Head Trip – Chapter 25 "Command and Control"
The mind probes on Level Two were excruciating to watch and, yet, Sam knew she had no other alternative. After his extraction of all necessary data from the Allerians, Fifth activated the mechanical bugs once again and sealed the prisoners' fate. He then summoned Sam to his side and prepared to beam them back to the control room.
On the other hand, what was the purpose of the prison's final level, Level Three? Who were the suffering, sentient beings within those cubed walls? As much as she wanted to return to the control room, Sam felt that she had to know.
Caressing his cheek and gazing longingly into his eyes, she whispered, "My love, I'm in awe of your power and see how you've grown into a fearsome leader, especially now that you're free to do as you choose with these prisoners. I can't help but thinking how good it is for you and our brethren that First is not in control. You're younger and more able to sustain the rigors of these probes, aren't you? Watching you and being with you, I feel a great vitality, an energy that will enable us to shape the future of the many worlds beyond this world." And, with that, she kissed him … passionately.
Fifth seemed surprised at this sudden outpouring of emotion, and his cheeks flushed as their lips parted. She did not take her eyes from him as she continued to stroke his blushing cheek. It was a daring and bold move, but she could not retreat from her overall mission now. So she pushed forward and provocatively said, "How can I help you? I want to help you become the leader you are destined to be. Show me what I can do … perhaps I can be of value on Level Three …."
There! The words were spoken … will he see through her mind game? Will he sense the hidden insincerity of her saccharine words? She held her breath and waited for his response.
He gently pushed her away and returned her gaze with a penetrating and questioning look of his own. Sam did not falter …her very life depended upon the success of this masquerade; not only her life, but the lives of countless others. She had already promised herself that she would play some small part in stopping this Replicator menace from spreading farther.
A smile slowly crept across his lips, as Fifth said, "Beloved, to hear you speak with such affection and to see your eyes burn with passion gives me a feeling I've never known before. It's as if my heart were overflowing with joy. I feel that I can do anything with you by my side. Together, we will conquer new worlds and bring forth many new children. Come, let me show you the first fruits of my labor …."
Once again, the beam of light swept them both to another level, the final level - Level Three. Sam both feared and welcomed what she now was about to learn.
The procedure here was different. Fifth did not attempt to enter into each individual cell as he did on Level Two. Instead, he issued a loud and forceful command to "Come forth".
Sam could feel a sudden chill run down her spine as she watched the shimmering replicator blocks dissolve into human-form Replicators which emerged and stood attentively in the front of their holding cells. There were 20 … 50 … almost 100 bodies of silent sentinels, the final remnants of Alleria, who were now waiting for Fifth to activate their inert minds and bodies.
"These are mine, Samantha. I have been patterning and training them since their births. They know only me as their creator. Before this day is over, they will be ready to be fully activated in my service. When our remaining brethren on Levels One and Two are fully formed, I will let you assist me in the birthing process. Your human wisdom and knowledge will shape them well. You will add much to the act of regeneration. Together, we will be co-creators of our brothers and sisters."
Sam now knew this was the time to strike. She had just hours before a new generation of Replicators would be at Fifth's disposal. She had to reduce her current threat level and make her move soon.
"Fifth, if these are your very own, what is left of First's creations?"
He seemed puzzled by the question, but naively gave her the answer she was seeking, "First has taken his brethren with him to assist in the scouting expedition. Those in the control room are the only remaining … many of our brethren are already situated on several of the appointed planets, awaiting First's arrival and eventual selection of the optimal site for relocation. I have been left in command of this final operation. The neutronium is now depleted and it will take only a week or two to complete the transformation of these three levels."
"And these will know only you as their creator." It was said slowly and deliberately, giving him time to realize the importance of her words. Sam turned and looked into Fifth's eyes once again, feeding the flames of avarice and desire.
She was walking a very fine line here between escape and annihilation, but Sam was betting that, for all their rapid evolution into human forms, the Replicators still had not mastered the depths and deceptions of the human heart. Fifth was learning, and had learned, from his initial betrayal on Halla … but he was still innocent of her motives … ironically, she felt in control.