Dark Hunter's resolution.
Chapter 11: Data Hound part 2, the past reemerges.
23rd September 2901
Sol system, Earth orbit, Liberator/Dawnbreaker NKI fleet.
"Case settled, I am never going anywhere without some form of protection from stun fire." Muttered Xale. Lexa agreed, rubbing her head as they exited the building an hour after they were ambushed: "We only took mild protection against killing shots, not stun fire. Whose idea was that?" She directed the last question at Alex, currently walking alongside Krith ahead of them.
Muttering a few unintelligible insults, Alex shot back: "I thought if they ambushed us it would be with killing shots only. Besides, at least Lanver didn't recognize any of us. But he still got the data."
"But so did we." Said Krith, somehow not bothered by it."
"But now he can get access to the third batch of data, he can find out what we're gathering!" Xale argued. Krith shushed him with a quick hand to his face, explaining:
"Listen closely. Lanver said he was asked to find both sets of data, at when he would have all the pieces. He said BOTH. He doesn't know about the third data set yet, so we have a head start on him, since I transmitted the second batch to Jarothes already, and he'll finish retrieving the third batch by the time we're back aboard."
She shrugged, saying also: "Besides, once they get all three data pieces, which they will, they'll see its not incriminating any of them or us, and may leave us alone."
"Maybe, but what if, I don't know." Lexa was about to say something, but she retracted her words. Alex asked: "Something on your mind Lexa?"
"Well, why was Lanver here? Why were they after the exact same data as you? If they wanted to ask, and we feared no repercussions, why did they send in such unnecessary force to get the data? Its like someone in the intelligence was really worried about the information."
"You think there might be someone in the UIP intelligence who doesn't like what we're doing?" Krith asked. Thinking, Alex remembered what Jarothes said about his uncle and the other scout:
"Well, Jarothes did say the last scout and his uncle invested into war profiteering ventures. With the scale of this war, who knows how much wealth the other scout assimilated, at least compared to Jarothes's uncle. That much money, he might have influence."
"And he wouldn't want us possibly exposing him. I know this is all theoretical, but you make a point. This seems too coincidental to be chance." Krith noted.
Coming out of the alley, they emerged onto a large street, with an overhead road platform passing over them, and shops open for the dinner rush and evening commuters, the vast majority humans. The searing Hawaiian sun beat down onto their skin, or scales in Krith's case, reflecting in the glimmering blue Pacific Ocean about a mile away down the long street.
"In any respect, they can't get any more information until we have a new lead. Even if both us and them get all three pieces, its not complete evidence. We don't even have a name, or an address. Just a bunch of UIP and Alliance transactions with munitions and ship manufacturers. So we can narrow it down to one or more vast war profiteers." Krith said, dissatisfied with their findings, and what they will likely be. She had a vague recollection of the data she squirreled away, but only what she saw. Before she could fully analyse it, she had to hide it on Earth to avoid detection.
"So with Jarothes getting the third batch of data, after that, we're at a dead end." Summed up Alex. Scowling, Xale muttered: "Ah great."
Deciding to head back to the spaceport, and make their next move there, Lexa saw a news bulletin on the network terminals and large screens, detailing a new Dreadnought raid.
"Breaking news, the planet of Rau-4 was attacked yesterday in the first in a new series of civilian targeting dreadnought raids deep into UIP territory. The attack on Rau-4 has been confirmed to be an indiscriminate strike against the heavily colonized world, primarily a high tech industrialized planet, and casualty rates are estimated at around 1,000,000 dead by today from the planet's roughly 32 million population."
"As of this moment there are 3 other raids underway in other systems, but besides the names no further information can be given. The Rothrian, Frosian and Ceita systems are under attack by dreadnought fleets."
"Unusual information coming from Rau-4 reports that there are no Leg'hrul specific ships escorting the dreadnought fleet there, and similar reports before jamming signals began have trickled in from the other attack sites. This is presumed to be linked to the recent political infighting between the two Kings-"
Cutting off the link, Lexa looked at the others, each exchanging a concerned glance. Muttering the names of the colonies under her breath, Krith said: "They're not military specific targets, this is different. And Ceita, that's only 30 light years away. They've never come this close before."
"A million dead on Rau-4 alone at least. I can't believe it." Said Alex. Noticing the looks of shock and horror on some people's faces in the space port terminal hall, Xale saw a older woman clutch her husband's frame in grief, while the man began to bow his head in grief also. Perhaps they had relatives on Rau-4 or the other colonies, Xale would never know, and he knew he would be better off not knowing to maintain his level head.
Dawnbreaker comms room.
"Look at the facts. No Leg'hrul support ships, these raids do not have support from the Leg'hrul. Which means the Kro'nogri are heading these new raids." La'kias noted, examining what reports they had on Rau-4.
"It would make sense, considering the physical disagreement my brother had with Rho'kis not too long ago. I still can't believe Lo'rath allowed this to happen." Commented Sha'krii, still in awe and shock at her brother's approval of such massacre.
"That is not all, reports are coming from the Underworld Guild contacts in Alliance space. Kal'sik is leading these new raids from the lead Dreadnought, the newest in the field currently, and the most advanced." Raxler reported in. Shockwave seemed to be contemplating the reports, but in reality, he was waiting for the opportune moment to spring his proposal, and decision should they disagree.
"Kal'sik. That slippery bastard. He's attacking civilians now? And he's now effectively a dreadnought! Even if we got the one we captured upgraded and under our control, we don't stand a chance. He can effectively command 7 dreadnoughts, including himself. And who knows how short a time until he has the 8th and last dreadnought to command! I've seen what one of them can do, one of the older models. In a head to head fight, we can't win against him." Alex reported in, his voice angry and hopeless at the same time. Norstith hated the truth, but he knew it was true. Those dreadnoughts were simply too powerful to fight head on.
"It is because of that fact that I must perform my duty to my race." Shockwave's hologram spoke now. Everyone in the room, Sha'krii, La'kias, Kirth, Norstith, Alex , Krith Lovisk, Jarothes Hutreck and Raxler looked at Shockwave in surprise. Continuing, the cycloptic mech issued his statement: "Kal'sik has made a declaration to destroy all UIP species to protect his and the Alliance. As such, I feel I can be more use by rallying support from my own race to defend ourselves, and provide the means to launch a strike force when the time comes. Cybertronian tech will likely always exceed any other technology level, and I am influential in some areas of combat experience."
"Where are you going with this? Asked Krith, her voice becoming a bit concerned for the mech's calm monotone. Blinking his optic once, Shockwave said: "My race has perfected warfare by fighting among ourselves. I was second in command of one of the two main factions in the Great civil war to Megatron and the decepticons. I intend to rally many former decepticons still versed in warfare to fight as a small, lethal force against the Alliance."
"Are you insane! That kind of movement would spark off all sorts of panic within your own race! An ancient faction rising amidst all this chaos of war?" Jarothes tried to make the point clear. Optic narrowing, Shockwave said in a threatening tone: "DO NOT lecture me on the behaviour of my own race, Grey. I proposed the idea, and I shall take full burden for it if it goes wrong, as I doubt it will. Many decepticons have war built into their nature, and I still maintain contact with many of my former officers under Megatron. This is my decision, and if it succeeds, you will have at least a hundred or so powerful Cybertronian warriors at my command, for me to follow you into battle against the dreadnought forces."
Alex thought for a moment. He had studied his basic galactic history enough to know about the multi millennia civil war on old Cybertron, and knew of the brutality of both factions against one another, particularly the decepticons. However, he also knew of how powerful an individual decepticon warrior could be.
Sha'krii asked honestly: "You believe you could rally support on your planet?"
"Many former decepticons crave warfare, and in the case of those not permitted to join as punishment, I shall present to them a chance to fight again. Their controversial view of organics, and their sense of technological superiority, can be directed in a destructive, beneficial matter. As many comment on current battlefields, a single cybertronian warrior is worth at least as much as a tank is in combat."
Thinking for a moment, Norstith noted: "You really followed us out of it being the most logical path, so perhaps, this might be the most logical path to pursue in your case of your role."
Looking around, the members present, including the UIP race members, couldn't find an excuse to argue against this. Sha'krii stated: "If this could have repercussions for us if it goes wrong, I have to ask Shockwave, are you prepared to assume full responsibility for the actions of these proposed Decepticon followers you seek to gather?"
"Affirmative." With Shockwave's response, the decision was made. The NKI would have plausible deniability, while Shockwave would set out alone to New Cybertron undercover, to gather old allies.
Later, Shockwave was ready out, already in attack craft form in the Liberator's hanger. Over the comm network, multiple calls came in:
Alex: "I assume there's no changing your mind?"
Shockwave: "No."
Se'rie: "We'll miss you big guy."
Shockwave: "Statistical chances are that I shall more likely return triumphant. My main concern lies not with the UIP and possibly former Autobots, but with the higher ranking former Decepticons. Some of them are known to be power hungry and egotistical."
Aru'san: "Your communication frequencies are exhibiting traces of a flat tone of sound. Are you emulating despair."
Shockwave: "No, I am not positively anticipating making former equal ranking Decepticons bow to my will. Senseless conflict could arise."
Alex: "You're problem now."
24th September 2901
Sol system, Earth orbit, Liberator/Dawnbreaker fleet, Dawnbreaker conference room.
A day after Shockwave had left, and the political visit on part of Sha'krii, Kirth and La'kias was well underway. The last official visit was done, and the 2 NKI ships were not due to depart for another day.
In wake of Kal'sik's dreadnought attacks on heavily populated areas, Alex had issued an order the day before, with approval from his fellow NKI officers, to have the captured dreadnought be finished with quickly assembled armour, weapons and software within 2 days, all that was needed to render it operational. There would be very limited warheads for the main superweapon on the dreadnought.
In an ultimate act, Sha'krii had issued a general order to any available NKI fleet forces, to fly to the Solaris cluster, and group with the dreadnought as it headed for UIP space. If they wanted to keep UIP support, they needed to act.
In the meanwhile, the fact that business on Earth was done sprouted some concern in a few minds among the NKI members, especially with the developing situation only a few light years away.
"According to tracking of the fleet movements, Kal'sik is focusing his efforts within this sector, roughly 30 light years in diameter. There are 4 homeworlds of UIP species there, for Humans: Earth, for Na'vi: Pandora and Keletari, for Greys: Nelerann, and for Vulcans: Vulcan." Raxler pointed out on the star map, his image over the holotable in the Dawnbreaker comms room.
"Our contacts in the Alliance and Underworld Guild have confirmed that Kal'sik wants to strike the UIP hard, namely the homeworlds. He hasn't hit any yet, the UIP fleet are holding back his progress. But, if he is to hit a homeworld, it would likely be the Grey homeworld, Neleraan." Noted Kirth, gauging the distance and predicted path of the dreadnought fleet.
"But that's in the Sirius system, only about 8 light years from Earth! And 10 light years from Alpha Centuari! If he gets the Grey homeworld with the dreadnoughts he has, he'll kill possibly billions, with or without heading to Sol or Alpha Centuari afterwards!" Said Lexa.
"Our own dreadnought and the NKI fleet won't be anywhere near there for another 4 days. And we can't engage the dreadnoughts ourselves and hope to make a difference." Alex commented, his scowl deepening with each moment he studied the map.
Suddenly, the communications console lit up with a high priority message alert. From an unknown target. Bringing the message onto speakers only, Sha'krii answered: "Who is this calling?"
"This is fleet Admiral Edward Matthews. We've been trying to get a hold of the visiting NKI command for two days now, but we only just repaired our communications. We were requested by the Dreadnought fleet leader, Kal'sik, to pass on this message, in exchange for a 3 day ceasefire. We have one day left, and you have a message to hear from him."
Sure enough, a recorded message appeared on the screens, able to be played at will. Glancing at each other, hologram or real, they elected to hear it. As they played it, a weak worm program targeted the weakly protected ship intercom firewalls, making sure everyone organic or artificially intelligent heard it, broadcasting all over both ships.
"I speak to the NKI leaders now. You fight is hopeless, your gathering of support from these retched lower races and their government is but a display to me of how desperate you have become in the face of true power. Accept your inevitable defeat in this war, both here and in Alliance territory. When I am done in the UIP, any NKI personnel who do not surrender shall burn under my fleet's firepower."
"Sha'krii, your brother granted me the tools to carry out what was necessary in this war, for the survival of our species and the Leg'hrul. Your betrayal shall seal your place in history as one of the greatest traitors in history. A martyr to a losing cause."
"Kirth, your skills are wasted on the losing side. Your insolence shall be your own undoing. And any of your followers would be best to wise up and abandon you. The same goes for you Norstith, and like Kirth, you shall perish in the fires of the end of the UIP."
"I now speak to the humans and the mech, particularly Alex Hunter and Shockwave. You fight against your inevitable fates, and I have not easily forgotten the humiliation you handed to me in the Varya operations nearly a year and a half ago. Know this as you watch world after world burn, you only made their suffering prolonged. I shall personally erase every trace of your disgusting species from the face of the galaxy, and if I find you, when I find you, I shall slowly kill you, in every way most agonizing to you. I shall hurt you, I shall hurt your loved ones, every planet you so much as took a step upon, until you eventually realize how hopeless your fate is, and the prospect of extinction becomes a merciful fate in your eyes."
"I offer you two options. You can come to me, and ensure your fate earlier in hope of a quicker end, or you can let world after world suffer while you run and hide in a useless attempt to gather assets against the Alliance. Either way, you will eventually die. But I shall not say that I am looking for you personally, for I know the dread and guilt over my wrath being further unleashed by your cowardice shall be enough to torture you. This is a certainty."
Dawnbreaker/Liberator fleet, Liberator conference room.
No one spoke, no one knew what to say.
Gripping the edge of the holo-conference table almost hard enough to warp its metal frame, Alex found his vice again, saying to Sha'krii's hologram:
"He is insane. We can't face him, your brother was a fool to let him have command of those ships!"
"Calm yourself Alex! We have not lost yet, as long as we gather support enough, and Shockwave gathers his decepticons-"
"Look Princess! Don't you get it! All we would be doing is gathering our assets into fewer targets for Kal'sik to lay waste too! That would be playing into his hands!" Argued Alex.
"Hunter! THIS is exactly what Kal'sik wants, not to prompt us into gathering our forces, but to intimidate us! If we begin to panic, we will lose the fight!" La'kias snapped, his temper fraying a bit. Xale snidely remarked back: "Oh, and have you got any bright ideas about what to do La'kias! Anything could be useful at this point!"
"Excuse me?"
All eyes snapped to a new addition to the holo conference, as Alex, Xale, Lexa, Raxler, Azula, Aru'san[via audio and camera link], Morthas, Ja'hail and Se'rie looked at the Dawnbreaker holograms, to see Krith Lovisk and Jarothes Hutreck enter beside Sha'krii, Kirth, La'kias and Norstith.
It had been Krith who spoke, her hard voice penetrating the arguing:
"We have more information on the leads, on the scouts." She said.
"How would that help us now?" Asked Ja'hail sceptically. Wiping his smooth, grey skinned forehead, Jarothes continued:
"We found a way to get our hands on the information we need to identify the final scout. We would know, but before our other colleague, Bal'toro, could tell us in a secure place, he was killed by a poison."
"We know that. What is the news you have about it?" Lexa asked expectantly.
Nervously, Krith said: "On the same trip on which I visited Earth for diplomatic reasons for the UIP intelligence, and hid my data batches, I had to stop on Pandora on the same tour, for diplomatic reasons also. I heard about something, it's confirmed, but hard to utilize to an extent."
"What is it?" Asked Azula, her patience wearing thin.
"On Pandora, when they are buried, like Bal'toro was, the plants have formed a superorganism, a neural network, across the whole planet right? Well, I also heard about certain sites being hubs for this 'information'. If Bal'toro was buried in his home clan, maybe, just maybe, the memories of his life, and possibly his entire mond, could be intact in that network, at a specific site."
"She is talking about extracting the information Bal'toro gathered directly from that organic network. It is the only way we know of to extract the information, any copies of the data he gathered were destroyed before Krith could get her hands on them." Jarothes added the last part, and finished there, to see the stunned looks on the faces of everyone present.
"I think that turn in prison might have done more damage to you than we thought." Commented Xale. Indignant, Jarothes voiced: "I am positive it can work. Raxler, what of the feasibility of my proposed method of getting the data Bal'toro gathered?"
While he processed the inquiry, Raxler remained silent, until his eyes seemed to light up red again, and he commented: "Cross referencing research data available publicly and restricted online has achieved a conclusion. The proposal is entirely feasible, particularly considering that Bal'toro was buried with a minimally decayed body roughly 10 months ago. His body will have decayed entirely, and according to tests, memories can stay intact within the planetary neural network for at least 20 years without disruption without destruction of critical vegetation. However, direct uplink to the network is required to extract the information. Recommend engineering direct interface mechanism, or utilizing a reliable Na'vi experienced in interfacing with the neural network."
"Yes, which we don't have. I don't think the Na'vi would appreciate us doing it ourselves. Alex, you lived on Pandora for 15 years, which makes you perfect for going, what would you recommend?" Norstith asked. Looking surprised, Alex asked: "You're asking me? All I've done concerning 'Eywa' is electrocute it and stop it from being controlled. If I go to Pandora, I'll be hated."
"Actually, we know your history. Only the Omaticaya clan would hate you possibly. Bal'toro was of an Eastern Banshee clan, the Kahtra'ya clan. They are 6000 miles away from the Omaticaya, and they don't use Eywa to send messages. No one would recognize you." Said Krith, putting ease to Alex's worries.
"Even if we do go, what about Kal'sik's dreadnought attacks? Information points to him targeting the homeworlds right? So in that case, we had better move quickly if we're to even think of doing this." Commented Se'rie.
"Also, it would be possible, perhaps, for a machine hybrid, or fully machine mind, to relay to us a view into the neural network. In the case of myself, Raxler and Alex, we could even perhaps interface directly, though we would need to make sure we don't take any risks." Norstith added, stroking his metallic, dark matter disguised neck frill feathers.
Kirth looked at the data terminal in front of him, his talons dancing over the holographic interface: "I've issued an order for the Solaris dreadnought and accompanying fleet to stop manufacture of additional antimatter shells for the heavy gun on the dreadnought. There are already 6 shells of varying yield, and an additional 6 experimental warheads that were loaded on before it was stolen."
"Experimental warheads?" Asked Lexa, sounding concerned. Morthas was more interested now, and asked also: "What kind of warheads?"
"2 Singularity pulse warheads, with singularity expansion explosive force of 1 megatons and 4 Electronic pulse warheads, designed for knocking out any shield technology."
Hearing of what exactly they had acquired with the dreadnought, and the possibly revealing of the last scout, the future suddenly did not seem so bleak. Sha'krii then said aloud: "Now that we have a chance to end the war on a diplomatic note-"
"Unless Kal'sik can't be reigned in." Interjected Ja'hail, his voice bordering on humour and worry. Staring at Ja'hail with a mildly annoyed look, though a thankful one for reminding them of a possible outcome, Sha'krii finished:
"We need to divide and conquer. The NKI fleet will need expertise, and we also need to not waste a chance to get that data, and reveal the last scout's identity. I propose we send, in the very least, Alex and Norstith to Pandora, and send Raxler to meet up with the NKI fleet as it arrives. Raxler should take the Liberator to meet with the NKI fleet, and we should keep a low profile with the Dawnbreaker also, perhaps send our selected members to Pandora in a less recognized form of transport."
"We'll sort that out another time. We have at least a day to spare, and I suggest we start by checking the systems on both ships, and then the next day, moving into interstellar space between here and Pandora." Suggested Alex. His proposal met no objections, and in the last moments of the meeting, Aru'san spoke up over the intercom:
"If I may speak. If it is a less recognized vessel you are seeking to travel to Pandora in, I would be ideally suited to carry at least 2 members on board my frame." Thinking for a brief moment, Alex shrugged, while Se'rie commented: "Good thinking Aru'san."
Later that evening, the day shift crew and officers of both ships settled down for a rest, and on the Liberator, in a crew lounge, meant for the once organic crew during the KI days, the on board officers relished their time off.
Surprisingly, Raxler turned up to the social down time, a part of his personal self programming, to help him better understand organic behaviour during leisure times. What he called reaching consensus on capabilities of specific firearm variants, Ja'hail saw as a competition for seeing what a synthetic would bring to the table in a debate on guns.
"But the K-34 can't shoot straight for shit."
"Organics tend to find positioning the K-34 difficult for an accurate shot. However, my frame could fire the weapon without it propped into my shoulder, with an accuracy of only 5 centimetre deviance from intended target every 20 metres, while in motion." Argued Raxler. Ja'hail groaned, he was finding it difficult to explain the difficulties of handling the K-34 heavy plasma rifle to Raxler. In the AI's case, the user unfriendliness of the rifle was irrelevant.
Around a small table, Morthas sat with Azula, Lexa and Xale, listening while the two clones recited their brief travels on Earth with Krith Lovisk and Alex. Azula laughed at the fact that Xale was so easily taken down by stun fire to the back.
"Laugh it up Azula. My nose still hurts from landing face first." Said Xale, laughing off the fail on his part as best he could. Lexa idly wondered: "I wonder if the UIP intelligence found out how to get that third data batch yet? Not like it would be of any use, we have a lone final lead now."
"Does graverobbing include robbing memories or whatever?" Asked Morthas jokingly. Thinking, Azula said: "The Na'vi died nearly a year ago, so I doubt there will be a body. Such a revolting way to treat the dead. Its much better to cremate them."
Morthas thought of a humorous scenario to further lighten the mood: "I suppose. I mean, cremate them, they get eaten up by the fire, bit of crackling, a nasty shock if they're not quite dead, but quick, sort of."
Getting the idea, Lexa added on: "Or with burying them, they get put in the ground, and eaten up by lots of little worms, bugs and fungi, very nasty shock if they're still alive somehow."
Looking at the female clone, Morthas laughed out loud, remarking: "Nice. You're like my brother was up to 3 years ago. Until it happened."
Suddenly concerned, Lexa asked: "What happened?"
"Well, up until 3 years ago he was mated you see, to the girl of his dreams." Morthas said, shrugging somewhat.
"What happened to them?" Xale asked.
"He found out she wanted a sex change. He wasn't gay himself, so it was a bit of a shock for him anyway. Imagine being in love with a now guy of his dreams? I swear he's so awkward whenever we mention it now, because he's now mated to the guy of his dreams." Morthas finished, laughing out loud.
Xale laughed at the story, while Azula simply commented as she sipped some herbal tea: "How unfortunate." Lexa giggled quite loudly, happy that she had a friend in Morthas. There were no romantic vibes between them, that was the only thing certain, no awkwardness, simply friendly openness except in the more private matters.
At the bar, Alex had poured himself another shot of beer, a relatively cheap, but good tasting variety. He was drinking away the mild depression that plagued him from the meeting and a more personal matter.
Se'rie was beside him, talking about the hope they had now: "So at least we have a shot at ending the war by diplomatic means, if we get Lo'rath and the UIP to see how stupid this whole war really is."
"Sure, as long as we get away from Earth." Commented Alex. Frowning a bit, Se'rie asked: "You don't seem happy to have seen your homeworld. I know its not what happened in Honolulu with Lanver, so what is it?"
Sighing, Alex placed his glass on the counter, looking at Se'rie in the eyes as he shuffled closed to her side: "Its what I did when I got back aboard. I didn't really have time to look down on Earth, so I, I searched the local government databases on information on my original family."
"Oh, Alex, I'm sorry." Se'rie offered a comforting hand on Alex's, the three digits mixing with his five. Alex shrugged, saying: "It's not what I read, just old memories, old pain of not knowing them and all that. I read about my parents, Valerie and Anthony Damien, and my 14 year older sister, Diane Damien. So technically, I am Alex Damien."
"So that's your birth name. Alex Damien. Not bad I guess, but Alex Hunter has a ring to it." Commented Se'rie. Alex laughed a bit, saying: "My parents were merchants, living in Toronto when not travelling with cargo. I guess that might be why I seemed to suit deliver boy jobs outside of the military so much."
"That's weird isn't it? My parents are merchants too, like your birth parents were." Se'rie said. Nodding, Alex stroked her feather fringe, commenting: "So we have similar pasts, but because of everything that happened to me and by my doing, we found each other."
"Now don't get soft on me Alex. Just count yourself lucky we met." Se'rie teased. Alex laughed a bit once more, leaning in a bit as she tilted her head. Lips and beak met, and they kissed for a few seconds, pulling back with Alex commenting: "I was really lucky we met. And I guess, really lucky to have met you in as few pieces as I did."
"Now let's hope your visit to Pandora goes by as smoothly as this visit to Earth did. Minus of course, being shot in the back." Se'rie added.
"Yes, but I would take stun fire over poisoned arrows to my body any time." Alex commented.
Finally, chapter 11 done.
Pandora here we come!
As usual guys, I could use reviews for constructive criticism. Please?