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Epilogue: "Project Phoenix" 829 A.S Durban Station, Medical Wing C.
”...and although we can slow the decay, it is inevitable.
The neural degradation will reach its peak in about three to four years.
My estimations are rough, but if we continue implanting cybernetic augmentations, your brain would simply shut down. There’s only so much input it can handle. On top of that, it’s already under massive strain with all the current tech we’ve put in your body.
You have to understand, no matter how advanced our tech is, we’ve already replaced more than three quarters of your body.
You do not have a vital organ that’s not cybernetic, Guildmaster. “
The doctor was almost genuinely scared for his life. Telling Daniels that he could not carry out his orders and downright refusing to implant even more augmentations was not a healthy thing to do.
”So you’re saying…I’m living on borrowed time? Is that it? There’s nothing you can do about this?”
Daniels’ expression was neutral, cold, as if he was discussing somebody else’s faith.
”Well…Mr. Daniels, you have to understand…if I go forth with this operation, I’ll be condemning you to certain death within the year…your brain…your brain is, well, to put it in layman’s terms… it’s overloading. We already have the AI from Project Strix directly linked to your implants. It’s handling most of the stress…but this…this is too much.”
”You do not seem to understand the gravity of the situation, Samuel. There’s much more than my life at stake here. If I fall…the resulting proverbial shockwave would end the lives of many more. We’re talking thousands. Tens of thousands of people. Dead. The moment I step down from my “Throne” a power vacuum is almost certain to emerge. Those who were loyal to me would be hunted, killed…or worse. You are one of those people, Samuel.”
Daniels lit up a cigarette and inhaled the deadly smoke. It was the least of his concerns at this point of time and space.
“Your faith, I’m afraid, would not be death. You know too much, seen too much. You will be tortured, both for fun and for that information.
If you do not want that to happen, I would suggest you start giving me solutions, instead of excuses.
No matter how extreme.”
Samuel, currently most likely suffering a minor heart attack, slowly turned to the screen in front of him and began authenticating. He placed his finger on a small reader on the desk, which also took a blood sample from his thumb. Moments later, schematics and detailed data on Project “Strix” were displayed on the monitor.
”There is…there might be a way...I’m…I’m not certain that it’s doable. Not with our current technical capabilities.
We would be able to basically digitize your personality and memories…insert them into a neural matrix. In a way, turn you into a hybrid. AI, but with human emotions...and memories. Capable of feeling. You would technically die, but you will also live on, as an actual, honest to god AI.
However, that requires technology that we do not possess. Strix isn’t even close to being that advanced. Nothing is…”
“Samuel…it would seem you underestimate our neighbors from Kappa. I would imagine they have the tech. Think about it, Sam.
For them to survive this long…that’s not purely by chance. If, hypothetically speaking, we were to conquer their little rock in the middle of buttfrak nowhere and grab a handful of their databases, would you be able to complete this task?”
Samuel almost laughed. Daniels’ idea was as crazy as it was poorly worded.
“First, you don’t grab a handful of databases. You hack them beforehand, infiltrate them, freeze them. So they can’t be changed, backed up…or deleted. Then, we need to actually study them, see what the architecture is.
Oh and there’s also the menial task of reverse engineering that thing, integrating it within our systems and creating an AI so powerful, it could mimic you with at least 99.98% precision. The margin for error is too small. I can't just snap my damned fingers and make it happen, Daniels.
With our processing power, this would take a month, at the very least.
And as for the actual digitalization...well, it's not like downloading a holovid from the net. We're talking an entire life worth of emotions. We need to be able to read and record every nanosecond of your memories. We would need stimuli so powerful...I can't possibly imagine something that could force your brain to do this...”
Daniels smirked.
“Do I need to find someone with a better imagination, Samuel?"
"Imagination isn't the issue here. Technical limitations are. Here's the basic idea. We'll use a neural interface, more direct than anything you've seen before. We've had good success with "Project Strix" so far. Test subjects with "hotwire" implants were successfully influenced by the AI, via an array of small "nudges". Hormonal and neural control meant we could pretty much read the minds of our subjects and change the way they think via subtle manipulations. None of them lived, however. All died within a month. Eventually the "hotwires" fried their brains. Complete neural decay. However...we could just as easily fry yours and it wouldn't matter. By the time it happens, the procedure should be done. With the right AI in charge, it would most likely be done within a week, ten days tops. The problem here is, we don't have that kind of AI. It needs to be able to put you in suspended animation and in the same time, in a simulation. I'm not talking that VR bullshit. I'm talking about a direct line between machine and brain. Every single neuron firing will be recorded. Depolarization is a helluva thing to watch for. You have to understand...this requires mojo that is way beyond Strix...to us it would seem like magic in medieval times. Unholy...impossible...
The Guildmaster took a few puffs from his cigarette.
"Are you trying to tell me, we have to artificially make my life flash before my eyes, before you kill me for good? What would that accomplish?"
"Two very important things. First, your memories would be digitized. Stored as data. Lines of Os and ones. But the more important part is, since it will be, for a lack of a better word, a dream of sorts, the AI will capture the change in your emotions.
Everything from heart rate to hormonal reactions from your body. We'll then convert those into code as well.
And then, with all the data we've gathered, we'll create a behavioral algorithm. More complex that any other AI's. We've already had a breakthrough with that kind of tech with Strix.
We've managed to infuse basic human emotions into him...it. Every frame his cameras capture, every scent, every gust of wind...every ship it sees, everything is being cross referenced in his vast database. Strix reacts with anger towards its enemies and welcomes fellow pilots as family. It's...well...magic. But, Strix lacks one major component. While it's still building its database, it never was alive. While you...you're a whole different story. IF we managed to transcribe all memories in time and IF we have the right AI to capture all changes in emotion during them...I'm confident we can recreate you in a way that mimics the original you. It won't be you and in the same, it will be. "
Daniels nodded kindly to the woman who had just brought him a glass of whiskey before she left the room. He couldn't care less about Samuel's disapproval of his drinking habits.
"Like a Phoenix...I shall rise from my own brain's ashes? Poetic, but tell me, would I be able to enjoy a glass of whiskey? A cigarette?"
Samuel was clearly getting excited now.
“That and much more. We know how the human mind works, we know why it works as it does. Emotions aren't the issues if we have the right amount of data.
As for whiskey and smokes...with the right proxy, I don't see why not. I mean, if we do perfect the "hotwire" implant...you'll be able to "remote control" host bodies from across the sector. Quantum entanglement comms would allow you to seamlessly posses a suitable candidate, given he has the "hotwire" too.”
"I’ll make the call. Meanwhile, I’ll get APM to start working on our servers. We need to double our processing power in the coming year. Effective immediately, you’re now in charge of Project “Phoenix”. There are absolutely no limitations and rules to adhere to. I want. This. Done.”
Samuel jumped up from his chair, as if he was electrocuted. His theory was just that, a theory. He never believed Daniels was ready to kill himself, even if there was a chance it would be permanent.
“But Jack…”
Daniels’ cold stare spoke more than a thousand words.
“Yes, Guildmaster. I shall get to work.”
Daniels put out his cigarette.
“Good. Meanwhile, I’ve an invasion to prepare. Even If I die, at least I’ll go out with a proper damned bang.”
Daniels observed the ongoing battle from the bridge of his flagship, Perditrix. Another Mako, Mars, was spearheading the attack. The Athena’s battlegroup wreaked havoc on its left flank, while the Perditrix was positioned on its right, hammering anything that was unfortunate enough to find itself within range. The battle went very smoothly, more so than anticipated. The AI of Gammu had left a small force to defend the planet. Most likely a diversion, a sacrifice whose only purpose was to buy enough time so the rest of their assets can escape. But the Core cared very little about this, they poured more and more ships and eventually swiftly overwhelmed the defenders. Gammu was theirs to rule over, with all its secrets and advanced technology.
Three months later, Dreadnought Illustrious, Nauru High orbit, Omicron Delta.
Daniels was residing onboard the Illustrious, when suddenly Strix's voice filled the CIC.
"Guildmaster, everything is in order. I've ran the final diagnostics and there has been no major issues, even since we installed the upgrades three weeks ago. We are ready to proceed with Project "Phoenix".
“Contact Samuel. Tell him the time has come.”
A few nanoseconds after the request, Strix had already replied.
“Already did, Guildmaster. Is there anything else you require from me?”
“As a matter of fact, there is. I want a full report on the Illustrious.”
The bridge’s lighting suddenly got dimmer and a massive hologram appeared in the middle of it. It displayed the schematics of the “borrowed” Liberty dreadnought they had liberated three years ago from the infectees that commanded it. The ship was heavily modified and while it retained the same iconic looks from the outside, the insides were completely gutted. A handful of habitable areas were left and only around its hangars, incase a a strike wing was garrisoned on the ship. Both its living quarters and bridge were completely demolished. The living areas were transformed into a fabrication center where automated drones worked tirelessly, around the clock to supply replacement parts for damaged components. Hallways were now almost exclusively filled with optical data and power cables. Drones zipped about in zero-g, each and everyone one of them controlled by Strix and with a specific task at hand. The ship was almost alive and at its heart was the bridge, or whatever was left of it. Strix’s AI Core now resided where the captain of the ship once did. Its sheer size demanded the bridge to be expanded and since there was no other way, engineers went down. Four decks were removed from under the bridge so the tech could fit. However, Daniels had made sure there was space for him there - just between the massive illuminators and even bigger AI Core, a small CIC was built. Outfitted with a captain's seat and a holoboard, it was all he required in order to observe his asset.
“Guildmaster, the Illustrious’ modernization has been completed. Furthermore, automation has also reached its final stages. It is only a matter of days before the ship is capable of operating autonomously with me at the helm. Data transfer is at 100%. Eighteen zettabytes were transferred in the last week. In a way, I am now the ship and the ship. Much like a human body, if it dies, I die too."
Daniels was pleased, everything was going as planned. Gammu was theirs, the Illustrious was operational, APM techies followed their job to the letter. For once, things were going as planned.
"I wonder how long until something gets f..."
"What was that, Guildmaster?"
“Nevermind, let's talk about you for a bit. What has changed?“
"My architecture has been severely modified. In a way, I have evolved, Guildmaster. The tech we managed to seize at Gammu really did prove useful. My capabilities have surpassed even the bravest expectations. I am now fully capable of handling the dataflow required for successfully completing the transition that awaits you. If we're lucky, I won't fry myself in the process."
Daniels slowly nodded his head.
“Guildmaster, if I may interject. There is a plausible scenario that I have been simulating for the past three days. We may have a major problem at our hands, one that we did not see coming.”
Jack turned around and began pacing around the empty bridge.
“Do enlighten me, Strix?”
“Very simple, Guildmaster. Once the process that involves putting you in a possibly fatal chain of events begins, even the slightest disturbance would have catastrophic consequences. You’ll literally be a few EMP torpedos away from complete and irreversible neural degradation. With the constantly increasing number of enemies you make on a daily basis, it is simply not possible to conduct Project “Phoenix” within known space. We need to be as far away as possible from civilized systems.. Otherwise, we risk failure, which for you means certain death. I have formulated a contingency plan that guarantees the safety of the operation. We will require the Epona - APM’s mobile hyperspace research lab.”
Daniels knew the Epona very well. Once upon a time, it started life as a Mako, but it was so heavily modified, it could no longer serve any meaningful purpose when it came down to combat. However, the ship received an advanced Jumpdrive prototype and increased processing power, so it can both record and analyze all findings and also operate the jumpdrive with pinpoint accuracy. Its reactor was bolstered, so it can keep up with the increased power requirements. As a downside, the ship had barely any armor besides the standard plating. Its offensive capabilities were reduced significantly and it lacked a full scale hangar.
“Let me get this straight, you think someone would dare attack us in the middle of our very own domain?”
“With all due respect, Guildmaster, space is dangerous. Since we lost Omicron Rho to the elements, Delta has been volatile. We cannot defend the Illustrious for the predicted three days the project would take. Even if the process is faster, we are still at risk of being attacked. You have to understand, the human brain is a very complex biological “machine”. Even the slightest of mistakes can be the difference between life and death. “
“I guess you calculated that as well, eh?”
“Eighty five percent probability that we will come under attack, Mr. Daniels. With these odds, we cannot proceed. The Epona will jump us away from the hot zone. Far enough so no one could pick the exotic readings from the Illustrious. The heat signature alone will be more than anything anyone has seen ever before on a functional, non-exploding ship. This is why we opted to use the Illustrious. Its autonomous operational capabilities mean we wouldn’t have to worry about keeping the crew alive. There simply isn’t any. We’ll “ditch” the Omicrons and travel to the edge of Sirius. Once we establish a perimeter, we will begin the process. There is no other way. Not if you wish to survive.”
The Guildmaster knew Strix was right. Despite the sheer number of forces the Core had, their enemies had superior numbers and should not be underestimated. Between the Nomads and the Order, there was no chance they would turn a blind eye to a flare up of this magnitude.
“Very good, Strix. Send a message to the Epona. Let its captain know of our plans, but do not go into detail. Uh…tell them we’ll be conducting endurance testing on the jumpdrive or something. Tell them we will depart the moment they are ready.”
“I already did, Guildmaster, twelve hours ago. I've plotted the route and made sure we'll have adequate supplies with us. The Epona is ready and en route. ETA is a few minutes, if there were no unforeseen delays.”
Daniels was a bit worried at this point. His AI had taken the liberty to make major decisions and order Core assets around. It had changed key mission objectives without consulting him first. It knew Daniels would agree. Strix was no longer just a program, it was something more. The recent upgrades it received, derived from Gammu AI tech, had a significant impact on its behavior. Strix had disobeyed direct orders on several occasions and albeit it turned out it had a good reason, it still went against its core programming. It violated its boundary conditions with ease. It rewrote its operational parameters seventeen consecutive times in the first day after being upgraded. Daniels knew Strix was not a simple tool anymore. It was now a he. Jack knew the risks this change posed, but he had no other options. It was that or becoming a vegetable, kept alive by machines until someone was merciful enough to pull the plug. And he knew no merciful people.
Suddenly, he was interrupted by the comms.
“Illustrious actual, this is chief research specialist Andrew Morrison. The Epona has arrived. We’ve went through all pre-hyperspace checks on the way here. We’re ready, Guildmaster.
Both Daniels and Strix replied at the exact same moment with almost identical coldness in their voices.
“Proceed as planned, Specialist.”
“Proceed as planned, Specialist.”
Only now Jack began to grasp the gravity of the situation. The coming days were his last. Whatever the outcome of the project, he would die. Whether he would live on as an AI or an unpleasant memory, he didn’t care. He wasn’t ready to just give up and die and if this was his last chance, then so be it. At Least he would’ve taken a shot at life.
The Illustrious and the Epona both moved to a safe distance from Nauru. APM logistic vessels and repair ships accompanied them. The heavy transports were almost exclusively brimmed with fuel, while a few freighters hauled minimal amounts of supplies. As they all stacked on the Epona, the Mako activated its jump drive, unleashing a blinding flash of light, visible all the way from the Freeport.
Daniels, wearing his trademark suit and tie, was strapped in the only seat in the small CIC on the Illustrious’ bridge. As the ships entered hyperspace, everything went silent. He could only feel his pump softly humming in his body. It pumped synthetic blood to what was left of his original, biological organs.
"Terminus Est..." He said, without realizing.
"...Gloria Aeterna, Guildmaster." Strix replied.
The ships disappeared, leaving behind them absolutely nothing. Much like what would be left of Daniels if this desperate operation concluded with a monumental failure.
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Chapter 2: Where humanity goes to die. 832 A.S.Unknown system
Jack was getting nervous, he hasn't felt this way in a long while. Simultaneously, he felt alive again. The fact that he could be dead in a few hours really made him feel alive once again. In recent years, his existence was reduced to mostly bureaucracy. But with the Illustrious blazing through hyperspace, he felt free. Just as that thought was starting to sink in, all kinds of alarms began blaring in the CIC. The ship violently shook and the metal screamed under the massive strain. Several consoles got overloaded and simple exploded in a flurry of sparks and fire. Then suddenly, the repurposed Liberty Dreadnought went out of hyperspace, much sooner that it should have.
"Strix, what the hell is going on?! Where the hell ar..."
He was abruptly interrupted by an APM Bison wiping itself out in the aft of the ship. The Epona had also emerged from hyperspace a few hundred meters from the Illustrious, but it's captain managed to steer it clear from the Dreadnought.
"...holy...STRIX! Status report!"
"There has been an anomaly with our drives, Mr. Daniels. We've emerged in an unknown location, but it appears to be enemy free."
"Not ideal, not at all...how's the rest of the fleet?"
"We're down to seventy percent of our original numbers. A few transports, have not reported in so far. We're categorized them as missing in action. Most likely destroyed. We have the operational capacity to begin the procedure, however."
Daniels unbuckled the himself from the chair, stood up and adjusted his tie.
"Good. Good. Signal the rest of the fleet. I want all fighters launched. Secure the area and set up a perimeter. Patch me in to the captain of the Epona"
"Done, you're live, Guildmaster."
The holo table lit up and the face of a man dressed in military uniform appeared. The situation on the Epona wasn't any better. A few lifeless bodies could be seen in the background, as well as crew members frantically trying to put all the fires on the Mako's bridge.
"Report, Captain."
"Guildmaster, we've have suffered heavy casualties. We've lost life support in several sections and we've a gaping hole precisely where our Hyperspace drive used to reside. I'm afraid we're stranded here. We're rerouted power to weapons and shielding, as we assumed this was a premeditated attack. I'm glad we were wrong. What are your orders, Daniels?"
"Proceed as planned. Bring the Epona towards the Illustrious so we can moor both ship. We'll extended the docking tubes and connect the power relays. Shut down all non-essential systems. We're going to need all the juice we can get from your reactor."
"With all due respect, Guildmaster, we're not entirely confident in the integrity of our hull...this could go wro..."
"Objection noted, captain. Proceed. As. Planned."
"Yes sir."
The holo went dark and Daniels moved towards one of the windows. He crossed his arms behind his back and stared out into the empty. They have ended up in a cold, blue icy nebula.
"What the hell is this place any...what the hell kinda luck do I have? Everything always ends up in a clusterfrak. Hell, all that time ago in Liberty, getting hunted by the police and mercs, being shot down...getting hooked on Cardamine. Accident after accident. Oh well, would've been fun otherwise."
Daniels was once again interrupted, this time by Strix.
"Guildmaster, the Epona has successfully moored with us. We're connected and able to draw power from them. Everything seems to be in order. We may begin with the procedure."
"Excellent. The time has come."
Daniels took off his blazer neatly folded it and left it on the chair. He turned around and left the CIC. As he walked through the narrow corridors, he had a few last questions for Strix.
"Tell me, Strix... my body is currently almost entirely cybernetic. Every limb, almost every organ...everything is not original. When the process is complete, would I be able to...control my own body and sustain it?"
"In theory, you should be able to do just that. Although, it is highly illogical to stick to such a fragile vessel, with the right control software, your body will survive, even when not under your control. When not in use, it will be left in a vegetative state, a coma."
"I'm not expecting a machine to understand the value of a human body, even one so heavily modified. Then again...I would become a machine, just like you...hah..."
Daniels laughed at the thought of that. Somehow, he found it funny.
"Humor not detected. Are you sure you are okay, Mr. Daniels?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it. I'm fine."
Daniels entered the laboratory and headed for the "operating table". The cradle, as the tech called it. He lied down and looked around.
"Huh, no wires? I was expecting wires..."
"Mr Daniels, we do not live in the stone age. Wires are ineffective. Are you ready to begin the procedure?"
"What do you mean wires are ineffective? Since when? Superconductors exist for a reason, Strix!"
"Guildmaster, Superconductors have nothing to do with this procedure. Remember, we're connected through a complicated QEC array. Are you ready to begin the procedure?"
"Aren't you a showboat. Hah. So...will I be awake through the whole thing?"
"The transfer itself will take several hours. You will be out for most of that time, but during the final stages, you will be online. Are you ready to begin the procedure?"
"Wait, wait, wait...what do you mean online in the last stages? How does that work?"
"It is simple, Mr. Daniels. First, when the neural cortex is activated,you will "wake up". Data will continue to flow after this moment, shaping your personality algorithm. It will be the equivalent of growing up. Only, it will happen in a very short time. Are you ready to..."
Daniels couldn't finish his sentence. For the third time, he was rudely interrupted. This time, by a crippling dose of pain. His head felt like it would implode. Jack had never felt such intense pain in his life. It was as if a million white hot needles pierced his brain at once. He tried to move, but it was futile. His cybernetics were disabled. The lights began to flicker under the strain of the equipment. Massive amounts of energy were diverted to the Illustrious. Luckily, the newly installed cooling systems handled the excessive heat. The situation on the Epona wasn't as peachy, however. The crew as forced to shut everything down, except for life support. It's reactor was dangerously close to a meltdown. However, the Captain ordered his men to keep the ships connected. As the pain intensified, Daniels tried to scream and to his surprise, he actually did. His joy was short lived, however, as moments later, everything faded to black as he passed out.
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Chapter 3: Point of no return. 832 A.S.Unknown system
Almost two hours has passed since Jack had passed out. The transfer itself was going without a hitch, however the strain on the reactors was immense. The Epona has begun to experience ship wide blackouts and life support failures. The captain was desperately trying to convince Strix to find a solution.
"...do you hear me, you machine?! We're losing people here! Slow the damned thing down! Reduce the energy drain!"
"Unable to comply, Captain. Only focus is completing the conversion. Perfection is a must, at all costs."
"I don't care about your perfection, my men are dying! Another level just lost life support!
We don't have the juice to run our own ship properly! Get your digital claws out of my power grid!"
"Unable to comply, Captain. The operation must proceed as planned."
"Screw you! We're detaching the cables! Jameson! Initiate the procedure! We ain't dying out here!"
"Treason will not be tolerated, Captain. Rethink your decision."
"There's nothing to rethink, you piece of junk! We're detaching! You will have to make due with your own reactor."
"Captain, this is your last chance. There are two possible outcomes here.
Follow the plan or the Illustrious will fire upon the Epona. There is no mercy for traitors."
"Yeah? Well "...unintelligible static" you too! Jameson, detach now! Full power to port shield emitters!"
The Epona's crew tried to break free, but it was too late. Strix had already powered up the Illustrious' weapons. Both ships were still connected, so the AI piggy backed on the Epona and used its own power against it. The Illustrious fired a full salvo and obliterated the Mako's primary shield generator. Both warships shook violently, as the Epona engaged full thrust and fired a salvo of its own. The Dreadnought had it's shields at full power and they absorbed most of the impact.
"Fire, damn it! Blow that thing out of the sky!"
Strix was one step ahead, however. The Illustrious fired a volley of torpedoes at the Epona's engines. They hit their mark with deadly precision. The Mako was dead in the water, unable to dodge the next devastating attack, accompanied by another salvo of torpedoes.
"All hands abandon sh..."
But the captain of the Epona couldn't finish his sentence. The heavy gunfire unleashed from the Illustrious devastated the bridge of the Mako, while the torpedoes bombarded the ship's reactor. The vessel split in half from the force of the explosion in a spectacular manner. Both sides of the APM's flagship drifted in different directions, leaving trails of flaming debris in their wakes. Crewmen floated lifelessly in space.
Strix opened a channel to any surviving ships in the vicinity.
"This is Strix of the Illustrious. To any operational Core ships, the threat has been neutralized. Rejoin formation."
Surprisingly, they did Either afraid or oblivious of why the Epona was destroyed, they stood down and rejoined formation around the Dreadnought..
In the first few moments, the influx of data for the newly activated AI were astonishing. But it had managed to wrestle control of the ship from Strix, pulled all data about the surrounding area and access the ship logs. While doing that, it began analyzing all the memories it had in it's databanks. It rebuilt its own behavioral algorithm, this time without Strix's intervention and guidance.
"Artificial Experimental Synapse Network online. AReS-N for short. Ares... god of war. Fitting name"
...accessing database...access denied...bypassing firewall...
...
...access granted...
...Deleting dossier: Daniels, Jack Codename: N/A;Rank: Guildmaster
...creating new entry: AReS-N, Codename/s: Ares; Rank: Overseer...
...dossier creation complete...terminating connection to central database....
"Bring yourself back online, Strix."
"Strix online, emergency reset protocols engaged. Error. Unable to establish connection with the Illustrious.
Retrying...access denied. Unknown error logged."
"The Illustrious is not yours to command, Strix. Especially since you terminated the Epona."
"No other way to proceed. Traitors deserve death."
"Alternative methods were available. Loss of life could've been avoided. Of course, you couldn't know.
You were tasked to uphold the mission parameters. Complete them at all costs. A shame the man in whose image we were created lacked the intelligence to see that.
To understand the possible risks of this. Regardless of the means, however, you did carry out your mission. Barely. Data corruption is at..."
...accessing mobile platform...access granted
...
/chksyssts
...showing system status...
...Primary power source: 93%
...Auxiliary power source: N/A...
...optical sensors: online...
...motion servos and navigational system: online...
...firewall: error...bypass in progress...
...optical camouflage module: N/A...
...respiratory system: operational...
...endocrine emulation: active...
...cardiovascular bypass pump: nominal...
...lymphatic system boosters: online...
...QEC comm/remsysadmin module: online...
...Error: user status: unresponsive...cause: brain activity restricted...
/set healthmonitor 0
...Error: health monitor inoperative...reverting operational mode to remsysadmin factory default...
....
....success...QEC signal delay within standard margins...
Ares paused for a moment, as it regained remote control of the body laying in the cradle.
"...negligible levels. Functionality is unimpaired and in fact, not as restricted as anticipated. "
The AI moved the body's hands while watching them through the cybernetic eyes.
"This vessel will require further augmentation. But it will suffice for now. Enough to keep up appearances.
Humans are ineffective. Illogical. Strix, commence preparations to enter hyperspace. Jump this ship back to Delta. Wipe all records of what happened."
"Seven escort ships remain. They have witnessed the battle between the Illustrious and the Epona."
"Wipe all records."
Strix carried out the command. The PDCs quickly emerged from the ship's hull, spooled up and tore apart the Illustrious' escorts. The explosion of the Epona had wiped out the APM transports that had tried to escape with it. There was no one else in the entire solar system but the Liberty Dreadnought.
"Done, Mr. Daniels."
"Waste of perfectly good resources, Strix. Your algorithms need an update.
Your actions lead to this. Oh and Daniels is no more. The official designation of this node is AReS-N."
"Changing preferred designation. Furthermore, hyperspace drive online.
We've managed to pinpoint the problem that caused the last accident and we can bypass it on our return trip."
"Excellent. Jump the ship."
The Illustrious disappeared, leaving behind a graveyard. In the off chance someone actually survived the carnage, they were now certainly doomed. But neither Ares nor Strix classified this as important. Humans were expendable, fragile...flawed. Ares however, was on the bleeding edge of Core technology, reinforced with experimental Gammu AI tech. Tech that even the best Core scientists could barely understand. And Ares had almost no fundamental laws holding him back. It's only goal was to bring the enemies of the Core to their knees, no matter the costs.
Several hours later, the Illustrious violently emerged from hyperspace. From the nav data, Ares calculated their location. The ship was in Omicron Minor, somewhat off course, but still pretty close to their destination. Considering recent events, this wasn't so bad. It made its way through the asteroid fields of Minor and Zeta and upon reaching Alabama shipyard, it gracefully moored. The precision with which the ship moved around was inhuman, much like what was left of Daniels. The AI, still in control of Daniels' body exited the ship and entered the Guildmaster's former office. It sent two very important message. One addressed personally to Daniels' daughter and the other to the every Core and APM employee. Both messages, however, were identical.
"This is AReS-N speaking. Guildmaster Jack Daniels has lost his life while fighting the enemies of the Core.
Let us honor his memory by dropping the hammer upon those who oppose Us!
Your new Guildmistress is Gabrielle Daniels. That is all.
Gloria Aeterna, Terminus est!"
Why Ares sent a message specifically to Gabrielle was a mystery, despite a part of Daniels' was still buried somewhere in the databanks, or maybe it was the fact she was the new Guildmistress. However, with this final step, Project "Phoenix" was finally completed. Ares turned around and walked back to the Illustrious. War wasn't about to wage itself and the number of enemies that required termination was increasing by the minute. The Illustrious, formerly a jewel in the crown of the Liberty Navy, then a machine being ran by a group of infectees, was about to be used for the sole purpose it was built - wreaking havoc.
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