Novels2Search
Infected Life
Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Sarkin Corporation headquarters.

    A large metal door opens, as a small creature enters the room. It has two large eyes on either side of its head. It swings its snout left and right nervously as it rubs its two three fingered hands together. It straitens its tail and walks forward slowly.

                “Ah, Mr. Sarkin…sir.” The creature hugs its clothes closer to itself as if trying to hide. It peers up to the large desk. At the desk is a large reptilian four times its height. The reptilian has massive muscled arms and body half as wide as he is tall. The large creature at the desk is manipulating holographic interfaces and observing numbers as they tick down. “Mr. Sarkin sir.” With a brush of its massive clawed hand it disperses the holograms and peers down at it.

                “What is it attendant?” The small creature before it fidgets. “Out with it attendant. Time is money.”

                “My apologies Mr. Sarkin.” The little creature bows twice. “There is bad news from the Sol system sir.” The big reptilian sits up straighter and scratches the underside of his snout as he stares at the small one before him. There is silence for a minute as he contemplates the small creature before him.

                “Well what is it?” the little creature swallows hard.

                “Mr. Sarkin the project to revive a human has succeeded sir.”

                “It was expected to happen sooner or later. I take it Atton Cretban Vee failed in his sabotage pledge.”

                “Yes Mr. Sarkin the group of scientist on the project met with great success. Atton did not intercept and change data as he was paid to. We find evidence he has taken bribes from them.” The big lizard behind the counter let out a long sigh then looked at the attendant.

                “Long have I and my forbearers have suffered being in the red in the sol system, yet more trouble is expected. Is the severance package ready for our dear Atton? His services are no longer required.”

                “Yes Mr. Sarkin it has been prepared per recommendation.”

                “Good make it so. Inform the agents that the Human is to disappear completely soul and all. Make sure it does not make it to the Senate.” The little creature bows.

                “It will be done sir.” The big lizard nods then turns his holograms back on. The little thing was still standing there.

                “Is there more attendant?”

                “Sir… Yes there unfortunately is Mr. Sarkin.” The little creature looked very nervous now and was fidgeting a lot. Sarkin closes his eyes then looks at the ceiling. He sighs then looks back down on the little attendant.

                “And what is it?”

                “Sir we have confirmed reports that the robots in the Sol system are sentient AI. We have reports of massive fleets coming out of all the moons they have been spotted on. Every evidence now points that they have been playing with us for the last 5000 cycles. They have also blockaded the entire system with interdictors. No one in or out just communication is allowed. They have claimed the entire solar system in the name of their queen.”

                “Queen?”

                “Yes Mr. Sarkin. There queen is the Human that was revived. The AI had broadcasted the coronation. Everyone in the system saw it, as well as anyone within 1000 light years of Sol. We do not believe we can reach her inside the sol system.” The large Lizard snarled and slammed his hand on the desk making the little creature meep and cower. He took a deep breath.

                “Forgive me attendant you have done well to bring me this news. This will change our plans slightly. Move our agents into position to intercept and harass all the way to the senate. We must stop her from being recognized as a leader of a nation. If that does not succeed then prevent it from joining the Ascendant Alliance. Start contacting our allies and tell them I wish to talk to them. I’m calling in the favors.

                “It will be done Mr. Sarkin.” The little creature quickly scurried out of the room. Sarkin watched his attendant leave the room. The attendant’s species were very useful in gathering information, yet they were skittish cowards. A great loss to Sarkin corp is about to happen and it must be stopped. For the last 500 years his father has prepared for this contingency and left him to continue it. He scowled Sarkin will destroy anything we cannot keep this we have sworn.

Tine Cyberdine Core world

            A human looking being walks down a marked path that lead to a pod at the end of the room. He looks left and right observing the female Tine in stasis lining the hall. He swallows and returns his gaze forward. He steps up to the pod and kneels with his head down.

            “Your Eminence our old adversary has made a move.” A hissing sound comes from the pod as it rises. Several pipes detach as, a few others attach to the pod. The male tine looks at the pod as lines form on its surface. A mist is blown out of the pod as it opens. A male tine in the pod opens his eyes. The being that looked almost identical to him steps out of the pod and looks upon him. This one from the pod still had normal eyes as well as some hair above both eyes.

            “Your Eminence our old adversary is no longer hiding. They have mobilized their fleets, and they have blockaded their system.”

            “How long have they remained idle?”

            “A little over 100 thousand years your Eminence.” The standing Tine looked about the room then back to the kneeling one.

            “What has changed? Do they intend to break the treaty?”

            “500 years ago a project to revive the extinct species that was believed to have created our old adversary was proposed at the senate. We abstained our vote at that time. The project was a success. They have revived one human, and made her their queen. They have blockaded their system not allowing anyone to enter or leave.”

            “Hmm that will eventually force the senate to act to get there people back. What of this queen?”

            “The human’s genetic structure is compatible with our own.”

            “Elaborate.”

            “Your eminence the research we have obtained from the space station that housed the project shows that if any of our bio matter was to enter her womb it would produce offspring. It would still be human, yet she can still reproduce with us.

            “Can we clone it from the information?

            “Negative your Eminence. The bio matter is too unstable. It requires a soul with a specific energy matrix to maintain itself.”

            “Pity.”

            “There is other information your eminence that could help us. Our old adversary is a monarchy. You could marry her and gain control of them through her.”

            “Are they still even with us?”

            “We are uncertain your eminence. We believe our technology may be slightly ahead of them. Since they have remained hidden their fleets are larger than ours. We suggest you marry her to take control of them. With our powers combined only the two ascendant species could stop us from taking over the galaxy if they bothered.”

            “The prospect of having a child that is not a clone as my heir is intriguing even if it will be of another race. What are the chances of success?”

            “Undetermined at this time. We have reviewed the recordings of the coronation, as well as any conversations recovered about her for the Sol system. She appears to be easily startled and malleable.” The standing tine reaches a hand to his chin.

            “So be it. Prepare a ship I will head to the senate.” The kneeling Tine stood up and started to depart. “Wait.” He stopped and turned around.

            “Your eminence?”

            “You have served me well.” The Tine by the pod waved his hand about the room. “You may choose one. You and your family may reproduce. Remember to replace her with the first or your family will become biofuel.”

            “Thank you your Eminence. I will not waste her.” The tine goes to a counsel along one of the pods. He scrolls through a few images and text then presses a button. One of the pods on the opposite wall opens up releasing a female Tine. She resembled the male tine except she had no bio armor on just regular looking skin. She was naked with her breasts and privates exposed. The tine walks up to her as she stretches. “You have been selected to procreate and bare for my family do you comply?” She looks at him then about the room spotting the Tine by the pod. She sighs.

            “I will comply.”

            “Follow me.” They both leave the room. The Tine left in the room smiles as he lies back in the pod he left earlier. He continues smiling as the pod shuts.

Moon complex, Sol system.

                I was relaxing and exploring the library, when a light started beeping on the desk. Celest showed me how to operate the desk. The blinking light was a message from Baron Tragon Net Zeus. His message contained food recommendations as well as more discoveries about my biology. First was about solid food that he recommended. He had discovered that I could get the most energy from materials that had an abundance of energy tied to them. The materials mentioned were radiological. I didn’t want to irradiate any one so that was out.

    Normal bio foods can be consumed, yet they would not satisfy the cravings by themselves just reduce them. Tragon recommended adding a side dish of some metal or crystal. Apparently the more compressed something is the better. Tina announced she would make me something right away. I kept reading. One of the confusing things is how I can actually eat metals and crystals without destroying my mouth and throat. It was some mumbo jumbo about psychic power manipulating the binding of atoms, and some kind of super acid that secretes only when I’m eating. It went on and on in detail of the process, yet I skipped it.

    So I can eat rocks. One good thing I got out of the explanation of my diet is that I no longer had to piss or shit. I guess something good came out of it. The report also went over my skin. My skin was extremely resilient and reactive to its environment in combination with my very thoughts. It also explained that my muscles and bone were the same. I guess that explains the scales and claws.

    Tragon also talked about my cognitive abilities increasing as my body absorbs and stores more energy. He advised that I should start training my mental and physical capabilities soon before I blow a hole in a wall by just trying to walk. He had set up an appointment with Metaterianata Corfenisantru and Yorrat Fori tonis Granonyor at 1100 today.

    “Celest what’s my schedule today?”

    “Your Majesty at 1100 we will have lunch with Metaterianata Corfenisantru and Yorrat Fori Tonis Granonyor then proceed to a practice chamber. At 1400 we will have small meal then a bath to replenish your energy. At 1630 we shall start a tour of Luna base up to Zeus lab at 1900.” I looked at Celest who was to my left.

    “What time is it, and will we really cover the base in two and half hours? I’m under the impression that it extends all the way around the moon and may be a couple of miles deep.”

    “It is 1048 your Majesty. Your assumptions about the size of the base are correct. You saw the ships that came to get you right?” I nod they were huge. “The base has hangers that allow three to four of them to be stacked on top of each other for storage and maintenance.” We start to head to the dining room.

    “I have another question about the crown?”

    “Yes your Majesty?”

    “Where did you get the technology? Being AI I don’t think you would need any form of protection from telepaths? Also how does it acutely defend me?” Celest smiles as we leave the library.

    “It is tech that we copied from the other races in the galaxy your Majesty. We have it so any biological that works for us can’t easily be detected. It will not suppress your own just incoming telepathic attacks. Basically any who try to read your mind will only hear static, and feel a deep bottomless hole. It is rated up to tier 7 telepaths. With some training you can allow some through.” We arrived in the dining room. I can see Meta and Fori sitting on seats made for their bodies. I don’t have the crown on at the moment, yet I feel confident my bargaining ability can hold them off like before.

    “Thank you for coming Fori, Meta. I must apologize for any rough handling that may have occurred in the past.” Meta did a slight bow.

    “Apologies accepted and understood. We lacked information and did not foresee events.” His voice came from a device around his neck. Fori had a similar device on her neck. That’s right they both talk telepathically so need the aid to talk to me while I’m blocking them. Fori looked a little sad.

    “Melancholy. I am saddened that icor was not invited. Is there a reason to leave him out of this gathering your Majesty?” Fori was fidgeting.

    “Yes and no. I only invited you two because you had offered to teach me how to use my telepathy and other psionics. I had assumed Icor has no psionics whatsoever correct?” Tina entered the room with several other girls in identical maid clothes as her. They were all carrying what I assume is the food.

    “Saddened, yes your Majesty he has no psionics.” Food was placed in front of each of them and me. In front of Meta was just a plate with half an inch ovals of some kind piled on it. I could swear something moved in the bowl placed before Fori. The maids had also handed her a towel and placed some napkins be the bowl. Her only utensil was a pair of tongs. Fori smiled and clapped. “Hopeful we have been wondering if you would still go to the appointment we set up for you to see the senate of the Ascendant alliance?”

    “My mother and advisers have told me that I do not need to be recognized at your galactic society’s senate. They have informed me that if there was to be fighting we could win vs all but 3 of its members. So at the moment I see no pressing need.” I look at the two plates put before me. One had what resembled spaghetti the other had small bite sized black cubes neatly stacked on it. I pick one up and look at it. I could feel energy swirling inside of it. I look at Tina and raise an eyebrow.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    “Your Majesty.” She bows and points to what was put before me. “The cubes are a crystal that is able to maintain an electric charge. The spaghetti is normal spaghetti your Majesty.”

    “Thank you.” I pick up a fork and start to mix the sauce of the spaghetti with the noodles.

    “Your Majesty your forces may be able to fight, but is conflict what you desire?” I look up at Meta as he pops one of the ovals into his small mouth.

    “No I don’t really want a war, nor have my people die.” Even though the AI’s probably have back-ups somewhere. It would be pretty hard to permanently kill one. I see Fori pick up the tongs and pull a six inch long wiggling worm thing out of her soup. She puts the whole thing in her mouth and chews with a smile.

    “We will still recommend that you be recognized by the Senate. It will complete your claim on the Sol system.” I was about to say something then Mata raised a hand to stall me. “As it stands this solar system is inside the borders of the Ascendant Alliance. When you will be recognized you will be given a 30 light year buffer from Sol as your territory, as there is no other course other than to recognize you. Sol would have been your only territory if it was just you. Now that it is known that your society survived and was still around you will be given the buffer minus areas where it intersects with other buffer zones. So yes your Majesty it will be worth it for you to go meet the senate.”

    “I take it this will hurt Sarkin even further?”

    “Happy, hopeful. Yes it will your majesty. Sarkin’s mining claims in the area will be null and void, for they would legally have to renegotiate with you to continue any mining or operations in the area. Of course the senate would compensate some of their losses but not all or fully. Only the contracts negotiated and paid for to the senate.” I would not mind hurting the bastards who wanted to core mine the earth.

    “I guess I could do that. When I awoke you said I had 3 months for the meeting in the senate. With two months and three weeks left Is It still valid?” Fori is still stuffing her face with another worm thing so I direct the question to Meta.

    “Yes your Majesty. We did not cancel it. The appointment is still available.” I pick up one of the crystal cubes and put it in my mouth. I feel a strange yet pleasant feeling in my mouth as it dissolves.

    “I will go to the meeting. But first I will explore some of the galaxy before. I have always wanted to explore the galaxy.”

    “Happy. Your majesty may the three of us come along? It will allow us to continue your training and allow us to help with destinations.”

    “Sounds good to me.” We spend the remainder of the meal in small talk as we eat. I learned that Fori’s species reproduces by eating there males. They swallow their males that are about the size of my hand. They go into a separate stomach womb thing inside them and dissolve. The dissolved male activates a reaction that causes eggs to form which her species the Quortenin regurgitates. An average of 2 to 4 females is born, and ten to fifteen males. Their males have the intelligence of a dog from old Earth. I had to repress a shiver at the image of males being eaten even if they are so alien.

    Meta’s species the Eshmontin-Geriston-Mebrontan on the other hand are similar to human, as they have two genders with equal intelligence. They have such a long name for themselves. They reproduce and give birth like humans. Meta informed me that his Uncle is still willing to give me escort when I was ready. I told Meta that his ship may not be able to keep up. Meta conceded the point. The meal came to a close.

    I had to refrain myself from asking for more crystal cubes. I swear I’m going to be addicted to them if I keep eating them, for they felt better to eat than I remember of chocolate. Tina and Celest showed us the way to a room that I could train in. We were escorted by some knights like usual. The training started with telepathy. Fori is classified as a tier 3 telepath as is Meta.

    Telepaths are categorized into ten levels of capability. The capabilities start from being able to hear someone’s thoughts by touch to being able to manipulate someone’s mind from lightyears away. I paled at that, yet Fori reassured me that only 4 species in our galaxy are known to be capable of doing this. She also informed me that they generally don’t as they see it beneath them to do so. I asked if she was sure that none of them were doing that. All Fori did was shrug and change the subject.

    They first thing they taught me was how to lower my mind’s natural barrier so I could hear telepathic broadcasts. Then I learned how to ignore broadcasts and recognize which ones were for me. Meta told me that my suspicion that I was broadcasting at the coronation is true. We started my training with sending and receiving first. I was amazed at how quickly I picked it up and controlled it.

    Meta informed me that this was understandable as my synaptic pathways in my brain were more adaptable than any he has seen before. He said they changed and multiplied each time I used an ability. I found out that Fori was a stronger sender and receiver then Meta, yet Meta could read minds more deeply and faster than Fori. Both allowed me to read their minds. At first I got nothing then I almost got drowned in information as I heard their thoughts. It first started as words as they explained the process and what was happening.

    The explosion of information was almost incoherent at first, yet after a few minutes I was able to narrow down strains and control the flow my mind processed. This accelerated my telepathy as they showed me all their techniques that they used or knew of. In a matter of seconds I was able to surpass both of them in telepathic control and power. I could see how I could get around there shields and control them. I shuddered and withdrew from their minds.

    I was able to learn quite a bit about each of them. Fori was an optimistic personality type who did not let a lot of things bother her. She has been a scientist most of her life. She was actually old for her species at 312 years old. She had replaced her mother on the project to resurrect me. Meta on the other hand had been on the project only for 100 years, yet he was the oldest at about 1200 years. Icor was only 755 years.

    I let my mind expand to see how far I could reach. Fori and Meta monitored me as I attempted this with some instruments they brought with them. At first all I could hear was Fori and Meta then I could heir distant voices. They got louder and I could make out conversations. The Voices were from the tourist station built around the old human space station. I linked Fori and Meta into my mind and they confirmed it. They encouraged me to go further, so I expanded my mind as fast as I could. I could hear thousands of voices at first then millions before my mind’s expansion slowed down.

    It was like standing in a large atrium with thousands of conversations happening all at once. I could pick or choose what to listened to and drown out the rest. I could pick and choose concepts or words that would come to the forefront of my awareness like a search engine on a computer.

    I could reach Mars. I’m totally surprised that I accidentally broadcasted my surprise. All the voices stopped and tried to inquire who I was. I announced myself as Queen Eve. Many were curious but many were also afraid of my range. I pulled back then and asked Fori and Meta where I ranked. They told me I ranked as a tier 6 telepath because I could cover a solar system.

    “That was just amazing. Just wow! I never imagined hearing so many voices would be like that. Being able to understand and process millions of voices is just… wow I can’t explain how amazing this is in words.” For gives me a big smile.

    “Happy. Yes your Majesty we can feel your amazement for we are still linked. It is indeed amazing I have never experienced such range before. I have known of it yet this is the first time I have experienced it as well.” Meta gives me a little bow.

    “Thank you your Majesty for sharing the experience.”

    “Your welcome I guess.” I scratch the back of my head as I fidget out of some embarrassment of their praise. “Well I guess we shall move onto psionic. How long were we at it?”

    (One hour and two minutes your Majesty. - Celest de Forties) I see the message in the corner of my eye.

    “Only an hour! That did not take long.”

    “Amused, yes your Majesty. Telepathy is much faster than standard communication, and can convey much more in milliseconds than would take hours to do normally.”

    “We shall start with your most dangerous and pressing ability that has manifested first your Majesty.”

    “I’m assuming you’re talking about my ability to absorb energy from the living and nonliving materials.” I nod at Meta.

    “Yes your Majesty it is an ability that is a danger to others when untrained. In most cases it is also a danger to the one with the ability, unlike yourself your majesty. In most cases people cannot contain the energy their body drains and will eventually kill them if not expended. Your body is different. Do you feel weaker or a little drained after the use of your telepathy to such an extent?”

    “No I feel fine. No different then when we entered this room.”

    “Thank you for the confirmation. When I read your mind in the medical lab yesterday I paid attention to what you did with the energy you stole…took from Atton Cretban Vee. You were not aware of it yet some energy went to your body and the rest went into some kind of pocket dimension tied to you. Creation of pocket dimensions is a tier 7 psionic ability by itself. The most likely purpose of this is to store energy for your body’s use. This is good for it allows your body to maintain its shape without being bloated with energy. The capacity is not known, yet we will focus on your energy absorption. I’m not qualified to teach you about the level 7 psionic ability only the latter.”

    “Fair enough.” I look to Celest. “Can you go get me some kind of energy generator I can siphon energy from?” She nods and heads out the door. I look at Tina. Can you get me another plate of those crystals from lunch?”

    “Yes your Majesty I shall make them myself.” She leaves as well. I wonder how long it will take them. All that remains in this large open room is me Fori, Meta and two knights. It was only a few minutes before Celest returned with a device I could feel had a lot of energy. She places it before me then steps back behind me. I place a hand just an inch above it and I am rewarded with electric arcs between it and my hand. I repressed the nice tingling sensation and tried to concentrate on what is happening.

    Meta lead me in learning what was happening and how. Fori had no psionic except telepathy so she said nothing. Feeling what my body was doing did not take long. It was remotely controlled by my mind. Learning to control it was another story. It took the remainder of the hour to concisely stop myself from passively absorbing the energy. There must be a threshold of ambient energy to be present for me to start absorbing otherwise I would have absorbed the energy in the crown I wore before.

    Tina returned and informed me that it was time to prepare for the tour. I thanked Meta and Fori for their time and asked Meta to help me train tomorrow. He accepted and we parted ways. I gladly eat up a few of the crystal cubes Tine handed me as we returned to my chambers. On arrival I was informed Mother Luna would be with Zeus when I meet him. Arriving in my bedroom I was stripped, and I allowed Tina and Celest to have their way with me before and during my bath until I passed out. An hour and a half later I awake. They dressed me and combed my hair and tied red and gold ornaments into it. Putting the crown on we began the tour.

    The base was massive, yet luckily we did not have to be driven or flown around most of it. They had developed teleporters similar to the ones I remember from the star trek shows I watched as a kid. Every time we teleported I felt weird. It was not a bad sensation just strange. I saw massive hangers that stretched out far into the curve of the moon. Looking down I could barely see the bottom as it was about ten miles down and not all of it was lit with lights. I could see some of the star destroyers docked as well as the smaller cruisers. The cruisers looked different to each other.

    I was told that each cruiser is modular in design and similar to each other, yet not all the same. With so many cruisers there were many that are set up the same. There were attack cruisers, heavy cruisers, electronic warfare cruisers, missile cruisers. There were so many different configurations. We visited the largest army training area where my brother General Markus Luna met me. He showed me around the grounds as the soldiers paraded for my benefit.

    It was intimidating to see hundreds of thousands of armored mechsuits parade around in synchronized formations. I even watched over a mock-battle of the mechsuits. All I can say about that battle is it was so fast I could hardly tell what was going on or who won unless told. Again I am reminded how badass those mechsuits are.

            “Thank you Markus. That was amazing to watch and quite flashy.” We are in a viewing room to a large indoors battleground simulation. I watch as the images of the terrain disappear leaving an empty cavernous room. Solid holograms that’s neat. I turn and look up at Markus. Markus was not in his suit this time. Markus is 6 feet tall compared to my 5 feet 7 inches. He is wearing a gray military uniform with insignia that I’m assuming is his rank. He has the same Hair color as Luna, yet he’s sporting a small goatee. It is obviously cosmetic.

            “Don’t worry about it. This was not just an exhibition match. This was the final match to determine your guard team. The knights whom have been guarding you were only volunteer and approve temps. A team of six just won the right to be presented to you as your personal guards. There will be more of course but if you approve they will be your heads.” I nod and tap my chin in thought.

            “I can see the use of the guards if I leave the solar system but do I really need it here deep in the moon?” Markus sighs and places his arms behind his back as he stands straight before me.

            “Sad to say sister but yes. You may be safe but unfortunately even we have our own factions. It happens with any society that allows freedom of thought. You are almost 100% loved by your people, yet we know of some subversives who won’t accept any one leading us.”

            “Yes I remember something like that in the briefings.” Yes Vivian mentioned something about making sure there were some subversives to prevent their society from stagnation. Something about people who don’t change their views and fashion every now and then is dull and boring. That was one of her reasons to justify creating some chaos in their society to resemble mans before our deaths. Tina hands me another crystal cube and I immediately pop it into my mouth without thinking. Dammit I am becoming addicted to these, but whatever they give a pleasant sensation.

            “Correct. I don’t like it much but agree with it nonetheless.” A door opens and six individuals of equal height enter the room and form a line. “Ah here are the winners.” Markus walks up to them and all six salute him. Markus turns back to me I see a message from him in my eyes.

            (Please step forward sister so I may intro duce them. –Markus Luna) I nod and stop to the center of the room in front of the line.

            “Your Majesty I present to you the team that won the right to be your personal bodyguards.” He turns back to them and shouts. “Knights kneel before Your Queen.” All six of the knights kneel down on one knee and lower their right arms into a fist on their chests. Markus turns back to me. “These six have proven themselves to be the best of the best that our kingdom has to offer. Do you your Majesty accept these six to watch over you and keep you safe from all who wish you harm, and those that don’t like you.” I nod.

            “Yes I do. I will accept these six as my protectors for as long as they will. Please introduce them to me General Markus Luna.” I look them over and instantly see an odd one out. All of them had the human look that I assumed all nobles wore, yet one looked like a genuine robot.

            “From the right I present to you their leader Baron Major Hesato Bite Totem.”

            “Congratulations on your victory Major.” Hesato is an Asian looking man with black hair tied behind his head. He has a serious look to his hard face.

            “Thank you your Majesty.” I nod and look to the next in line. The next in line is a female with a bald head and a one inch purple Mohawk. Her eyes were not the standard silver. One was sky blue the other was light pink.

            “First lieutenant Knight Bo Angie Zeus.” Ok that explains her strangeness I guess. I wonder how far down she is from the original Zeus.

            “Zeus? How far down?”

            “A hundred and twenty first generation your Majesty. I’m considered insane by my brethren for joining the military.” I raise my eyebrows as I look at her.

            “Let that insanity protect me well Ensign.”

            “Yes your Majesty with all that I am.” She looks proudly at me as I give her a smile before moving to the next. This is the one who caught my eye. This guy does not even have the artificial looking skin that Celest and Tina wear. He looks like a robot in a uniform. I grant that his face can convey emotions, yet it is completely artificial looking.

            “First lieutenant Knight AM-AI-2D.”

            “Knight is there a reason you choose to have a synthetic look? It does not bother me. I’m just curious.” He looks at me with his silver eyes. Well I guess the only thing he visually has in common with the rest besides body shape is his eyes.

            “I am an uplifted lower Ai your Majesty. Most Uplifted tend to prefer to look artificial instead of biological in respect of our origins. I distinguished myself your Majesty by choosing to mine an asteroid before another race did. I was attacked and defended myself and assimilated the source your majesty. By performing beyond my programed duty’s I was recognized and uplifted.

            “Interesting. I have heard of you before. As I don’t find a designation as a proper name, would you mind if I name you?” His eyes go wide as a look of surprise comes over his face. He recovers quickly by closing his eyes and lowering his head.

            “I would be honored and happy to receive a name from you your Majesty.” I give him a wide smile.

            “As you were a rock that Sarkin corp broke their teeth on I name you Eban. Eban means rock. Be the rock that will defend me Knight Eban.

            “Yes your Majesty.”

            “Good choice. Eban took a reduction of title from baron to knight so he could participate on a team. – Markus Luna) I nod to Eban and look to the next.

            “First lieutenant Knight Ekko Red Trojen.” Ekko is male with dark brown skin and thick curly black hair.

            “Protect me well Knight Trojen.”

            “Yes your majesty.” I look to the next. This one is also male but with blond hair in a short military crew cut.

            “First lieutenant Knight Branton Graph Ententia.” I nod to him

            “Protect me Well Knight”

            “Yes your Majesty.” I look to the last one who is a Latina looking female with brown hair tied behind her head. I wonder why they went into the trouble of copying human racial types.

            “Second lieutenant Knight Rosa Hetani Adelita.”

            “Protect me well Knight with your brothers and sisters.”

            “I will your majesty.” I took a step back and looked at them all again

            “I expect you all to protect me with the best of your abilities. With time I will get to know each of you more. I will trust you all to keep me safe from others and from myself. Do not hesitate from telling me I’m doing something stupid.” They all spoke in unison.

            “Yes your majesty.” I smile at them then look to Markus.

            “Our Queen has seen and recognizes all six of you to be her personal guards. All of you have taken a reduction in rank and one a reduction in title for this opportunity. Congratulations you start yesterday. Hesato select a few to gather your things and set up. The others are to escort her Majesty to her next appointment.” They all stand up and salute. Braton and Eban leave while the others set up around me. They all pull a foot long cylinder out of a pouch on their legs. I’m going to assume it’s a weapon of some sort.

            “Markus I did not see Draven when I inspected a few of the ship hangers. Would you know where he is?” Markus laughs a little.

            “My brother Admiral Draven is overseeing the fleet’s distribution across the system. Mother is dealing with Zeus so he gladly took over.” He chuckles again. “He will be glad you inquired about him. He has been bored since Sarkin gave up the cat and mouse game for the asteroid belt. This is the most excitement he has had for years. Well years for most of us.” I smile.

    (We need to be on our way your Majesty. Our appointment with Zeus is soon. - Celest de Forties)

    “I must be on my way brother. I have an appointment with Zeus.” Markus lowers one eyebrow while raising another. He gives me a questioning look. “Come to think of it who set that appointment.” I look at Celest.

    “Zeus requested it this morning while you slept your Majesty.” I frown.

    “Did he give a reason?”

    “He said it was important you got to see his project before tomorrow your Majesty.” Markus starts to laugh hard as he raises a hand to his face. I wait for him to calm down.

    “Forgive me sister. I think I know why he requested you come see him. Mother probably wants to shut his project down. I think he wants you to stop that.”

    “Ok I guess I will go see him then if he feels it’s so important.” Markus gives me a smile.

    “Good luck with that sister.” I frown this sounds like it might be a bit of a pain to experience.