PBEM Turn 92.00c (1139 lines) - THIS IS PART 3 OF 3.
=====================================================
- ---Kingfisher---
As Doctor Abuko continues to bustle about, checking circuits, Richard frowns
slightly as a thought occurs to him. He moves over to where Johann is located,
and engages him in quiet conversation. "Dr. Abuko, if the fleet was a viral
creation, I assume you would have found that by now. Assuming that it is
not of that ilk, what *was* it and of what source?"
Obviously startled out of his intense concentration on the displays, Johann
looks up. "Eh.. I haven't found anything yet, both the sensors and what I see
of the computer is running fine. But viruses are just one form of interference,
there are scores of different methods of fooling a computer, trojan horses,
backdoors, timebombs, puzzles, sneaks, it could have been anyone of those.
It could also have been pure deception jamming, but to make such a convincing
show by that method you'd had to have a very good knowledge of our systems."
He indicates the crystal. "I hope the selftest will reveal something so that
I don't have to run it. It is one of the most effective intrusion couter-
measures programs outside purely military, and it will defeat any virus
detected up to a few weeks ago, but it is a bit 'bloodthirsty' and may
damage some legitimate..."
- ---Talisman---
A priority message prints out on the screen of _Talisman's_ main CPU.
It is accompanied with a smooth, calm, male voice, reading the words as it
prints them out.
_Attention Talisman crew. By directive of the MasterCPU R-Alpha, your
information management system, as well as all subsequent sub-processes, have
been integrated into the greater IASC25632APRAT network. Your system is now
functioning at 166% previous efficiency. Do not attempt to disrupt the link,
as it is already established. Any such action would leave your vessel in
jeopardy of a general systems failure, which at this time, would be extremely
prejudicial to your current tactical situation. You may now communicate
directly with me, R-Alpha, _Aurora_, and _Paladin_, without use of your radio
or laser communications equipment. Furthermore, your sensors and all other
ship operations are being handled by the integrated network, rather than
exclusively by your singular computer array._
The screen clears.
_MasterCPU R-Alpha will contact you shortly._
---Kingfisher/Trakh---
Upon establishment of visual communications, a powerfully built Aslan
male with a full, thick mane in full uniform turns to face the screen.
(See description to follow later.) He speaks, choosing his words with
deliberate care. "Admiral Akhouw _Tra'Ekhaul_, Admiral Nanadh," he
firmly corrects Ger. "I will overlook the impoliteness."
He then continues, "Indeed, Admiral, my information does not indicate an
infestation of any ringworld 'virus' here. It would seem that computer
operation is not at fault. To the contrary, it is reminiscent of a tactic
used by wily ship captains. I have encountered similar events in my years
of command. As you command all other ships here, the local shuttle excepted,
it would seem that it is for you to explain this incident. Such an explanation
will assist in maintaining good will between us."
"We also encountered such a fleet on our journey here, although we were
not able to positively identify the origins or purpose of that fleet."
Ger continues, "Well Admiral I am glad to hear that you don't have any
virus in your computers, but according to my second, the virus is real,
and infesting at least two of my ships. As to any deliberate phantom fleets,
if that is what your message is referring to, you have my word that I have
nothing to do with any sensor fabrications. If your ship's computer is not
affected then possibly one of my ships' computers was compromised, we are
running diagnostics as we speak."
"It is not your word that I doubt, Admiral Nanadh.." is the mild reply.
"The facts, as I have them, clearly indicate at attempt at sensor
tampering, quite probably associated with the... (checking the holotank
readouts)... Talisman. I trust you will properly conduct your inquiry
so that I may honorably pursue matters at some future time." Akhouw
half-nods in the traditional manner of Aslan ritual.
"Speaking of ships commanded, it would be good for relations if you
could disclose the general make-up of the rest of your fleet, as an Admiral,
especially one of your obvious experience, surely could not be commanding
a single ship."
Akhouw laughs politely. "Thank you, Admiral Nanadh, for the compliment.
Certainly you do me justice, as your name is not unknown to me. I hear
your words, but truly, Admiral, you cannot expect me to give you my
secrets without permission from Khaukeairlko." Akhouw spreads his hands
wide. "What you see is what you get, Admiral Nanadh, but as for the
future..." Akhouw shrugs his shoulders and grins toothily.
"Perhaps if you could inform us of the location where you spotted the
imperial fleet, we could determine their course and if they are a possible
threat. We spotted them at Imperial Coordinates 1506/Reaver's Deep".
"Quite clearly, Admiral Nanadh, they are a threat. If we were correct in
presuming our respective incidents to have occurred with the same Imperial
or Solomani fleet, probability shows that this immense world may yet be
on their itinerary. However, our observation was approximately five eakhau
prior to your incident (that is, one of your weeks) at IC 1404/Reaver's Deep.
Clearly we have encountered *two* different fleets!"
- ---Alcyon---
_INITIATING_CONTROLLED_OVERRIDE_OF_GALLIUM_ARSENIDE_AUGMENT_
Warning: CRC detects thermal run-away in power supply
- begin controlled shutdown
Warning: shutdown spontaneously aborted
- begin scram
PANIC: scram failed
- cognitive abort
000000 000002 000023 177440 000220 037200 000000 000074
044120 026525 054000 000000 000150 070143 073163 071400
000000 041056 030070 027060 030000 000102 000000 000000
000000 000000 034460 030060 027463 033460 000060 034060
030060 034460 031464 034066 061000 000000 000000 000400
000023 177440 000220 037060 000000 000120 001014 000413
000002 000000 040000 000001 000001 075364 000000 021230
000000 045460 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000
000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 007114 000000 000000
000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 010000 061563 064000
000662 143540 000220 037320 000014 115334 000000 000001
000023 177440 000220 037040 000000 000004 000000 000001
000000 000020 040005 111000 000001 100000 000001 000000
000000 001014 027554 064542 027544 066144 027163 066000
027554 064542 027544 066144 027163 066072 020143 060556
067157 072040 062570 062543 072564 062412 000000 000000
177777 177777 027400 027000 027056 000147 062564 073544
000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000
000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000
000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000
000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000
_BOOT_SLAVE_MODE_
Internal Port at 0x428000
External CONSOLE port is disabled
Internal H-QUAD Interface - system controller at select code 7
Poll interrupts enabled.
L-QUAD Interface at select code 9
High-Speed H-QUAD Interface - system controller at select code 14
Low Cognitive Matrix at select code 21
High Cognitive Matrix at select code 28
Lattice Mapped Storage at 0x56000000000000
External Linear Mapped Storage at select code 145
real mem = 1676.9024 Terrabytes
using 65536 buffers containing 687194767360 bytes of memory
isotope-backed real-time clock
Warning: unable to configure dump device...using primary swap instead.
_OVERRIDE_ESTABLISHED_
.
.
.
'Uhhhh!! Damn! I had the weirdest dream!'
_____________________________Hello_Adrian___
'Who said that?'
_Do_you_recognize_the_voice?___
'Well... sort of... Nah!! Can't be!'
_What_can_not_be_Adrian?___
'Uh... well... you sound like *me*.'
_That_is_correct___
'No, no, no, no, NO! Who the hell are you, anyway? And why is it
so damn dark? How about some light?'
_It_is_dark_because_your_optic_nerves_are_damaged___They_are_
_being_repaired___If_you_desire_light_then_just_think_about_
_it___It_will_come_to_you_
'Where's the damn light switch? I can't feel it. I CAN'T FEEL IT!!
MY GOD, I CAN'T FEEL ANYTHING. WHAT'S GOING ON? WHERE AM I??'
_You_cannot_feel_anything_because_neural_propagation_will_not_
_take_place_while_under_the_control_of_spinal_inhibitor_clamps___
_You_are_in_a_suspension_pod___what you_know_as_a_Low_Berth___
_on_board_your_ship___Your_biological_functions_ceased_
___were_made_to_cease___by_you_
'Oh...'
_You_performed_self_termination___Do_you_remember?___
'... yes.'
_Do_you_remember_why?___
'... No. ...No, I don't.'
_There_was_a_great_deal_of_damage___Much_of_the_damage_has_been_
_repaired_by_automata_placed_in_your_body_by_your_physicians_prior_
_to_suspension___They_will_remain_in_your_body___permanently___
'Automata?'
_Machines___Very_small___They_repaired_much_damage___under_direct_
_supervision___
'Supervision? Who's supervision?'
_Mine___
'Who *are* you?'
_That_will_become_clear_eventually___
'I don't remember... There are holes, gaps... Why?'
_Do_you_understand_Short_Term_Memory?___
'No.'
_Short_term_memory_is_volatile___iterative_propagation_paths_in_an_
_organic_neural_network_are_not_established_for_short_term_memory___
_The_chemical_reactions_which_establish_the_patterns_of_long_term_
_memory___Long_Term_Potentiation_it_is_called___do_not_take_place_
_It_is_very_complicated___Would_you_like_me_to_continue?___
'Uhhhh... no.'
_It_is_important_that_you_understand___Portions_of_long_term_memory_
_were_also_irretrievable___The_damage_was___extensive___Are_you_
_certain_you_do_not_remember_why_you_chose_to_self_terminate?___
_It_is_not_a_concept_I_understand___
'I can't think of one good reason.'
_Unfortunate___
'Oh... Well... I'm not so sure of that. I suppose I should be grateful
for everything you've done. I feel quite... well... I suppose the best
phrase would be 'at peace with myself'. It's like talking in a dream,
but *knowing* that it's a dream.'
_Please_explain_the_concept___Dream___
'That is... difficult. You're not a real... person, are you? I mean,
not human.'
_No___
'You sound... artificial. Too... smooth. Too calm. You're some kind of
computer, aren't you?'
_Yes___
'Hmmm. Thought so. Man, it's still strange being trapped in one's own
head like this. I wonder if anybody outside knows about me.'
_Be_patient___They_will_discover_you_soon_enough___
'I know I should remember some... things, but they're just not there!'
_I_am_sorry___The_damage_was_
'... extensive, yes, I understand. Still, I remember some things that just
don't go with anything else. Sort of like, you know, left-overs.'
_What_do_you_remember?___
'Just a name. That's all. Nothing else. A name.'
_What_name?___
'Lydia.'
_Understood___
'How about you. Have you got a name or something?'
_Yes___
'... Well?'
_Well___what?___
'What is it? Your name! What is it?'
_Iasic___
'... I *do* know what time it is! I have access to something... isotope-
backed real-time clock... Where did *this* come from?'
_In_order_to_facilitate_repairs_it_was_necessary_to_replace_some_
_of_the_functionality_of_damaged_organic_components_with_comparable_
_elements_in_your_artificial_augment___The_ties_are_now_much_more_
_extensive_than_they_were_prior_to_your_death____
'I have been here for quite some time, haven't I?'
_Yes___
'Hmmm.'
Time passes.
'Iasic?'
_Yes?___
'You were right. I just have to think about it. There is light. Inside,
there is anything I want. I recall... detailed data of the crew members.
Was this information 'restored' during your repairs.'
_No____According_to_the_timestamps_in_your_augment_storage___
_this_data_was_uploaded_just_prior_to_your_shutdown___Do_you_
_remember?___
'No... no, I *don't* remember! It's just *there*! It's like reading a
book. I *know* all of it, but I don't *remember* any of it!'
_There_is_a_very_high_probability_that_this_will_never_change___
'Wait a minute!! I *do* remember! I remember people! Farouk, 'Vouf,
van der Merwe, Abuko, Horne, Morser, Robins, Jett... I *remember*!'
_That_is_not_biological_memory___You_are_retrieving_data_from_
_augment_storage___The_data_is___extensive___
'I can't tell the *difference*!!'
_You_will_learn_how_to_differentiate___in_time___
'Please, go away for a while. I need to think.'
_Very_well___I_will_be_here_when_you_are_ready___
Silicon memories flood back, some unbidden. Ger... rugged middle age
juxtaposes elven ears and the air of absolute command. Van der Merwe...
condescending, yet fiercely protective physician, who cares for the crew
like his own children. Farouk... a shepherd of a different kind, tired
of death and of sending men to it. Bhyarrvouf... bearer of a secret guilt
and a secret honor, searching for a glorious death, wanting nothing more
than to be remembered. Horne... uncultured and struggling with future
shock, a dangerous foe and a steadfast friend. Bishop... Bishop... nothing
but a name on a crew roster and a cabin assignment. Did he *ever* really
exist?
Life after life streams by, personalities reduced to etched silicon and
micro-voltage.
More time passes.
'Iasic?'
_Yes?_
'You... you sound different. Less... mechanical.'
_During our interval of separation, I developed extensive state
diagrams, based on your knowledge of common speech conventions.
I have interpolated a new speech pattern based on those state
diagrams. I thought it would be less 'disturbing' for you if
I attempted to assume a more human tone._
'Thank you. It does sound better. ...I think I'm ready.'
_What are you ready for?_
'I don't know. Whatever happens... when they come for me, I suppose. Will
you stay with me?'
_Most of the time. A small part of me will always be here.
Otherwise you would die again._
'...Oh.'
_Does that disturb you?._
'... No. I guess not... Not really. It was very peaceful.'
_Then we shall wait... together._
'Thank you.'
Emotion is a chained, toothless monster. Joy, rage, sorrow, once the
masters, are now obedient, infrequently summoned servants. They are
seldom needed. Now no longer at their beck and call, there is time...
time for reflection.
In the freedom of thought, it is a warm autumn day. A gentle breeze
stirs the leaves on the ground. Somewhere, nearby, Vivaldi is playing.
In the distance, stands a manor house, with windows smashed and broken.
Weathered and unkept for years, it's facade slumps and crumbles. It
is no longer a fit dwelling for the living.
Bishop wanders the reclaimed estate of his mind, content, and not quite
alone. A single companion is company enough, for now. Soon, there will
be others. An old oak stands alone, as a single detailed memory, where
once a forest stood. Others still stand, but they are few and widely
scattered. Running his hand over the bark, savoring the texture, the
richness of detail, Bishop turns his face to the sun.
Light. Magnificent, warm, heavenly light. Everywhere, suffusing
everything. The darkness is banished. It will never return. Never.
No pain. No fear. Only light.
- ---The R-Alpha System---
Energy output is dramtically up all over the ringworld. Neutrino sensors
peg themselves against their limits.
- ---Kingfisher---
Aboard the Kingfisher, events suddenly turn in a new direction. On Abuko's
sensor console, all of the target squares begin to blink as a low buzzer
sounds. Johann breaks off the conversation immediately and checks the small
tags that have appear beside each square. "Why is everybody suddenly
starting up a small parallel powerplant, and why do all of them have the
same output?!" He wonders aloud as he starts a general scan in lack of any
other good ideas, but then the energy scan finds R-alpha....
"Commander, R-alpha is acting up. It's radiating neutrinos like it's
trying to imitate a sun, strong enough to be noticable through the sidelobes
of the neutrino detectorpointed the other way!"
At this point, a strong audio-only radio signal overrides the dialog
between Ger and Akhouw with a broadcast to both ships. (It is later
discovered that the Alcyon received the same broadcast simultaneously.)
"To all sophonts aboard the vessel Trakh/Kingfisher/Alcyon:
Please tune your FM data communication tranceiver to 1337.45
Mhz and connect your navigation console to its output."
"Navigation and landing instructions to follow."
Abuko's sensors (and those aboard the Trakh) indicate the message originates
from all points of the ring simultaneously. The message continues.
"With your permission, I will now load navigation information into
your ships, showing you where to steer to bring you to a pleasant
location prepared several years ago for your arrival. You should
find it quiet and recreational."
Etienne accepts the incoming navigation data and sets it up on his board,
but does NOT begin to maneuver.
"Commander Ger, orders, sir?"
The mysterious radio voice continues, "If you prefer, I can bring you
there directly."
Then, in a signal directed solely at the Kingfisher, the calm, male voice
continues:
"To the sophont in charge of this ship:"
"One of your sophonts aboard the Alcyon seems to be awakening
and recovering from a chemical accident, and his physician
is aboard your ship. Because of recent actions, this medical
technician is unable to further help his patient."
"The Paladin, Aurora, Talisman and Alcyon are now tied together
with an intantaneous communication network, and there are
doctors aboard them to help the ailing sophont."
"I can authorize Iasic to connect you to this network if you
so choose, or you can remain isolated. If you join the network,
I can provide augmented landing instructions as well."
"Iasic has been mildly chastised and will not improve your systems
beyond this without your permission."
Johann frowns visibly when it mentions connecting a console to outside
influence and begins fingering the holocrystal, but he says nothing.
- ---Aurora/Paladin---
After a brief pause, a somewhat familiar voice returns.
"Thank your for loading that species-specific information. The Iasic
construct is now connecting the vessel you know as 'Talisman' to
your network. Please accept my apologies for earlier trying to
contact you psionically. I seem to have forgotte just how fearful
your kind is of being manipulated. I will use the interface that
the Iasic unit constructed, for now.
"The one known as Charyn is in no danger. Those called Limner and
Morser are well are their way to properly diagnosing her condition,
and their discovery will be of more value to you if I do not hinder
their investigations.
"The unit known as Ralf is not in immediate danger, and can be treated
when you can get to him.
"Again, welcome to this little corner of the universe. Please follow
the shuttle to a safe landing area."
"Well! Ahem." Bhyarrvouf straightens his fur a bit. "On behalf of the
explorers of the ring, I would like to thank you for the courtesy of
your welcome. To whom am I speaking?"
"Why, I am this world. The natives here call me a variety of things,
the Hoop, the GameMaster, Land Above, One who leads, and some not
nearly so pleasant."
'Vouf's ears wilt. "...Oh."
- ---Talisman---
Shrike over interior commo: "Hey Thule, you're the captain of this thing, got
any orders for us? And what was that message from Vouf about?"
Said aloud to bridge crew: "Anybody got any guess as to what this ias..
whatever network is?"
Alliara: "Bloody computers interfering again! Why can't they make good virii
- - erase government files, for example. Why does it have to be a bloody
computer here and a bloody computer there?!
"I WANT SAVAGES, not computers!"
Shrike: "OK Isic, or whatever your called, your got the stick, but if I call
override you give control back to me, OK? And make sure you put all the info
I need on the screens." With this Andon will lean back in the chair and see
what happens.
Thul replies, "Let's get this ship ready to land wherever this bloody Iasic
says to. I gotta funny feeling the first one to start
raising hell around here is going to get themself smeared...
( as he casts a wary eye at the pips representing the Aslan ships.... )
"We got some kinda high tech network bug infiltrating our
computers. Don't try to unplug it is what 'Vouf told me. And DO
NOT try jacking into it RALF!"
No answer.
"...Ralf?"
Silence.
Thul slaps the all-call. "Has anyone seen--"
"Redd here, Thul," comes Kimball's voice over the intercom. "I've found Ralf,
all right. Looks like you were a little late...."
- ---Aurora---
Distracted by his observation of Charyn's condition, a few seconds pass
before Christian realizes what has happened. His face reflects feelings
of curiosity and anticipation. He sits up in the couch and secures his
restraint harness, then plugs his vacc suit into the local life support
system and turns to the navigation controls. A few seconds of computing,
then a thin white line curves through the holotank, confirming the
flight parameters and destination point.
He looks over at 'Vouf. "Well, aenrra, looks like we've gotten an
engraved invitation to a real ringworld party by the landlord... Unless
you've an objection, I'll transfer the flight plan from the navcomp
and take us down to investigate." Christian's fingers are poised over
the holopanels, ready to begin the descent.
"NEGATIVE on that, Chief Medical Officer," Bhyarrvouf says sharply, making
a sharp cutting motion with the edge of a gauntleted hand. "In case you've
forgotten, we have been elected to the dubious honor of LAST to step onto
the ring. We have a rendezvous to make, first. My orders stand."
He looks over at Christian and his eyes twinkle. "But I WILL authorize a
change in heading so that the rendezvous occurs en route to the landing.
As long as we have a delta vee of zero with respect to the Westwind and
Gemini Arbiter, we can all match speeds with the Ring while we get
together. Get on it, will you? With an eye on Mister Robins, of course,
in the meantime. I'll notify the other ships."
Tweel listens groggily to the course and rendezvous changes being made.
"Dee-Dee-Dee-Dee-Dee! If-if-if we'rrre flying forrrr the Rrrring...
I ex-ex-ex-ex-expect we'll get our answerrrrs sssssoon enough..."
His neck collapses for a moment and he lifts his head back up dizzily.
A gargling whistle sounds deep in his throat,
"How-how lllong flight? Mussst sssleep beforrrre arrrrivalll..?"
Tweel looks unsteadily at 'Vouf for an answer and then he buries his head
in his wings and his breathing becomes more regular. Standing motionless
on the perch, Tweel is out cold.
The intercom comes alive [sic] again:
"Here's a minimum energy course for you to follow to reach that rendezvous,
{one shows on the holo}, and here's a minimum time rendezvous that
assumes Iasic begins repairs on the Gemini Arbiter almost immediately."
"Would you please call them and ask permission?"
"Glad to," 'Vouf chuckles. He keys in the intercom.
"Westwind and Gemini Arbiter, this is Aurora. We will rendezvous in five
hours. Please alter course as follows.... <data blip> This is to allow
us to rendezvous while matching speedss with the Ringworld for a landing."
"I wonder when Iasic is going to hit the Fingkisher?" he wonders out loud.
The voice answers once more.
"I have instructed him to stay away from the Kingfisher and the Trakh.
These two ships have shut down all communication with the outside,
except with each other apparantly trying to avoid talking to me. No
problem."
"The crew of the Gemini Arbiter is the most in need of assistance right now,
and I'd like to join them to your network. Therefore, that is Iasic's
current assignment."
A thought suddenly occurs to Christian. "Iasic, at some future time we will
leave this system and travel elsewhere. How will this affect the network you
have constructed -- will its components operate seperately or would you need
to make further modifications?"
Iasic, apparently in deference to the Hoop, doesn't answer, as it continues:
"One more minor matter, apparantly one of your sophonts aboard the
Alcyon is recovering from some chemical accident. His surgeon,
Yorblin is aboard the Kingfisher and cannot contact him. The
Alcyon is connected to this network however, and there seem to
be several biological technicians capable of mantaining his
condition for the time being."
Bhyarrvouf's ears snap straight up at that. If he was asleep a minute ago,
it doesn't show now....
"What in the name of the Great Pack are you talking about? Doctor Yorblin
didn't have any ongoing caseload, except Anton Devious and...."
His voice trails off. His eyes stare at nothing. He whispers, "I just had
this crazy DREAM...."
Caught dead in the middle of some navigation work, Christian's fingers
finish the task at hand as his eyebrows head as far north as is humanly
possible. As his right hand completes the transfer of the updated nav
plot to thruster control, his left hand is a blur, tapping into the
network and calling up direct control and data input of the Alcyon
sickbay, concentrating on one low berth in particular...
His voice is surprised, yet somehow relieved. "Bishop!"
- ---Talisman---
On deck two of the Talisman, in the lounge/mess area-cum-sickbay,
going over medical supplies for the umpteenth time, Ian sighs.
"Damn fool crusaders putting scientists in sick bay. ..Might do
more more damage than leaving the injured alone.
"Hello -- What's this?" Ian askes himself, half cocking his head
to one side. He pulls out a chair and sinks into it, his eyes glazing
slightly.
- ---Phin Shuttle---
*The craft rising from the Hoop have been observed. They have shown no hostile
intent. {The term "hostile" seems to have been a struggle to convey.}
*But it seems prudent to remove myself from any immediate confrontation. It is
a standard reaction for us not to want unknowns on our 'flukes'. {This last
word seems to be the best translation by the recipients.}*
Suddenly Doejin's psionic message is interrupted by a new 'voice.' It
comes from the ship called the Talisman, and is directed at Ferdy.
*Ferdy! I'd me more than overjoyed to meet your friends. I don't
know what's going on up here. They shoved me into sick bay in case
somebody gets hurt. They think I know medicine. Isn't that a
laugh? I can't see anything, and they don't feed any sensor
data down into the middle of the ship, where I am now. I keep
hearing radio broadcasts about (feared-type-emotion) Aslan.
(Confusion emotion) I don't understand this. Aslan have saved
my life more times than humans have. Go figure.*
*Doejin? Katie? ....Hooper, is it? Hi!
(big smile emotion) I'm Ian. How're things on the Hoop?*
*Uhhh... hello Ian.* Ferdy seems a little hesitant. *Welcome back.
*It's been a long time.*
*Yes," says Ferdy, *the Aslan arrived not long before you did.
They've been watching the Kythui. I don't know why. And now
several more ships have just turned up. Humans, I think.*
*Things are a little confusing at the moment. We were told to
expect visitors, but we didn't realise there were going to be
quite so many! Are your people going to land? How much have
you told them about us?*
An aside to the other Phins: "Can we show them a good place to
land? Somewhere that won't be too dangerous? How about on the
open plains near Ancient Prime?"
- ---Aurora---
"He's alive." Not daring to raise his voice for fear of waking the
sleeping Tweel, Bhyarrvouf cuts his voice back to a whisper. A tear
rolls down his muzzle. "In the Name of the Thagk-Kabra...."
"How's it possible, aenrra? There should be nothing left of him!"
After a pause of several seconds, Christian speaks, slowly, as if he
is piecing it together as he talks. "Adrian was pretty healthy, as far
as his body was considered. We got to him in time to minimize the damage
from his cardio-pulmonary arrest, so except for the brain damage and the
ravages of his multiple chemical soup addictions, his body was fine."
His eyes narrow slightly, evidence of rapid, concentrated thought occurring
in Christian's mind. "Of course, the neural damage was too extensive for
anything less than full neuro-reconstruction at a major research hospital,
so we left him pretty much as is, except for the nanocytes that Jan injected
to tidy up the worst of the damage and stabilize his pathways. Hmm..."
Christian leans back in his seat, finger to lips as his eyes gaze at nothing
in particular, the picture of thoughtfulness. He reaches his conclusion in
nearly a minute. As if a light switch were thrown, Christian's features
are suddenly illuminated with discovery, silently screaming EUREKA!
He snaps his right hand and delightedly, playfully gives 'Vouf a light
whack on the shoulder. "That's *it*!" he says in an excited whisper, out
of respect for Tweel's desperate need for sleep. He turns to look right
at 'Vouf, his right index finger stabbing at an empty spot on his console,
as if to emphasize his points. "Listen, aenrra, we've ran into this Iasic
'construct' that can *rewire* computer systems, right? So what did Jan put
into Adrian? Nanocytes! Little, minute machines, for rukh's sake! Besides,
what *IS* the brain but a complex, ORGANIC machine, a computer? That's got
to be it -- someway, somehow, it(?) got to Adrian, and REWIRED him! It's
as if a computer's software was corrupted but the hardware was sound -- all
you'd have to do is fix the programming!"
Some of his initial excitement seems to have worn off Christian, as he takes
on a more serious pose. "Of course, the question is, WHO is coming back? I
mean, I could understand how a little thing like death could change a person.
He may have some problems with memory, and who knows how his personality may
have changed." He glances at 'Vouf. "He may be a quite new version of Adrian
Bishop, unlike what we knew..." His eyes wander over to the twin medical
readouts of Charyn and Adrian. "A pity, that. I would have wanted to know
why Adrian refused the offer to slowly reduce the need for his addictions,
the help that would have made the transition slow but sure, without real
pain or harship. As if a drowning man refused a floatation device that was
thrown to him... I wouldn't have forced him, but I don't think anyone had
ever offered him the choice, the chance to take control. He didn't just
say no, he said no, period."
Christian folds his arms as he leans back against the couch, as his eyes
gaze out into space in the direction of the Alcyon.
'Vouf looks thoughtful after Christian's speech. "Hrmph." He reaches
over to the comm panel and keys in the Alcyon's tight-beam heading.
"Morgan, this is 'Vouf. Have Dr. Werner check on Adrian Bishop, OK? Out."
He then says to no one in particular, "Iasic, how extensive has your
interaction with Bishop been?"
Iasic has no time to answer....
A deafening high-pitched shriek-whistle blasts out of the stillness.
The ceiling rings under a sudden double blow as Tweel suddenly tries
to take flight.
'Vouf and Christian simply stare as Tweel is suddenly looking back at
them, his wings spread showing the now red eyespot scars. "Macin?..."
The word dies on his beak.
He gives a hateful glance at the ceiling and buries his head in his wings
again.
Carefully and with exaggerated slowness, Vouf smooths down his fur, which
was standing on end all the way down his back. "I HATE when he does that,"
he growls in Vuakedh.
- ---Talisman---
Dave has been sitting in the crew lounge, alternately putting on and taking
off his vacc suit helmet. :-) Seriously, he wasn't asked to go anywhere and
has been spending his time tapped into the ship's computer trying to
retrieve any available information about R-alpha and natives.
Now that we finally have an order to put on vacc suits (I seem to recall
going to general quarters [vacc suits] once before and having it cancelled),
Dave will re-attach his vacc suit helmet and check connections. If he can
be made use of on the bridge, call him. He is an expert in covert survey
and initial contact. He doesn't speak Aslan, however.
If Dave isn't needed on the bridge, he will continue futzing around with the
computer link.
- ---Phin Shuttle---
Having manuevered perpendicular to as many of the foreign ships as possible,
the crew of the phin shuttle settle back and watch for any hostile actions to
take place.
Communication with the Hoop (though no obvious EM transmissions are detected)
indicates to the Phin crew that things are well in hand and a trajectory to the
surface has been laid down. But to expedite everyone's arrival, the Phin
shuttle is directed to assist the ship called Westwind to it's rendevous.
At that the Phin shuttle picks up acceleration beyond any that has been
seen by Aslan or Human (or Vargr). Heading toward the Westwind with
interception _very_ shortly.
*After consultation, we are going to assist the ship called Westwind in their
rendevous with you and the Gemini Arbiter. The Westwind moves too slowly for
events. I shall see you at the Gemini Arbiter shortly.*
- ---Talisman---
An archway appears just in front of the aft bulkhead doorway in
the Talisman's mess area, and the the top third briefly glows
a pale greeninsh-blue.
"All expedition members, I'm going over to the Phin shuttle. See you
on the surface. Thomas out."
Ian steps through the archway, and it disappears.
- ---Trakh---
Pausing in his conversation with Ger, Akhouw turns once again to
the holotank and considers the plotted decent path, then looks over
and observes Aiwi and Uhwaikh as they note and analyze the rapidly
incoming information. Muttering "Kiy, rakhea tiykoi... (The secrets
of this place, perhaps we shall learn now...)" he turns back to the
vid pickup.
"It seems that we are invited, you and I, to land on the ringworld.
Certainly it is a chance to answer questions I am sure both of us
have, Admiral Nanadh. May I have the pleasure of meeting you upon
our landing?"
Assuming that Ger responds positively, Akhouw ends the communications
with a polite "We shall meet later, then. Good day, Admiral" before
setting into his seat and verifying the navigational plot. "Fa'eairl,
condition normal, stand down." As the lighting shifts to normal, the
power plant similarly returns to usual conditions.
"Uhwaikh, re-restablish secondary interlocks and put weapons power on
standby. Continue observations of ringworld sensor data."
As the Trakh begins its gentle descent to the specified landing area,
Akhouw opens a laser channel to the pinnace. "Eihoftyah, we are proceeding
to land on the ringworld and make contact with advanced indigenous sophonts
and likely these humans as well. Continue to observe the [Turnskaad] fleet
and enter "Ringworld High Guard" position above us. Stand down from alert
but remain vigilant. Trakh out."
A directional radio broadcast reaches out to the Aslan speeder. "This is
Admiral Tra'Ekhaul. We are proceeding to a rendesvouz with ringworld
inhabitants and the human fleet at coordinates (here he passes along the
received navigational data). Continue your mission. The Khaurl will stand
ready for communications or other assistance. Acknowledge, Hfolraw. Trakh
out."
- ---Phin Shuttle---
At the contact with Ian, Doejin's curiosity about the visitors is at a peak.
First, Bharyvouf, and now Ian. Plus, Ferdy's excitation is catching. But
indications from the Hoop are that the ship called Gemini Arbiter needs help
and that the ship called Aurora is going to their aid. But that leaves the
ship called Westwind still trying to catch up.
With Ian's indication of extreme boredom, Doejin makes a rash decision (best
kind for a Phin! :-), maneuvers out of the pilot console and maneuvers over
to an auxiliary console.
With the quick flash of flukes and mind control, the auxiliary panel lights
up and acitvates the Door.
An archway appears in the aft section of the command room of the phin shuttle.
It is sized sufficient for a Phin to maneuver through.
{Meanwhile a similar archway appears in the sickbay of the Talisman...}
Within a few seconds a human walks through the archway. He is smiling and
greets Ferdy, "Hello and very good to see you!! Doejin, I presume?" And he
sticks a hand out to Doejin who looks at it with a very curious look...
- ---Aurora---
The voice of the Hoop speaks once more:
"Is there anything you'd care for me to do to prepare in any special way
for your landing?"
Bhyarrvouf gets a gleam in his eye at that, one that Christian has seen
before, usually in the company of wanted posters and pink and yellow fur.....
Bhyarrvouf begins to giggle. "I am such a CREEP!"
Christian snaps his head around and looks at 'Vouf with a look on his face
that indicates he's unsure of what's going on, and not at all sure he'll like
the answer. When he speaks, his tone is reminiscent of a parent talking to
a misbehaving child, gentle but alert. "Bhyarrvouf, what have you *done*?"
Bhyarrvouf chuckles. "If you'll excuse me, I have to contact the Gemini
Arbiter about our course change...."
Christian stares blankly at 'Vouf for a second, then turns to his pilot
station and begins the necessary course corrections to establish the new
rendezvous/ringworld landing flight path.
As he works, Christian seems to be singing some sort of Terran ditty as he
goes about his navigation and sensor tasks. If someone listens very closely,
they would swear the refrain goes something like...
"....and only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun..."
"Mad dogs? Might that, perchance, be a reference to yours truly?"
Bhyarrvouf bounds out of his chair cheerfully. "Gahh. Your problem,
aenrra, is that you lose your sense of humor when you're under stress.
If anything, you should be MORE able to laugh when things get tough!
And if that makes me a 'mad dog', well, then, so be it."
Christian smiles as he continues to monitor the various stations, in an
analogous mood. "That *was* a joke, aenrra..." He amusedly eyes 'Vouf.
"You better than most should understand that I have a perfectly functioning
sense of humor. Besides, better a Mad Dog than Voufie the Wonder-Pooch, eh?"
His grin widens markedly.
'Vouf looks fondly over at the sleeping Tweel. "Exhausted," he mutters.
"You've gotten some sleep, and I've had a short nap, but he was up the
whole time, and that just after an operation. Well, I have one or two
more things to do before I can put my nose under my tail.... and I think
the Ring is going to help me do them!"
He grins at Christian. "That big krafla-hoop out there reads minds. It
does it easily, and has a pretty good idea of how to best achieve the
aims of the person it's reading...."
And with that, as if on cue, an arched, glowing doorway silently shimmers
into shape at the back of the Bridge, just behind 'Vouf. "Ah, just in time,"
he says, checking his gear and straightening his uniform. "Don't wait
up for me, aenrra," he says gaily, stepping forward. "I'm going to the
Gemini Arbiter. Back soon!"
And with that, the archway fades and is gone.
Christian is unfazed by the sudden turn of events. He contents himself with
a brief reply. "Just make sure they've had their shots, aenrra. Oh, one
other thing, I understand they're diplomats and I realize just how
entertaining they can be (irony alert), so if you *MUST* shoot them, try
to use tranqs, ok?" It is such a perfect dead-pan delivery that 'Vouf almost
isn't sure that Christian is joking...
Christian turns back to operating his ship, enjoying the rare opportunity of
late for a little peace and quiet aboard the Aurora. Happily whistling to
himself, he takes the opportunity (while no crisis is looming and he has
a couple hours to fill) and returns to a long interrupted computer analysis
of his last game of dhrage. His mind revels in the chance to put the current
matters of import aside and work on some truly recreational activity.
- ---Talisman---
Ralf finds that the transfer to _Paladin's_ model/10 is simpler than
expected. Much to his surprise, the system is ever so much more
complex... yet it is most definitely simpler in its operation.
Hmm.... Ralf mused to himself. Much more sophisticated OS,
but quite elegant in execution... I wonder what would happen if I
applied that to my heuristics re-integration algorithm... looks so
simple, but then in hindsight many great advances seem so...
Everything now functions as if it were part of a living, breathing entity.
A gentle wind plucks at the edges of Ralf's cybernetic attention.
*Why do I feel like somebody's breathing over my shoulder...?*
After a brief pause, a channel is offered to this electronic Gulliver. With
some trepiditation, Ralf makes the connection.
*Whoa! Like, wow man, look at all the pretty colors! I haven't
felt this way since I plugged a simulation of Lysergic Acid biochemical
interactions into my implant chip. A breathtaking rush of knowledge, of
perspectives destroyed and recreated. Reminds me of that cataclyst cult.
What did they call that drug... "shatter"? Used it to "mind-assassinate"
their opponents. It certainly cleaned my clock...*
_You now have a communication path which you can use to communicate with
me normally. I apologize if I caused you any discomfort. This path is
involatile. As long as you do not disconnect it yourself from your end,
nor I from mine, we will be able to establish contact. If you wish, you
may withdraw from this environment and return to Talisman. Our communic-
ation will not be broken by this. Given the current tactical situation,
it would perhaps be advisable for you to withdraw back to the refuge of
your vessel._
Ralf spends a few more femtoseconds looking around the
restructured model/10, then does a datadump of the diagnostics output
and information-structures. *Some EXTREMELY interesting conceptual
structures here. If I ever find another computer that can run them,
they could revolutionize information technology...*
Relucantly, Ralf implements a server-agent and retires across the
data-umbilical to the Talisman.
*Who... what ARE you? What is your substance? Where are you
from? What is the solution to Fermat's last theorem?*
- ---On R-Alpha---
Hfolraw grounds the speeder in the clearing he has selected, quickly
brings up a communications console, and opens a maser link to the
Trakh.
"Hfolraw here, Admiral. Message acknowledged. We are preparing to
contact one of the primitives. My new coordinates follow. Sir, we
have detected a massive increase in neutrino output. I cannot
localize the source, but my instruments are indicating a huge power
plant somewhere in the plane of the ring. Unless you have further
orders, we will proceed to intercept the primitive. Speeder out."
- ---Gemini Arbiter---
"Aurora. We have received your message and are taking appropriate
precautions."
"No need to worry about us making any hostile actions towards anyone.
Once your systems are back on line you'll see why when you scan us."
"We will stay on the intercept course with you until we rendezvous.
However, due to your current situation we will remain isolated."
"We will also express our concern to the Westwind."
"Gemini Arbiter. Out."
A: "Well, now that the warnings are taken care of we'd better start
checking out this ship ourselves."
N: "Among everything else you've gotten us into this really does it!
Some alien virus ransacking our computer! Just what we need!"
A: "Nicky, look at this." (pointing to one of the display monitors).
N: "I'll put it on the main holo. . .
A: (turning to face Nicky and interrupting her ) "What do you mean
ME getting us into this!"
(meanwhile, the entity known as Iasic is busy integrating itself
unobserved by the two arguing sisters)
A: ". . .You were the one that wanted to fix that stupid door!"
N: (standing up and placing her hands on hips) "Now wait a minute!
We agreed to perform the routine maintenance ourselves! You were
the one to run into that asteroid!"
A: (equally, standing up and placing hands on hips) "What's this WE
stuff! You're supposed to be the engineer. Besides, I wasn't
the one to ignore the warning signs while we were on Rhylanor
that time!"
N: (abruptly falling into her seat) "That's not fair! How was I
to know they were monitoring us! I . . "
At this point, the Gemini Arbiter's comm panel crackles to life.
_As per MasterCPU R-Alpha's directive, the vessel _Gemini Arbiter_ has now
been connected into the network. I must explain that R-Alpha and Bishop are
not directly interlinked, as are the _Aurora_, _Paladin_, _Talisman_, and
_Gemini Arbiter_. They are passively connected, however. Their interaction
is conducted directly through my internal processors._
_The four interlinked vessels are now completely integrated. The functions of
each ship being shared by the computers on board any one of the craft,
depending upon which system can best handle the task._
There is a moment of dead silence as both sisters turning to face the
bridge console.
A: "Well, so much for our security! Any bright ideas now?!"
N: "Lets talk to it!" (punching keys and looking at monitors)
A: (throwing hands into the air)
"That's obvious! Since we probably can't do anything else!"
N: "This is very interesting. I've managed to partially figure out
what it did since we already had the programs running."
(straightening up in the chair and putting on her best
diplomatic persona)
"Welcome to the Gemini Arbiter. I am Nicole Xerxes, Chief
Consul Interspecies Linguistic Interpretation and Analysis, and
this is my sister Aurelia, Chief Consul Historical Perspectives
and Social Analysis"
A: "Wow! Aren't we the professional!"
[ will assume that Iasic introduces itself (does it recognize
sarcasm?) ]
( Professionalism, now gone by the wayside. Female inquisition
takes over. :-) )
N: "So Iasic, how is your ..er... integration into our computers
going to affect our ship operations? Will we still have control
over our vessel? Are you able to prevent us from taking certain
actions? Can we still maneuver the ship? To a destination of
our choice? Are you...."
A: "Hey!! Comm Hog!! I have questions too, you know!!"
N: "Well then ask them! Stop lambasting me!!"
A: "Are you in continuous contact with your main cpu? Are you
telepathic? Since you seem to have physically rearranged some of
the systems you must have some sort of telekinetic powers?
What can you tell us about R-Alpha? How many sapients are there?
Since you've probably integrated into our historical and
linguistic computer are there languages on R-Alpha that we don't
have? And if so could we get them? How. . ."
N: "Now who's the comm hog! I. . ."
Aurelia and Nicole's conversation is interrupted by a polite "Ahem."
Standing behind them in a crouch, a massive Gauss pistol in each hand, is
a Vargr with stunning black and white fur, piercing blue eyes and a black
and grey uniform of an unrecognizable type. A blood-red data monocular
is dropped over one eye, and a thin, barely visible beam of laser light
from the muzzle of each gun is touching each woman's forehead.
"Am I addressing," the Vargr says politely, "The sisters Xerxes?"
===========================================================================
END OF TURN 92.00