Ethan

I return to my HQ while Zek’lor gets to eat and drink what it wants, the big beetle seems still scared shirtless by my drones so I think I will give it time to adapt in the old factory with the guards there.

I don’t have trouble finding Lemela, as she is awaiting me right at the stairs, so she’s that eager to give me an earful huh?

-Ethan, finally. I saw. I must admit that I am very concerned about our present situation. You've shared your memories with me, I saw them as if they were my own. You can see mine the same way I assume. It's a vulnerability I'm not used to, and it bothers me very much.-

She pauses looking at me and I sigh.

-If it’s worth anything I shared it so you know too. I wanted you to understand my past, where I come from, and the challenges I faced when I woke up here. It was meant to create trust between us.-

She makes a complicated cat-like expression that Virgil hints at being conflicted.

-I don’t know how to tell you this Ethan.- She pauses fidgeting - It's just that your existence is a troubling mystery.-

-Well I’m here, I can’t be that bad of a deal- I try to joke but she doesn’t find it funny.

-Look the discovery of FTL technology by humans occurred approximately eight hundred standard years ago. Your memory does not correspond to how humanity was at the time.-

I scratch the metal slate that covers my head out of habit.

-That’s how much in human years?-

“79 5 human years. Error! Data mismatch. Data from creators suggest an earlier occurrence in earth’s year 2063, approximately forty years after the last human timestamp you recorded.”

I make a mental note reminding Vigil that we agreed on the data from its creators was a possible steaming pile of crap.

I also make a gesture to stop Lemela from telling me, I don’t need to know I’m out of my time.

-Look I know that I am way out of my time here, but what’s the big deal?-

Lemela sighs clearly frustrated by my inability to comprehend.

-First: Cryogenics alone could not keep a body alive for such an extended period of time. The nanites responsible for healing your tissues defy logic.

Second: You are merged with an IA, The only one I know extinguished all life in the next galaxy over!

Third and most important: You just don’t give such things to Pre-FTL species! It’s like giving a kid a weapon of mass destruction to play with!-

She gives me the stink eye again and I speak.

-You know I don’t have the answers on nanites if you want I can have Virgil get you up to speed on them with all the data it has. Virgil is the IA, and while it’s a bit of a devil on the shoulder, I doubt it will conquer the galaxy on my watch. I’m human remember, Earth is somewhere out there. So your people made themselves a prime directive of sorts?-

Lemela gives me a bit of a stink eye before answering, she didn’t like the chuckle one bit I believe.

-No, I wouldn’t understand technology on that level. I can only hope you can contain that monstrosity. And we aren’t in Star Trek here!-

She frowns clearly asking herself how she knows the show I referenced, but I chuckle.

-Welcome to Earth’s science fiction corner, or how we imagined our venture into space back when we didn’t know any better. If we do know better now. Anyway, that’s the hand I was dealt, Lemela, I can only hope to be able to use it-

Lemela

The Versel still finds this all too complex to elaborate, and on such short notice. With new memories, and new experiences flowing, daily life on a death world like Earth is strangely more normal than it sounded when experienced firsthand.

She sighs looking at the abomination in front of her, Ethan, before speaking.

-How… do you manage to cope with all of this?-

Ethan caressed the metal plate he had hiding what was left of his face with his still fleshy hand before answering.

-Training, focusing on things I can solve rather than on things I can’t deal with or solve.

You know my training now. That’s the life of a U.S. Navy seal. The easy part was yesterday.

You know how I dealt with what I had to do and to see. With what happened to me.

If you allow me I will show you how to apply it to your case. It won’t be easy. It won’t go away. It won’t be the same. Never. But it will be your path. You will stumble. You will fall. And if you allow it I will be here.-

She sighed, it wasn’t that easy, but the human didn’t even pretend it would be, so what she was supposed to do?

-I just don’t know Ethan.- The human offered his hand to her. -We will figure it out Lemela. You need to help me figure out this modern stuff, those alien races. I freed a slave down there, so I will need to figure out with you how to deal with him or her.-

Lemela could only nod, to Ethan each species of alien was a first-contact situation after all.

-So that’s what this was about. I will help you to stay on the right path of technology. So what specie is the slave?-

- A Nolthoran.- The human replied. -Name is Zek’lor. For now, Zeklor is under watch and probation, the first sign of trouble I want to know.-

Lemela sighed, that was something she feared. -I assume you don’t trust this Zek’lor.-

The human confirmed her suspicion with a clear gesture. -I see. I will go talk to Zek’lor. What will you do?-

Ethan then assumed a more serious attitude, straightening his posture, and said.

-I will interrogate our last guest, depending on how this goes we may begin a war.-

Her fur would’ve stood on end if it was still natural, a human belonging to the warrior caste was actually saying he was gonna wage war. Humans as a specie were universally deemed crazy loons, there was too much variance between individuals to establish a baseline for the specie as a whole.

This human, in particular; Lemela knew him now, and a declaration of war from him meant business.

The worst part was there wasn’t much she could say to him he didn’t already know.

-How many of those zombies drone do you plan to have when this is over?-

Ethan sighed understanding her question perfectly.

-Lemela, I appreciate your concern. I don't think I can answer that question. I know some may want to join us in the collective voluntarily. I … still haven’t decided. What I know is that I'll use asymmetrical tactics, focusing on strategic objectives while minimizing unnecessary killing.

Hopefully, I will manage to stir an uprising. How many will die as that happens I don't know. I can control my actions and that's all I can promise. All I know it's that there's a steep price for freedom. In the end, it all depends on our last guest. The Krynnak was well protected by all others and attempted to flee. This tells me he should not be military, not the kind of our resident Li’thirwisz -

-The li’tjwisz belongs to a warrior caste?- She asks interrupting Ethan.

-I understand your people have a caste system in place, you belong to the navigator caste, right? -

She frowns, there’s no such caste and he should know it, still, she corrects him.

-I am from the scientist caste, you should know that Ethan.-

-I know- He replied -I know also that navigation is not really something a scientist does, even if I understand it involves a lot of science. What I mean to say is you should try to pinpoint what an individual actually does rather than pinning a hat and be done with it.-

She could only nod and Ethan started walking past her.

-I need your full discretion, your ability to tell black from white, and all the colors that fall within. With Zek’lor, with all the future encounters with people down here and with my plans. Especially with me and my plans. If I do too outlandish things let me know.-

Lemela frowned -Ethan, your people do outlandish things by definition. I mean they even threw an asteroid at an enemy warship destroying it!-

Ethan chuckled -well let me know regardless, at least I will have a good laugh.-

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Ethan

As I proceed through the lab and the sewer the marvelous chime of Virgils pings me again.

“Query: Please define the devil on the shoulder analogy.”

-That’s because you always offer me the easy option.- I reply -It’s not inherently wrong mind you Virgil, but it can lead to bigger issues along the way.-

“Query: please elaborate. Functional explanation.”

I chuckle a little at the machine mimicking me.

-Well you’re taking some pages from my book now, aren’t you? Fine, fine. It’s simple really, take the instance of Zek’lor and Xalrak ok? You suggested integration for both. We would know all the information Xalrak and Zek’lor know right?-

Virgil acknowledges my reasoning

-I don’t know about Zek’lor yet, but Xalrak? Xalrak would have definitely found a way to damage the collective.-

“You are stating a factual impossibility”

-Am I? Do you think that scratching a wall will damage this collective?-

Virgil negates this notion.

-Still, it could. Xalrak is military. There are countless signs I could use to alert my fellow marines of my presence. One of those in the wrong place, and the group Xalrak is part of would be on our ass. And there are hundreds of tricks like that.-

“Acknowledged. Should we terminate Xalrak?”

-See? Easy option again, killing would solve the issues but would deny the possibility to flip Xalrak which would be more beneficial in the long run.-

“Still you expect betrayal in this alternative you propose. Why would you do that?”

-Hope for the best, prepare for the worst Virgil. Now shush, I need to concentrate on this one.-

I pass the vigil and climb the stairs to enter the room and look at the Krynnak, it shudders at my presence. Good.

-Alright, let's get started. What is your name?-

The Krynnak, with what I could call a cautious expression, responds.

-Names don't mean much in my line of work, but you can call me Vexx.-

Not really good, but not bad as a beginning.

-Well, at least I know how to call you outside the name of your specie, Vexx. So, do you know where you are?-

-I know exactly where I am. This is the belly of Taboo, under City 29 a treacherous place ruled by Dexton’s dogs.-

I smile under the plate of metal that hides my face. Let's see how Vexx reacts to a little theatre.

-Well I don't see any of those famed Dexton's dogs you speak of, do I?-

Vexx glances around nervously and looks at the various blinking lights before lowering the tone of its voice.

-They may not be present right now, yet their presence can be felt everywhere. Trust me, they're always on the lookout for anyone who steps out of line.-

Well if they can make some random lizard this paranoid they either mean business or have a better grasp on the populace than I anticipated.

-And I'll be prepared to meet them. So, what were you doing in such an area? You appear to fear those Dexton’s Dogs a lot.-

Vexx shifts uncomfortably and appears to choose the words spoken carefully

-... I was just doing my job, you know? Taking care of the... the operations. Moving things, ensuring the processes run smoothly. It's not an easy task, but someone's gotta do it.-

-The operation, yeah- I hate people when they are vague -the famous operation.- I continue -That operation where you were turning dead bodies into food.- I cut the chase on a lower note -I get it, this planet ain’t natural but are you so desperate for food you have to rely on that method?-

Vexx recoils a bit, in front of my serious tone then its eyes dart around nervously before responding.

-Look, we don't have a lot of options here. The processed bodies... it's a method of survival-

I get the feeling this one ain’t telling me the whole story, it feels slimy; I mean first down here there are also beasts, why not hunt them?

But I want to go another route to see where it leads first, besides Vexx doesn’t show the telltale signs of Lemela or Zek’lor so at least I guess Vexx isn’t in the same position.

-You could always trade with other planets, I mean, ain't commerce a thing in the galaxy anymore?-

Vexx's reptilian eyes narrow, is that sincere frustration I see?

-It's not that simple. Taboo got this name from humans because it is now a forbidden planet, isolated from most interstellar trade routes they hold.

The risks involved in transporting goods in and out of this place are tremendous.

Dexton's dogs are one of them. Sure they offer protection, the kind of protection you have to pay for. Basically, you either trade with them, involve them somehow, or well… things happen.

Bad things, you will see. Look, it’s a matter of survival, even if it means resorting to unconventional methods. You must have slept long here, machine of the old empire-

I let the comment of the machine slide, I am not a machine but it doesn’t hurt that Vexx believes my cognitive functions are restricted by programming.

No offense intended, Virgil.

The thing that irks me is the indirect threat Vexx just used.

-I get it, Vexx. So just for reference, other than these pirates and me, what other threats are down here?-

Vexx's scaled face contorts with a mix of fear and apprehension when I qualify myself as a threat.

-There are creatures, monstrous and vicious, that inhabit the depths of Taboo. They are unlike anything you've ever seen.

Ferocious beasts that prey on anything they come across. We've lost many of our own to their relentless attacks.

It's a constant battle for survival down here.

That’s why if and when you go down you usually have to bargain for Dexton’s services.

There are times when the opposite happens. When things do stop working for those above usually.-

Interesting side comment here, those above where? I don’t want to follow Vexx’s lead in this conversation for now but I make a mental note that there must be above-surface levels to this mechanical planet.

I have a more interesting pattern to test Vexx reactions upon.

-Creatures like the Brahumthraks? They are still beasts in narrow passageways, with the weaponry you have shown, you wouldn't have issues hunting those for food right?-

Vexx's eyes widen at the mention of the Brahumthraks, the alien lizard gulps audibly before speaking.

-The Brahumthraks... the tunnel stalkers... There are worse things down here. True enough, their meat might provide sustenance, but hunting them is an incredibly risky endeavor. Their agility and strength make them formidable opponents. Dexton doesn’t lend his mercenaries to hunt them down. The risks just outweigh the rewards.-

Now let’s see if I can use Vexx for my plans.

-What if someone hunted those for you? Do you think you could establish a market for proper meat?-

Vexx's eyes widen and I believe for a moment that those sleek pupils became dollar signs.

-If someone were to hunt the Brahumthraks and other things down here and provide a steady supply of their meat, it could indeed open up new possibilities. The market for proper meat, untainted by the reprocessing methods, would be highly sought after. Especially by those that live in the upper layers of the city.-

Vexx’s enthusiasm suddenly drops as does the posture it kept until now.

-Dexton would surely try and have a cut of the profits anyway. You can never be safe here. Alluring as this is the challenges are too much.-

I decide to give Vexx a little nudge rather than resorting to playing punching ball with his or her snout for trying to be a smartass.

Does Vexx things I am an idiot? If this big crocodile can afford an armed escort it means that some kind of sanctioned activity on the surface carries Vexx’s name, and given what this one was doing, I believe to know what it is.

- That is ...unfortunate. If only somebody here knew anybody who sold meat on the surface...-

Vexx raises a scaly eyebrow, maybe I put too much sass in that and I blew my cover as a machine; in the end, Vexx appears intrigued by my statement.

- Let’s say I know a business on the surface? What then?-

Vexx leans in closer, his reptilian features revealing a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

-If you truly can offer me a steady supply of meat, then we might have something to discuss.-

Vexx cautiously looks around the room, ensuring no one else is listening, eyes fixed on the blinking lights when continuing.

-Let's be clear, my survival is absolutely necessary here. If you can guarantee I will remain alive we can go and discuss a potential partnership for you. Until then, forgive me if I remain skeptical. And what of my slaves?-

No Virgil, don’t even ask, there’s no way I will ever make this one a part of the collective. Not even if Vexx begs for it, or is dying.

“Query: incompatibility of thoughts process involved?”

Long story short: yes. Look I will gladly explain another time, but I mean look Vexx is just too greedy and self-centered.

I need to drive another thing into this dirty lizard skull.

-I ordered the death of all those who were with you. So tell me, why should I trust you and keep you in the first place Vexx?-

I notice a flicker in Vexx's eyes as my words resound in the room.

Vexx takes a step back, his demeanor shifting to a mixture of defensiveness and desperation.

-You... you intend to kill me?- Vexx stammers, his voice betraying the fear it must be feeling.

-Listen… please… I… I can do what you want. Look I can sell the meat you provide! I won’t make a question! Please… just please don’t kill me! I have a wife! I have eggs to attend to!-

That's better, even though I think he's exaggerating to appeal to my pity, does he think I have emotions as a machine?

I cross my arms and motion to Vexx to continue.

Anyway, it appears I won't have to flip a coin on this one; I'll presume Vexx is male because it's more likely than the alternative.

I mean he would lie about the partnership, but the lie has to be fluent and believable, and if humanity's standards hold for aliens too I only have about a 30% chance of being wrong.

I focus on Vexx as he takes a long breath, attempting to calm himself.

-I can prove to you that you can trust me and my capabilities. Just protect me from Dexton's dogs. And don’t kill me. Please.-

Vexx's eyes still dart around, looking at the blinking light on the old instruments in the lab.

I don’t really like people who can’t lock eyes with others, and I don't trust them, but Vexx seems genuinely scared of the technology down here.

Virgil, did you encounter signs of wiretapping when you inhabited the network of your creators?

"The creators had an external connection to order bodies, Ethan"

Not really what I wanted to know, but well I need to concentrate on another thing right now.

-The things that slaughtered your people are at my beck and call. You will be protected of course, by the beings I command. Needless to say, any signs of betrayal and you will die.-

Vexx's reptilian eyes widen in a mixture of astonishment and fear as he comprehends the weight of my words.

He swallows hard, his throat visibly constricting.

It’s not like he didn’t know, he saw me after all, his gaze flickers between me and the passage I came from.

Don’t run. It’s a bad idea pal. I could capture you amid a battle, now you’re just target practice.

Vexx chose to be smart and stay,

- It seems I have no choice but to join you.- Vexx says, his voice laced with resignation.

-Not really, you can be my guest in this room until you die.-

I reply earning a stink glare from Vexx, surprisingly he extends one of his four, scaled hands; cautiously offering a handshake. Weird.

Virgil, is a handshake a universal gesture?

“According to the data in my network and Lemela’s memories, it is a gesture limited to humans and those who traded with them directly. Warning! Data mismatch. Trade in this region should be limited according to Vexx’s information”

I don’t know Virgil, people lie by telling the truth sometimes. I wouldn’t rule out there are human criminals on the planet.

I shake the pawed hand with my mechanical hand since he offered me one of his right appendages.

-We have a deal. You will remain here in this cell for now. You will be provided with food and water. When I have enough meat to trade I will send you on an escorted trip to the surface and I will expect you to keep your end of the bargain.-

But you won’t get anywhere near my base, and I will blindfold you for good measure. I will need to find an alternative route to the surface.

Vexx nods, his reptilian features displaying a mix of relief and apprehension. He understands the situation he is in and at least.

-I will await your signal- He replies, I think there is a blend of gratitude and cautious optimism in his voice. - I will not disappoint you. I am prepared to fulfill my end of the bargain.-

With that, I simply leave Vexx in his cell, I will test this new alliance soon.

The path to change will be treacherous, but if Vexx values life and profit like I believe he does, perhaps there is a path for a new beginning.

I will not count my chickens before they hatch, I need multiple venues for this to work, a planet is a big place after all.

Why do bad guys talk about world domination like it’s an easy venture?!