Re/OS 47.4.41
[PROGRAMMER'S LOG]
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*Tap *Tap. "Is this thing working? Ah, yes! Hello again, it's me! Uhm… now there is a slight probability that whatever alien database Memory Theta is connecting to download these stories has a feedback section. In the event that it does, feel free to leave a review or comment. This thing may be commanded by a Challenger Class AI, but sometimes I think it's creative English is at the level of three-year-old. In a nutshell, if you have time please consider leaving a comment so that he may improve his writing and/or correct a mistake. Thank you.
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"Captain's log, Stardate 44308.4 we have arrived at the United Republic of Planets home system, which bears a striking resemblance to that of the Federation. Which is not surprising considering everything else about the Republic is similar… but not identical. We have assumed a standard orbit around the Republic's Mars."
Chapter 3 - The Briefing
USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D
"Captain, we are being hailed, audio only" Worf informed.
"Let's hear it" said Picard.
A somewhat computerized voice spoke. "Greetings USS Enterprise, welcome to the Sol system alpha, you may dock your ship in Mars Spacedock, or you may continue in a standard orbit. Beam down coordinates will be provided shortly, do not attempt to beam directly into the facility, doing so will cause the transport to be blocked."
The transmission was cut. "Rather cautious aren't they; Number One?"
"Yes sir," Riker replied as he gazed at the viewscreen.
"Captain, we have received transport coordinates." Worf informed the Captain.
"What is the status of the Endurance?" Asked Picard.
"They have entered what appears to be Mars Spacedock." Data replied.
"Mister Data, Councilor with me." Jean-Luc Picard ordered.
The Captain and his officers entered the nearest turbolift and said "Transporter Room"
Republic Military and Science Core
The Docks
The Captain and his away team materialized in a large, what appeared to be a turbo-train station, with trains going back in forth between the main facilities they were told not to beam into. There were hundreds of people transporting in and out of this area, it was similar to Tokyo or London during rush-hour. The people going through this area were in all sorts of positions, some were in combat armor, and some they could tell were civilians. Finally, the away team noticed the armed guards in combat armor guarding train line. They then saw a Republic Starfleet officer approaching them, it was an Android. One that looked like Data. He had four silver pips on his uniform, he was a Commander.
"Greetings, I am Commander Data of the Republic Starship Endeavour. I have orders to escort you to the Supreme Commander's office in the Command Sector." the Republic Commander said.
"Very well" Picard replied.
Data, the Captain and Deanna Troi followed the Republic's Data, to downwards ramp, revealing another train line, this one almost completely devoid of life, except for the twenty guards all in combat armor. A roof mounted sign read "VIP Line".
The first guard stepped forward, and scanned Commander Data's combadge, after which he stared into space, as if he was looking at something. He then gestured the group to move forward. The first thing Picard noticed about the VIP Line was that the train car was much smaller and designed to be less compact.
"What is the purpose of this separate line?" Asked the Federation Starfleet Lieutenant Commander as they entered through the train doors.
"The VIP line is a high security line designed for high ranking officials, diplomatic purposes and for emergencies. Only those with the rank of Commander or above can use it freely. The train lines from the docks are for security purposes, since this facility is the center of operations for Starfleet, security is of utmost importance."
"Is the rank of commander equivalent to captain?" Picard asked.
The train began to move, and the Commander replied.
"Our very limited files on the Federation Starfleet do not have details on rank structure, however if your rank of captain has the same responsibility as the NATO rank OF-5, then yes, it is equivalent. Starship commanding officers are referred to as captain aboard their own starship due to tradition, even though no such rank exists in Starfleet."
The train entered the tunnel heading straight for the main facility. The tunnel was made out of a glass that was completely transparent, allowing for the occupants of the train to see the Martian surface.
"Could you explain your rank structure?" Asked Picard.
"Certainly. Our rank structure is a uniform one, meaning that the rank titles are virtually the same, regardless to the position of the officer. For instance, there is no rank of Colonel or Major our rank structure, as Commander and Senior Lieutenant cover those positions already. Our rank structure shifts down depending on the amount of personnel are in service at a given time. It shifts down to a minimum sub-lieutenant 6th class. However usually the most junior rank is 2nd sub-lieutenant. The most senior rank is Supreme Commander, the only one who is holding the rank, is Daniel Flynn. If you would like further information, I believe the Supreme Commander would be happy to give you access to our non-restricted files." Said the Republic's Data.
"Sir, may I ask you a question?" Asked the Federation's Data.
The Republic's Data cocked his head to the other Data and replied "Yes?"
"Did Doctor Soong create you?" he asked.
"Yes, Doctor Soong was an expert in micropositronic nets, and he designed my body alongside Daniel Flynn, in fact Daniel is the only one who actually knows how to solve the problem of the electron resistance along the neural filaments."
"Micropositronic net?" asked Lieutenant Commander Data.
"A micropositronic net is a miniaturized positronic net, similar to the Microprocessor revolution when a supercomputer with a 10,000th the processing power of my minor Isolinear co-processors. The original positronic net was designed by Daniel Flynn in 2017, when he activated the first challenger class prototype P.R.I.M.U.S. It was the first truly intelligent computer. However, when the United States' found out about this, they demanded that all schematics were to be handed over to them. Grudgingly the Director gave them the plans, with a big note saying that the morality programming was not perfect and it required adjustment for each AI that was created. However, they did not head his advice, and built a new challenger prototype called "SkyWEB" without fully understanding the ramifications-" Data was interrupted by the train reaching its destination.
RSS Endurance RSRN-1702-D
Soren clocked in a quite long holodeck session of about six and a half hours. Although he had been on holodecks for far, far longer than that. Many outsiders would consider the Starfleet Commando Generation II program to be degrading, and too stressful. In comparison with the SPARTAN-II program, the Starfleet Commando program was like they were taking a vacation physically. Not that the Starfleet Commando program was inferior, it was just that Starfleet had more evolved ways of teaching advanced tactics and discipline. Without having to resort to psychological manipulation and augmentation on children. Commando combat armor allowed even a basic non-augmented human soldier to be able to emulate most of the Spartan-II's abilities. He rarely ever read any of the intelligence reports regarding the UNSC, especially the SPARTAN program. It brought back painful memories. He didn't know what to think when he heard about the UNSC was on the verge of being destroyed by a xenophobic alien covenant. Part of him was happy and it was karma for them. But another part of him, the majority of him was sorry for them… not all of the UNSC were corrupt spooks. In fact, most of the UNSC was innocent in his eyes, even the Spartans.
He entered his quarters, he had little time to pack up. He went to the replicator and ordered it to create a bag for him to put his things into. He then went to his closet, grabbing his uniforms and combadges. He then left the closet to get the only other real possession that he really cares about, his old dog tags (which he deactivated when he "left" the program) from when he was a recruit in the FLEETCOM Military Complex. It was a reminder of what he once was, and who he once served. He placed them in his bag, and left his old quarters.
Soren made his way to the bridge, to confirm his departure from the ship and to say goodbye. He entered the nearest turbolift and headed for the bridge, he genuinely hoped that the Captain would be on the bridge as he really did not want to hunt throughout the ship to find Theodore Braxton. And although it was not required that an officer first confirms with his commanding officer, it is polite and to be honest, Braxton was a darn good officer in Soren's opinion.
The turbolift doors opened and Soren walked out to find the Captain in his chair twiddling his thumbs. Soren moved so that he would be visible to the Captain and spoke "Permission to disembark, sir?" Asked Soren.
The Captain stood up, he straightened his uniform and said "It has been a pleasure serving with you during the past month. I hope to do so again, permission granted"
The Captain shook the Lieutenant's hand, and Soren left the bridge. He headed for nearest airlock that was connected with Mars Spacedock. As he left, he felt a small tinge of sadness as he left the ship he called home for a month. But being a Commando meant not getting attached to pretty much anything. Just as he left the Endurance his HUD informed him he had an incoming transmission… from Vice Admiral Pressman himself. The executive officer of Starfleet Intelligence.
He stopped what he was doing and answered the transmission. The Admiral appeared on the left side of his HUD.
"This is Lieutenant Green, how can I help you, sir?" He said.
"Ah Lieutenant. We must discuss your next operation; it is of vital importance to the security of the Republic" he continued "you aren't going to like it"
"Sir?" Soren asked, dumbfounded why the Admiral would make such a remark.
"We will discuss that when you get here, I have already put the briefing location and time on your calendar. Pressman out"
The Lieutenant was puzzled with the Admiral's haste; it wasn't like the Admiral to leave all the details to the briefing. And he did say that he wasn't going to like it. What could it possibly be? Soren thought. He checked his calendar, the briefing was in two hours, in the intelligence sector of the RMSC. Soren sighed, then picked his bag up and made way for the transporter down to the surface.
Republic Military and Science Core
Command Sector
The Captain and his away team exited a turbolift that they entered after they got to the central transit hub. Which was where the VIP line lead to. The Republic's Data lead them through a hallway that lead to waiting room. The wall directly in front of them had a neon backlit sign reading "Republic Starfleet Command". Behind the desk, three troopers in combat armor worked, while another ten simply roamed the room. The Captain noted that the only officer of the Republic that he saw that had combat armor that was Silver. The guards here, and the rest of the personnel in combat armor wore white combat armor. With the color of their division as their secondary color. Also unlike the tactical officer, their visors were black. What was strange was that most of them were of the same height to each other. Data spoke quickly to one of them at the desk, he nodded, and pressed a few buttons on his terminal that opened a heavily armored door. The councilor noticed how these troopers looked at her, how everyone in this place looked at them. They looked at them like legends. The Republic's Data gestured for them to come along, and they complied. Through the door was a rather large turbolift, which they went into. Without even a command, the turbolift ascended.
The away team along with the Republic's Data exited the turbolift, there were in a large hallway, with the left wall being a massive window that showed the Martian landscape. It was sunrise over the inhospitable desert. It reminded the Captain of his Galaxy's Mars. There was a massive door at the end of the hallway, where two troopers with similar armor to Soren's approached. "I am sorry sirs; no weapons are allowed beyond this point" the Trooper in charge said.
"Of course" The Captain replied, handing them his Phaser alongside Data.
The guards then scanned them up and down with dedicated tricorders; as they are generally more accurate than the ones integrated into their helmets.
"You may proceed" The guard said.
The Captain nodded, and pressed the door chime.
"Enter" A familiar voice ordered.
The Doors opened, and the Away team walked inside the large office. It sported a large window, with a glass desk in front of it. It was very well organized. The Councilor noticed a glass wide closet on the other side of the room. With twenty different armors. You could see the evolution in design with every revision. The first six revisions were not even exoskeletons, but rather armor plates that attached to the wearers body glove. Data could tell that the alloys used were changed quite drastically from a Kevlar-like material, to Titanium-A, to Duritanium, and finally what appears to be Tritanium. The person who sat at the desk defied the Captain's expectations.
Before he could say anything Captain Picard said in a very soft voice "How is this possible?"
Daniel Flynn sat there, he looked only a few years older than he did when he met the shuttlecraft crew at the Autobot outpost.
"I knew you were going to ask that Captain, what it has been… 300 years since we last met?" Daniel replied, getting up from his desk.
The Captain stayed silent before he continued,
"Huh, well there have been some hard times since then. You know, I wanted to retire did you know that. In fact, there have been numerous times I have attempted to leave, but there is always something that drags me back into… this." Daniel sighed, "I already had a long and successful carrier when I first tried, in fact I planned for death to be my retirement. And my body did die, quite a long time ago…"
"I do not understand; your body can not be dead when we are speaking with you right now" Asked Data.
"Well, this body isn't really a living organism, not biologically speaking" replied Daniel.
The councilor put it all the pieces together instantly "You made yourself an Android?"
"Well I didn't myself, you see I was on my old body's death bed, and I was ready to die… but my some of my most loyal supporter found the schematics for a prototype neural-electrical pattern to positronic transferal device, in addition, to the first ever prototype micropositronic brain… you can see this is leading Captain."
Republic Military and Science Core
Intelligence Complex
Soren crossed the line between the Main Complex and the Intelligence Complex. The hallways were significantly different to that of the primary complex. They were far gloomier in Soren's opinion. His HUD guided him through the maze of hallways to the conference room. The doors whooshed open, and Soren walked in to only see Admiral Pressman. None of Soren's squad was here though. He would personally beat them for being late for a meeting with an Admiral no less.
"Please sit down Lieutenant" said Pressman.
Soren complied and sat down at the conference table, the Vice Admiral had a coffee in his hands along with a datapad.
"I apologize sir; my squad is usually not this late" Soren explained.
"Actually… I never called them, this will be a duo mission." Pressman said flatly.
"Sir?"
"The less people know about what has happened the better, you are competent in duo operations, are you not Lieutenant?"
"Yes… Sir"
The Admiral got up and straightened his uniform, then spoke "I will be honest Lieutenant, I was about to pass this mission onto another Commando… however he is currently… occupied. But given your record you seem to be adequate for the job."
"May I ask what that job is Sir?"
"In short your mission is a mission of protection, ideally without your protectorates knowing, if you guys fail it could cripple the reputation of the Republic in a potential first contact scenario."
"Who will I be protecting, Sir?"
Pressman slid the Commando his PADD and said "The UNSC, primarily Doctor Catherine Halsey."
RSMC - Supreme Commander Daniel Flynn's office
The Captain pondered what the Supreme Commander said, he was forced to live. He did slightly pity him, if he was being forced to command the whole Starfleet for over 250 years would drive him insane, the Captain thought.
"Supreme Commander, when we have been in Republic facilities, we saw what appeared to be people who looked-"
"Like clones?"
"Yes… Yes!" Replied Picard.
Daniel got up out of his chair, and walked over to the massive window behind the desk.
"After you left, and the universe was merged and the war with MECH only intensified. Something I forgot to mention to you was who MECH's leader was. It was not Silas, he was just a figurehead, SkyWEB, the United States military AI based on my designs. SkyWEB was at constant odds with the EDF's Central AI, P.R.I.M.U.S. In fact, they were of the exact same design, save a few differences in morality programming. They fought over the US nuclear launch codes. SkyWEB was attempting to create an AI empire, and MECH was its elite arm, humans acting as mere puppets. When SkyWEB learned about the Cybertronians on Earth, he deployed MECH to capture samples to reverse engineer in order to gain an advantage. Because of this massive tactical advantage, the EDF began to crumble, our outposts across the globe fell to the artificially created titans. We at the time used specially designed Combat-Droids as our primary fighting force, and for the time they were fearsomely advanced. But they were no match for the 'Opti-Droids', as Alex called them." Daniel continued "However, I cannot tell you how we beat SkyWEB, not without breaching the Temporal Prime Directive, but we did. By this time, it was 2025, and the world was slowly decaying into chaos, we were up against various terrorist groups. Eco-terrorism, Neo-Nazism, think of some barbaric practice in human history and there was a group campaigning for it. We tried so hard to keep the peace, but it was in vain. A few decades' later countries started banding together, and started firing nuclear warheads at each other."
The Supreme Commander's face contorted with grief. He continued again.
"As the last real remaining UN division, it was our duty to restore order after the bombs fell, and I tell you even though we have developed far more advanced and deadly weapons then the Hydrogen bomb. The Hydrogen Bomb is still the most devastating, because not only does it bring a painful death for those in its blast radius, it also brings years of suffering from those beyond."
"By this time, we had developed light-years more sophisticated combat-droids. We managed to restore order to most areas, but the suffering… so many lost. Our primary facility was destroyed in a nuclear attack by the Eastern Coalition that learned of our presence in Antarctica. We were scattered, I barely survived the onslaught. If we tried to rebuild, we would be destroyed, most likely for good. So I decided to abandon Earth, and setup operations on Mars, we only took all we had, P.R.I.M.U.S' central matrix, a couple thousand droids, assorted and a few months of supplies."
"I had designed the first warp drive in 2021, and developed a space frame to go with it, known as the NX-Class, which I had designed to explore the strange world known as Cybertron, where the Cybertronians came from, it was only used for one expedition, then it was mothballed for years due to the MECH war and later World War III."
"After we arrived, I knew that we would need something new for our comeback. A more intelligent, more adaptable warrior, one who could feel pity, remorse, question orders and most of all have a moral center."
The Captain put it all together and uttered "You created an army of clones?"
The Supreme Commander nodded "You have to realize, we were at literally at rock bottom, people were being slaughtered by the millions every day, and children were being forced to work in forced labor camps, starving and dying. My own creations were literally destroying each other under different banners!"
"Yes, I know… this part of our histories are similar." Picard said.
"We did not tamper with the clones' minds, they made all of their decisions, and we did not indoctrinate them to believe in anything. We gave them the choice to leave, and, some of them did."
"Also, shortly after us arriving on Mars, we had visitors, we did not expect anyone to have traced our warp signature, let alone follow to investigate."
"Vulcans?" asked Data.
"You know, for such a logical species, they are quite generous in terms of giving relief supplies."
"We thanked them, and they were on their way, they said they would check on us in a few years to see if we were ready for full blown first contact"
"What year was this?" asked Picard
"2055, and they returned a decade later on Earth"
At that moment, the Supreme Commander's comlink went off, "Sorry to interrupt you sir, but the RSS Resolute has detected what appears to be another wormhole."
The Captain seemed surprised, and asked "You have discovered other wormholes before?"
"Only one, it leads to a Galaxy in which humanity is governed under a singular government, similar to the Republic, however they have recently ended a war with a genocidal Alien Covenant. You thought that I was immoral for creating clones? The UNSC, specifically ONI kidnapped six-year-olds, children of specific genetic requirements and augmented them into super-soldiers, for those reasons we have avoided contact with them at all, and we have only recruited four members of that galaxy, all of which were augmented by them. And before you ask, they asked us for asylum."
RSMC- Intelligence Complex
Soren looked at the Admiral, shock in his eyes. He finally was able to compose himself and asked,
"What has happened?"
"You aren't the only ex-SPARTAN-II in our ranks, Sub-lieutenant Daisy, former Spartan-023, has just gone AWOL, she has taken a Type 7 Shuttlecraft… last we heard she was on her way towards the UNSC"
"Is she defecting back the UNSC?" Soren asked.
"Unlikely, based on here psychographic profile, she would rather die than rejoin the UNSC and the SPARTANs. We calculate there is a 95% possibility of her taking revenge against the UNSC, and more specifically… anyone that happened to be involved with the SPARTAN II program."
"I do recall her loathing Spartan Kelly-087, and Chief Petty Officer Mendez." Soren commented.
Soren shook his head, most likely snapping himself out of some horrible thought and asked. "Sir, may I ask who I am assigned to?"
At that moment, the doorbell rang, Pressman said "Speak of the devil, Enter!"
The door slid open. Soren cocked his head to see who it was. His eyes turned into saucers as he recognized who it was from the intelligence reports.
"You…"