Jenkins
“Uh- Captain Anderson wanted you to see me? Sure, sure yeah how can I help you.” I say trying to catch my surprise in my throat. I’m already a bit of a fanboy when it comes to the aliens of this series, so seeing one was cool enough, but for that alien to also be an elite super cop was pretty damn cool.
“Hm, actually I sought you out myself. I noticed that the Captain’s omni-tool was different from the standard issue found in the alliance. I’m partial to several technical skills and still found myself unable to remote access or infiltrate its system without dedicated effort. Anderson informed me that it was an upgraded software, one you had designed.” Again there’s no question about how he speaks. He is simply telling me what he knows, and gauging my response.
“Um yeah. I have been working on general omni-tool upgrades for sometime. While the Alliance model security isn't bad, its defenses are still weak to any infiltrator with passing skill. Hell there are programs on the market that can do the infiltration without any skill needed.” I start speaking as I turn back into my room, waving for Nihilus to follow, I make my way back to my work desk, sitting into my chair as I pull up a larger holo screen across the table. I quickly swipe away the program I was working on, pulling up my work files I had completed for the current omni-tool upgrades.
“Security was my primary concern of course, but so was combat defenses. Disruptions or overload techniques are particularly dangerous in active combat so I was interested in solving both of those as well.” I point to the areas on the screen that mark the strengthened firewalls and anti intelligence programs. Nihilus had followed me into the room, and was carefully observing from over my shoulder.
“Now It was intensive on the device to try and run both sets of programs, issues with power supply, processing power and other hardware limitations. So instead I designed two versions of the code. One is a program upgrade, like you see here, that simply contains a stronger firewall enhanced with an automated scramble program.” I single out the section of code I wrote, pulling it aside on a separate holo screen and sliding it to Nihilus to look at, while I continue to explain.
“While it won’t stop someone of sufficient skill from breaching, no one should be able to design a program to do it automatically, so it's beneficial for crew and non combatants. This is the version you saw Captain Anderson's tool running, every member of this ship's crew has this version as well.” He finishes reading what I had sent, nodding as I finish and looking back towards me.
“It’s impressive work Corporal, nothing revolutionary, but a significant improvement with relatively simple and non intrusive means. Making a standard omni-tool this much more secure with just a software update is nothing to scoff at.” He seems genuine in the praise, and he saves the copy of the code I sent over to his device, not hiding the action as he does so. His eyes scan to me, again trying to evaluate my reaction.
Sorry Nihlus, Jenkins and I have one thing in common and that's that we are both massive nerds. I don't care about hiding any improvements I make, I just enjoy talking shop with someone other than Kaidan, who only pretends to understand out of kindness.
“Thank you… Um, what’s your actual rank? I’m aware you're a Spectre but it feels strange to call you Specter Nihlus.” I ask unsure of the protocol for this
“You can refer to me as Aquila* Nihlus if you prefer proper ranks.” His response is simple and to the point. God why is he so damn cool, I’m trying to have a conversation without losing it.
“Ah, well thank you Aquila Nihlus, I’m glad my work was able to be of benefit to our crew. Although it’s nothing compared to what I accomplished alongside the hardware improvements.” I reach over and pull up my second version of the code, a much larger and more complex collection. As I do so I remove my own omni-tool from my arm, handing it over to Nihilus so he can inspect it.
“The larger issues that my attempts were facing were, as I said, power supply and processing power. Now obviously I couldn't safely improve the power supply in such a device, It would just make it more susceptible to overlord programs and only provide marginal gains. Not worth the effort. However, what I did have room to play with was processing power.” He looks at me as he’s inspecting my omni-tool, and almost looks shocked as he realizes why it is so much larger and bulkier than the standard issue ones.
“Corporal Jenkins this is a VI module. Direct integration into an omni-tool is bordering the line of Illegal AI research. You are aware of the risks such a method exposes.” He speaks firmly, again with no questions in his tone, the cool motherfucker he is.
“Of course Aquila but I guarantee you there is no risk of potential AI development. The VI is isolated to this module extension, it has zero programing capability or access to even hardline communications, much less the greater extranet. Its sole purpose is counter infiltration programming, it assists the scramble programs and can directly counter external hacking attempts.” He’s watching me firmly and I can feel him searching for a deception or mistruth in what I'm saying, but I was very thorough in my design. While I may be more pro AI than most given my game knowledge, I still won't risk breaking one of the galaxy’s strictest laws.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“It does have management over power supply and a few other select hardware systems as well, however that’s simply to work as an emergency reset option in case someone does manage to breach the defenses.” I reach for the omni-tool, and Nihlus pauses for a moment before handing it back to me. I slap it onto my right wrist and re-enabling its programming.
“Now Aquila Nihlus, please attempt to run an overload program on my omni-tool.” I say standing to my feet and stepping away from my desk.
“Excuse me Corporal? I apologize but I possess Spectre grade equipment. Your device, no matter the upgrade, would fail in moments.” he says looking at me as though I just asked him to shoot someone.
“Of course, I don't expect it to be able to resist your equipment for long at all, that’s the point. Please, it's far easier to understand if you can see the effect.” I speak plainly, full of confidence. This is the perfect test run for my design. If it functions well even under the speed and power of the highest quality infiltration gear in the galaxy, then it will hopefully last against the Geth or Reapers. Hopefully.
“Very well Corporal but you were warned.” He runs his hand, his three fingers activating the device's program. Its effect happens fast, even quicker than Shepard’s N7 gear that I had test this model earlier. A shock runs up my arm, causing it to twitch and spasm, before in that same moment, the lights on my omni-tool cut off. It kills the electrical current in its tracks, before, barely a single second later the power returns to my omni-tool functioning as intended.
“Ta-da. With access to the power supply it is able to kill the power supply during an overload attempt before restoring functioning in less than a second. Not ideal for those in high communication roles, but in active combat it can be the difference between life and death.” I finish explaining, gesturing towards my bulkier omni-tool. Frankly, I was impressed. I only received a small shock from his gear, I was expecting at least enough to partially stun my full body, not just my arm.
Nihlus is silent as he observes me shake off an expert overload with barely a scratch. His eyes are alight as he processes the effect of what he just saw. “Remarkable. Manually shutting down your device to prevent a greater attack. And it automatically restores function on it’s own? We may have to consider implementing this design among Spectre’s. Would it be possible -”
I cut him off as I sent a copy of the code, and my schematics for the upgrade. “Of course Aquila, here you should find a copy of the code, my hardware designs and a copy of the VI’s programming as well. I’m certain the Hierarchy and the Council will want to review them before even considering implementation, to verify there are no risks.”
For the first time he looks genuinely surprised at my co-operation, glancing at the code I sent over before saving it to his device. “Thank you Corporal, I must say I am surprised, and pleased with your openness to share this sort of work. I understand many of your race still hold a grudge for my people, as mine do yours.”
“Eh, I never lost any family in the First Contact War, so I’m not as invested as others might be. Besides, there are bigger threats in the galaxy to worry about than fighting among ourselves. Sharing resources and technology is our greatest advantage.” I give him a smile, as I walk back to the foot of my desk. I open a drawer and remove a large disk, my hardware upgrade for the omni-tool I had designed, although a more plug and go version then the integrated one I had.
“Here.” I hand the device over to Nihlus. “Our entire ground team is equipped with the enhanced tool, this can be plugged into the end of your device and will function the same as my integrated model. You're welcome to use it yourself, a field test if you desire.” Please, please Nihlus. This is a big part of my fucking with canon plan I need you to use the device.
He looks down at the tool, and then scans the device with his own omni-tool. He holds like that for a moment, apparently debating his options, before plugging the extension into the end of his device. “No bugs or tracking devices detected, I’ll see how it performs in the field. On hand experience is more useful than lab tests wouldn't you agree Corporal?"
“Of course Aquila. I couldn't agree more.” I gesture at the door to my room, leading us out into the hall of the ship. “I’m glad I could be of service, hopefully its performance can meet your expectations.” I turn to face him, the larger alien man is intimidating in appearance, but he really is a good man. I debate for a moment, trying to warn him of what was coming. To not trust Saren. It wouldn't make any sense, there's no way I could know his connection to Saren, that they would be on Eden Prime. Still, I’m trying to save my own life, isn't it unfair If I only try that for myself, if anyone deserves to live it’s the man in front of me.
He reaches his arm out, holding it for a handshake. “Thank you for your assistance Corporal, If you’re interested I’d be happy to talk shop after our mission today. Your insights are rather unique, I’d be surprised to see what you can do with other equipment.”
It catches me off guard for a moment, his genuine kindness, interest in my work. The part of me that is Jenkins is freaking out, while all I feel is guilt for condemning a good man to die. I reach out and shake his hand in return.
“Of course Aquila, it would be my pleasure. I’m certain a man of your renown would have plenty of advice and insight to offer me.” There’s no way I can warn him, any subtle attempt to tell him to be cautious will be ignored when he encounters Saren, and anything direct will just make me appear suspicious. His trust for that man is unwavering. I’m sorry Nihlus, but with that omni-tool upgrade at least your death can help us deal with some future difficulties a little easier.
Upon shaking my hand, and offering a smile he turns and walks out through the hallway door into the rest of the ship. I watch him leave for a moment, just focusing on breathing and settling my thoughts. He would die today, like I was supposed to. I can only hope it isn't for nothing this time. I turned and walked out into the ship proper.