Ethan
As the morning sun cast its warm glow across the military base, I’m leading my team of navy SEALs through the usual rigorous training session.
The atmosphere is charged as the team executes the drills with precision and unwavering discipline.
I took pride in their cohesion and camaraderie, knowing that their shared dedication and training made them an exceptional unit, my HEART unit.
I picked the name myself, as well as each and every member of my personal rescue and deep extraction team.
My earpiece buzzed and the voice of my commanding officer called for my attention when I answered.
The recruits undergoing basic training needed assistance, and the commanding officer requested the expertise of my team to contribute to their development.
So they wanted to see how the Highly Effective Area Rescue Team operated huh?
I understood the importance of passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of soldiers.
With a nod to my team, we quickly regrouped and made our way to the designated training area.
As we arrived at the training grounds, we were met with eager recruits, faces filled with anticipation and determination scattered about the area.
I assessed the situation, what exactly had their trainer put them up to? What was the scenario?
My experience and expertise was shaping my approach. I was going into this blind, after all, I would have to do the same on the field.
I wanted to instill in these recruits the same sense of unity, discipline, and resilience that defined my team.
I wanted them to know that whatever happened on the field someone would have their back.
Taking the lead, I stepped forward, putting forward my best commanding presence, I ordered my men and women to take position.
Together with my team, I was guiding the recruits through a series of training exercises for extraction from the simulated situation they were in.
I was looking at the faces of the recruits and my old team members when Virgil’s voice chimed in shaking me off from my memories.
“Drone upgrade complete. Query: reestablish connection with the drone.”
I breathed heavily it was a lovely recollection, my men had planned a nice surprise party for my birthday, and my wife had sent the kids with her parents.
It's tough to resist the allure of the past when I know I can experience it as it was right now because of Virgil.
Overall, it's still a memory, and I know; I know, but it's better than being in a dreamless state or that illusion.
-Pause memory reproduction. Re-establish connection-
I say, knowing full well I don’t need to speak out loud, I just do it for my sanity’s sake, whatever is left of it.
Like it or not, I have a life to live here, I gave myself a duty to accomplish, some lofty objective to see if I am still fit for this future.
Well, this future is my present now, ain’t it? I refocus on my body and the image of a worried Lemela as she squints at me with her cat-like features.
I recall the interface by simply nudging the part of the interface with my attention.
Status: connected Collective connected Ethan, Lemela Remaining power 78% Damage: none Drone limit 81/1200 Experiment run time (local time) 1 week 6 days 9 hours 39 minutes Workforce status 16 drones ready 6 drones being repaired 49 carrier drones working 10 carrier drones ready Resource status Food supply stable, water supply stable, drone materials sufficient for the creation or repairs of 265 or the creation of 66 carrier drones.
I'm glad I requested Virgil to improve the status indicator when updating, even if I'll have to specify why I want the supply expressed in days remaining rather than just knowing it's steady.
If feasible, I'd like to have an estimate of our consumption as well, because why not right?
I don’t know if Virgil will understand that while the supply is stable right now, situations can change pretty fast, so we need to know how are our pantries as well as our prospects are.
The creation and repair of drones tend to be slower than I expected, I believe because I don’t have specialized manpower so to speak.
Or was it because I wanted to activate a lot at once? Good to know in advance before launching an all-out war that I can’t replace my troops as fast as I had in mind.
Rescuing the people from Lemela’s ship is becoming even more of a priority, hoping to find them still alive and well.
They have an engineer and I believe; one with that skill set is desperately needed here.
Putting aside my preparations and desires, I am happy to have asked Virgil to keep up track of time; it's paying off, I believe my hostages have waited long enough since eight hours have passed from their capture.
Without suitable cells down here, I just closed them into three different spaces.
For the two soldiers, I chose the level below this one, in one abandoned facility of some kind.
For the Krynnak would-be leader, I chose an abandoned and partly decaying ancient laboratory uncovered in a passageway above the sewers.
The Li’thirwisz cell is a small, dimly lit chamber tucked away in the depths of the underground facility.
The room has worn stone walls that bear the marks of time and neglect and is accessed through a heavy, rusted door that groans ominously as it opens.
I provided only the simplest necessities for the individual's confinement: a simple cot I found in a landfill, its mattress worn down from years of use.
I also offered a bucket for, you know, what is necessary; because I am not cruel.
Anyway, I chose the darkest area because the alien serves as a lamp with the bioluminescence thing.
Even I can't help but feel uneasy thinking to be within its boundaries; after all, this was a Brahumthrak nesting location, and they were far too close for comfort so I had them either evicted or cooked.
The Nolthoran’s cell is nestled in a remote corner of the same underground facility, hidden away from prying eyes.
The environment is nearly identical, with the same type of metal door that makes you wonder why I chose it as a cell in the first place.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
I’m a traditionalist ok Virgil? I won’t try to erect force fields and whatnot, bite me!
From the other cell, the only noticeable differences are that this cell is still dimly lighted, with a single buzzing ceiling light, and is small and confining with hardly enough room to move about comfortably.
I was less confident in providing a bucket for the big beetle, I am not an alien or an inset expert but well better be safe than sorry.
One thing troubles me: this is the one thing that I encountered that most resembles a solitary confinement cell so far, I wonder what it was used for in this world.
The Krynnak’s confinement is more exotic, I mean I couldn’t field strip all of the old advanced technology that was there, but it was the only alternative with an easy to guard access.
The remnants of the once state-of-the-art laboratory surround the prisoner, the walls are a mosaic of cracked glass panels, exposing the intricate network of wires and circuitry that lie beneath.
A colossal cave-in has left the area partially collapsed, with rubble and debris strewn haphazardly across the floor.
The ground is uneven, making every step a careful maneuver, in one corner, a section of the ceiling has given way, revealing a glimpse of the caves and pipes that run in the walls.
Despite the destruction, a sense of grandeur still lingers in the chamber even with the poor excuse of a bed I put here along with the standard bucket.
-I still believe we should kill the prisoners. Turn them into other mindless drones.-
Says Lemela interrupting my musings.
-I am a human soldier, Lemela, we don’t execute our prisoners. I take it you don’t want to handle the interrogations then.-
I sigh deeply as Lemela looks at me with bitterness I think.
-Listen you are not in danger, I know you aren’t at the top of your game. I can handle this but I have limits. Please Lemela, I know it hurts but… just trust yourself again. You can move forward. -
She stays silent, her head down, her paws trembling and I sigh, maybe after all I will need to use emotion suppression?
Should I let the cat out of the bag about the fact that I know? I can tackle an easier problem right now, yeah.
“Warning. Drone Lemela sub-processes are considering self-terminating.”
Or well, maybe not, I mean even if she is a drone a point-blank headshot should do her in right?
I don’t want to find out.
Let’s go with the truth and see where it leads, after all, I want to establish a cooperative environment.
Virgil, share with her my memory, my knowledge.
“Acknowledged. Initiating memory and knowledge sharing with drone Lemela.”
I leave the Versel to the experience and proceed to the cells down below, I will distract myself with the interrogation of our resident Mr. Burns clone to begin.
I pass the guards and the heavy door and I enter the Li’thirwisz cell and look at the thing quiver a little.
-Let's begin with something easy, what is your name?-
The thing lifts his head, his alien eyes narrowing as he regards me for a moment before responding, his voice seems filled with defiance.
-My name is Xalrak. But I don't see why that should matter to you.-
The tone reveals a hint of suspicion as if questioning me.
This one might reveal to be a tough cookie to crack, but we will see.
-Well it doesn't matter, but I want to at least know how to call you. You see Xalrak, things can be that easy; if we can go along. My name is Ethan. So Xalrak, do you know where you are?-
Xalrak maintains what I think is a stoic expression, the alien features betraying no signs of fear or uncertainty or hiding them well since I can’t tell.
-I am aware of my surroundings, but it seems you're more interested in enlightening me than I am in knowing. So, enlighten me, Ethan. Why am I here?-
I get the feeling this one knows the game, so, for now, I’ll play softball.
-Two reasons really. First: you got lucky because you were smart enough to surrender back there, rather than choose to die with a weapon in hand. Second: I need to know who exactly I am dealing with. So what the hell were your people doing down there with those bodies?-
Xalrak's gaze seems to sharpen and the alien leans forward slightly, maintaining a composed demeanor but a defiant posture.
-Why do you need to know? What does it matter to you what we were doing? We were carrying out our duties, that's all you need to know. But I don't see how that has any relevance to our current situation. What is it that you want from me, Ethan?-
And here’s a trained soldier, I kind of figured because Xalrak was one of those that held the heaviest hitting weapons.
You don’t give a weapon like that to someone that has all the incentives in the world to come after your ass.
-I get to know, as you said, that was a duty for you. I got my idea of what you were doing, What I want to know is why? I want to know who sent you down here to do that horrifying thing! -
Xalrak's gaze remains steady before responding.
-Look, I'm not in the business of divulging confidential information to just anyone. I have a code, and loyalty is paramount. I won't reveal the specifics of our mission or who sent us. You won't be getting those answers from me.-
A code huh? Interesting, so I won’t turn this one into an ally any time soon.
- Quite the duty-bound person, I can respect that. I believe I can offer a good enough incentive for you...-
I produce a blade of red light trying to appear menacing, with a bit of success since Xalrak recoils from me scared I can summon the same weapon that fell his fellow team members.
- Speak, and maybe you get out of this in one piece, deal?-
Xalrak's eyes narrow, his posture tense as she assesses the situation, then Xalrak chooses bravery over caution
-You think that will make me break my code? You underestimate my resolve, Ethan. I've faced far deadlier threats than you. Your attempts at intimidation won't work. If you think I'll spill my secrets, you're mistaken. Do what you will, but you won't break me.-
I sigh, making the blade disappear, I am not into torturing this one when I can have perfectly good information from the other two.
-We will see about that when you will need food, for now, enjoy your stay.-
And I leave Xalrak into confinement to go to the dung beetle thing, the Nolthoran prisoner.
My entrance is the same, only this one tries to cover the instant I come in shaking like a leaf.
The alien hesitates for a moment, clearly intimidated by my presence, but after realizing I won’t be leaving anytime soon it decides to answer.
-#@à- don’t you want my #@§... no? … my name... was... Zek'lor-
He stammers, the translator failing to catch whatever Zek’lor said but I can imagine his chittering is filled with apprehension.
That’s why I need someone like Lemela who can be less intimidating, someone to play the good cop to my game.
I try to be accommodating and sound encouraging to the big insect-like creature.
-Good, Zek'lor. Are you aware of where you are?-
Zek'lor's multi-faceted eyes dart nervously around the dimly lit cell as it seems gathering thoughts.
-I... I believe I am on the planet Taboo… yes?-
He replies cautiously, his chittering might be tinged with uncertainty and I virtually facepalm trying to hide my frustration.
I had to pick the sharpest tool of the batch, didn’t I?
-yeah you are on a planet, duh, I mean are you aware of where on the planet you are specifically?-
I doubt Zek'lor is trying to be a smart-ass with me, and maybe I came a bit too hard on him since Zek'lor's mandibles quiver slightly, stiffening entirely.
Virgil doesn't need to tell me that this is the result of a nervous reaction.
Zek'lor finally speaks again after a bit, stammering again.
-I-I apologize! Yes, master Yes! I am aware that I am in the underground depths of Taboo, under City 29 a place where… where... unspeakable things are. Like… like you...-
Zek’lor’s chittering trembles slightly lowering as the alien recalls the many horrors it has surely witnessed.-
Now we are going somewhere. Look I am not your master. Listen just tell me: what were you doing down here if it's such a bad place for you?-
Zek'lor's compound eyes flicker with a mix of fear and resignation.
-I… It’s not… like… I want it… I... I was brought here against my will. You have to believe me! I… I am but a slave! I don’t have much say in the matters I am forced to carry out. I had the gruesome task of transporting the bodies of my fellow companions to be... reprocessed. It’s a fate that I cannot escape.-
The chittering carries a tone of sorrow and despair, Zek’lor’s insect-like limbs visibly trembling as he relays this information.
Another one with PSTD, this one might be more set in than Lemela’s moreover it hasn’t realized in a sense it is free already.
“Query= Zek’lor will become part of the collective now”
No, Virgil, Zek’lor can be cooperative without being in the collective.
-What if I told you you can escape this fate?-
Zek'lor's antennae twitch with curiosity as it looks up, his multifaceted eyes widening probably with a glimmer of surprised hope.
-Escape? Is... is that even possible? I have longed for freedom, to break free... But how? How can I escape? I am a slave... -
Zek’lor chittering might be a mix of desperation and cautious optimism, I’m on the good path.-
You might cooperate with me. Not as a Slave. As Zel’kor. I will need some information on who kept you as a slave, to begin with, and know what you were before becoming a slave. I might have some tasks that fall within your expertise.-
I hope Zek’lor can do other things other than physical labor but considering it seems a little slow on the uptake I don’t believe much in it.
Zek'lor's mandibles quiver, it seems weighing the offer carefully, I think Zek’lor is wondering if he or she can hope.
Maybe Zek’lor can still recognize the potential opportunity for liberation, and I give the insect time.
After a moment of contemplation, Zek’lor cautiously responds.
-If… if I were to provide you with the information you seek, and if you can truly offer me a chance at freedom, then... then I am willing to cooperate.
I… I will not reveal everything without assurances of my safety! I will rather die like the others."
Zeklor’s antennae twitch, awaiting my response.
-I can ensure your protection, you saw for yourself what my forces can do when they captured you. I will offer you safety, food, and water. And if you ever wish for it a chance to take revenge.-
If I could, I would smile, screw the fact that maybe Zek’lor would see it as a menace.
Zek'lor's compound eyes widen at the mention of safety, sustenance, and the tantalizing prospect of retribution.
The big insect mandibles clack together and Virgil translates that as a mix of apprehension and I add maybe a glimmer of newfound hope.
After a moment of consideration, Zek’lor cautiously replies.
-Your offer... I... I accept. If you can... deliver on your promises. Or deliver death. For me. For everyone. It… It’s a nightmare up here! Make it end!-
Zek’lor locks those compound eyes with my cameras, now there’s determination clear despite the still vulnerable position.
I offer him my still human hand to shake
-you got yourself a deal. My name’s Ethan.-
Zek'lor eyes my outstretched hand for a moment, hesitation and confusion apparent.
After a brief pause, Zek’lor extends one of his segmented appendages and performs a somewhat awkward approximation of a handshake.
Zek’lor’s chitinous exoskeleton brushes against my hand in a delicate manner, a sign of both trepidation and a flicker of trust.
-Deal… !?-
It murmurs, barely audible.
“Drone Lemela’s experience and memory share complete. She wishes to speak to you. Query= initiate collective communication protocol”
I shake my head virtually at Virgil, there’s no need, I will do this in person in the real world.
Might be more difficult than interrogating these people or well what awaits me with the would-be leader.