNolLhGigwzhO9ZlTIM1EYsNhGMoky6snmSLRRVTcE60TksSlXN9Pusu6H-NVlEeZbarkNFy3xmcx1YbnQxRbbanao152r-9zUNICU95rVJ4_HGlqFkWkHetxtCamYVqj51/s1600/g1+%2816%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLcDkRywTgNNolLhGigwzhO9ZlTIM1EYsNhGMoky6snmSLRRVTcE60TksSlXN9Pusu6H-NVlEeZbarkNFy3xmcx1YbnQxRbbanao152r-9zUNICU95rVJ4_HGlqFkWkHetxtCamYVqj51/s1600/g1+(16).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I sprinted past the fallen, through a set of swinging doors. I passed through the laboratory, stopping, turning and firing at a figure now in pursuit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7jhk1VQB9AsN0ZlofxyDADHOHjhMhYwv0vW-lRu6dcYNCPdxAcLj5Tx7gLpDUXLxXWW76RPOnvVZHaolDEsfVVJiWN_V-WXVFaOP7_8c5aB6NzM2wvjqDNtrriECYU56QzgiBj-mltfj/s1600/g1+%2817%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7jhk1VQB9AsN0ZlofxyDADHOHjhMhYwv0vW-lRu6dcYNCPdxAcLj5Tx7gLpDUXLxXWW76RPOnvVZHaolDEsfVVJiWN_V-WXVFaOP7_8c5aB6NzM2wvjqDNtrriECYU56QzgiBj-mltfj/s1600/g1+(17).jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
He wore blue overalls and a cap, like someone who loaded boxes or perhaps pushed a cart. His arm swung out wide as he fell, sweeping across the nearby shelf, bringing beakers and flasks crashing to the floor.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The room was now still and quiet. I had a chance to examine my new surroundings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsypptXAgs0tPHSptjRS9ftPkZvn3kDIlwkQcAMJHBtdZBnUR2-mt7t5IWZ6G5RfXsNq2MtsZVHwSIX1lKk7XOJKY5yYAqETlm72DFZ5x8sD0O1maD9y3Ty_R3BfuJGzs73cfPtBuzFA-0/s1600/g1+%2818%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsypptXAgs0tPHSptjRS9ftPkZvn3kDIlwkQcAMJHBtdZBnUR2-mt7t5IWZ6G5RfXsNq2MtsZVHwSIX1lKk7XOJKY5yYAqETlm72DFZ5x8sD0O1maD9y3Ty_R3BfuJGzs73cfPtBuzFA-0/s1600/g1+(18).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
This was a show laboratory. No serious research would have been done here. It was too near the main doors.<br />
<br />
Visiting dignitaries, stockholders and community leaders would have gathered in the main lobby and a great production would have been made giving them surgical masks, gloves and white coats. They would be led through the door past serious looking workers. They would believe themselves to be privy to the latest in product development. In reality, they were being treated to a carefully stage managed presentation.<br />
<br />
A quick examination of the work stations and computers confirmed my suspicions. There was nothing here of value.<br />
<br />
The next room was deceptively quiet. A few cabinets, tanks of compressed gas squatted against the walls.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDaY3QtfI4_4iWlGnuEKVWesEicMoo1QtOEQs_CPjKnc6bowtBZNOhIyO4RC36MW92GN4WgnP7xaku2hnWFP951uHeCaB-K2xUTqBWna_ZupSzJBms-G_lOxG1CuO_o7V1Ywuge0boDkF/s1600/g1+%2819%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDaY3QtfI4_4iWlGnuEKVWesEicMoo1QtOEQs_CPjKnc6bowtBZNOhIyO4RC36MW92GN4WgnP7xaku2hnWFP951uHeCaB-K2xUTqBWna_ZupSzJBms-G_lOxG1CuO_o7V1Ywuge0boDkF/s1600/g1+(19).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I turned the corner and almost walked into three figures standing silently in front of the next blast door. They turned and, with fresh groans, started forward with the same inhuman urgency as the others. <br />
<br />
I was forced to take defensive action from an empty side chamber on my right.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzQ0gfazx25N1YJ_GNyBZyIsR04_RNUB1DLiw9wtfzDUBWvHubLgFtuigll-q_heIlP7JNzJEUFTXEn9cS0vx03tR9CYzX15Ewe4E9qukPceHicKDDfEWsj3fb9wxz1qZ2idhUlhwV8q2/s1600/g1+%2820%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzQ0gfazx25N1YJ_GNyBZyIsR04_RNUB1DLiw9wtfzDUBWvHubLgFtuigll-q_heIlP7JNzJEUFTXEn9cS0vx03tR9CYzX15Ewe4E9qukPceHicKDDfEWsj3fb9wxz1qZ2idhUlhwV8q2/s1600/g1+(20).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I tagged one on the leg. He went down with a crash then continued crawling towards me unabated. His eyes were coloured with a film of icy blue.<br />
<br />
I carefully aimed and fired.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYcDbGF2_E3VF4EB7gPIesv9f_1bxaUEVddKIB69nMD86JE1JfNRnJK0IEeKgpWLL1QA8lwF5d1riI781YyTBoNCGakBD-jvAufVrNArg44P3hQ-r2VPxulrGjniaXewudST3qU3R4MDk/s1600/g1+%2821%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYcDbGF2_E3VF4EB7gPIesv9f_1bxaUEVddKIB69nMD86JE1JfNRnJK0IEeKgpWLL1QA8lwF5d1riI781YyTBoNCGakBD-jvAufVrNArg44P3hQ-r2VPxulrGjniaXewudST3qU3R4MDk/s1600/g1+(21).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
--- <br />
<br />
The next door opened to a warehouse. It was a cavernous space. Large shipments would have been dispatched from here. The space gave a good line of sight but no cover. A scattering of cargo containers waiting for transport were too large to climb and too few to shelter me from view.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFKKEr6TJ_fjq7YW5Q3F-Kz5kfeMb2uj48n2KPS_qp50EDcW00mXTS9dYoQ9mR3ykDMrwzZ7BkJIavCkCnRPsTMkLNm-ZmwgcVBm20CV4_X-cAV-K0ACaF1nR8F1_zhCJhcyzZcpJ4944/s1600/g1+%2822%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFKKEr6TJ_fjq7YW5Q3F-Kz5kfeMb2uj48n2KPS_qp50EDcW00mXTS9dYoQ9mR3ykDMrwzZ7BkJIavCkCnRPsTMkLNm-ZmwgcVBm20CV4_X-cAV-K0ACaF1nR8F1_zhCJhcyzZcpJ4944/s1600/g1+(22).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I used the opportunity to put some distance between me and the show labs. I was unsure how effective my bullets had been, and the sounds of violence may have drawn more of the afflicted.<br />
<br />
I ran then stopped, listening for any sign of pursuit, before running forward again. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBL9h9hdViJdT_UDJxYpbU0VSPPC0dxduN5nEgDR0BVRWVPUEmoFeFA19Woh1qXKrJUxaVtMTAl9M0k0xG4BCHat1WZtd_Sbs_5mFZU2UCnDehJA4vZPJFBunVt_DvVQx5BC5VDgqfFLV/s1600/g1+%2823%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBL9h9hdViJdT_UDJxYpbU0VSPPC0dxduN5nEgDR0BVRWVPUEmoFeFA19Woh1qXKrJUxaVtMTAl9M0k0xG4BCHat1WZtd_Sbs_5mFZU2UCnDehJA4vZPJFBunVt_DvVQx5BC5VDgqfFLV/s1600/g1+(23).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A loading bay lay beyond the warehouse. It had a low ceiling. It was brightly lit. Smaller shipments were stacked on skids. A train waited on its tracks to the left.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbsBw5UDQIMOvhD4LyDyU9aSCLPz-k7_7oh2K2fPvEPp9qFeDAxkzF7rMjCUgIQgz_8sRAXhQIdl2T9e_jFxPq1zBX0f8e5cbftPSObj03RkTMWwTTsMVu0WMKJytTffiBclmydS7BV8F/s1600/g1+%2824%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbsBw5UDQIMOvhD4LyDyU9aSCLPz-k7_7oh2K2fPvEPp9qFeDAxkzF7rMjCUgIQgz_8sRAXhQIdl2T9e_jFxPq1zBX0f8e5cbftPSObj03RkTMWwTTsMVu0WMKJytTffiBclmydS7BV8F/s1600/g1+(24).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Somehow, I doubted this would have been part of the tour. You would not
install a private subway to serve a small laboratory and a warehouse. <br />
<br />
A small group of the afflicted lingered on the platform. The sound of the door opening drew their attention. Like the others, these few were dressed in the manner of employees.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY5EQUvQLWNyz0UwODd3Khsg84HtuTphQkBvRNSpb-XEbNoZevzLeOsoU8FfuoUjzM-lRUMWZ2oUZCmAEFSgkXGKXcL31iiqq-zCmMLE0v4IDPKh7e1rFERJLu4ONYKDxczx3zq5BdbHq/s1600/g1+%2825%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY5EQUvQLWNyz0UwODd3Khsg84HtuTphQkBvRNSpb-XEbNoZevzLeOsoU8FfuoUjzM-lRUMWZ2oUZCmAEFSgkXGKXcL31iiqq-zCmMLE0v4IDPKh7e1rFERJLu4ONYKDxczx3zq5BdbHq/s1600/g1+(25).jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Crossing the platform was difficult. The loaded skids proved to be effective obstacles. Rather than clearing the room, I focused on clearing a path, keenly aware that I may have to deal with this group later when leaving the facility.<br />
<br />
I dashed up the stairs and proceeded deeper into the complex.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNahPqRmfMo_z8U9msE1bKtv53pdC0DNqY9KtBmTKLI6fUqfaWFLehLlvUkwa6Kl5gUSnp2zDnG70-qcSEn4Rg4qJhGMrquX9uBUUvG2Du4msDf1AaUFhzRd8iqF5SNS43zDyJt1nbBlxx/s1600/g1+%2826%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNahPqRmfMo_z8U9msE1bKtv53pdC0DNqY9KtBmTKLI6fUqfaWFLehLlvUkwa6Kl5gUSnp2zDnG70-qcSEn4Rg4qJhGMrquX9uBUUvG2Du4msDf1AaUFhzRd8iqF5SNS43zDyJt1nbBlxx/s1600/g1+(26).jpg" width="400" /></a>Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-19078565641885991762013-05-26T16:47:00.000-07:002013-05-26T18:21:56.573-07:00What the Eye Can SeeJuly 20 - Spinwheel City, Paquin<br />
<br />
"People who talk about revolution and class struggle without referring explicitly to everyday life, without understanding what is subversive about love and what is positive in the refusal of constraints, such people have a corpse in their mouth." - Raoul Vaneigem<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
I do love art galleries. The use of empty space, the lighting, the peace and quiet. The range of human experience on display on every wall for all to taste. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQerohRM781MG59jlPbCiQ81lMNIycLmxVcER9mtTcFtoFYolghQveDBe9vZpJuGMJQFxzls-7QaEu46t5JyQbabUgDRSt-71EVU5xwdguTTaTxG3grA29U-QOXuDbxun81DL6ev5irHI/s1600/gallery+0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQerohRM781MG59jlPbCiQ81lMNIycLmxVcER9mtTcFtoFYolghQveDBe9vZpJuGMJQFxzls-7QaEu46t5JyQbabUgDRSt-71EVU5xwdguTTaTxG3grA29U-QOXuDbxun81DL6ev5irHI/s200/gallery+0.jpg" width="200" ya="true" /></a>The Pleasure Principle Art Gallery in Spinwheel City was having an exhibition of poster art from the student revolt and civil unrest that rippled across France in May 1968. Though a relatively small group at that time - their membership had been steadily declining over the years - it was the Situationist Movement that provided the ideological foundation for the revolt.<br />
<br />
I found it useful to examine the art of propaganda and persuasion, especially now with the Jade Revolution operating in Araxes. By studying past political discourse, one can gain fresh insights into the struggles and conflicts of our own time.<br />
<br />
So, what might the Situationists say of the union of the political systems of Sihnon and Londinium? Would they see that we have managed, at last, to balance individual freedoms with collective responsibility?<br />
<br />
<i>"Too many corpses strew the paths of individualism and collectivism. Under two apparently contradictory rationalities has raged an identical gangsterism, an identical oppression of the isolated man." </i><i><br /></i><br />
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-sz97Scj2up4EvMrmnqPQw7stFVKAkBtPVa62RXaUVWevJz3iRmrUJgJcMmuNIatQtcEUffcTLE3aKZxbR7JwaPUIuo008Z8WsCMGfaRMGHKWjQSW82yGMk3-2SJkqMcLe40V5iZdk7l/s1600/gallery+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-sz97Scj2up4EvMrmnqPQw7stFVKAkBtPVa62RXaUVWevJz3iRmrUJgJcMmuNIatQtcEUffcTLE3aKZxbR7JwaPUIuo008Z8WsCMGfaRMGHKWjQSW82yGMk3-2SJkqMcLe40V5iZdk7l/s400/gallery+6.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></i><br />
<br />
And what of the billions of human beings who now enjoyed a standard of living that our ancestors could never have imagined?<br />
<br />
<i>"The millions of human beings who were shot, tortured, starved, treated like animals and made the object of a conspiracy of ridicule, can sleep in peace in their communal graves, for at least the struggle in which they died has enabled their descendants, isolated in their air-conditioned apartments, to believe, on the strength of their daily dose of television, that they are happy and free." </i><br />
<br />
I made my way upstairs.<br />
<br />
The Situationist movement had its roots in Surrealism. Art from this period could be found in the upper gallery. It may have been part of the permanent collection. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ7_vDvnHPmyCommR2I4EAQN2pCBD3cbHRrp97yzJWUPq7I2qx87IWn2oU5whkWhEsn5syKBS7UJ9nfZx7qOOD8emwSwESKVw6PRj4PBV-fRviO6vY-MJsXJiFMgZMMTKBOQQDfpd3eK5/s1600/gallery+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ7_vDvnHPmyCommR2I4EAQN2pCBD3cbHRrp97yzJWUPq7I2qx87IWn2oU5whkWhEsn5syKBS7UJ9nfZx7qOOD8emwSwESKVw6PRj4PBV-fRviO6vY-MJsXJiFMgZMMTKBOQQDfpd3eK5/s400/gallery+8.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a>
<br />
<br />
My favorite piece was Lee Miller's Eye by Man Ray, 1932. I was drawn to the work not because it was a surrealist image but because of what this eye would one day see.
<br />
<br />
Fashion model turned photographer, years after this picture was taken, Lee Miller became one of the first women war correspondents. It was Lee who reported on the first wartime use of napalm. It was Lee who reported on the liberated Nazi concentration camps of Buchenwald and Dachau.<br />
<br />
Here was a woman who bore witness to some of the greatest crimes of her time and she told the world. With that, in my opinion, she became an instrument of justice.<br />
<br />
And, there was also an amusing photograph taken of her bathing in Hitler's bathtub in his abandoned apartment on April 30, 1945, the day the dictator commited suicide. <br />
<br />
Take that Adolph.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2_i8FQlabTbPuCwmobINs6yz14JQsBhBb_XeBs5Dm9pDT-eiLdO9izUWZ5tdxO3Oxuhgs6xtqvw5VMC8fKCPKEJB-wcDzBZDSgJDQt-M723gL7kAG_KaG8jxp0uNO6p9uzLltNCm35o5/s1600/gallery+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2_i8FQlabTbPuCwmobINs6yz14JQsBhBb_XeBs5Dm9pDT-eiLdO9izUWZ5tdxO3Oxuhgs6xtqvw5VMC8fKCPKEJB-wcDzBZDSgJDQt-M723gL7kAG_KaG8jxp0uNO6p9uzLltNCm35o5/s400/gallery+9.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a><br />
<br />
My communicator came to life. An encodded transmission from _______. <br />
<br />
From a private condominium in downtown Albion City, he was employed in an plains clothes capacity to monitor traffic in the downtown core of the Zenobian capital city. He was located a short distance from the hospital that had treated the clone of Audrey Aurotharius. <br />
<br />
Our survellience in Albion City was not widely known. It would surprise some to learn that a member of my team was conducting operations in the capital. However, it was important to have trusted people in key places. It was important to have eyes on the ground. <br />
<br />
"Good evening Trooper," I said, leaving the gallery.<br />
<br />
He got straight to the point, "We had some visitors the other day."<br />
<br />
"And were they behaving themselves?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"Well," he replied, "they seemed like they didn't want to be noticed. Ran for the outskirts of town when I arrived. Must have had a ship out of bounds."<br />
<br />
"Perhaps they didn't have travel permits," I said.<br />
<br />
He transmitted a physical description of the two visitors.<br />
<br />
"They were wearing the insignia of the 405th," I observed, "These sound like Nova's people." <br />
<br />
"We've been a busy little port from my sensor records," he added, "Seventy-five visitors."<br />
<br />
"Good to know," I remarked, approaching the government buildings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDve9WmjuKfMDAMTvuDQTkAUW13uj5Vg0ifjXpPmfXr3po01uh09SuvyyqkAp7-82Vki42yo-Xkg6Jm-L7hgGbydW710cscpSzQzXVlqJ-qWPrHeUfjAzvG1Hw_VySvJWirPTQBhGiKQW/s1600/gallery+99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDve9WmjuKfMDAMTvuDQTkAUW13uj5Vg0ifjXpPmfXr3po01uh09SuvyyqkAp7-82Vki42yo-Xkg6Jm-L7hgGbydW710cscpSzQzXVlqJ-qWPrHeUfjAzvG1Hw_VySvJWirPTQBhGiKQW/s400/gallery+99.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a><br />
<br />
"Also did an inspection of Korolev station," he continued.<br />
<br />
Korolev Station was an old mining station deep in the Halo. It was also the current location of Svetlana Pleides, survivor of the bombardment of Shadow, and one of our witnesses against the war criminal, William Faith.<br />
<br />
"And what did you find on Korolev?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing to worry about," he said, "A little lax about safety. They seem to be trusting force fields way too much. one failure and the whole place suffers catastrophic decompression."<br />
<br />
I did not like the sound of that. It would mean the loss of an important witness.<br />
<br />
"It was an old mining station, correct?" I asked. Jade had been a miner.<br />
<br />
"An old mine," he confirmed. "Apparently, they cored out the asteriod. I'm guessing prisoner labor."<br />
<br />
"Any idea who was the original mining company?"<br />
<br />
"Nope," he replied, "Current methods obliterate the whole rock."<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
File copy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLD05liFYxNHV5DVqX4XOFeubixtZqdtpeu699e1kz_ZD5WyzCnrHfRL8Kk1BJ4f5p2VjxIh4oCKoZZXzR9cC-odzAM1idUC94DwvFIJ0DOyTyqOGxm6pt5K_cZdUW0vLbOEpOIuPeBq-/s1600/posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLD05liFYxNHV5DVqX4XOFeubixtZqdtpeu699e1kz_ZD5WyzCnrHfRL8Kk1BJ4f5p2VjxIh4oCKoZZXzR9cC-odzAM1idUC94DwvFIJ0DOyTyqOGxm6pt5K_cZdUW0vLbOEpOIuPeBq-/s400/posters.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jade Revolution posters.</div>
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Location: Al Raqis city, Araxes. June and July.</div>
Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-85775674375280610342013-05-22T13:55:00.000-07:002013-05-22T13:55:33.340-07:00RecoveryJuly 12 - Spinwheel City, Paquin<br />
<br />
"Let them cudgel their conscience and say whether, on the contrary, the titles, the offices, and the hustle and bustle of the world are not sought out to gain private profit from the public. The evil means men use in our day to push themselves show clearly that the end is not worth much. Let us reply to ambition that it is she herself that gives us a taste for solitude." - Montaigne<br /><br />
-----<br />
<br />"Are your wounds healing well?"<br /><br />"Yes, thank you," I replied. <br /><br />The warm afternoon sun streamed through the window. I was sitting on my bed with my legs crossed, toes tucked under the blanket. A cup of green tea with honey melon and lemon grass rested on the nightstand. An extra pair of woolen socks on my feet and fresh bandages under my sweater.<br /><br />It was good to be out of the desert.<br />
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I was in remote communication with Major Aodhfionn Muircastle, UAP Monitor stationed on Araxes. It was the Major that was responsible for my extraction.<br /><br />"Given the wounds," he said, "we decided to ship you off en-tubed without debrief. I don't know if you've ever debriefed someone with a morphine button."<br /><br />"I can follow up some leads from here," I said.<br /><br />"We had a small break with the Jades," he continued.<br /><br />"I am receiving the file now," I acknowledged.<br /><br />-----<br /><br />It was July 11. The scene was the Laandsrat Council Chambers.<br /><br />The members of the Laandsrat were busy debating a proposal put forward by the elected chamber, the Beit Dawla. They did so with their usual disdain...<br /><br />- File Begins -<br /><br />Time stamp: [19:37]<br /><br />"... I think the Dalwa wished to tie all of our hands in the future," remarked the Magistrate, Joan al Jofar.<br /><br />Taharqa Pryxis of the Myrmidon Order replied ominously, "Then let me as a representative deal with their request, diplomatically of course... as diplomatic as ... we ... of the Order... can."<br /><br />Lady Reiko, the Khaliifa of House Morloch passed her own judgement, "They seek absolute power... just another grab for Empire by unseating the Empire which is already here."<br /><br />Kia Marrah of the Blue Sun Corporation pursed her lips, "Then one must keep a hidden edge with which to cut such... red tape."<br /><br />Suddenly, the proceedings were interrupted by a new voice.<br /><br />"Tie the hands of the Laandsrat! What a wonderful idea Magistrate!"<br />
<br />
In the center of the chambers, a column of green light appeared. Within the light stood a figure of a woman, her face concealed behind a mask of a rabbit.<br />
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It caught everyone's attention. Most looked puzzled or concerned. Only LilyBell looked pleased. "Is it time for church?" she smiled.<br /><br />"What is this?" asked the Magistrate as she looked out into the gallery.<br /><br />It was, in fact, a hologram. And the figure was that of Jasmine, also known as the Adherent, the leader of the Jade Revolution.<br /><br />"I see the Land of Rats is in order... how wonderful," mocked the Adherent. "The Messiah once spoke of you in such glowing terms."<br /><br />"What is the meaning of this?" demanded the Magistrate.<br /><br />The Adherent continued, "What was is she said now....."<br /><br />People were no longer staring. Major Muircastle, Colonel Aubin of the SSFS, and Ambassador John Sheppard-Criton of the Asgard began tapping their respective devices.<br /><br />"...arrest the Laandsrat for treason and human rights abuses wasn't it?" asked the Adherent.<br /><br />"Someone turn that hologram off!" cried the Magistrate.<br /><br />LilyBell tried to be helpful. "It mean that you can't touch it," she said, "It live in the TV, Miss. Come out and get you. BOO!" She grinned wildly.<br /><br />"We were already arrested and cleared," Calina replied to the Adherent.<br /><br />Kia Marrah reached into a pocket to free her small scanning device which she then turned on the hologram.<br /><br />The Myrmidon, Taharqa Pryxis, merely looked at the image and shook his head.<br /><br />"Silence and cleared?!" asked the Adherent, "Very easy to do when the person throwing the accusations around is dead!"<br /><br />"So, is that why she is dead?" asked Lady Reiko, "She was throwing accusations around?"<br /><br />"And where is the physical proof of the accusations?" added Kia Marrah.<br /><br />Colonel Aubin shared the results of his scan, "Signal seems weak. It'll be a bit tough to get enough packets of data to get an accurate location of the source."<br />
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Major Muircastle took a different approach. "Adherent," he asked, "will you answer our questions under oath?"<br />
<br />
The Adherent responded, "Your questions? Who are you? I do not recognise your authority or the authority of anyone in this room."<br /><br />This did not go over well with LilyBell who poked at the hologram. "HEY," she objected, "You not the boss of me little Miss." Kia Marrah tried to calm her down.<br /><br />Standing now, Major Muircastle pressed on, "Do you have information regarding the murder of Jade Moonkill so that we can bring her murderer to justice?"<br /><br />Taharqa Pryxis began to tap his data link. Colonel Aubin and Ambassador Sheppard-Criton did the same.<br /><br />"The Messiah," said the Adherent, "in her eternal wisdom, placed the Beit Dawla in charge of this planet... and the people did rejoice!!!"<br /><br />By this time, Major Muircastle was standing near the hologram. He passed his hand through the light.<br /><br />"This Council is illegitimate," continued the Adherent, "and you will pay for the crimes you have so heinously carried out."<br /><br />The Magistrate finally responded, her voice was the coldest thing on that hot, dry desert world. "Look at what your precious Dawla is offering. Insipid legislation designed to generate more paperwork and support the bureaucracy. Is that what your Messiah wants? paperwork?"<br /><br />Lily scampered from the room.<br /><br />The Magistrate continued, "And you speak of crimes. I see no crimes. Everything this Laandsrat has done is completely legal under the law."<br /><br />The Adherent closed her eyes, as if meditating.<br /><br />"Does your messiah want to do away with all law?" pressed the Magistrate, "Replace it with a law of her own?"<br /><br />Colonel Aubin let out a groan of frustration, "It's got a scrambler..."<br /><br />Ambassador Sheppard-Criton spoke up, "This is outrageous, the way you are telling the Laandsrat...." <br /><br />Major Muircastle activated his communicator, "Watchtower, signal."<br /><br />The Adherent answered with religious rhetoric, "The Messiah wanted peace and justice for all. What she got was the 'blood cure' and her ascendance to heaven. There is no law but the Messiah's law."<br /><br />"Peace is something you have to work for," countered Lady Reiko, "It is never handed to you."<br /><br />"Blue Sun didn't use any blood products," objected Kia Marrah, "in their production of the cure."<br />
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But it did not matter what they said. It might as well have been in a different language. The Adherent continued unabated. "I won't spill water so I won't spill blood."<br /><br />Lady Reiko sneered.<br /><br />The Magistrate reacted hotly, "Theocracies quickly turn into tyranny and despotism. Your Messiah was power hungry. The assassin did us all a favor."<br /><br />"BLASPHEMY!" shouted the Adherent.<br /><br />The Magistrate stopped as if rethinking her response, "I mean, the assassin was a criminal that will be brought to justice." She straightened her skirt and took her seat. "Someone shut off that device!" she cried.<br /><br />The hologram flickered as the signal started to weaken.<br /><br />Calina Tereshchenko looked aghast at the Magistrate. She swore in Chinese then said, "How DARE you! Speaking ill of the dead... of the elected representative of the people of Araxes. Of my dear friend who was actually acting on her beliefs! ...which is more than I can say for the Laandsrat, and possibly even the Dawla in its current state!"<br /><br />In the gallery, John Red Duplin rubbed his forehead, "This is turning into chaos," he said. It may have been his first Laandsrat meeting.<br /><br />Major Muircastle spoke into his communicator, "Watchtower, send out a beacon."<br /><br />"I am sorry, Lady Calina," said the Magistrate, "I simply misspoke."<br /><br />"No, you didn't," challenged Calina. "You said exactly what you felt!"<br /><br />The Magistrate leaned away from Calina. "I simply misspoke," she repeated. She looked at the hologram and hollered, "Someone shut that device off!"<br /><br />-----<br /><br />- File Insert -<br /><br />Watchtower Communication Log <br /><br />July 11<br /><br />[19:52] Major Aodhfionn Muircastle: "Watchtower, signal."<br /><br />[19:52] Lieutenant Blaze Burner, Watchtower Duty Officer: "Watchtower confirmed."<br />
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[19:53] Lieutenant Burner: "Triangulating signal."<br /><br />[19:54] Major Muircastle: "Get any characteristics of signal pattern, encryption, origin."<br /><br />[19:54] Lieutenant Burner: "Acknowledged."<br /><br />[19:56] Major Muircastle: "At least be able to send a signal back, so we can create a channel of communications."<br /><br />[19:56] Lieutenant Burner: "Scanning for frequency."<br /><br />[19:56] - SIGNAL LOSS IMMINENT -<br /><br />[19:57] Lieutenant Burner: "We are losing it..."<br /><br />[19:57] Major Muircastle: "Watchtower, send out a beacon."<br /><br />[19:57] Lieutenant Burner: "Beacon away. confirmed."<br /><br />[19:57] - BEACON SIGNAL: UAP only want to find Jade's Murderer -<br /><br />Three minutes later.<br /><br />[20:00] Lieutenant Burner: "Hologram signal terminated."<br /><br />-----<br /><br />Seventeen minutes later, a second hologram appeared in the gallery of the council chamber. It was Jade. <br /><br />She appeared, rocking on her heels. Her teddy bear perched on top of her helmet. Her pale white skin was washed green by the light of the hologram. It greatly upset Calina and caused a flurry of comments from the members of the chamber.<br />
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The image froze as if a recording was placed on pause for a moment, then it came to life.<br /><br />She spoke, "I don't think the people of the Laandsrat are evil. They are good people but they are to busy trying to keep power to see what they are doing. They are like a blind bull charging at the wall. They are sure if they run ahead blindly hard enough they can break their way out of the problems they are in."<br /><br />Jade sighed and rocked on her heels "The Laandsrat has to go to protect the people, No matter if I have to die or if others have to give their lives... I understand now. You don't have to spill blood to win a war. You just have to be willing to let yours be spilled. And there is not one person on the Laandsrat that would die for their cause. That is why the people will win. They are already dieing. They have nothing to lose by fighting."<br /><br />She looked off to the side as if listening to someone then she spoke again, "I am not saying any of them need to die. I don't want to see anyone hurt. But if they cannot be convinced to step down then then... then the people must fight for their freedom."<br /><br />She nodded to someone else unseen, "The Emperor will not care who is leading the planet so long as he has the people's loyalty and the spice flows. A free Al Raqis governed by the people can do that for him."<br /><br />Jade looked down at her hands then up, blood red tears now falling from her face. "I know I will die, too many have already threatened me. Please my friends, don't let the people of Al Raqis die under the boot of the Laandsrat any more. Rise up and take the fight to them. Free yourselves. Let my death mean something. More than any life of a moonbaby could ever be worth. Better one moonbaby than a single human. Better ....."<br /><br />The image froze then disappeared.<br /><br />-----<br /><br />"Moonbabies......" muttered The Magistrate, "I was right. They are behind this rebellion."<br /><br />The experience was almost too much for Calina. She leaned back, gasping, "I can't breathe... I can't breathe.... Jade..."<br /><br />"You recognized that, Companion?" asked Lady Reiko.<br /><br />"Lady Calina," said the Magistrate, "It is just a recording, a trick. It's all trickery. All of it."<br /><br />Major Muircastle looked over at the Companion sympathetically. <br /><br />Back in the chamber at this point, Lily looked at Calina and bowed her head slightly. "Recording," she repeated.<br /><br />But Calina was still traumatized. "Jade..." she said.<br /><br />The members of the Laandsrat tried to make sense of what they saw, and sharing what little information they had on the origins of the signal. Lily again bounced out of the room.<br /><br />Finally the Magistrate, addressed the chamber. "I think we have had enough interruptions for one night," she said. "This Jadist business must be stopped. "<br /><br />Major Muircastle twitched at the remark.<br /><br />"We have important business of state to attend to," continued the Magistrate. "Mr. Muircastle. Do you have that amendment to the Dawla bill, or shall we table the discussion and talk more about lunatic ghosts?"<br /><br />Time stamp: [20:31]<br /><br />- End of File -<br /><br />-----<br /><br /><br />I looked out of the window and considered the contents of the file. Below, in the streets of Spinwheel, office workers began their commute home, young families headed to the park.<br />
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I was still in communication with Major Muircastle. I listened as he filled in the details.<br /><br />"The watchtower officer was able to narrow down a range of frequencies of a hologram transmission emanating from the Southern Hemisphere. It uses frequency jumping. But we have enough information that we should be able to create a back channel for communications. Beamed narrow enough that we don't have to broadcast to the entire planet."<br /><br />"That is fortunate," I remarked.<br /><br />"They want to be heard," he added, "we want a dialogue."<br /><br />Something nagged at me. A turn of phrase... <br /><br />"At the Laandsrat," I began, "the Magistrate speaks of the assassin as doing them a favour. She then corrects herself."<br /><br />"It provoked a response from Ms. Tereshchenko," replied the Major.<br /><br />"A faux pas certainly," I admitted, "but these don't seem to be the words of someone who may have arranged the murder. One would not say 'doing us all a favour'."<br /><br />"Conspiracies can be unintentional," said the Major. "Tell him to handle it, just get it done."<br /><br />"It is an interesting slip of the tongue nevertheless," I said. I lived by such observations.<br /><br />Major Muircastle continued, "You might not have intended for the person to kill, but you are a co-conspirator regardless, even through misunderstanding."<br /><br />"It speaks to intent," I conceded.<br /><br />He elaborated, "I could easily see the Magistrate or Khaliifa telling the Pryxis chap to silence the girl meaning fear and intimidation underestimated their lack of nuance and understanding of metaphor."<br /><br />"We have an abundance of suspects," I admitted.<br /><br />"Reverend Mother Ariadne has still not delivered her alleged evidence. Has someone encouraged her to be coy?" he suggested.<br /><br />"It is also possible that someone from one of the militaries acted to incur favour with the Magistrate," I replied. "We have too many people with motive and an absence of solid evidence."<br /><br />"There is also the skunk chap who used murderous means as his first resort," added the Major.<br /><br />The Major referred to an independent security contractor who, according to reports, maintained the appearance of a large two-legged man-skunk, Last year, this individual had tried to burn down the medical centre and half of the Zenobian embassy in an attempt to detain someone carrying the black pox. The story was so outrageous that it was still a topic of discussion around the office water cooler.<br /><br />"I need to track down the guard that found the body and start from there," I said.<br /><br />"The act does not match the <i>modus operandi</i> of the Myrmidons," said the Major.<br /><br />"Agreed," I said, "nor the Morloch who lean towards blades and formal duels."<br /><br />Major Muircastle added, "The guard is also a likely suspect. There were no bullet fragments or shells found at the scene. No security footage."<br /><br />"Convenient," I remarked.<br /><br />"This does point back to the Magistrate," he said, "or merely a senior executive or board member of ARPharma."<br /><br />"They remain the ones with the most to gain," I said.<br /><br />The Major continued, "While the guard is a likely trigger man, he is unlikely to be the source of the conspiracy."<br /><br />"And the question is," I added, "is he still alive?"Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-27466118219974581732013-05-13T19:56:00.000-07:002013-05-13T20:33:53.500-07:00Farewell Araxes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknkReyJH_UnMzbJ1aH5nZaT0JmqEMIlWjWD4HiNX9WHGrovowIHLdQ8TFKirkCR9yARjiHRdlKla1KUy5jtgLyuq-ykCJJ6ddwi-pgTcXmG3I5NxCjauB1KRhU7mmUQu-0UJVuzIy182r/s1600/farewell1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZjFNgmLaiP5svuUNoW7P5FA0a1CTQ16QBEL5i28zNVdkyXj0hutn6axRrgeqHJj8UxS82jMYoZNDsan8zXcl_eaPodUM87JRbk6CLYtMS0h8oXClZcPpqcjL5MxwilMGl9Kg3pzLEMj8/s400/farewell0.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknkReyJH_UnMzbJ1aH5nZaT0JmqEMIlWjWD4HiNX9WHGrovowIHLdQ8TFKirkCR9yARjiHRdlKla1KUy5jtgLyuq-ykCJJ6ddwi-pgTcXmG3I5NxCjauB1KRhU7mmUQu-0UJVuzIy182r/s1600/farewell1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknkReyJH_UnMzbJ1aH5nZaT0JmqEMIlWjWD4HiNX9WHGrovowIHLdQ8TFKirkCR9yARjiHRdlKla1KUy5jtgLyuq-ykCJJ6ddwi-pgTcXmG3I5NxCjauB1KRhU7mmUQu-0UJVuzIy182r/s400/farewell1a.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknkReyJH_UnMzbJ1aH5nZaT0JmqEMIlWjWD4HiNX9WHGrovowIHLdQ8TFKirkCR9yARjiHRdlKla1KUy5jtgLyuq-ykCJJ6ddwi-pgTcXmG3I5NxCjauB1KRhU7mmUQu-0UJVuzIy182r/s1600/farewell1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<i>I feel cold.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVArUgKre9M7vvMEWK_d3kjFVAchb9zDLqzQyOyFA70DOkahnhFmLBroK8fzZPxG_yJktP_TQ2T1VakKH9ikLpTYgwdAGBL3WcsMKwg-35kkmfRDnA1zrJmI4_ujrXjEyi92RS1AOBAuU/s1600/farewell3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVArUgKre9M7vvMEWK_d3kjFVAchb9zDLqzQyOyFA70DOkahnhFmLBroK8fzZPxG_yJktP_TQ2T1VakKH9ikLpTYgwdAGBL3WcsMKwg-35kkmfRDnA1zrJmI4_ujrXjEyi92RS1AOBAuU/s400/farewell3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I found myself floating high above the farm where I grew up. Fields thick with grain, surging in the breeze. Cows in the pasture.<br />
<br />
My home.<br />
<br />
I came to rest near the old train engine where my brother Hector and I used to play. How it got in this field I will never know.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHKxFmEHbmK1jbj5gYE5f7rT53SSXXCRrq1ssYUCcgxlKy9CX0OblJgD71dsWoNKkLCTfnlH2tAbM5ZCdDqCxDcUbWDlrYF5_T5DJnIrnrZpknBucvoD1u8zr9JkSpIMhyphenhyphen6GJndTh6qkZ/s1600/farewell4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHKxFmEHbmK1jbj5gYE5f7rT53SSXXCRrq1ssYUCcgxlKy9CX0OblJgD71dsWoNKkLCTfnlH2tAbM5ZCdDqCxDcUbWDlrYF5_T5DJnIrnrZpknBucvoD1u8zr9JkSpIMhyphenhyphen6GJndTh6qkZ/s400/farewell4.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
This was our spaceship. Hector was the captain and I was his crew.<br />
<br />
No matter how pink and frilly the dresses my mother put me in, it was here that she would find me, laughing and climbing after my big brother.<br />
<br />
<i>Persephone Siamendes! You get down from there right this instant!</i><br />
<br />
I walked to the edge of the field. There was a table and a radio set like my eldest brother Demetrios used to have. I dare not touch it. Demetrios would be very cross with me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xq2xKgBn8u7NPXSiSpsBO_LnMgVskfVFfs4-fmnz5FP_sZauXuboFlcipcs1J63PDkv9hPQRAJZ207QzRYZIBzz6SBAI9pfublVYAQAM5xFMQmQzyBE02mWmoES4vyDSZdhD8302Y0ph/s1600/farewell5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xq2xKgBn8u7NPXSiSpsBO_LnMgVskfVFfs4-fmnz5FP_sZauXuboFlcipcs1J63PDkv9hPQRAJZ207QzRYZIBzz6SBAI9pfublVYAQAM5xFMQmQzyBE02mWmoES4vyDSZdhD8302Y0ph/s400/farewell5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Demetrios left home when I was still young. After mother and Hector died, and father took ill, he returned to the family farm and that set me free to join the service.<br />
<br />
Demetrios gave me the stars.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAIaQUNImJw41k0AMxtK09qLrpsdZZIfI4eZWfzLHR1LBA1LXDK0QUTd3VRACgAXXYgzHLXM0zw7r022ebDn65j5ypB46Ww4tLdE1U9Y7hkBBRMXLNxAzG0Hcq-dHz7cF5bUUe-me78S8/s1600/farewell5a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAIaQUNImJw41k0AMxtK09qLrpsdZZIfI4eZWfzLHR1LBA1LXDK0QUTd3VRACgAXXYgzHLXM0zw7r022ebDn65j5ypB46Ww4tLdE1U9Y7hkBBRMXLNxAzG0Hcq-dHz7cF5bUUe-me78S8/s400/farewell5a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The radio came alive. I could hear a voice I recognized. I leaned forward straining to make sense of what I heard. I frowned. It was the voice of Major Aodhfionn Muircastle, the nephew of my commanding officer. But what he said made no sense.<br />
<br />
The scene changed and I was sitting at our dining room table. There was the cabinet with my mother’s best China. There was music playing. Vivaldi. The third movement of “L'inverno.” Violin Concerto No. 4 in F Minor.<br />
<br />
Oh that's why I felt so cold before. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2xunmy21SCggn_7J8-Yfs1Do8kt45GyP4osX_DdFa9AyJMqeRYX2iPOgC8i0GgHFwfJ271bHjF6ByxyLzkJJPw_3uKZ3LKx6SN85LukBODbg0B2RynO2oa-TIdCHuj59OD8kBHg_KfTa/s1600/farewell6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2xunmy21SCggn_7J8-Yfs1Do8kt45GyP4osX_DdFa9AyJMqeRYX2iPOgC8i0GgHFwfJ271bHjF6ByxyLzkJJPw_3uKZ3LKx6SN85LukBODbg0B2RynO2oa-TIdCHuj59OD8kBHg_KfTa/s400/farewell6.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Before me was an open book containing pencil drawings. There was a drawing of a girl’s face. She looked so familiar. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_BngVVL3m8tl2yE_btkMpSuz75BOjKrFFoyLvjKixaH4HW65qHqb0hY-t8swuQZV9uR7Loprtjd8Xv2n4QmIgW7FxRPTigVWD1U79yntShReraZO2bCfhIr9s0ORbSfr4C3nTF-RPCX7/s1600/farewell7a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_BngVVL3m8tl2yE_btkMpSuz75BOjKrFFoyLvjKixaH4HW65qHqb0hY-t8swuQZV9uR7Loprtjd8Xv2n4QmIgW7FxRPTigVWD1U79yntShReraZO2bCfhIr9s0ORbSfr4C3nTF-RPCX7/s400/farewell7a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Audrey?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9XNrWokzCDmfVZfMZHgN-VhQvsPcw_Gd3CDceV8CcCkIpfELc3K1X5EplWyOBCzjqkhCMlHBJrbpHTDgVy3_I4rrcI4O0IORJQyYAH6Py_ENFGq3tJnZLCtkIQbV-XjTzsyKwdOMmJ5a/s1600/farewell7b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9XNrWokzCDmfVZfMZHgN-VhQvsPcw_Gd3CDceV8CcCkIpfELc3K1X5EplWyOBCzjqkhCMlHBJrbpHTDgVy3_I4rrcI4O0IORJQyYAH6Py_ENFGq3tJnZLCtkIQbV-XjTzsyKwdOMmJ5a/s400/farewell7b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Then we should get you home.</i><br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
July 5<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWroM_sZJD9yPGUxXzFyD1nBykM1mg6v8Wktj04phsQMi4BuYSBPqLa7xcRK8T8_Yt-S8NnLrIjNdxALI7oK3YYHsTduCy93hkSSaHhfacybnrDIrYyyypfqR2UnLtsPokFtcE9TWYGAV/s1600/farewell8b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWroM_sZJD9yPGUxXzFyD1nBykM1mg6v8Wktj04phsQMi4BuYSBPqLa7xcRK8T8_Yt-S8NnLrIjNdxALI7oK3YYHsTduCy93hkSSaHhfacybnrDIrYyyypfqR2UnLtsPokFtcE9TWYGAV/s400/farewell8b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
“Sergeant,” asked Major Muircastle, “is there any paperwork that says we’re supposed to fix up Major Siamendes here or ship her off as is?”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6SJ7k9kvbyunYwMioPohLJRYfwJed4vs78epeh019Ktdz58qON5wHiqpv94VYd-q4-OYQCBQS0nY03QIDnOlRBkHPzWwKHuX6fprv3UKZbf2rALc5q92KvmQXuXaDG_Q6dfQKLgALvJN/s1600/farewell9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6SJ7k9kvbyunYwMioPohLJRYfwJed4vs78epeh019Ktdz58qON5wHiqpv94VYd-q4-OYQCBQS0nY03QIDnOlRBkHPzWwKHuX6fprv3UKZbf2rALc5q92KvmQXuXaDG_Q6dfQKLgALvJN/s400/farewell9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
“We are still waiting to hear from the Colonel, sir,” replied a woman.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-27068192315248553342013-05-08T17:48:00.000-07:002013-05-08T17:48:41.100-07:00A Handful of DustJuly 3 – Araxes, Southern Regions<br /><br />I poured a little more sand into the small metal bowl, and with the tips of my fingers scoured out the remains of my breakfast. The wind had shifted, and soon I would return to Azaadi. <br /><br />On this trip, I would drift into town, purchase a few supplies, and generally make myself visible. Instead of asking questions, this time I would start the process of establishing myself as a presence in the area. I would wait and see what information came to me.<br /><br />I now had two reports that members of the Jade Revolution had passed through the village. I also had one description of the masks that they wore. I knew I was in the right place. <br /><br />Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by a scream, the long, loud howl of a tortured, hungry soul.<br /><br />I froze. <br /><br />REAVERS!<br /><br />I turned and ran, sprinting away from the sound, my metal bowl dropping to the rock with a clatter.<br /><br />Around the gully, my feet pounding the dirt, I turned left towards the rocks at the edge of the wadi. I would be swarmed here in the low ditch. I had to get to higher ground.<br /><br />I pounced on the embankment and scrambled up the slope. <br /><br />How did reavers get here? How many were there?<br /><br /><i>Keep moving.</i><br /><br />At the top of the ridge, I glanced behind me. <br /><br />Far below a thin, solitary figure began its ascent. Ungainly, uncoordinated. <br /><br /><i>Only one. </i><br /><br />I had a chance. <br /><br />I climbed the next spike of rock and slid down the opposite side. I climbed again, a larger rock, then through a space and up. I doubled back. <br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUmp09oKKCmdwn4uECxJivZg0tkCZ4oTT1uhKmL7fwgZ0jN48jb3f6jT6kJWdChMXM3IcGACPL4cTIA2Shhud_WMo8hAgRiHdFoLXkulRH7IBZVKIzRm9-PUEHGIsH-o7ipamWCdsAHkn/s1600/spicehorror2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUmp09oKKCmdwn4uECxJivZg0tkCZ4oTT1uhKmL7fwgZ0jN48jb3f6jT6kJWdChMXM3IcGACPL4cTIA2Shhud_WMo8hAgRiHdFoLXkulRH7IBZVKIzRm9-PUEHGIsH-o7ipamWCdsAHkn/s400/spicehorror2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />
The creature had now reached the top of the ridge.<br />
<br />
With a fluid motion, I drew my knife.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo2P4UFyuS7WfPO7BY1rMqdOKCF0GVXbyJ3mPlNhfGHahEKHU2m-_sas8e6PPTWDCLtnxvP5lE2AWaxkSLHK8hvAMhVssBtloywyH9jD5mMT-4Q-5GtbLM6ul9asZjNIh5sMtck5YKbsK/s1600/spicehorror1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo2P4UFyuS7WfPO7BY1rMqdOKCF0GVXbyJ3mPlNhfGHahEKHU2m-_sas8e6PPTWDCLtnxvP5lE2AWaxkSLHK8hvAMhVssBtloywyH9jD5mMT-4Q-5GtbLM6ul9asZjNIh5sMtck5YKbsK/s400/spicehorror1.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
<br />
I paused, measuring the distance, and then dropped to the figure below.<br /><br />Still airborne, I began to slash. My blade tugged and tore at flesh and cloth, but to no effect.<br /><br />It had a gun.<br /><br />The air suddenly filled with the sound of thunder. Hammers slammed into my vest. Ribs cracked one by one. <br /><br />It fired wildly. That is what saved me. <br /><br />I threw myself backward, tumbling down the slope, wincing and choking in a shower of sand and dust.<br /><br /><i>Maybe the knife wasn't such a good idea.</i><br /><br />Coming out of my fall, I kept moving. I circled right, to maintain some cover, and climbed.<br /><br />In due course, I arrived at the apex. The top of the rock was slightly sunken offering some shelter.<br />
<br />
The creature lurked below. It had my scent. Bullets zinged by. Chips of stone stung my cheek, missing my eye.<br /><br />I dropped my knife and plunged my hand into my pack. <br /><br /><i>Where is it? Where is it? </i><br /><br />My fingers touched something cool, metal, then the hand grip. I pulled out my pistol and for a fraction of a second felt comfort wash over me. <br /><br /><i>I can't stay here. </i><br /><br />I hopped over the far side of the rock column and made a controlled descent this time. Pebbles and stones followed me down. I came to rest on the eastern slope, with the spire now between us.<br /><br />I took a breath. The land beneath me offered no safety. There was nothing in this part of the wadi to offer protection. And to the immediate south, the ground dropped to the hot sands of the Southern desert pan. The creature lingered on a small rock shelf close to the ridge to my west.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oQ3my7sd1XRKjtW2rbJcGS6zxrW6QdmqlOdkYnsCmW1S2K4HWLrz6Ga6jLbOwsRca377hp93Vmd4wPFNJx-QJsqGEoIBckPqWHR_Rkp7WZ8uvOjbczoTPVZ9Hm9sFnpdvA7phWDKpL05/s1600/spicehorror2b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oQ3my7sd1XRKjtW2rbJcGS6zxrW6QdmqlOdkYnsCmW1S2K4HWLrz6Ga6jLbOwsRca377hp93Vmd4wPFNJx-QJsqGEoIBckPqWHR_Rkp7WZ8uvOjbczoTPVZ9Hm9sFnpdvA7phWDKpL05/s400/spicehorror2b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
There was nowhere to go but through.<br /><br />I charged forward to build up my momentum. I grasped the spire and shifted my weight. I swung around the rock, high over the bled. My cloak snapped in the breeze.<br /><br />He turned. His gun erupted.<br /><br /><i>Ignore the hits. Focus. </i><br /><br />I emptied the whole clip in a tight pattern into his chest, before throwing myself back and down once again.<br /><br />Coming to rest behind the spire, I was hurting now. I clutched at my side and my hand came away red. I wasn’t sure I would survive another clash. Cautiously, I climbed the rock to the small outcropping where my opponent had been standing. <br /><br /><i>Is it over? </i><br /><br />His body lay face down, sprawled across the small flat rock, his chest leaking into the dry, parched land.<br /><br />I crouched down and began a quick inspection of the remains. This was no reaver. This was something new.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhdrblC61Fj5aHjYgdH5z4VvfYikJ27ujNMtcAxLECNL7HvOXixAcvlExGzczyZrqG6XHr6VBg9BqyPnMlZ5S-npKkZBH3E3kg8KJvXLkQ_LKPj738HbMFxKUhbBJQvNoHUcvL3ZWir1B/s1600/spicehorror3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhdrblC61Fj5aHjYgdH5z4VvfYikJ27ujNMtcAxLECNL7HvOXixAcvlExGzczyZrqG6XHr6VBg9BqyPnMlZ5S-npKkZBH3E3kg8KJvXLkQ_LKPj738HbMFxKUhbBJQvNoHUcvL3ZWir1B/s400/spicehorror3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
His face was concealed behind a respirator mask. It had been worn so long that the straps had bitten into his flesh. The wounds looked infected. <br /><br />The lenses of the mask were scratched by the wind and the sand. It likely obscured his vision and, to my benefit, spoiled his aim. <br /><br />The filters were clogged with raw desert spice and would no longer have been able to provide protection from the substance’s effects.<br /><br />His head was nearly bald. Only traces of hair were left.<br /><br />His skin was burned raw from constant exposure to the twin suns. It was loose in places where the fat had wasted away and the muscles had begun to atrophy. <br /><br />His clothes were little more than rags. A sliver of plastic was only just visible jutting out from what may have once been a pocket. <br /><br />Carefully, I drew the object out from the cloth.<br /><br />It was a miner’s identification card. A photo. The name worn away.<br /><br />Once, he had a handsome face. A thick, shock of hair and a determined look. Lips that smiled and clear eyes that looked out upon the world.<br /><br />And now, his name was gone…<br /><br />What wretched nights had he sat weeping, his boney fingers rubbing his name, desperately clinging to the last traces of his identity as the madness and the desert stole his mind?<br /><br />I may have just killed him, but he died long ago.<br /><br />I stood up, and immediately felt faint. My pant leg was now red. <br /><br />The truth of my situation sank in as I stumbled back towards my campsite. These wounds can't be ignored. I touched my communicator and broken radio silence with a single tone, signaling for extraction. <br /><br />Azaadi Watch had come to an end.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870981264281638023.post-56325394822890120472013-04-08T19:56:00.000-07:002013-04-08T20:03:16.853-07:00Azaadi (Part Two)July 1 - Azaadi, Southern Araxes<br />
<br />
----- <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJI8NP9SbIJo5-2ecYL0ok9uxZptVm9TNmNhDL9O3Gve0StKe_vodPegtMbXKcuoyie6FXi1sUDv8MrI07m0Cv8cLAwt0wTWvYTifanjEPiy8exGzc_l2LOHTDLMosFsskZjvjG3BcwpO/s1600/azaadi20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJI8NP9SbIJo5-2ecYL0ok9uxZptVm9TNmNhDL9O3Gve0StKe_vodPegtMbXKcuoyie6FXi1sUDv8MrI07m0Cv8cLAwt0wTWvYTifanjEPiy8exGzc_l2LOHTDLMosFsskZjvjG3BcwpO/s400/azaadi20.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I waited six days before returning to the village of Azaadi.<br />
<br />
There were more people in the streets this time. A couple over by the landing pad. A man and a woman near one of the houses.<br />
<br />
I headed across the main square, walking purposefully. I nodded as a woman stepped out of an official looking residence and glanced in my direction.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa8HkrHZ6YJUE-AJzf0azHCK0vCdTQ8Mp2F7o3E0dr3FUn6hNAYgtNhpAT-j8R7klJYRIox00v83lVq3_ucyLlKyoR-Ld-41K5iDlCOqoGajUu9sna9-PnTCS3ZAp8K3BIxppyEINC__S/s1600/azaadi22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa8HkrHZ6YJUE-AJzf0azHCK0vCdTQ8Mp2F7o3E0dr3FUn6hNAYgtNhpAT-j8R7klJYRIox00v83lVq3_ucyLlKyoR-Ld-41K5iDlCOqoGajUu9sna9-PnTCS3ZAp8K3BIxppyEINC__S/s400/azaadi22.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The woman nodded back. "Feel free to use whatever facilities," she said with some authority before heading into the tavern.<br />
<br />
"Thank you," I said, following after her, "are you the proprietor?"<br />
<br />
"Not exactly," she replied, "I'm the eyes and ears mostly. Mouth only when Jim's not here."<br />
<br />
I removed my breather mask and smiled.<br />
<br />
"Is there anything I can help you with?" she asked as she made herself comfortable at the table in the center of the room.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM7sHpLhovp_B6q8qNArEYcnkyTnfcFr2L9Jc8pzQ4fzsWrhGAH6dGkEMwPLvikAEZmPRRnAHtSH0v0K_ByLqUlWX4sN3l9vXIdhEOmWGv1hJnXoHcKyc72SB0SoBsCfp4JlUgTk2OiMf/s1600/azaadi23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM7sHpLhovp_B6q8qNArEYcnkyTnfcFr2L9Jc8pzQ4fzsWrhGAH6dGkEMwPLvikAEZmPRRnAHtSH0v0K_ByLqUlWX4sN3l9vXIdhEOmWGv1hJnXoHcKyc72SB0SoBsCfp4JlUgTk2OiMf/s400/azaadi23.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Perhaps you can help me," I began, "I am trying to find members of the Jade Revolution."<br />
<br />
"Ah. Them."<br />
<br />
"Yes. What have you heard?" I asked.<br />
<br />
The woman sighed and reached up, putting her hands behind her head, "I honestly couldn't give you names or locations, but a few of them wander through here off and on. I mostly just try to not pay attention."<br />
<br />
"Of course," I allowed, "it is best not to look too closely at some things."<br />
<br />
"Indeed," she agreed. "We try to stay as neutral as we can."<br />
<br />
"That sounds wise," I added. "They have threatened some powerful people."<br />
<br />
"So I've heard," she acknowledged. "You looking to destroy them, or join them?"<br />
<br />
"I am simply looking for information," I replied, then asked, "When you say a few of them have wanders through here, how many?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW-4DccSt9lth9P2Wk63T6DtZBidG94VKRZ4QT01A4iTqslTm4g7LCE6MqaksLjzwPL_-YX6lOj6SixKGEFd4bisb2YgfBrUgnJ1OelRROVZHPlkGeuxBQ7eTWeqvXDDs2WGjjLYAyc2t/s1600/azaadi24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW-4DccSt9lth9P2Wk63T6DtZBidG94VKRZ4QT01A4iTqslTm4g7LCE6MqaksLjzwPL_-YX6lOj6SixKGEFd4bisb2YgfBrUgnJ1OelRROVZHPlkGeuxBQ7eTWeqvXDDs2WGjjLYAyc2t/s400/azaadi24.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
"Good evening," said a new voice. "I'm not intruding I hope."<br />
<br />
I turned towards the man just entering. "Good evening to you," I said politely.<br />
<br />
He was dressed in the manner of someone who worked transporting dry goods or livestock. He wore a sidearm, for rattlesnakes no doubt. It was always for rattlesnakes.<br />
<br />
The woman scratched her chin, "Well... without looking close, it's hard to say, they all wear masks, you know." She glanced up to the man and nodded, "No intrusions, help yourself. Bar's open if you need anything."<br />
<br />
I had caught the scent. "Masks?" I asked, "What kind of masks?"<br />
<br />
The man began to fidget nervously.<br />
<br />
"The kind that cover your face," said the woman.<br />
<br />
"Fully covered? Or breather type?" I pressed.<br />
<br />
<i>Bad Pepper. That was a question of someone used to having her questions answered.</i><br />
<br />
The man glanced over at a second man who now entered the tavern. The second man settled on the seat next to him and waved politely to us all.<br />
<br />
The woman answered my question. "No," she said shaking her head, "the kind that just hang over the nose and mouth... sort of like exotic dancers."<br />
<br />
I nodded as if satisfied, "Ah, I know the type you mean."<br />
<br />
This was rapidly becoming a bigger crowd than I wanted to manage at this point. I had hoped to present myself as a simple spice miner wanting to trade information. A public interrogation would be counterproductive. I may have already revealed too much.<br />
<br />
The first man leaned over the bar and fetched a glass and a small bottle. He poured himself a drink and began sipping contentedly. <br />
<br />
I decided to stop things now in hopes of future possibilities. "Well, thank you for your time."<br />
<br />
She nodded in reply, "Anytime."<br />
<br />
I took one more look around the tavern, at the faces of the patrons, the manner of their dress, then I departed.<br />
<br />
"You're free to wander around the area as long as you don't cause issues," called the woman.<br />
<br />
"Thank you," I said as I walked away.Zenohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16552508545857265912noreply@blogger.com0