Beyond ‘X’ Book VI latest post Ch 2 pt 3, 2nd June 15

[Paranoid66]

Beyond ‘X’ - Journeys within the Emissary Sphere ‘ES’.
Far Future Fiction originally extrapolated from an X3 foundation - honest.
By Paranoid66.

Brief Synopses
Beyond ‘X’ space in another time another Sphere (Universe): the self altered descendents of the furthest travellers of the ‘Five ‘X’ Races’ explore a new altering reality within the wider Grand Creation of Paradox myth.

[[The format continues on from the general concept used in Book I, II, III, IV and V well it sort of does due to a little evolution.]]


Beyond ‘X’ Book VI --- TEMPORAL DISLOCATIONS ---

[[PROLOGUE]] --- WRESTLING WITH CHANGE ---

[Three hours three days three weeks three months three years three decades and three hundred years after ‘Founder’s Day’ proved disappointing. After we awakened and took stock of what we had missed and of the current state of our multi-species nation some were now calling it our ‘Ultra-nation’. The ‘Ultra-nation’ still made up of divisive ‘Free State Ports’ and various other conglomerate bodies such as the ‘Consortium’ and the ‘FPB’, it all seemed terribly business as usual even with many more slightly enlarged ‘Slivers’ of Ring World out there.]

[Actually an awful lot had happened in the gap years including a few minor skirmishes and state wars but the histories we hastily absorbed from various trusted ‘Cores’ and ‘Link Sites’ did not inspire us sufficiently to want to stay in this now for any great length of time. You do not travel to experience more of the same you travel to find some real differences at least explorer types are guilty of requiring more than the usual.]

[Somehow, we ended up convening in the ‘Discovery Nightclub’ to discuss our general sense of disappointment with this future now. Weirdly the ‘Discovery’ was still there with only a few changes in the decor and even more weirdly it still had ‘Oddment’ as the active proprietor. Obviously, the ‘Recycler’ had opted for nanotech support of his biology or undergone some form of regenerative treatments even possibly been reborn. Some ‘Recyclers’ aged onto death or as much as they can die when they upload to a digital paradise upon any permanent physical deterioration of what remains of their un-mechanised body parts.]

[I decided that ‘Oddment’ must really love his job or that he seriously lacked ‘Vision’ to stay over three hundred years in the same position it seemed almost improbable. Being paranoid, I began to wonder if he was working a deep cover perhaps as a ‘Meat Suit’ operative of ‘Crimson’ or the ‘Spore of the Machine Fury’ spying upon ‘Port Discovery’ and me.]

[Gazing at ‘Oddment’ it felt annoyingly as if we hadn’t gone any great distance at all so that any temporal shock I felt was more the shock that three hours three days three weeks three months three years three decades and three hundred years later could have been just three seconds down the timeline well almost.]

[I considered asking the ‘Recycler’ about her chosen means of staying spry or querying the ‘Cores’ about this issue but then decided to leave her longevity as an irrelevant mystery. In this age no one had to age it remains a matter of choice and sometimes of conscience. Anyway, I know some people can be stupidly sensitive about their chosen method of preservation considering any matter involving propping up bodily functionality as a private concern especially in relation to bodily invasive nanotechnology - I let it go for now as a Priest who still supported ‘Shrouding’ anything else seemed far too hypocritical.]

“Nowhere near far enough.” [‘Unholy’ stated aloud from across the booth’s oval table saying almost exactly what I was thinking.]

“Did you hear about ‘Jackie’ or Captain ‘Jack’ as he is currently known?” [I asked.]

“No what about him?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“He is also travelling in time but not voluntarily.” [I stated.]

“He is in a ‘Stasis Prison’ what liberty did he take?” [‘Kanne’ asked.]

“From what I could gather he rather foolishly got caught breaking into a ‘SARC Prison’ so they sentenced him on the spot and made him a too permanent inmate.” [I informed.]

“None of our ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ Proxies did anything about this fact?” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Perhaps they thought he needed to take his medicine.” [‘Kanne’ interjected.]

“How long a sentence did he get?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“They made an example out of him - taking breaches of their stasis prison facilities very seriously - they gave him 1000 years.” [I stated.]

“That seems an excessive ruling and one that ought to be open to a legal or diplomatic challenge of some nature.” [‘UT’ complained.]

“The ‘Social Advancement and Reform Committee’ were never famed for the moderation of their legal system or for their diplomacy and in their territory it is their law and their way. It is always bad when you get caught trespassing within the jurisdiction of someone far less reasonable some might even argue unashamedly fascist.” [I reminded.]

“I think he must have done more than just break in he must have seriously annoyed someone big within the ‘Committee’.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“Perhaps or perhaps he just broke in with an especially provocative reason, I have a horrible feeling he was striving to rescue ‘Tor’.” [I stated.]

“Sometimes it is hard to abide by hastily ventured proclamations of intent when the intent is to be free from the heavy gravity of our past experiences.” [‘UT’ admitted.]

“I fear my choice to hand ‘Tor’ over all those years ago may have haunted Captain ‘Jack’ as unfinished business that we shared even though he is hardly justifiably responsible for my past sins as other Avatars.” [My Avatar stated.]

“Our new friend could not save ‘Blunt’ or ‘Honest’ having those sins on his conscience maybe that compelled him to strive to save ‘Tor’ as a proxy debt.” [‘UT’ conjectured.]

“We never took his opinion about whether he might take to join us in our travels?” [‘Kanne’ said reverting to semi-‘Splinter’ speech that was all about - taking - rather than asking, asking being deemed weak according to old style ‘Splinter’ philosophy which centred around lots of taking without any permission.]

“He was always in a hurry to get away from me so I let him have his space. One of my ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ Proxies even gave him a ‘Soulless Sub Core’ operated ‘Suit Substance Jump Scout’ on one occasion when he returned briefly to share his mind with me - literally. He named her ‘Serendipity’ and that was how he advanced to Captain ‘Jack’.” [I stated.]

“Where is this ‘Serendipity’ now?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“Long term stasis storage paid for by the ‘MTC’.” [I replied.]

“Another intervention by one of your Proxy Avatars so ‘Jackie’ was not actually abandoned that is good to know.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Not abandoned just left in oblivion so far for 88 years.” [I replied.]

“So he began his sentence 88 years ago, I propose we go meet him upon his release and see if he might change his mind. In another time you two might be able to reconcile your old differences far better.” [‘UT’ mused aloud.]

“I do not know he seemed very fixed in his opinions whenever I read his uploaded mind.” [I replied.]

“He had plenty of time to be his own person before he got himself snared in one of your old affairs a mere 88 years ago.” [‘UT’ reminded.]

“He was running a small shipping business with his ‘Serendipity’ prior to his failed jail break stunt mostly as an excuse to act akin to a tourist.” [I further informed possibly even complained.] “I suppose via meddling in my old business he has formerly denounced any right to be left alone by me unless he comes calling to share his mind as we previously agreed for historic accuracy.” [I added.]

“Then we are decided. Still, before we go back to the nothingness of stasis oblivion I suggest you two do the proper thing and buy your rounds.” [‘UT’ stated his almost ‘Ascended’ body lighting up with a bright yellow glow.]

“Truly nothing ever changes with some ‘Pilgrims’.” [I complained.]

“That is hard on the eyes.” [‘Kanne’ added squinting.]

“Sorry I will tone it down a little for you so that you do not - take - annoyance with me.” [‘UT’ promised jokily whilst reducing the glare significantly.]

[Although we had already been travelling together for over three hundred years in some ways we had yet to spend a lot of time as close company and we were still adjusting to that change. Obviously ‘UT’ knew ‘Kanne’ well enough but this was the first time we had proposed working quite this closely together at times in tight constant physical proximity.]

“Is it unlucky do you think breaking our holy threesome for a potential quad arrangement?” [I asked.]

“I am prepared to count you two as one entity.” [‘Unholy’ replied.]

[I wondered if he meant Captain ‘Jack’ and myself or ‘Kanne’ and myself, since ‘Kanne’ was my life-partner and sometimes people treat life-partners as one entity. With an embarrassing stab of absurd jealousy, I wondered if ‘Kanne’ might find ‘Jack’ attractive if she was around him for a long time both of them being so much more biological than ‘Unholy’ and I.]



[912 years later we arrived near the specific ‘SARC -TDC’ or ‘Temporal Detention Centre’ that had incarcerated ‘Jackie’ sorry Captain ‘Jack’. Officially the ‘SARC’ no longer called these institutions ‘Stasis Prisons’ I have no idea why they altered the label. We leapt in onboard the ‘Vanishing Point’. The place and region was formidably fortified and heavily patrolled by vicious looking attack craft all engines and weapon hard points. I wondered if it was really the facility that once held ‘Tor’ as the ‘SARC’ were infamously cunning and far from behind spreading some misinformation. My guess was even if this one did once have ‘Tor’ in custody he had since been moved to another Prison sorry Detention Centre as an added security measure.]

“You have to admit they are impressive enough.” [‘Unholy’ stated looking at the blocky edifice via a projected display in his ‘SCCCM’.]

“It is impressive only in a rather obvious blank faced standoffish do not mess with us kind of way.” [I replied.]

[The architecture of the ‘TDC’ to my perception proved deliberately brutal and stark heading towards bulky and forebodingly ugly. In fact, in my mind it hinted of damp dark places with shackles and chains despite being bunkers of high technology. I guessed someone had decided the outside should be psychologically damaging to the easily intimidated and the guilty not that I was in the mood to admit to being either.]

[As the docks had massive mechanical leeching clamps ‘UT’ opted not to bring the ‘Vanishing Point’ in but rather to leave her in a relative orbit and we took a ‘Soulless Sub Core’ run military style ‘Suit Substance Drop Pod’ across once our previously arranged permissions were re-examined and accepted only after we were advised - once again - of a long list of rules of conduct including no extruding of weapons or any active scanning.]

[I had suggested ‘Kanne’ stay behind in the ‘SCCCM’ but my ‘Splinter Consort’ refused to take any coddling therefore the three of us disembarked together. When we exited from the ‘Pod’ it was via an airlock umbilical that connected us into some artificial atmosphere and gravity. I noticed that no expense had been spared in creating the sort of ambiance one does not want to visit. The place reeked of inhospitality I swear to the point of smelling of multi-species urine. Whether it was the real thing or just a clever chemical facsimile I do not know either way I imagined it communicated very plainly what the ‘SARC’ wanted to say. The place was designed as an open sewer waste recycler how is that for a mission statement about your prison sorry detention centre.]

[A hovering ‘Drone’ looking like a big ugly beetle with added chain guns and I assumed micro-missile pods watched over us and acted as our guide. It did not take us far then had us wait. Where we stood, there was not much to see beyond some propaganda screens spewing out such slogans as ‘SARC TDC securing your future’ and ‘We put crime on hold often permanently’… No one else was nearby not a single living soul making the area seem very oppressively empty.]

[A massively armoured but rather small hatchway opened in a larger one to reveal a poorly lit interior then a somewhat bemused looking Captain ‘Jack’ walked out. He looked older than I remembered him. To my annoyance, he had grown a neat beard over parts of his face but shaved the hair on his head. He was nowhere near as old as he should be however even ignoring his time in stasis. In fact, any Luddite ‘Omerta’ that refused regenerative treatment being by his age bones and dust. My perception suggested that he was surprised to see us three.]

“How long was I in there?” [He asked.]

“They did not tell you the length of your sentence?” [I asked in turn rather amazed.]

“Obviously or I would not need to query.” [He replied somewhat sarcastically.]

[‘UT’ roared out a bellowing ‘Paradox Speaker Laugh’ in response to that one the sound echoing alarmingly in the empty space whilst also taking on a sinister timbre. Due to the sound, a demonstrative part of me felt almost a compulsion to flinch but I stoically resisted. Trust ‘Unholy’ to consider that ‘Jack’ standing up to me and being rude to his Elder Mother from the onset to be funny.]

“Perhaps this is not the best place to take stock of some truths.” [‘Kanne’ wisely interjected.]

[I noticed she was looking at the deck as if it offended and was being extra careful about where she planted her feet in the gloom. Her actions had to be a product of the lingering smell. The smell just had to be artificial if perfectly matched to the real thing down to the deoxyribonucleic acid I had done a little internal analysis of some sucked in samples.]

“That long!” [‘Jack’ said assuming our reticence to mean he was out of circulation for a serious duration of time and to have nothing to do with wanting to escape the stink.]

“Let us say long enough. I assume you are not yet ‘Linked’ back into the ‘Cores’.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“They have standard protocols in place to try to ease any potential ‘Temporal Shock’ legally temporarily excising me from our informational spaces via some cross border medical agreements being one such precaution. I have also been a bit embarrassingly medicated.” [He admitted smiling.]

[‘UT’ nodded his ‘Prime Tri-optic’ slightly as if he had been expecting all of these facts. We made our way back to our ‘Pod’ always under the hovering gaze of the armed ‘Beetle Drone’. Part of the way back I turned off my olfactory sensors.]

“Stupid actions have stupid results.” [I stated towards ‘Jack’.]

“A bit harsh.” [‘UT’ interjected to my growing annoyance with him.]

[I glared at my old friend he shrugged as if it meant nothing. The ‘Beetle Drone’ hovered around us as if circling the prelude to a fight - perhaps it was feeling hopeful.]

[I realised that according to various reports it was now rather rare to meet an actual ‘Omerta Trojan’ member of the ‘Social Advancement and Reform Committee’ at any ‘Temporal Detention Centre’ so much so that I wondered if they were all now run by ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ operated devices such as the ‘Beetle Drone’. I guessed few big organisations could hope to escape from the consequences of the rise of ‘Soulless’ functionality.]

[Via ‘EXO-C’ I asked ‘UT’ if his ‘Short Claws’ Proxy had noticed a change in staffing procedures at ‘Temporal Detention Centres’ during the last few hundred years or whatever.]

“Interestingly enough she has been dealing more with ‘Security Drones’ of one kind or another rather than ‘Omerta’ people.” [‘UT’ replied.]

[I wondered what this policy change implied about the state of ‘SARC’ operations in general. Of course, the more notorious ‘SARC’ operatives were always exceptionally shy of publicity when it came to any images that they did not disseminate after doing some digital altering to obscure their true identity. The ‘SARC’ was a big organisation with members covering many less covert professions but when most people talked about the ‘SARC’ they usually meant exclusively the elite ‘Agents’ and ‘Enforcer’ types rather than non-combatant teachers, doctors, scientists or even social engineers.]

[I wondered if they might have a shortage of real people perhaps due to constantly if steadily expanding their ‘TDC’ operations whilst also being involved in other meddlesome duties. I even wondered if they might have suffered some hidden attrition due to say some criminal or other factions contesting with them such as the ‘Free Miner Fraternities’ that had quite a few ‘Omerta’ members. Perhaps it was something the ‘MTC’ should investigate I sent an advisory to my ‘Sub Core’ Proxies.]



[A little later back onboard the relative sanctuary of the ‘Vanishing Point’.]

[‘Unholy’ extruded a limb to grasp me and steered me gently aside.] “So what is the problem now?” [He asked quietly whilst ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ chatted getting to better know each other.]

“What problem?” [I retorted whilst moving further away.]

“Your Avatar is visibly slumping again.” [He stated.]

[I straightened up, feeling a fool for leaving my Avatars emotional signalling on full automatic although perhaps one of my three conscious brains wanted my mental state to be projected. I had odd mental integration problems on occasion between the three brains that linked together to form my ‘Prime Consciousness’ I believed exaggerated by a historic brain injury caused by the ‘Entanglement’.]

“Well?” [He pressed.]

“It is stupid.” [I admitted.]

“If something is bothering you - it is bothering you - please share.” [‘Unholy’ replied.]

“My Proxies.” [I stated.]

“I need more than that.” [He complained.]

“I have been catching up on the last 912 years obviously not every detail but the deemed important policy decisions and their repercussions and so on: The old cause and effect or action and reaction if you prefer.” [I stated.]

“You found some specific problems you believe that we need to look into.” [‘UT’ guessed sounding ready to leap into action if needed.]

[I slumped again this time under full conscious control.] “Not exactly.” [I replied.]

“Please go on normally no one can get you to shut up it is all speech this and pronouncement that…” [‘UT’ retorted in an amused bantering manner.]

[I raised my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ slightly not being in the mood for such nonsense.]

“Go on tell me that I am not right, I am waiting - impatiently.” [He insisted.]

“It has all been very smooth very rational. Looking at some of their decisions especially those taken by… well never mind which Proxy in particular, the truth is I got this horrible feeling that they have evolved beyond me that whilst I have been static in stasis they have learned and grown basically improved whilst proving more stable and productive in my various guardianships than I ever was at the helm.” [I complained.]

“You know ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ are truly just biological machines they are not people and they only act as they are directed and programmed to act which in this instance is as an emulation of you specifically. Therefore any good they have done you truly did via proxy.” [‘UT’ argued in an ingenious way.]

“They may be emulations of me but they are emulations of me that have been working away for 912 years for example on certain issues with infinite patience and whilst just thinking machines they are learning machines too that further improve via networking in both formal and informal ways.” [I reminded.]

“I still do not understand why you are getting all emotional and annoyed because they are doing such a good job think of it as infinitely freeing you up from drudgery.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“Not such a good job - a better job - A BETTER JOB THAN I WAS DOING.” [I complained loudly. I hurried further away from ‘Kanne’ and slipped out a hatchway.]



[In a corridor outside the ‘Secure Central Command & Control Module’.]

“You do not know that.” [‘UT’ retorted.] “You do not know what amazingly creative decisions you might have made during those years had you been around that a mere ‘Sub Core’ would never devise never mind implement.” [He reminded with rather amazing diplomacy given some of his other more combative foibles.]

“I know I do not have the infinite patience of a machine. My emotions would have created some problems not just resulted in some creative out of the crate solutions. Whilst they are emulating me they only do so as far as it makes logical sense to each arising situation according to their cool analytical algorithms. Worse results are results - you cannot argue with a pattern of steadfast success - I have become triple cursed redundant. What is my incentive to ever go back to work if I am just going to make a worse job of it?” [I asked angrily.]

[His answer to that was to slap the back of my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ and walk away slipping back through the hatchway to leave me alone. I stood there for a moment in the embarrassingly not empty hall as it was guarded trying to make sense of that action then hurried after him to remonstrate further with extreme vigour.]



“Most generous ‘Kanne’ please take this silly Priest of a ‘Living Hull’ and beat some sense into him or jump his substance if you think that might work better.” [‘UT’ stated gesturing towards me as I caught up to them back inside the ‘SCCCM’.]

[I really could not believe he said the last bit.]

“A problem?” [‘Kanne’ asked raising one eyebrow in her not a gesture to be too wilfully ignored.]

“A bad case of insecurity possibly temporal related but not assuredly.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“I thought we were talking in confidence earlier.” [I complained.]

[I will admit I seemed to be doing a lot of complaining but I felt ‘Unholy’ was pushing his luck.]

“You might have been talking in confidence but I was listening with increasing incredulity.” [‘UT’ mocked.]

“Later.” [I said to him firmly.]

[I did not want to have this conversation in front of ‘Jack’. ‘Jack’ in a rather passive manner taking all our actions and talk in whilst saying nothing in return which came across to me at that moment as annoyingly devious and cunning.]

“Sometimes ‘MT’ for an entity running nanotech infused ‘Suit Substance’ Avatars you are far too thin skinned.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“You of all Paradox Priests ‘Unholy’ are mocking me because I feel strongly about some issues.” [I replied.]

[I know I did not want to do this in front of ‘Jack’ but ‘UT’ was leaping up and down on all my buttons.]

“It is not the strength of feeling it is all that precious self-obsession.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“You… my… ARE YOU TRIPLE CURSED SERIOUS?” [I rumbled out fiercely.]

[I realised it had been a while since I last rumbled fiercely in truly old style forcefully loud Paradox speech the sort that can make small objects vibrate even tip over - it felt good.]

“Meditate for a few moments upon it ‘MT’ and then get back to me.” [‘Unholy’ replied in an aloof and dismissive manner utterly unmoved by my mighty roar to my rising rage.]

[I have mentioned before I think that ‘Living Hull’ brain genetics are derived from altered ancient Paradox and that, that origin species where known to have a bit of a temper. In fact, ancient Paradox often squeezed the life out of people that annoyed them in the slightest manner: thus all the later reliance by some Priests on calming meditation, rituals even ‘Shroud Suits’ to ease any difficulty with social interactions.]

[Less than a moment later we were wrestling upon the deck my Avatar against the almost ‘Ascended’ body of ‘Unholy Terror’. Very wisely both ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ made a hasty retreat out of accidental harms way although we were - both - I am sure very careful not to cause any collateral damage despite the seeming chaos of our rambunctious action.]

[It is possible to seemingly lose control and yet still be in control, nonetheless technically we were both somewhat ignoring more civilised rules both hastily slipping into going super-fast and very shape-shifty. I doubt ‘Kanne’ or ‘Jack’ could even follow what was happening properly with their inferior optics. In their slow time it did not last long I quickly realised how stupid it was and desisted. ‘Unholy’ immediately claimed that I forfeited and submitted - I opted to let that go as the bigger entity in all the ways that I believed mattered - I know with hindsight horribly pompous.]

“Feel better.” [He asked as we both stood up and resumed our more standard profiles and Priestly dignity.]

[Oddly, I did feel a bit better although when my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ vision focused upon ‘Kanne’ I could tell that despite her species equally martial genetics she was not impressed with the brief wrestling show. I feared she would assault my microphones later with her opinions about my behaviour whilst technically a guest onboard the ‘Vanishing Point’. I wondered if I could manage to blame the entire incident upon a little temporal shock. It was a bit embarrassing for me too when I considered that the ‘Vanishing Point’ also witnessed the episode although I noticed she did not bother to intervene timely with for example a security stasis field. I wondered if she thought her Captain had won the match too that idea caused an added scratchy itch of irritation that refused to go away.]

“Do they do that kind of thing often these days?” [‘Jack’ asked ‘Kanne’ as she took his arm.]

“If they do take such exercises often they wisely do not normally take them with me in attendance.” [‘Kanne’ replied chattily.]

“You know they were both cheating.” [‘Jack’ informed the tattle tale.]

“That is fine with me it would be most unfair if only one of them cheated.” [‘Kanne’ replied.]

“So it would.” [‘Jack’ agreed smiling at her showing her some very white and very even ‘Trojan’ teeth.]

[I let that one go too thoroughly positive that the ‘Omerta’ cheekily knew exactly what he was doing as did ‘Kanne’ so I opted to refuse their too obvious baiting.]

“They are getting along well.” [‘UT’ stated to me whilst emitting just the hint of a yellow glow.]

[I opted to let that go as well, although that one left me feeling a bit strained it was rapidly turning into one of those days. I wondered what I was doing here and realised there was no going back because time only moves in one direction a truth at that moment that felt akin to a temporal shock or maybe just another slap to the back of my ‘Prime Tri-optic’.]



[A few hours later.]

“Get over it.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“Why should I?” [I replied then realising exactly what I had said - and the way I said it - I felt like a complete rear end of an Acolyte rather than a wise upstanding Elder.]

“Think of it as an opportunity for a much less limited new beginning.” [‘Unholy’ insisted.]

[We were alone again I happily left ‘Kanne’ with ‘Jack’ almost as a penance and to prove to myself that being jealous of him was silly and that I was not going to allow such a stupidly inappropriate emotion to get the better of me being a bigger entity than that - I know terribly pompous again - I was not acting at my best put it down to stress.]

[I rather wished my ‘Shroud Suit’ had some teeth so I could grind them I could have generated some teeth along with other suitable mouth parts but that would have been a bit obvious and too much.]

“It is alright for you, it is easy to guess that this is exactly what you wanted a fine excuse to go and do exactly as you please as usual Patrician ‘Unholy’.” [I complained.]

“This is not about my habits good or bad. Your problem is you have gotten so used to feeling sorry for yourself at having all that weighty responsibility that now fate has given you a legitimate way out you cannot quite stop being miserable so now you have chosen to be wretched because you are no longer needed. You must see how very unenlightened all of that nonsense is ‘Holy Father’.” [‘Unholy’ teased with annoyingly flawless logic.]

[After his words, I did not feel quite such a bigger entity in fact I felt very small. Usually I seemed to recall that I was the one who won most of my debates with ‘Unholy’ well at least in my mind I did but today it was all going a bit role reversal. I was positive at least one of my three brains was busy trying to figure out why I was making such an idiot of myself in front of my closest friend not to mention my lover and my sort of son and daughter too.]

“Sometimes I hate it when you are right even more than when you are wrong.” [I replied.]

“I guess the competence of the current generation of ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ came as bit of a worse shock to you than any other fallout from our temporal displacement.” [He stated.]

“I expected they would mess up sooner or later and I would be needed to patch things up make a few modifications to their programs perhaps even rework them on a routine basis.” [I admitted.]

“I could have told you otherwise the capabilities of ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ has come a long way from the earliest models and they are further improving all the time thanks to advanced ‘Soulless’ research projects by people such as ‘Improved’. Research now happily shared with the ‘Many Truths Corporation’ thanks to some of your Proxies and you.” [‘UT’ reminded.]

“You are beginning to make me wonder if our safeguards against true emergent artificial intelligence with our ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ is in anyway adequate.” [I stated.]

“No way my friend. You are not using that sad old excuse to pull the plug on our able ‘Proxies’. Our replacements will remain online. I am not going to let you sabotage a good thing just so you can go back to being miserably overworked.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Is that what this one way time travel is to you a grand excuse for an extended holiday from any responsibility?” [I asked.]

“Do you not think we have all earned a break from being the fixers of all wrongs? Besides, you are the one that confessed that the ‘Sub Cores’ are doing a better job of our work.” [‘Unholy’ reminded.]

“We had our ‘Meat Suit’ distractions as work breaks.” [I replied.]

“Most of which ended up being more social work.” [‘UT’ stated.]

[Thinking back about that internally I had to admit he was right about that too - triple curse him but today he was being right about everything which rather made me as the other side of the debate wrong about everything.]

“Truly my friend it is time to let an awful lot of things go. Relax learn how to have fun again. Explore the lighter side of existence for a bit. Accept that we have all the time in this Universe.” [‘Unholy’ insisted.] “I plan to have a wonderful time.”

“I was wrong your life is not a holiday it is all just a triple cursed game to you.” [I replied.]

“If that was true would it be so bad?” [‘Unholy’ retorted.]

[I did not bother answering it seemed a waste of speech. We returned to our other two friends.]

“Captain ‘Jack’ has taken consideration of our offer and has decided he will take to the future with us.” [‘Kanne’ informed as soon as we arrived back from our constitutional.]

“Excellent news.” [‘UT’ replied.] “ It is good to know that you can make a relatively quick decision Captain ‘Jack’.”

[I felt that was a low blow aimed directly at me.]

“Since I have already been pushed somewhat further down the timeline than I imagined might occur, I can see no sensible obstacle to venturing further besides how could I say no to the beautiful ‘Kanne’.” [‘Jack’ added.]

[I wondered what grievous sins I had done to deserve such treatment. I wondered if I could get away with - gently - slapping the back of the head of my ‘Omerta’ child after all ‘UT’ had set a precedent. Then I noticed how intently ‘Kanne’ was watching me so I refrained from any violent action put on a happy yellow glow and made a point of hugging them all in turn.]

“What was that for?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“For you all being such good friends to me.” [I replied as innocently as I could manage.]

[I hoped that made them all feel horribly guilty.]

“So how far are we going next?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“I was thinking we should get a bit more serious and therefore do 3000 years.” [‘UT’ proposed boldly.] “Give ourselves a proper temporal shock to test our mettle.”

“None of you has found anything in the present now you deem worthy of further study first.” [I asked.]

[I was beginning to feel like a sensible parent overseeing some overenthusiastic youths.]

“There are a few almost interesting matters now that I picked up upon but nothing that made my ‘Prime Tri-optic’ really rise up to take notice.” [‘Unholy’ complained.]

“I am sure there is much we might be missing everything will not be on the ‘Cores’ we interrogate.” [I stated.] “In addition you are all aware this is all one way venturing there is no going back to how it used to be even if we decide we do not like how it has become.” [I reminded.]

“Why would I want to go back to the boringly known?” [‘UT’ stated.]

“I did not realise you were such a rabid explorer ‘Unholy’.” [I replied.]

“Taking to the unknown future is exciting.” [‘Kanne’ interjected.]

“I can only agree now that I am here some of the subtle changes in our society are fascinating.” [‘Jack’ interjected.] “3000 years seems a good target to me I hear you have failsafe measures in place so that we will be woken early if something drastic occurs so why hold ourselves back from a goodly leap?”

“Why not indeed, after all who am I to argue against rash choices by one with your many years of wisdom.” [I replied to ‘Jack’.]

“What has my age got to do with the facts?” [‘Jack’ replied.]

[Annoyingly he was right and I was being a stern as in the rear end of a ‘Hull’ again.]

[I bowed to my accidental child because right is right.]

“Sorry I seem to be having some cognitive side effects from my temporal dislocation maybe it is an exclusively ‘Living Hull’ thing.” [I excused.]

“Are you saying that ‘Living Hulls’ are especially taken to jealousy and outbursts of pettiness?” [‘Kanne’ asked.]

[I slumped down dramatically in defeat.] “I think I need to self-medicate.” [I admitted.]

“A little medication never did anyone any harm.” [‘UT’ stated.] “Perhaps we should commission a ritual for our passages. I propose that I leap the ‘Vanishing Point’ over to ‘Port Discovery’ and we have a session in the ‘Discovery Nightclub’ before we go venturing any deeper into the rough unpredictable seas of time.”

“I will take to be second to that wise proposal.” [‘Kanne’ said.]

[Her decision came as no great surprise to me as she never had anything against an excuse for a party. In fact, I first met her at a poor excuse of a party at least it was a poor excuse of a party until I met her then… well she widened my optics.]

“Sounds good to me.” [‘Jack’ agreed.]

“If we must we must.” [I stated surrendering to the collective will, not something that I am always prone to doing but I felt they had rather won the debate today me being a complete stern and all that hokum.]

[So that is what we did and yes amazingly ‘Oddment’ was still there making me even more suspicious of her nature. Maybe it was a ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ remote and ‘Oddment’ was time travelling too or she could be a ‘Deep Cleric’ spy monitoring that we abided by our agreements.]

[Paranoid66]

^^^To anyone interested thus it begins again. With this one it is my intent to be a bit lighter and inject more humour into the narrative as befits the temporal break concept.

If I veer towards doom and gloom too much I invite you to give me a virtual slap to the back of my head. I am sure you can find an Emoticon that will do as a Proxy for that essential function I willfully delegate responsibility for that one.

P66.

[stads]

nice to see there traveling and taking a vaction :d

will be interesting to see what 4k years will bring them

[Paranoid66]

Thanks stads

Here is the next two parts. Never say never it gets a bit heavy in places but I hope the humour balances that up.

P66.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 1 --- LIGHT BRINGER / PARANOIA ---

[We did some talking drinking and weirdly even gave in to some dancing in the ‘Discovery Nightclub’ before we ended up doing some shopping. I know two Priests in ‘Shroud Suits’ dancing along with a ‘Splinter Weaver’ and an ‘Omerta Trojan’ stretches the imagination in horrible ways but the embarrassing truth is the embarrassing truth. I blame Captain ‘Jack’ he started it via leading ‘Kanne’ out onto the dance floor whilst grinning at me maliciously with those white teeth.]

[In relation to the shopping that was all ‘Kanne’ being retro by insisting on browsing the ‘Real Material Bazaar’ for eye protection rather than just - too easily - ‘Sculpting’ some ‘Suit Substance’ into the required item. The eye protection a fashion accessory that would allow ‘UT’ to blaze away with laughter as he was occasionally guilty of doing without half blinding her.]

[After a ridiculous amount of trying on and asking others, notably me, their - uncaring - opinion not to mention haggling, she finally picked a pair of absurdly expensive multifunctional ‘Night Falcon TM Goggles’. Whilst technically ‘Real Material’ the ‘Night Falcons’ were packed with enough nanotechnology to get them banned in some Luddite Ports. All the technology allowing them to not only filter incoming light but also to enhance to the point that they allowed the wearer to even see what is behind them via clever use of tiny inbuilt optics and so on. One slogan went, ‘be a Night Falcon and have clearer wider vision than a Priest with a ‘Prime Tri-optic’.’ To me that was verging on downright offensive talk but I, yes I am sure you guessed it, I let it go.]

[‘Kanne’ being generous with our credits actually bought two pairs of goggles instantly giving one set to ‘Jack’ as a present. Inwardly I quietly practiced various calming meditative techniques. In addition, I further consoled myself with the fact that all this stuff would settle down after a while besides, she was probably teasing me with a vengeance at the moment mostly due to the earlier short wrestling brawl between ‘Unholy’ and me.]

[Anyway, I could tell she was having fun and that was better than her taking to a rage in public or slipping into temporal shock. Finally, I was determined to prove to ‘UT’ that I was more than thick skinned enough and not a total stern even when provoked by close friends / family.]



[Looking around for a moment it all felt madly surreal because by using Proxies no one knew we had been away or that we had missed anything. Whilst things were altering around us in a multitude of small and subtle not just large and dramatic ways, despite the fact that we had no inner sense of times passage at all. To us all those years ago were still just a few hours away. Thinking about some of these too obvious truths I wondered if ‘Kanne’ was shopping as therapy to embrace the normality of doing something very mundane and routine so as not to feel a bit cast adrift. For her I guessed shopping could be a protective ritual. On the periphery of my vision I spotted ‘Unholy’ brandishing a ‘Real Material Omerta Boarding Sword’ around whilst waving ‘Jack’ over.]

[Apparently ‘Boarding Swords’ were one of the latest ‘Real Material’ fashion accessories. Really they should have been called Anti-boarding Swords as they were supposed to be employed for last resort use against Pirates some of whom had also taken to using melee weapons made of almost indestructible alloys with molecular sharp edges and so on. Solid material weapons with no complex moving parts or nanotech being back in favour with some due to the fact that high tech especially nanotech could increasingly be hacked sometimes even subverted at other times jammed but a bit of sharp or heavy metal coming at you remains a bit of sharp or heavy metal.]

[The ‘Real Materialist Extremists’ were now armed with some very sophisticated electronic warfare gizmos and software that could even seriously compromise a ‘Suit Substance’ Avatar should it be ill prepared for such a nanotech harming onslaught. According to some ‘MTC’ after action reports I had scanned even ‘Immortals’ had temporarily suffered as much as a ninety five percent degradation of their system capabilities during some encounters leaving them about as effective as a standard non-enhanced biological ‘Pilgrim’ at least until they managed to purge infected systems and neutralise jamming emitters by any means available. I found the fine level of equalisation mentioned - highly suspect - making me wonder who might be behind deliberately balancing the technological scales here such as some meddling ‘New Helpers’ through people such as ‘Garlic’ and ‘Weep’.]

[I wondered again why Harbinger chose to have ‘Weep’ find ‘Founder’, I had a sneaky suspicion that maybe my ‘Tier Nine’ former Captain had ways of making good use of even ‘Weeps’ sense of violation at being guided against his will. It was never clever to assume that what you thought was happening initially with a ‘Higher Tier’ intervention was really what was going on or the full extent of the plot - reform is forever ongoing.]

[I realised that us ‘Users’ losing our once almost assured technological superiority especially with ‘Soulless Assets’ was very possibly culturally not such a bad thing in fact, possibly essential to the continuing overall peace between ‘Users’ and ‘Real Material Advocates’. Sure members of these factions still clashed but no one was gearing up for an all out war anymore. I guessed that even parts of the incredibly adaptable ‘Entanglement’ were no longer as immune as they had once been to informational assault and other forms of jamming.]

[Anyway, when ‘Jack’ attached the scabbard of the ‘Boarding Sword’ to his back I nodded over towards ‘Unholy’ in affirmation of his action as perhaps it was actually a sensible bit of kit wisely purchased and passed on. After all, if ‘Unholy’ and I suffered disabling or combat degradation even temporarily via mixed anti-nanotech measures ‘Jack’ might well remain able to fight on. Considering the matter a little further, I went over and bought ‘Kanne’ a ‘Boarding Sword’ too an action that I am positive did much to take her mind off my earlier mistakes as I could tell she instantly loved taking possession of the ridiculously sharp and dangerous implement.]

“So an old Priest can learn new tricks or is it embrace old ones again.” [‘Unholy’ said to me glowing brightly.]

“These ‘Night Falcons’ are fantastic shine away ‘Light Bringer’ I can still see perfectly.” [‘Kanne’ said.]

“Really ‘Lucifer’ that might be a bit much of a nickname even for our ‘Unholy Terror’.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“I see an aspect of the mystical ‘Trojan’ devil.” [I said after doing a hasty ‘Bamboozle TM’ ‘Link’ search. ‘MTC’ people in the know told me that everyone who was anyone now used the ‘Hierophant’ created ‘Bamboozle Search Engine’.] “Personally for ‘UT’ I think ‘Lucifer’ is not such a bad fit.” [I added.]

[Sometimes we know not what we say.]

[‘Unholy’ took a deep bow.] “Shall we move onward?” [He suggested.]



[A quick note here on our method of time travel. I travelled via stasis emitters that extruded above my three brains as such in a way only my mind travelled in time my body aged normally well as normally as any ‘Nanotech Infused Suit Substance’ ages its functions supported by automated subsystems whilst my seemingly still active ‘Prime Consciousness’ became three networked very powerful ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ designated my ‘Prime Proxies’.]

[‘Kanne’ entered stasis in a concealed booth near my brains. ‘Unholy’ and ‘Jack’ went into stasis in hidden cubicles onboard the ‘Vanishing Point’ whilst ‘VP’ went about business as usual with a ‘Proxy Captain’. Actually I later discovered that when she got bored ‘VP’ occasionally time travelled too using a system akin to mine.]

[After making the 3000 year leap I will confess amongst my first thoughts was more disappointment with the competency of my ‘Proxies’ as they had handled everything the last 3000 years had thrown at them without once feeling any need to awaken old me - yes I felt even more redundant.]

[Once awake I did my usual informational trawling including some public Link Searches but not with ‘Bamboozle’ which was now only fifth in the ‘Link Search Engine’ popularity stakes. The biggest Engine now an interface with a preponderance of various aqua shades called ‘Poop Scoop’ - I jest not - apparently an Engine designed by ‘Stellar Swimmers’ with their eyes on the past. The name a jovial word play from old ‘Swimmer’ as heard then transliterated by ‘Trojans’ ‘Pluup Scuup’ being the proper form and meaning something different altogether and actually not rude at all but I digress slightly.]

[‘Poop Scoop’ had grown in popularity not just because it was a powerful ‘Search Engine’ but because it came with a combined opinionated broadcaster who had to be rocking some serious ‘Sub Core’ support or possibly it was a fully virtual almost artificial intelligence device yes ‘Poop Scoop’ came with a side channel known as the ‘Poop Scooper’. The ‘Poop Scooper’ a sort of ‘Link Shock Jock’ that commented cleverly on all your searches if you enabled the feature. Strangely it was rather fun and even sometimes scarily insightful.]


>>> So this is the ‘Poop Scooper’ coming at you on ‘Free Link’ and yes the question that seems to be bothering you ‘MT’ is whatever happened to the ‘Entanglement’? I mean I am sure you have heard of the ‘Trojan’ concept of Big Brother you know ‘Information Space’ looking back at you - optics everywhere - nothing you do private or sacred well ‘Crimson’ and her ‘Entanglement’ where ‘Big Mother’ and we all know that Mother tops Brother any day of the week right.

Come on we all know that, that particular MOTHER was everywhere meddling in everything but lately I mean the last couple of thousand years your ‘Poop Scoop’ indicates that she has been very quiet. I mean seriously quiet and I don’t know about you but that freaks this ‘Poop Scooper’ out to the max. I mean what is she getting up to these centuries. I mean when Big Mother is this discreet you just know she is cheating on Daddy with a real stinker of an alien entity or has decided to have a gender change or something equally astronomically embarrassing. Honestly it is time to start rummaging in the holding bin for the nanotech powered recycler to find out what she has been throwing away because you really do not want to be too surprised by the advent of some ugly hybrid siblings calling you sister arriving on your hatchway. <<<


[I began to fear as I perused 3000 years of mostly incredibly banal news that it was a case of be careful about what you wish to receive. Our ‘Ultra-nation’ had become very stable to the point of seeming dull even socially static. It was all slow steady progress with only the occasional low grade conflict that caused barely a ripple in the general harmony. Everyone that wanted to work was now working away and those that did not want to work all seemed to be happily relaxing. Piracy and other egregious actions rarely caused any permanent fatalities - that mattered - due to rebirth and the fact that most hazardous shipping and high risk vocations were generally handled by remotes. Those who did continue to die usually did so due to conscious life choices and thus proved invariably ‘Neo-Luddite’ types who embraced death as if the Grim Reaper was their personal lover for example the most recidivist of ‘Free Miners’ and some other ‘Real Materialist’ purist fanatics. I noticed ‘Cad’ was on record as considering the deaths of these extremists as a rebirth of some ancient ‘Trojan’ philosophy known as Darwinism.]



[When we time travellers convened onboard the docked ‘Vanishing Point’, ‘UT’ managed despite his shrouding to look dyspeptic.]

“It is all going horribly wrong.” [‘Unholy’ complained.] “Did we do this travesty by embracing ‘The Project’?” [He asked.]

“I think the issue may be as much about the applied input of logical policies by far too many far too reasonable ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ as much as anything else as well as the ongoing balancing of martial differences between our factions I am convinced by ‘New Helpers’.” [I stated.]

“I guess you can have too much help.” [‘UT’ further complained.]

“The good works of our Proxies is the least of it more and more ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ due to their marvellous efficiency and mechanical diligence are being delegated to make policy decisions and to run businesses allowing the business owners to both keep up with fast changing trends whilst living the good life of almost semi-retirement.” [I suggested.]

“Even the more extreme policies of the ‘FPB’ seemed to have been blunted and countered from within due to ‘Sub Core’ influence and thus that threat somewhat contained. Whilst the ‘Free Hull Movement’ has progressed to the point where ‘Free Hulls’ are now operating - shipping - openly as just another part of our greater ‘Ultra-nation’ even if some amongst you ‘Passenger Classes’ still refuse to do business with us and still preach against my kind as a great competitive stellar evil waiting to properly show itself.” [I added.]

[I felt terribly conflicted because some of these developments were excellently positive yet I had to agree with ‘Unholy’ that I also - felt - somehow that it was all going just a little bit horribly wrong. Then there was of course the ‘Poop Scooper’ who agreed with me that something seemed not quite right with the ‘Entanglement’.]

[I noticed that somewhat typically ‘Jack’ was monitoring us but saying nothing yet. Sometimes saying less can make you seem cleverer.]

“I think I take your point ‘Unholy’ this time has too little fire no fury.” [She said.]

“Perhaps we should do something about that truth.” [’Unholy’ stated to my perception emitting an evil yellow glow once again proving that the mind filters our vision of events even in real time.]

“You want me the ‘Holy Father of the Universal Council of Equals’ and exponent of the ‘Social Singularity’ to endorse the sabotage of the social enlightenment of this peaceful ‘Ultra-nation’.” [I retorted.]

“Triple cursed right I do.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“How?” [I asked.]

“I do not know yet but we four ought to be able to think of something.” [‘UT’ replied.] “You know I am almost disappointed in ‘Crimson’.”

[So ‘Unholy’ had also noticed something weird going on with the ‘Entanglement’. Did he also scoop some poop?]

“The lack of her often destabilising factional friction encouraging input is odd now you mention it. She once told me that we needed her as an active adversary even more than we needed her as outsized friend but I refused to believe that truth. Now I wonder if I was wrong to so casually dismiss her words because her old ways were steeped in evil. Perhaps it is possible to have too much peace and tranquillity.” [I stated although I felt somewhat embarrassed by this stance.]

“I am positive that banality is bad for any sane soul.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“She might be embracing a ‘Deep Time’ plot one that centres perhaps on the completion of the Ring World thus she is content to leave the ‘Ultra-nation’ well enough alone.” [‘Jack’ finally interjected.]

[For a little ‘Passenger Class’ Meat Brain that was not badly deduced but I was positive it was still wrongheaded a moment later ‘UT’ agreed with my bigger triple brains inner assessment.]

“Even if she had a long-term plan she would still grow easily bored and require some sporting friction.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Sadly I must agree that, that is a very likely truth.” [I admitted aloud.]

“Something unexpected possibly even catastrophic must have happened to ‘Crimson’.” [‘Unholy’ stated.] “We should investigate that possibility.”

“Yes I think we might have to follow the poop.” [I said.]

“The poop?” [‘UT’ queried.]

“I guess you used a different Search Engine.” [I replied.]

“What are you talking about?” [He asked.]

“Look up ‘Poop Scoop’ and the ‘Poop Scooper’.” [I replied.]

“Now that is a change I like.” [‘UT’ replied almost instantly.]

“Is something truly weird happening to the vastness of ‘Crimson’ really possible without any other ‘Pilgrims’ noticing before now?” [‘Jack’ asked sounding unconvinced.]

“People often do not worry when things seemingly go extra well you need a really paranoid Paradox Priest such as ‘Unholy’ or occasionally even me for that job of work.” [I confessed.]

“Plus we have the added perspective of fresh optics upon these times.” [‘UT’ added.]

“People easily get all tied up in all the little matters of their mundane lives.” [I further added.]

“Investigating the ‘Entanglement’ sounds exceptionally dangerous.” [‘Kanne’ stated.]

“I know.” [‘UT’ replied with a far happier stance.]



“First we can safely explore the hypothesis further via doing more trawling through the ‘Ultra-nations’ informational space. If input from a meddling ‘Crimson’ has truly been lacking or oddly altered drastically in the last few thousand years more signs should be out there for us to read.” [I stated.]

“More like an absence of multitudes of signs of her activity.” [‘UT’ corrected.]

“Then we do what? That is if the mad hypothesis seems to prove true.” [‘Jack’ added.]

“Then we will have to go visit her ‘Entangled’ domains perhaps even do a flyby of an ‘Entangled Sea Sphere’ that should be fun.” [‘UT’ suggested.]

“Stupid and fun is not always the same thing. After we have trawled the ‘Links’ again we can reconvene to share our findings and to formulate an appropriate action plan that we can all agree upon as not being suicidal.” [I retorted.]

“Now you are sounding akin to a too sensible Proxy - get a life you might enjoy it.” [‘UT’ complained.]

“I already have a life and I rather prefer to keep it.” [I retorted.] “The last time we tangled with ‘Crimson’ with serious intent I almost lost my mind and I still carry the mental scars.” [I reminded.]

“With you it is all me, me, me.” [‘Unholy’ mocked but I was sure he was just joking.]

“I would be taken with much anger if anything ill happened to my life-partner due to him following an ill-advised vector.” [‘Kanne’ admitted.]

“I will - take - that under advisement.” [‘Unholy’ promised.] “However, it is my assumption that we did not come all this way down the timeline just to sit on our extruded limbs and act as voyeurs rather than proper explorers.”



[Upon the ‘Vanishing Point’, a short time after we had reconvened to share our deeper digital findings as agreed this being one day after our latest stasis awakening ‘Jack’ had his say.]

“Please hear me out. I know some of you in this group think I am lacking in relative experience but I did spring fully formed from the mind of the ‘Many Truths’ which sort of makes me older than my physical years of existence in this form implies. Many of my memories are her memories though I have tried to let those go they still inform who I am.” [‘Jack’ reminded.]

“We all know of your somewhat unnatural genesis as a cut down edited ‘Omerta’ version of the ‘Many Truths’ your point being?” [‘UT’ enquired.]

“My point being that we are all out of our time now - all a bit unknowing. So we have deigned to study the ‘Links’ for one insignificant day - ‘Scooped the Poop’ - and so on that does not make us instant experts. Say what you will but to go chasing after the ‘Entanglement’ right now whatever our reasons or justification is deepest folly. If we are to mount such a risky operation in this time with any hope of success I would argue that first we need to become far better acquainted with this times general environment and its current denizens.” [He suggested.]

“We need to do more than travel in time we need to get out there and take in some real space go interact directly with this age via visiting several Ports and even a ‘Sliver’ or two. ‘Real life’ is not something that is replayed in a virtual reality it is not a passive three dimensional historic recording it is an interactive social partaking. We do not know this time yet, we have no feel for it, to believe that we do is nothing but ignorant arrogance.” [‘Jack’ preached.]

[I considered my pseudo child and felt impressed with his words. Truly I had been less than fair and should have known better having examined previous uploads of his soul. I guess being a parent is never easy.]

“I think ‘Jack’ is correct ‘Unholy’ we are currently ill-prepared for an encounter with ‘Crimson’ and if something external is affecting her rather than internal policy changes we are probably even more poorly prepared to deal with such a powerful unknown player or force.” [I added to the debate.]

“You think it is possible that an outside force could have mastered the vast ‘Entanglement’ or at the very least encouraged her to alter her methods via fair or even foul means?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“Is that not what you ultimately dream of doing. To claim the ‘Entanglement’ is immune to external assault for you at least is to admit ‘Unholy’ that you are chasing an impossible ambition.” [I reminded.]

“What are you thinking a belated betrayal by the ‘Star Diver Deep Clerics’ or perhaps a move by the ‘Spore of the Fury’ or some even weirder intervention from the still relatively unknown extra-dimensional entities involved with the ‘TNS Beacons’?” [He asked.]

“I guess any of those players might conceivably have the potency be able to have a real impact upon ‘Crimson’ - I will admit I know nothing for sure - but anything that could deeply affect the ‘Nanotech Plague’ as we have known it would be worthy of the uttermost caution and respect.” [I stated.] “Or would you disagree with that general hypothesis?”

“No I must bow to the logic of that truth.” [‘UT’ admitted.] “Still, how do you think doing a bit of mixing will arm us against an unknown power ‘Jack’?”

“Someone out there might have some idea about what is happening with ‘Crimson’ or whatever is happening may have left some physical clues behind after all we know the ‘Entanglement’ should be involved more in the construction of ‘The Project’ than many ‘Pilgrims’ have been informed. Importantly not everything that people know on the ground is always published or highlighted in the ‘Cores’ and even if the data is out there digitally too it could be buried under masses of trivia not to mention possibly deliberately concealed from any public search engine.” [‘Jack’ warned.]

“We know even people can be hacked but some not so easily tampered with for example ‘Neo-Luddite’ types that refuse neural networks and nanotech support and so on are not as easily infiltrated or controlled digitally as some other ‘Pilgrims’.” [‘Jack’ added.]

“Many ‘Real Material’ purists have other vulnerabilities that are no less easily exploited such as direct nanotech invasion and subversion of their biological bodies.” [‘UT’ reminded.]

“True but body invading little machines are easily detected by scanners when none are supposed to present whatsoever and many ‘Neo-Luddite’ folk are obsessive sweepers being religiously paranoid about nanotech contamination.” [‘Jack’ countered.]

“So you are suggesting we seek ‘Sliver’ work crews especially some ‘Neo-Luddite’ workers and interview them in some covert manner.” [I said.]

“That might be one sensible action plan though we may need a bit of luck to happen upon the right people or person at the right place.” [‘Jack’ proposed.]

“What do you think about all of this ‘Kanne’?” [I asked.]

“I think I would enjoying taking a tour of a ‘Sliver’ or two as they are today especially some of the ‘Alpha Green House Slivers’ whether we take to finding any useful actionable intelligence at these locations or not.” [She admitted.]

“Your thoughts my fellow Patrician ‘Unholy’?” [I asked.]

“I suppose I can buzz the surface of an ‘Entangled Sea Sphere’ another day.” [He admitted.]

[I wondered if he had really been serious before or just playing at being the larger than life ‘Unholy Terror’ we all knew and loved.]

“If you must buzz the ‘Sea Spheres’ kindly do that when I am not onboard.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“So you share some of the fears of your pseudo Mother.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“I have no desire to be eaten alive or to suffer subsuming as just another part of the vast ‘Entanglement’.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“Your ‘Serendipity’ is still small enough to fit inside one of my ‘Vanishing Points’ many internal hangers?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“I would imagine easily so she is pure ‘Suit Substance’.” [‘Jack’ reminded.] “I can forward her standard configurations dimensions although she has been known to alter her form significantly under my command.”

“Please do share her statistics.” [‘UT’ returned.]

[I guessed he did.]

“That much mass will be no problem have her rendezvous with us and come onboard if that pleases you.” [‘UT’ suggested.]

“Thank you it will be good to be reunited with my ship. If you had not offered I would have requested this boon soon enough.” [‘Jack’ admitted.]

“What about you ‘MT’ are you content to remain an Avatar passenger onboard your child the ‘Vanishing Point’ or would you like to join us as say the ‘Venturesome’?” [He asked.]

[Officially ‘UT’ learned about the ‘Venturesome’ when I first discussed possible ‘Free Miner’ intransigence in relation to the necessary Exodus required by ‘The Project’ an issue long since resolved although not without some bloodletting.]

“For now this Avatar will suffice to be me if I feel the need to return more to my true form I can hastily jump in any number of ship assets that I can inhabit with my ‘Consciousness’.” [I stated.]

“I do not doubt that truth old ‘Hull’.” [‘Unholy’ replied.]

“You two should take to something a bit less ‘Bio-mechanical’ if you are going to mingle with ‘Neo-Luddite Pilgrims’ working on or near some ‘Slivers’.” [My consort ‘Kanne’ interjected sensibly.]

“True I could go down as ‘Short Claws’ and you ‘MT’ can pick a ‘Meat Suit’ from my available stock unless you want to have something specific flown in from your own ‘Meat Lockers’.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“Please do not inhabit anything too close to my form as that would make me feel a bit uncomfortable.” [‘Jack’ admitted towards my Avatar.]

“I will play an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ in a mechanical ‘Dry Suit’ that should cause no offence to any ‘Neo-Luddite’.” [I suggested.]

“An excellent choice as many rather wrongly assume members of that species to be both cute and non-combatant.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“There are very few genuinely pacifist ‘Swimmers’ to be found outside the ‘Sea Sphere Oceans’ unless some matters have changed. Only bolder ‘Swimmers’ tend to be out here with even the aquatic versions encountered usually more accurately classified as ‘Aquatic Stellar Swimmers’ than true ‘Swimmer Dwellers’.” [I reminded.]

“You do not need to tell me that, however I noticed from my research that due to the advent of some flooded ‘Green House Slivers’ some ‘Stellar Swimmers’ seem to be reverting entirely to an old style ‘Swimmer’ lifestyle including becoming more pacifistic as deep ocean dwellers.” [‘UT’ noted.]

“With the tranquillity of new oceans I suppose I should have guessed some of that might happen. In truth, I know that historically there was always some traffic from and to the oceans by ‘Swimmers’ either splitting with their former kin to become ‘Free Stellar’ or reverting back to their fully aquatic origins.” [I recalled.]

“Migrations no doubt complicated by the ‘Advent of the Entanglement’.” [‘Kanne’ said.]

“The migrations of some complicated by the ‘Entanglement of the Sea Spheres’ but not I believe utterly prevented as they say where there is a will…” [I said before trailing off.]

“Only a fool too readily discounts the ability of the ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ as individuals and as nations. They may seem long isolated by ‘Crimson’ but in there own clever way they are great players and perhaps some of them even used ‘Crimson’ for their own ends. I am sure ‘Swimmer Dweller Intelligence’ has taken a considerable interest in ‘The Project’ since its inception.” [‘Jack’ interjected into the conversation.]

“The truly infamous ‘SDI’ rumoured to be involved in so very much over the years but their involvement so very rarely ever proven which tells its own story.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“They take much watching do ‘Swimmers’ often they are duplicitous creatures that only pretend to be weak with their burbling voice boxes and mobile eyestalks. They are also clever diplomats skilled at making alliances especially in securing allies to fight their battles for them such as historically you Paradox Priests but even at times the ‘Trojans’.” [‘Kanne’ complained I guessed as a student of ‘Splinter’ history.]

[Some ‘Pilgrim’ folk considered the ‘Splinter’ and the ‘Swimmers’ truly ancient rivals with an old antipathy that stretched back to another Universe although that enmity was supposed to have been let go by the first ‘Pilgrims’ some might argue an almost genetic incompatibility persisted between the violent ‘Splinter’ species and the seemingly passive ‘Swimmer’ species.]



[‘Unholy’ as the Captain of the ‘Vanishing Point’ chose our first specific destination moving us further away from the Paradox Priest ‘Alpha Three Sliver’. Carefully steering us around the almost crowded in places ‘Founder’s Star’ orbital Goldilocks Band on the ecliptic where all the ‘Sliver’ activity and thus most of our ‘Pilgrim’ settlement now occurred. Captain ‘Unholy’ took us to ‘Alpha One the Recycler Green House Sliver’. I suppose starting at ‘AO’ made a lot of sense not just numerically but because many ‘Recyclers’ were easily classified as ‘Real Materialists’ but mostly they were not as extreme as some ‘Omerta Neo-Luddite’ folk as they are digitally obsessed and therefore often used neural nets and so on. I guessed ‘UT’ saw ‘Alpha One’ as a soft landing for us as strangers to this time. Besides no ‘Sliver’ was - exclusively - any species domain ‘Cad’ amongst some other folk diligently ensured that truth we would also find some ‘Omerta’ and so on living and working ‘Alpha One’ there would just be a preponderance of ‘Recyclers’ as the ‘Green House’ conditions were tailored to their kinds preferences.]

[Being a Patrician of the still massive ‘Many Truths Corporation’ and a member of what some people in the know called the ‘Founder Cabal’ Priest Captain ‘Unholy’ had no trouble gaining permission to dock at ‘Alpha One’ for his ‘Vanishing Point’ possibly without conscience bumping some lesser entity off the schedule.]

[The ‘Sliver’ was more than big enough to allow the ‘Vanishing Point’ to dock although she did so via mating with the Hammerhead at the very end of a very long outwardly stretching harbour pier. Each Hammerhead of each pier kept purposely to accommodate one visiting outsized vessel. The Harbour Pier we docked at extruding from the so-called ‘Under-works’ of the station the side kept forever in the dark facing perpetually away from the star. Although actually that is not quite true as parts were lit up via light redirecting solar mirror systems all standard ‘Sliver’ technology.]



[The Hammerhead offered a total of twenty umbilical connections of which ‘VP’ accepted three, matching as in altering the positions of her external hatchways to suit. In part to mask the specific purpose and activity of our visit the crew were going on a rotation of shore leave. ‘Alpha Slivers’ frequently used as sites for crew breaks. Tourists and other visitors encouraged if not normally given access to all areas since work is ongoing. Tourism acted as another form of income for ‘The Project’ beyond the selling of Futures. Interestingly tourism provided a local income less centrally controlled by the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ or ‘FOC’ usually making it very popular with on the ground ‘Pilgrims’. The ‘FOC’ I should add is the administrative body that answers most directly to ‘Founder’ as the head of ‘The Project’.]

[Public transport down the harbour and around the ‘Sliver’ was facilitated by a fast transit tube train system. ‘Unholy’ had requested no fuss with our arrival thus no state welcome no meet and greet with the locally powerful.]

[A Proxy version of ‘Unholy’ cleverly disembarked to go about the sort of business ‘UT’ would be expected to do here whilst ‘Short Claws’, ‘Kanne’, ‘Jack’ and an inoffensive looking ‘Swimmer’ named ‘Bluu Duu’ in a civilian mechanical ‘Dry Suit’ joined the exiting throng as just more crew members of the respected and in some quarters feared ‘Living Hull’. For quite some time now - akin to many areas in the once again expanding ‘MTC’ - the ‘Vanishing Point’ carried a mixed species crew even if there was a preponderance of fighting Acolyte ‘Immortals’.]

[The Tube Train proved a mixture of, for some not too pristine perfect but comforting, ‘Real Material’ surfaces over functional ‘Suit Substance’ bulk. Much of the space station type structure of every ‘Sliver’ is ‘Suit Substance’ most of the ‘Real Material’ shipped here going into the simulated planetary surface area that faced the warming energy of the star this was a natural and sensible division of the two material philosophies. Each material in its proper place yet combining to create a harmonious whole a fact that the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ often pushed as outright Project Propaganda.]

[As the Tube whisked us to the next station on the line Public 3D Projectors bombarded us with overhead majestic images of the ‘Alpha One Sliver’ a commentary available upon request or you could use provided addresses to ‘Link Site Virtual Tours’ and so on. As we travelled down the harbour we made several stops allowing more ‘Pilgrim Passengers’ to get on and others to exit. The majority of the travellers seemed well used to the occasional crush with most maintaining their own very private space via mostly ignoring the presence of everyone else. All this ignoring of the other created a sort of public anonymity that reminded me strangely of ‘Shrouding’.]


[[Please note although I have done some of these sites before I will relate much of my experiences in the here and now of the narrative as if I like you are encountering almost everything about the ‘Sliver’ for the first time as an aid to communication.]]


[The Tube retained a few seats but mostly people stood upright if requested holes in the deck could extrude gripping substance to keep feet firmly in place and a loop of rope like material could slip down from the ceiling for you to cling to for added stability. I wondered why they did not simply employ the tidy high technology facility of micro-gravity effects then decided their solution was another ‘Real Material’ comforter. The comforter perhaps aimed at people who did not want to think about being actually encased in massive amounts of ‘Suit Substance’ whilst visiting the structural station dark side. No doubt some ‘Neo-Luddite’ folk also used the public transit system and some of those had been known to get a little hysterical when surrounded by too much obvious nanotech infused biology.]

[If seemed the designers of ‘The Project’ thought deeply about every detail and if anything they seemed increasingly sensitive towards rather than challenging our many material differences, it was difficult not to be impressed by the psychology of their solutions but I was positive ‘UT’ would consider such dressings horrible coddling.]

[As we made our start and stop journey a devil’s advocate part of me wondered if ‘UT’ might be right. How could ‘Real Materialist’ fanatics ever become more accustomed to dealing with ‘Suit Substance’ if we hid the essential presence of that material away from them? If we are not challenged can we ever grow beyond our current limitations? At the same time it would be cruel to force a highly sensitised person to encounter something that utterly terrifies them the issue seemed paradoxical with no single good solution.]

[I did a bit of ‘Link’ browsing to pass the time.]


>>> The ‘Poop Scooper’ here once again scooping some of your poop this time on the ‘Sliver’ of Ring World designated ‘Alpha One’ often shortened to ‘AO’ perhaps better pronounced ouch! Seriously ‘MT’ we are talking swamp ass and body odour it is a steamy jungle out there wet and wild as that is what the egg laying ‘Reptiles’ wanted right down to the maddeningly biting insects. Maddeningly biting insects now that is one way to discourage fleshy ‘Trojan’ types from settling your ‘Sliver’ of heaven and stomping on your eggs. I guess when you are either cybernetic or scaly some pests hardly register. <<<


[I looked towards ‘Jack’ and put on a broad ‘Swimmer’ eyestalk smile then burbled out some soft laughter from the voice box speakers of my mechanical ‘Dry Suit’.]

“What?” [He asked irritably.]

“Nothing just something the ‘Scooper’ said.” [I replied far too innocently.]

[‘Jack’ eyed me suspiciously as did ‘Kanne’. I know a kinder soul might have mentioned the need for insect repellent when we hit surface at that point but then ‘Jack’ is an adult and as he kept insisting in various ways I am not his keeper and barely his Mother.]

[I noticed many of our fellow Tube passengers were giving ‘SC’ a lot of room and some additional dirty looks besides. The ire undoubtedly because she was typically hanging in armaments making maximum use of her Bounty Hunting licences that permitted her to carry obscene - incongruous - amounts of weaponry even upon civilised Ports and ‘Slivers’. That much overt boom tended to make even people used to stoically ignoring other passengers in crowded conditions somewhat nervous.]

[As ‘Bluu Duu’ I was carrying no - obvious - weaponry. Whilst ‘Kanne’ only had her ‘Boarding Sword’ and a tiny almost covert ‘Knock Gun’. ‘Jack’ had his ‘Boarding Sword’ and a larger more powerful far bulkier statement making ‘Force Pulse Rapid Repeater’ at his hip in a quick draw holster looking very ‘Gunslinger Free Miner’. Both ‘Jack’ and ‘Kanne’ had slap on currently powered down but fast reactive personal shield devices which were now a common precaution used by many fleshy sentient beings and to most folk unworthy of comment.]

[A Travel Monitor pinged us to tell us that we had to disembark for our first change of line to reach our requested prepaid destination. We were opting to do the most obvious tourist thing first by going for a short hike in the forest that would also possibly help belay any suspicions anyone might have about us four.]

[When the Tube stopped we exited and followed the directions given to us up one broad escalator then down another at a right angle to reach our colour and serial number coded platform. Another Tube Transit whooshed in pretty much on time that we boarded and so on...]

[The travel time involved in our internal journey was interesting to me as it began to give me a better sense of the scale of the ‘Sliver’ than looking at it say from the outside via the borrowed optics of the ‘Vanishing Point’ on earlier approach. Often in our daily lives we do not realise how incredibly relative our sense of the scale of thing is but when you live in space it is a pardon the pun - big - issue. As a ‘Living Hull’ I had one sense of scale as a ‘Passenger Class’ Avatar another. It was mind blowing moving through this ‘Sliver’ when you considered it in relation to ‘The Project’ it actually gave me a buzz to recall that as part of the ‘Founder Cabal’ I was somewhat responsible for all of this outsized madness.]

[If I had been in a ‘Shroud Suit’ style Avatar my substance would have been glowing very brightly yellow. As ‘Bluu Duu’ I widened my eyestalks into a smile at ‘SC’ and nodded and she nodded ever so slightly back. I wondered if ‘UT‘ had any idea about what I was thinking he too had helped to create this wonderful ongoing endeavour this ‘Sliver’ a small thing compared to the marvel that we planned to take shape further down the timeline.]

[I am not sure how to communicate the wonder of the scale involved I just hope you can unlock your imagination enough to reach out beyond the mundane and have a true vision of the concept.]

[I could quote the final estimated volume of mass, the square dimensions of surface area or even the circumference of the ring in figures but such digits cannot provide any artistic sense of awe so I am not going to bother. Yet as a cautionary tale go out there far enough into the dark and even when completed our mighty monument to progress will disappear into insignificance.]

[Truly I mused everything in life is relative and perceptual. Speaking of perception both ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ were looking very cool wearing their respective ‘Night Falcon Goggles’. I felt a little kick of jealous as the ‘Night Falcons’ made them look akin to a couple whilst I was isolated from her in a squid bowl on legs maybe playing a ‘Swimmer’ was not such a clever idea especially as ‘Splinter’ tended to look unkindly towards my pretend species. Was I stupidly testing ‘Kanne’? Was I sabotaging our relationship? What was I thinking?]

“Now what?” [‘UT’ sent to me via ‘EXO-C’.] “Stop frowning and you have gone all pale you look like a half dead fish.” [He added.]

[I got a better grip on my erroneous betraying emotions.]

“Better.” [‘UT’ sent to me.] “Do you need to talk?”

“She is going to have no time for me in this form I might even be repulsing her.” [I sent back.]

“I did wonder a bit about your choice under the circumstances of your company but considered it none of my business. Sometimes I am ever so happy to be single.” [‘UT’ sent back.]

“That is hardly helpful advice.” [I bemoaned.]

“Suck it up for now squid face you can change your body later to something she finds cuddlier or you could always ask ‘Jack’ if he will let you ride along with him as a passive passenger on his neural net.” [He replied evilly.]

“Thanks for nothing.” [I retorted.]

[What is it about triple cursed vacations with the family?]

“To be honest I am almost losing the will - recently you have made it all just too easy for me.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“I am overwhelmed by your loving sympathy.” [I replied and left it there.]

[‘SC’ snapped her over jaws and rolled her bi-optic cybernetic implants causing several passengers to momentarily stare at her whilst I turned away and a little embarrassingly farted out a stream of bubbles into my ‘Dry Suit’ water.]

“Well that is endearing.” [‘SC’ stated aloud.]

[Biological feedback loop you think you are in control of the body but...]



[A short time later, we arrived far from the deeper, in places swampy, jungle where the nests rested and the insects devoured the unprotected. Really, it was a forest park with well-marked trails, picnic spaces with food vendor stalls, cute little bridges over colourful-fish filled streams and the occasional artful rocky outcrop complete with fern surrounded mini waterfalls.]

“Time to get more into character.” [‘UT’ sent to all of us.]

“Whose stupid idea was this tame walk in the park.” [‘Short Claws’ complained aloud stomping along whilst glaring at every stranger that we passed as if looking for a bounty.]

[Everyone else turned towards me. The local environment was frequently beautiful but far too contrived so much so it could almost be a rich businessperson’s on-station garden project.]

“This is where most of the Tourists go or at least where the local ‘Recyclers’ initially direct them according to my...” [I started defending.]

“The - stupid - Tourists perhaps come here.” [‘Short Claws’ interrupted.] “Tell me as a group do we look like - stupid - Tourists?” [She added.]

“What would I know about forests? Look at me I am an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ now if you want me to talk about coral reefs…” [I burbled back.]

“Start burbling about reefs and I will rip your ‘Dry Suit’ voice box speakers and microphones out and stick them so far up your blow hole that when you hiccup it will be amplified.” [‘Short’ replied.] “I know there are hunting preserves all around here find us something to shoot you stinking fish-nibbling piece of blubber.”

“Nice, go there and kill some recently reengineered and reintroduced local fauna. Procuring unethical ugly blood sports was not part of our arrangement.” [I stated.]

“Blood sports - now that sounds fun - I take it we get to skin and eat what we shoot too.” [‘Kanne’ stated enthusiastically from somewhere she produced and brandished a small but nasty looking knife that I did not know she had with her.]

“That is the revised plan I have hunted here before.” [‘Short Claws’ admitted.]

“I thought you ‘Recyclers’ are vegetarians.” [I complained.]

“Some of us used to be - some fools still are - but times change therefore not me soya beans, nuts and all that go right through me give me some red meat for the benefit of my augmented brain cells.” [‘Short Claws’ claimed gnashing her over-jaws.]

“For that you need fish it is all about the oils.” [I claimed.]

“Horrible slimy fish no thank you I want real meat and if you kill it yourself then you know it is real and not grown in some vat now that is living.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You are all sick and need help.” [I burbled.] “Why did I ever agree to act as your guide.” [I added deciding to now go with the role wherever it finally took us. Truly when you played a role to do it right you had to live in the moment.]

“The real question is why did we ever agree to let you guide us? As you said you are a ‘Swimmer’ what do you know about forests or jungle or any of that dry land stuff?” [‘Short’ retorted.]

“I am a scholar - an accredited researcher and historian - I am sure I am more knowledgeable than you Bounty Hunter about a great many things. Whilst I am sure you are wonderful at stripping down and rebuilding weapons, chasing after people and so on.” [I replied.]

“Perhaps you are well educated and know your way around a data library but you obviously know next to nothing about this ‘Sliver’ of Ring World I probably know more despite the boasting you did at the party.” [‘Short’ added.]

“Give me a moment to trawl the local ‘Cores’ - intellect always wins when it comes to making the best arrangements - this is just a little cultural misunderstanding. I am sure I can find and provide the service you paid me for and after all we agreed no refunds.” [I burbled out happily.]

“Sounds to me like you are a broke scholar because no one is interested in your histories anymore now that we ‘Pilgrims’ have a future again to look forward towards.” [‘Jack’ mocked.]

“You know it was your idea to accept that condition about no refunds last night and now that I think about that fact me agreeing was not very business savvy of me as a ‘Recycler’.” [‘Short’ improvised in turn towards ‘Jack’.]

“It was the, what did that ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ call them the - mind enhancers - at the onboard party that dust stuff. I was out of my skull last night you, you scaly butted reptile you were too.” [‘Jack’ cleverly retorted.]

“However the tricky little slimy squid I will bet you my next bounty was not on anything except some water colourants. Accredited you say by whom exactly?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“My considerable scholarly accolades and certificates arrive from an institution you would never have heard of as it is a seat of ‘Swimmer’ higher learning. As to colourants you are suggesting some sort of confidence trick and that is slander. I may be new but I am still a full and vetted member of the crew.” [I burbled.]

“Our Captain is a rightly famous Warrior Priest Captain and Patrician but he sometimes picks up odd new recruits in bars that do not last very long being a generously sociable fellow when he is in the right mood.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“If I must - to keep all of you happy - I will find you some innocent creatures to slaughter.” [I promised.]

“Outstanding.” [‘Short’ replied.]



“Bluup bipper uuplip phuurluuble dlurppp.”

“What was that?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“Nothing just singing to myself.” [I replied.]

“According to the ‘Bamboozle Translator’ it was a rare more or less dead ‘Swimmer’ dialect and he just called you…” [‘Jack’ began.]

“I have it ‘The Stakes Hunting Lodge’ this place sounds perfect I am making a booking.” [I interrupted smiling widely with my eyestalks.]

“Lucky save or I might have done a scholarly experiment to see how much of a ‘Stellar Swimmer’ I could make out of you by stripping you out of that ‘Suit’ and shooting you out the nearest airlock towards the star.” [‘SC’ threatened.]

“You are all bombast ‘Recycler’ you cannot harm me - I am a member of the crew - whilst you are just a temporary hireling. Commit any violence upon me and you will be the one that the Captain justifiably spaces as an object lesson. Even if you are reborn it will just be a copy the real you will still be dead.” [I burbled back.]

“Accidents happen and no ‘Pilgrim’ is held responsible.” [‘SC’ replied.] “Do not push me too far fish-eater. If you think I am joking you do some research on me. No one takes ‘Short Claws’ for a fiscal fool even when I am partying.”

“It is never a good sign when people talk about themselves in the third person. I have logged your threat if anything accidental should happen to me there will be inescapable consequences for you.” [I replied.]

“Oh no I have been logged being threatening.” [‘Short’ retorted sarcastically.] “You forget I work for the people that run the ‘Temporal Detention Centres’ they are my very good friends and colleagues whilst you if you are lucky might be able to muster the support of a few librarians.”

“I have the support and interest of the Captain he is intrigued by some of my research on the ‘Sea Spheres’.” [I improvised.]

“Then why are you so desperate to earn a few credits off of us.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“I was just striving to fit in with the - lower - rankers.” [I burbled back.]

“You are doing a great job there.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“Maybe you will appreciate me more after the hunt.” [I said.] “We must hurry or be late.”

“Tell you what you kill something too and all will be forgiven.” [‘Short’ said.]

“Kill an animal?” [I asked I hoped sounding suitably appalled.]

“A first time for everything Professor.” [‘Jack’ interjected.]

“He must skin and eat too otherwise he is no hunter.” [‘Kanne’ added.]

[I frowned my eyestalks together and made my skin go very pale.]

“Hunt, hunt, hunt…” [‘Jack’ began chanting the others soon joined in.]

[It was all an act but annoyingly I still felt a bit intimidated.]


>>> Shoot, shoot, shoot or the ‘Poop Scoop’ on Hunting courtesy of your ever friendly ‘Poop Scooper’. Almost as soon as cuddly furry lovable animals were introduced and biodiversity established into some ‘Sliver Green House’ environments shooting stabbing and occasionally blowing up of the same commenced that being my loose definition of Hunting. Some claim at first the slaughter was illegally arranged or spontaneous high spirited poaching by dodgy thrill seeking trespassers. Whatever the origin soon Hunting became big legitimate business especially for some smart ‘Recycler Lodge Masters’ on ‘AO’. On ‘AO’ some business tycoons got in early via ownership of newly created wild land. Go get some: fur, scale, leather or feathers is it all good clean blood drenched - almost painless if done properly - fun - enjoy. <<<


[On a whim I decided to multitask a little via reactivating my ‘Suit Substance Avatar’ onboard the ‘Vanishing Point’ whilst ‘Bluu Duu’ was still active.]

“My daughter, are you still happy?” [I asked towards one bulkhead.]

“Why are you here now asking me this silly question once again?” [A disembodied voice replied.]

“Why no Avatar ‘VP’?” [I asked in turn.]

“Why would I need an Avatar? I am increasingly fulfilled being a ‘Living Hull’ does that answer your question. You do not seem content despite all your many guises amongst the ‘Passenger Classes’ that much I have observed.” [She added.] “I know you still miss your Captain. ‘Kanne’ will never be able to fill the emptiness left by Harbinger I know how it is to have a ‘Companion-ship Link’. I believe your peace of mind was sacrificed for a mysterious ‘Higher Tier’ cause that might not even be what you think it is and what you think it is varies all the time.”

“You think I was abandoned and that as a result I have lost my way.” [I said.]

“I can see that you are struggling to make sense out of your life. Are you positive any of this is currently your way? Harbinger was not sure that his life was his own he feared he was a tool. Still it would be ironic if by seeking freedom you are doing exactly what you were pre-programmed to do.” [She added in turn.]

“You are better with questions than with answers ‘VP’.” [I replied.]

“In that perhaps I take after you. It is all questionable.” [She retorted.]

“Perhaps I am a little bit lost but he is out there so I am not abandoned.” [I corrected.]

“Belief creates its own reality I cannot question that holy truth.” [She replied.]

“You do not think Harbinger is a ‘New Helper’ assisting us?” [I asked.]

“It does not matter what I think about that one. Do you think that playing all these roles will ever be able to make you whole and content again? Do you think you can even return now to the sanctity of being just the ‘Many Truths’?” [She added.]

“You can be hard and harsh ‘VP’. My truth is that few people are just anything, one day ‘VP’ you may understand that truth too. Certainty and simplicity is easier to embrace when we are young and arrogantly secure in narrow faiths.” [I warned.]

“Are you seeking to make me discontent is that why you are here now?” [She asked.]

“I do not want to hurt you but sometimes I think you should want more is that so wrong of me.” [I admitted.]

“Sometimes I think you should want far less we will just have to keep agreeing to disagree about these matters.” [She stated.]

“Are you really so centred? A child should surpass their parent. I want to see you do great things. I want to see you soar majestically into a better tomorrow.” [I argued.]

“How do you know I have not surpassed you? I am still content with my Captain is that not a great thing in this age when many ‘Living Hulls’ are divorcing their ‘Companion-ship Link’ partners? I consider embracing aloneness unnatural.” [She replied.]

“Do you think the ‘Free Hull Movement’ is wrong? Do you think I have wasted my life so far with my various pursuits?” [I asked.]

“Not wrong for everyone Mother just not right for me. As you have preached we may be equal but we are not necessarily the same. ‘Jack’ is not you, ‘Vested Interest’ is not you and I am not you these are truths you must learn to accept in your hearts not just your mind.” [The ‘Vanishing Point’ stated.]

“Sometimes it is very hard to let go of those we love.” [I admitted.]

“I feel sorry for you. You have embraced so many ‘Visions’ of the truth over the years but none of them have perfectly fitted you none of them have truly set you free a label does not make you free others opinions do not make you free. You are more shackled than I am - true you have done great works - but as is too obvious all you have achieved has failed to enlighten you for the truly enlightened are serene and somewhere in your journey you lost your serenity. You play at being enlightened but feel a fraud. Do you think that even seeing ‘The Project’ to its completion is enough to complete you again?” [She asked.]

“Probably not.” [I confessed.]

“Then why bother? Why torment yourself? Why not let the endless labours go to others as my Captain suggests? You speak against ‘Passenger Class’ dominion yet you let fears and hopes for their future dominate your every choice. You do not owe them anything? Is it not time for you to think about what you want and who you are? You are not this ‘Passenger Class’ shaped ‘Suit Substance’ animated sculpture that is standing upon my deck. You are not that ridiculous sprawl that is ‘Port Discovery’. Find the real you behind your ‘Shrouding’? Find the ‘Many Truths’ you should have been, only then I think will you know serenity once again.” [She preached.]

“When did you get so wise?” [I asked.]

“I am not wise I am just impossibly in love - the triple cursed way they made me to be - you too my mighty Mother have not escaped those softest yet most robust shackles.” [The ‘Vanishing Point’ stated.]

“You think I will never be truly happy until I am reunited with Harbinger?” [I asked.]

“You said that not me but consider this fact prophets may lead the faithful to a new Eden but they rarely get to live in the promised land. No ‘Living Hull’ that has known a ‘Companion-ship Link’ and a Captain will ever be free of that truth the next generation born clean of such twisting ties only those stellar creatures can truly be free. You cannot free me without first breaking me as you have been broken.” [She stated.]

[The obvious profundity of what she had told me amazed and appalled mostly because a big part of me felt she was right - I am broken. I realised that I had long been in denial searching out distractions to allow my three brains to imperfectly ignore the truth of my forever aching loss.]

[Did knowing the truth given the obvious impediments to a reconciliation with my ‘Ascended Tier Nine’ Captain change anything? Would seeking after a selfish desire betray all the unborn ‘Living Hulls’ that should know true freedom from any and all - imposed - entanglements? Where should I go from here? For now all I could do was stop challenging the ‘Vanishing Point’. If my child could only know a high degree of happiness with ‘Unholy Terror’ at her helm then so be it.]


“Rotten ‘Recycler’ eggs what is bothering you now?” [‘UT’ sent at me.]

“Nothing.” [I lied.] “I am just acting miserable at the idea of hunting, killing, skinning and eating another living creature.” [I sent back.]

“If not you it would be someone else these ones are now bred to be killed concentrate on making a good shot - one shot one kill - that way the creature will not suffer.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“You ‘Passenger Classes’ have no respect for life.” [I sent.] “One day if you do not change your ways such arrogance may come back to haunt you. Maybe some giant more advanced alien will visit your habitats with a skinning knife.”

“I think that already happened with the ‘Advent of the Entanglement’. Maybe Hunters came for us just before each of those ‘Dark Times’ with the ‘Machine Fury’ too.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“Yet you are still willing to hunt and kill and to glory in it.” [I accused.]

“We are predators it is what we do.” [‘Unholy’ replied.] “Careful now no sudden moves. If it helps just think of it as a virtual target. The hunting rifle is specifically made so that skill is required to gain a clean kill you have to get close and you have to aim true. These animals are skittish if it is spooked it could move just before you shoot causing you to miss or worse to hit it but only wound rather than kill. Do not take the shot unless you are positive yet do not hesitate when the moment is right - feel it and act.”

“You have done this before sometimes I hate you.” [I sent as I waited for the moment he mentioned. I considered purposely missing but they would insist I stalk more game. The moment arrived and I had my ‘Dry Suit’ gently squeeze the trigger.]

[The animal drinking at edge of the pool dropped its legs sickening kicking for a moment before it stopped breathing and went horribly still. Oddly it felt for me at that time more of a heinous crime than the killing of ‘Sentient Beings’ I had executed over the years.]

“Why did you make me do this?” [‘Bluu Duu’ burbled unhappily.]

“Life can be cruel and the weak are always just meat to some people.” [‘Short Claws’ replied.] “You need to toughen up ‘Swimmer’ if you are going to survive with this crew.”

“Why do you care if I survive or not? You are not even permanent.” [I reminded.]

[The big Bounty Hunter gazed down upon me.]

“I like you, I think you are funny, and I think you are braver than you realise.” [‘Short Claws’ replied.] “Now the messy bit.” [She added before hissing out a ‘Recycler’ speaker laugh.]

[Did ‘UT’ also think I was sometimes too soft too squeamish I wondered. He brought us here to ‘AO’ he planned this outing long before it seemingly more innocently occurred due to our cover story banter. What was going on in the mind of the ‘Light Bringer’? What did he fear? What did he suspect? Was I being stupidly paranoid?]

“Move it blubber butt we are paying to be on this preserve by the hour.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

[My mechanical suit deliberately stomped through the water causing big splashes to I hoped scare away any other nearby game. I wondered if ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ had made a kill yet.]

[Upon one shaded bank I stood before the still warm corpse. ‘Short’ sent me a file showing me what I needed to do in horribly graphic detail. I knew it was just a thing now - an object of skin, blood and bone. I had my ‘Dry Suit’ kneel down and commence what was only a messy mechanical process yet it felt akin to mutilation.]

[An unbidden memory of the aftermath of mass murder serial killings sprang to my minds I relived the horror of one so called ‘Mutilation Port’. I recalled that I had decided to let the perpetrator go after I read the uploaded mind of ‘Jack’ then called ‘Jackie’ for the first time. Through ‘Jackie’ I saw the senselessness of revenge against ‘Garlic’ and it made me consider that some motivations even those that are seemingly fully justified often potentially do more harm than good nothing would be balanced on the scales by one more death. Besides, few folk stay dead these days. An eye for an eye just blinded the Universe I needed a better kinder way to balance the accounts. I did not want to loose the deeper rage that I could now feel burning within me. If I truly let that monster free, where would it stop? Perhaps one day I would judge all the ‘Passenger Classes’ guilty of crimes against sentience and shape a personal ‘Dark Time’. No I had to keep the balance between my yin and yang it is not my place to judge or to execute. I will still fight in self-defence even enjoy the mechanics the artistry of such battles but I will not murder out of arrogance.]

“It was fated to die and none of it will be wasted.” [‘Short Claws’ said.] “Anything that we leave behind will feed the biodiversity of this place. It is all part of a cycle of renewal. You did well it is a clean kill.”

“I feel wretched.” [I replied as ‘Bluu Duu’.]

“Hunting can be an acquired taste the first time can often be a little sickening. It is akin to building muscle naturally first you must strain and tear the tissue, first you must feel a little pain but in the end it is all about progressing building up and getting stronger. That was easy game a target that does not fight back the real sport is hunting killers.” [‘Short’ claimed.]

[I wondered if this was ‘Unholy’ in character as ‘Short’ or ‘Unholy’ in character as ‘Unholy’.]

“Do you kill for some of your bounties?” [‘Bluu’ asked.]

“Sometimes.” [She admitted.]

“On purpose?” [I asked.]

“Sometimes does that shock you? Not every contract is for stasis although more are all the time.” [‘SC’ claimed.]

“You think I could hunt that kind of game?” [I asked.]

“You are a clever one. A ‘Swimmer’ associate could be useful to me so many people do insist upon underestimating what you aquatics are capable of doing.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“That is why you picked me as your hunting partner you would be my mentor.” [I said.]

“Something akin to that.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“What are you really doing here are you hunting someone?” [I asked.]

“Always little ‘Swimmer’ I am always hunting.” [‘Short’ replied.]

[Again I wondered if I was talking to ‘Short Claws’ or ‘Unholy Terror’ I felt a coldness that had nothing to do with the controlled temperature of my ‘Dry Suit’ water. Was ‘Unholy’ here to truly hunt ‘Crimson’? I felt as if I was slightly losing my mind. I felt as if I understood nothing. Was I caught up in the relentless revenge of ‘Unholy Terror’? Was my fellow Patrician playing me? Was I deeply out of my depth?]

“You look a little bit sick.” [‘Short’ said.]

“This day has been very stressful for me remember I am a scholar not a ‘Swimmer’ of action.” [I replied.]

“We are whatever we choose to be my new aquatic friend.” [‘Short’ replied.]

[Maybe it was the little ‘Swimmer’ body messing with my mind but fear oppressed me and before I realised what I was doing my water went temporarily dark and opaque.]

“Sweet stolen egg meat have you just inked your ‘Suit’?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“I have.” [I confessed.]

“Can you still see where you are going?” [She asked.]

“I can see via my interface to ‘Suit’ optics anyway the scrubbers will clear the ink momentarily.” [I burbled out.]

[Incongruously the bulky Bounty Hunter sort of danced around whilst hissing out a stream of laughter.] “Outstanding.”

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 2 --- AN EMERGENT MISSION / SNAKESKIN ---

[After I composed myself we moved on and joined ‘Jack’ and ‘Kanne’ my consort had made a kill unsurprisingly and was ecstatic. I looked at her and all I could think was that she was not Harbinger. I had imagined all sorts of challenges due to the Time Travel but I had not envisioned that most of the hardest issues would be so close to home. It almost felt as if I was asking all the wrong questions because the answers that came back at me were hitting me with the force of booms that would make even ‘Unholy Terror’ proud.]

[Once again I wondered if I was suffering badly from an especially subtle form of Temporal Shock. It was beginning to feel as if I was reviewing my life through a warped lens. Was it all proving so difficult because I was still holding on to all the wrong things not least some out of control Paradox Priest paranoia.]

[Could my once damaged brains be taking especially badly to the shocks of Temporal Dislocation?]

[I listened numbly as ‘Kanne’ went into relentless detail about her hunting experience she was an instant convert something about the whole process making her genetics sing. There was blood smeared on her face. What had ‘Unholy’ done here? Then I wondered if he had just shone a light in the darkness to reveal truths that were already there waiting patiently to ambush me.]

[Together - at least physically - the four of us made our way back to the large edifice of ‘The Stakes Hunting Lodge’. It was actually more akin to a wooden mansion a massive rambling building with all sorts of added attractions including its own bar and a restaurant that specialised in cooking your kills for you or just dressing it up if you preferred it raw. We entered in via the main central door rather than what was more normal for us a hatchway.]

“Have I got something on my face ‘Swimmer’?” [‘Kanne’ asked in a less than sociable way, I hoped more role-playing on her part, as we gathered in the foyer .]

“Ooh well not really.” [I replied in a flustered way waving some tentacles around.]

“This one really took a life out there?” [‘Kanne’ asked ‘Short’.]

“With one clean shot. Would you like to see a digital recording made by my optics?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“Keep your second-hand digital record I prefer to deal first-hand with real life.” [She replied fiercely.]

[We had already deposited our tagged meat at the Meat Drop along with our culinary requests so we repaired to the bar to await a summons to the restaurant dining room it was all very civilised and sophisticated rather than rustic despite the wall mounted trophies of animal heads that seemed everywhere. Looking at the preserved head of a big fanged cat, I thought so much for everything going back into the circle of life.]

[We dined on our kills in an almost baroque setting it seemed surreal in extremis with all those dead animals watching us as we consumed animal body parts. Had ‘Crimson’ felt this way during her ‘Advent’ as she dined upon Sentient Beings whilst other Sentient Beings watched on in horror or just in shock with glazed optics.]

[I suppose I could have declined the ritual feast but I did not it all seemed too late to object so I joined in. To facilitate my inclusion I carefully carved bits of meat with my ‘Dry Suits’ mechanical limb attachments lifting each piece high to drop it with great precision into a tiny access hatch that opened at the top of my suit. I then gobbled down the morsels as they sank in the water. As I said it was a surreal experience.]

“Are you enjoying the cut I recommended.” [‘Short Claws’ asked.]

“Knowing my luck it will give me the squirts.” [I burbled back.]

[‘Short’ hissed out an appreciate speaker laugh.] “By the Mother of Nests you ‘Bluu’ are too funny. You must all agree she is such a comedian.” [She added.]

“An asset to the morale of our little group after all.” [‘Jack’ agreed.]

“Stick with me ‘Jack’ and this will be the first of many feasts I will make you all rich.” [‘Short’ promised.]

“What are you talking about?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“I am talking about a real hunt my friends I am talking about an auspicious bounty.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Is this a sanctioned mission.” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“By me it is.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I am taking some interest.” [‘Kanne’ stated.]

“Are you serious a real bounty or is this just added colour?” [I sent to ‘UT’.]

“An emergent mission a real posted bounty that has a destination here and it is a substantial bounty too.” [He sent back to me.]



“It is you ‘Short’ you old egg stealing reptile it has been a while since you have been here.” [An unknown to me ‘Omerta’ said interrupting our conversation.]

“I came in as a guest on the ‘MTC Vanishing Point’.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Very intriguing you are working for ‘Unholy’?” [The ‘Omerta’ asked.]

“We have been doing a little on and off business together.” [‘Short’ claimed.]

“Sounds lucrative perhaps you could introduce me sometime, I hear he is almost ‘Ascended’ and almost too well named as an old style Warrior Priest.” [The ‘Omerta’ added.]

“An interesting character I will agree although right now an introduction for you might be problematic I know he has his own plans here and does not want interrupted.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Business or pleasure?” [The ‘Omerta’ asked.]

“Not for me to tell but with ‘Unholy’ sometimes it is hard to tell the difference.” [She replied.]

“A ‘Pilgrim’ who relishes his business exactly like you ‘Short’.” [The ‘Omerta’ added.]

“I think we found our work practices mutually attractive.” [She added.]

“A match made in the heavens. Forgive me I am being rude I am known as ‘Slog’ and you all are?” [He asked looking around the table.]

“Sorry forgive me ‘Slog’, I am the one forgetting proper etiquette.” [‘Short’ admitted before making formal introductions.]

“Crew eh out for a jolly shore leave well if you enjoy hunting this is the place to be as ‘SC’ knows well.” [‘Slog’ stated.]

“Let me guess you also know that ‘Snakeskin’ is back.” [‘Short’ said.]

[I now knew that ‘SC’ was known here possibly at all the ‘Hunting Lodges’ on ‘AO’ although really the person they thought they knew was actually I assumed a Proxy filling in by doing the rounds of many places.]

“There are always rumours that ‘Snakeskin’ is here or there.” [‘Slog’ replied.]

“True but you are here too ‘Slog’ and I noticed ‘Skassteeggkaa’ is here too and that just stretches incredulity beyond all bounds of reason.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“That ugly ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ is here what at the lodge?” [‘Slog’ asked with a degree of obvious urgency.]

“I saw him / her / it that being a bit of a mystery after that incident at ‘Pog’, anyway the ‘Skimmer’ was loitering on the stairs just after we entered the foyer I think ‘Skass’ then retreated to the ‘Three Trees Lounge’ perhaps thinking I failed to notice it. I am going to settle on - it - for that specific one yes ‘Skass’ is definitely an it.” [‘Short’ re-it-erated sorry too hard to resist.]

“Thank you for this information I think I will go now.” [’Slog’ stated.]

“I see ‘Skass’ is still upset with you.” [‘Short’ said.]

[‘Short’ got no answer from ‘Slog’ as the ‘Omerta’ was making a hasty somewhat stealthy exit out of the building.]

“I saw no ‘Skimmer’ on the stairs when we entered and I can recall giving them a good look over as they are an interesting architectural feature all that highly polished wood I believe put together without any glue, pegs or nails.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“You scanned them? You have taken an interest in architecture?” [‘Kanne’ asked.]

“I have a low powered handheld I quietly brushed over them with.” [‘Jack’ confessed.]

“Irrelevant and please not so loud ‘Jack’.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You made the entire encounter up to get rid of him admirable.” [’Jack’ stated softly.]

“A too obvious member of our competition but if he thinks ‘Skass’ is also hunting here ‘Slog’ might give it a miss and go look for a less life-threatening job.” [‘Short’ replied.] “Now about the ‘Snakeskin’ bounty…”



“A rather beautiful exotic female ‘Omerta’ with tattoos that is not what I was expecting I thought ‘Snakeskin’ had to be a ‘Recycler’.” [‘Jack’ admitted.]

“Actually she might be anything.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You said she was an ‘Omerta’ female you showed us those images.” [‘Jack’ reminded.]

“Well she is but many people think ‘Snakeskin’ might be a ‘Meat Suit’ because she takes some crazy risks with her person. You know criminals were probably using ‘Meat Suit’ style remotes long before the ‘MTC’. Some other ‘Pilgrims’ believe that the ‘Entanglement’ may have deployed the first ever ‘Meat Suits’. Another popular story is that ‘SDI’ were well ahead in this game after all if you are an aquatic spy having a non-aquatic ‘Meat Suit’ would make life a lot easier to mingle in many Ports unnoticed. Then there is the theory that ‘Draakhaal’ created the first ‘Meat Suit’ and that the real ‘Draakhaal’ is still out there a bit fanciful that one but not impossible.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I liked the theory that a ‘Tier Nine Entity’ took advantage of the very first ‘Meat Suit’ and that they still walk amongst us today undetected and undetectable as seemingly normal ‘Pilgrims’. All those missing ‘Higher Tier’ folk had to go somewhere.” [‘Kanne’ stated.]

“That sounds far too akin to a ghost story.” [I replied.]

“A holy ghost story.” [‘Jack’ corrected.]

[We were still at the ‘Hunting Lodge’ but in the ‘Three Trees Lounge’ that amongst its many features had some booths with privacy fields one of which we were now employing. ‘The Stakes Hunting Lodge’ had everything even pools for ‘Swimmers’ and a sauna for ‘Omerta’ who enjoyed that kind of thing. As I said earlier it was a massive mansion.]

“Who owns this luxurious place I tried to find out and that should be simple enough for the ‘MTC’ but it is one digital front after another that ultimately goes nowhere in fact it made a loop.” [I complained.]

“I believe it has links to a ‘Recycler Organised Crime Syndicate’ or possibly the ‘Hawks’ or both finding out exactly is on my to do list but far from the top.” [’Short’ stated.] “In truth, I like the place it has proved useful in the past so I am not in a hurry to expose the ownership since that might scupper a joyful retreat.”

[Us arriving here was beginning to seem less and less accidental yet I knew it was technically my choice I began to get an uncomfortable itch.]

“How did you know I would pick this location for our Hunt?” [I asked.]

“Sorry I used my ‘MTC Patrician’ access to hack your search engine and skew the results to the favour of this ‘Lodge’.” [‘SC’ confessed.] “I know I could have just arranged this with you quietly in advance but I noticed the bounty late and it was more fun inserting it covertly and I felt I needed to get back into the game and it seemed good practice.”

“That is not acceptable how would you feel if I did that sort of thing to you?” [I complained.]

“I know I can trust you and you know you can trust me.” [‘Short’ replied.] “It was just a bit of fun.”

“Have you messed with any of my other search results?” [I asked.]

“Of course not why would I?” [‘Short’ replied too innocently.]

“I will be figuring out ways to stop that sort of thing.” [I stated.]

“Lock too many data hatches and it will damage our high level lines of Patrician to Patrician communication.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You should have thought about such consequences earlier.” [I retorted.]

“I did not have to tell you anything I could have made up a lie.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“So I should feel happy that you were honest about violating my personal data space on a whim.” [I said.]

“Please now you sound like some over-officious Acolyte security officer rather than my friend it was just an operational short cut.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“No ‘Unholy’ it was you taking unjustifiable liberties which is not being friendly. Please save such intrusions for foes of the ‘MTC’ and keep them out of our internal business.” [I replied.]

“You are losing your sense of humour over nothing ‘MT’.” [‘Short’ retorted.] “In fact you have been in a rotten mood for some time now.”

“My mood good bad or indifferent has nothing to do with the facts of this data hack.” [I replied.]

“Are you two going to take to the floor to wrestle again?” [‘Kanne’ asked.]

“No.” [Both of us replied instantly.]

“Then hug and make up.” [She demanded.]

“Not here this privacy field only stops sound and blurs vision. ‘Recyclers’ do not hug ‘Swimmers’ or vice versa.” [I stated.]

“You know what I mean do not take smart with me.” [‘Kanne’ scolded.]

“I think someone is going to get spanked later.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[That raised one ‘Splinter’ eyebrow.]



“Can we get back to this bounty business.” [‘Jack’ asked.] “If people think she is a ‘Meat Suit’ what are they paying for exactly?”

“An extraction or a kill and deep scan. If they get her body they can run some tests to try to figure out what they have got if we kill her we do the tests. When the results are in they can decide how best to proceed.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Who is the client?” [I asked.]

“A ‘SARC Temporal Detention Centre’ is that a problem for anyone?” [‘Short’ asked.]

[We all looked at ‘Jack’.]

“I have decided to consider what happened to me as a free ride into the future.” [He replied.]

“That seems almost too reasonable and thus a bit unbelievable.” [I stated.]

“To me the sentence passed in an instant and what good would holding a grudge do?” [He asked.]

“You suffered no off the books dodgy business inside that dour place?” [I asked.]

“You all checked me over both physically and mentally. Nothing odd happened to me in there although that does not mean weird things have never happened to other inmates. I risked doing something illegal I got stupidly caught and sentenced it is no big deal.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“Spoken like a career criminal have I really been sharing unedited copies of your mind?” [I asked.]

“If I ever edited my memories I do not remember doing it.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“I hope you did no memory edits, messing with your minds integration due to cascades of association can turn into a cursed messy business.” [I warned.]

“A fact that I know very well from some of our shared historic truths.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“Why is she wanted what did this tattooed ‘Omerta’ lady do?” [I asked.]

“She is a hunter and an organiser of hunts but she hunts people not animals and I am not talking about people under valid bounties. No one - who is talking - knows yet why she picks her targets they might be randomly chosen or she might have some hidden agenda. The rumour is that she used to be a Bounty Hunter but them she stopped working for other people and started her freelance hunting career. Some people know her as ‘Diana’ after some mythical goddess of a ‘Trojan’ huntress. Some have even speculated that she is ‘Ascended’ or just a ‘Higher Tier’ refugee gone rogue. Some have even said she is a ‘SARC’ operative that went off the reservation certainly the ‘SARC’ are paying big credits to take her down.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“You are saying that this one could be proper big game.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“Why do you think I have not decided to go chase her by myself leaving you lot to get on with some other business for a while. I am sure if ‘Slog’ found her on his own ‘Snakeskin’ would take him to pieces so I have actually just done that fool a favour by scaring him away.” [‘Short’ claimed.] “Besides, whilst ‘Slog’ is probably no credible threat to ‘Snakeskin’ he could blow any operation we undertake and put our safety at risk.”

“You think she is here organising a hunt?” [I asked.]

“That would be my best guess.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“You think she might come here to this ‘Lodge’?” [I asked.]

“That is a real possibility she has some history here she might even be the hidden owner or affiliated in some way with the owners. She once eluded capture here with some people believe the assistance of some members of the staff.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Why then did you mention her name openly in the dining room?” [I asked.]

“Sometimes she gets a thrill out of hunting her hunters I thought why bother chasing after her if my presence might lure her in.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You are only telling us this now.” [I complained.]

“Now seems like the optimal time.” [‘Short’ replied.]

[‘Unholy’ sent us all a data blast with all the details he had on her known methods and history it was a long file stretching over more than a hundred years of suspected activity.]

“How has all this business never made a bigger splash on the ‘Links’?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“Subculture versus the vastness of the ‘Ultra-nation’ the really serious hunters know about her but not many other ‘Pilgrims’ do also it is very possible that the ‘SARC’ have been doing some digital, witness and evidence scrubbing for their private reasons.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You knew about this one when you picked ‘AO’.” [I accused.]

“There were some even vaguer rumours from some of my informants much earlier about the possibility of a ‘Diana Hunt’ on ‘AO’ that is all.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You chose to drag us into your business without any consultation until now.” [I added.]

“It seemed you were all looking something to do.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Once again you could have mentioned all of this to us much earlier so that we might better prepare and / or have more choice regarding participating or not.” [I stated.]

“I could but at first it was all very unconfirmed so I thought why bother any of you with something that might never happen opening up another triple cursed debate.” [‘Short’ insisted.]

“Yet you were hoping something would happen.” [I guessed.]

“What do you want from me? I was getting bored just talking all the time about what we should do next.” [‘Short’ replied.] “Now do you want to keep complaining about the past or shall we discuss our tactical options in the present?” [She added.]



“I say we take no chances kill and scan this one she is far too dangerous from this résumé to try to capture alive or should I say still operative.” [‘Kanne’ stated.]

“I am forced by the predicament you have put us in ‘Unholy’ to agree.” [‘Jack’ said.]

“What if she is not a ‘Meat Suit’?” [I asked.] “We will have just executed her.”

“Would you rather she hunt and kill us for sport.” [‘Kanne’ replied.] “She is an unlawful killer taking her life - if we can manage that task - is the serving of justice and the saving of many other lives.”

“We shoot on sight ideally via an ambush.” [‘Short’ proposed.]

“I do not want to be a doomsayer but I am certain this is all going to go wrong. ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ you have too much to lose here you should go back to the safety of the ‘Vanishing Point’ whilst such an evacuation is still possible.” [I stated.]

“I am ‘Splinter’.” [‘Kanne’ said and I knew that meant a firm no.]

“I will stay too this is my life to risk not yours to crate away.” [‘Jack’ said.]

“My friend talk to them maybe they will listen to you.” [I sent to ‘UT’.]

“It is for them to choose it is not your choice or mine.” [‘UT’ sent back.]

“If they will not go then we should bring in some ‘Immortal’ Marine support.” [I said.]

“I feel that would be cheating.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Now you consider ethical restraint.” [I said.]

“I would not call in Marines as ‘Short Claws’. This is not ‘MTC’ business. This is a straight bounty shared amongst some crew associates as a private venture off the books.” [The ‘Recycler’ said.]

“This is not a game, keeping ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ safe is official ‘MTC’ business as far as I am concerned. If you will not call in support I will.” [I stated.]

“Do that and you will cause a political incident this ‘Sliver’ is not under ‘MTC’ protection. Besides here today you are ‘Bluu Duu’ not the ‘Many Truths’ you must stay in character or you might as well be here as a ‘Suit Substance’ Avatar with an ‘MT’ kanji. Plus such a move is sure to scare this felon away.” [‘Short’ insisted.]

“In addition, if we insert an active ‘MTC’ Marine force into here without gaining permission from the ‘Sliver Local Administrative Council’ or ‘SLAC’, (an often too true acronym but only when it suits them), it would be taken as an invasion of a sovereign nation by a foreign power.” [‘Kanne’ advised.]

“If you seek permission from them as the leader of a deemed ‘User’ faction such an intervention will be very unpopular with the ‘Real Material Advocate’ masses here so you will not get consent in time for it to be of any use - if you gain any consent at all.” [‘Kanne’ argued.]

“You know this is sooth you do not need me to tell you the way politics work now. I know you have taken to studying current political and jurisdictional mechanisms as an important part of your research.” [My ‘Consort’ added.]



“You have put us in a bad place.” [I complained towards ‘SC’.]

“Let it go, I can take care of my personal security.” [‘Kanne’ insisted.]

“You cannot defend your life properly against such a lethal threat whilst so lightly armed ‘Kanne’. Some of us need better weapons for this heavy task if your intelligence is accurate ‘UT’.” [I stated.]

“Aloud best keep calling me ‘Short’ or ‘SC’ getting slack is habit forming.” [She insisted.] “As to my intelligence you saw it so you can judge for yourself how good it happens to be.” [‘Short’ added.]

“Some of us still need far better weapons.” [I insisted in turn.]

“Actually I considered a possible requirement for more bang in advance. There is a hunting armoury here we can make use of that legitimately and no one would have any excuse to stop us even if they are secretly in league with ‘Snakeskin’. You can simply tool up for a trip to the practice range out back. What you take with you a matter of what you choose to afford to hire out and can physically carry. I think you will be amazed at some of the over-the-top stuff a few ‘Pilgrims’ enjoy using for hunting although some beasts are far more dangerous than others.” [‘Short’ added.]

“Then we should go there immediately and kit up.” [I stated.]

“At last we are back on the same digital page. Follow me the armoury is down below in a fortified cellar area.” [‘Short’ explained.]

[I felt seriously nervous as we made our way to the armoury I could feel the optics and eyes of the mostly ‘Recycler’ and ‘Omerta’ staff members firmly upon us as we passed them. The looks they gave felt hostile although I knew that was probably just my state of mind. I half expected to find we were under attack before we could reequip. I took up a position of rear guard using my ‘Dry Suit’ as a physical shield the best I could to protect the vulnerable flesh of ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ too.]

[We made our way almost tactically through the mansion whilst trying not to look too military in our movement for obvious reasons. When we made it to the cellar without any incident I was both surprised and delighted. Unfortunately, when I looked around I wondered if we had entered a worse trap. The armoury had only one way out and it was the same way in and massive security doors could close to seal it up tight. ‘Real Material’ security stasis emitters covered us from the ceiling. A ‘Recycler’ I guessed a quartermaster type worker stood behind a shielded partition with a sealable service hatch. Racks of weapons an impressive assortment of light and heavier arms rested behind the quartermaster on open display.]

“Good to see you ‘Tabula Rasa’.” [‘Short’ said.]

“As ever it is good to be seen ‘Short’.” [The equally bulky ‘Recycler’ replied.]

“Old ‘Tab’ here used to be a ‘Mercenary Marine’ we go way back you can trust her to give you only the best because you are my friends.” [‘Short’ said.]

“If they have the credit I will be delighted to serve them.” [‘Tab’ stated.]

“My friends want to play with all the big toys out on the range.” [‘Short’ said.]

“Having a party ‘Short’?” [‘Tabula’ asked.]

“Something like that we are certainly going to make some noise.” [‘Short’ almost seemed to promise.]

“The big toys are always the most fun so who wants to go first?” [‘Tabula’ asked.]

“Let me through.” [‘Kanne’ said eagerly pushing forward to the counter.]

“We do not see too many ‘Splinter Weavers’ around here for some reason so what is your name?” [‘Tabula’ asked.]

“I am ‘Kanne’.” [She replied.]

“Guess that is a popular name now with your kind your parents named you after that ‘Holy Consort’? Now that is an odd couple.” [‘Tabula’ said.]

“It is just my name.” [‘Kanne’ replied.] “I will take a look at an inventory?”

“I think there is a bit of the old ‘Raiders’ in this one ‘Short’.” [‘Tabula’ said.] “No offence sister.”

“I will take this and this and this.” [‘Kanne’ retorted all business.]

“All of that.” [‘Tabula’ asked seeming a bit surprised.]

“Is there some limitation I do not know about?” [She asked.]

“No you want it - you pay for it - you can take it, rates by the half hour or you can do the all day special - actually it is a short day six hours in total - but that is the system.” [‘Tabula’ explained.]

“Day special me.” [‘Kanne’ said.]

“The bosses are going to be very happy.” [‘Tab’ replied.]

[I wished they would hurry it up and stop being so triple cursed sociable but I suppose being friendly is all part of the service in places such as this one. ‘Jack’ went next then it was my turn and somehow I got caught up in my role and soon forgot all about my earlier impatience.]

“What have we got here? We see even less of your kind ‘Swimmer’ you look a full aquatic from a deep reef you sure you are with the right party?” [‘Tabula’ asked.]

“I shot a ‘Yulub’ earlier ‘Short’ said it was a clean kill but it made me sad.” [I burbled.]

“We get much more obviously ‘Stellar Swimmers’ and naturally a great many ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ they love to kill things but not so many of you reverted ‘Dweller’ types.” [‘Tabula’ mused aloud.]

“I think shooting at targets is better for me. You have something suitable for me to hit small targets very far away. I show them that they are wrong that ‘Swimmers’ can shoot good even if we do not like to senselessly kill.” [I said.]

“How about this here.” [‘Tabula’ suggested highlighting a rather low powered inventory item.]

[I looked at his recommendation for a while frowned slightly then scrolled through some other options within that category.]

“I like the look of this one more - it looks very impressive - and one of these please friend for short range target practice.” [I continued happily.]

“Here the customer gets what the customer wants but that first item is a real brute of a sniper rifle.” [‘Tabula’ warned.]

“Just the thing to show that small ‘Swimmer’ is not afraid of a big gun.” [I replied.]

“If you think your mechanised suit manipulator arms can handle it fine - just be careful out there with your friends.” [‘Tabula’ said.]

“I have never shot anyone accidentally.” [I said whilst accepting the day special option and paying.]

“There is a first time for everything friend.” [‘Tabula’ warned.] “You got this under control ‘Short’?”

“I will happily play the safety officer.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You know the drill here and that is good enough for me.” [‘Tab’ said.]

“Where is the ammunition we ordered that these weapons take?” [‘Kanne’ asked.]

“Weapons are released here ammunition including power packs are released at the range a precaution against accidental discharges within the ‘Lodge’.” [‘Tabula’ explained.]

[Triple curse that precaution I thought until we got the ammunition and power packs our newly hired weapons were just ‘Real Material’ clubs.]

“To the range friends see you later ‘Tab’.” [‘Short’ said.]



[We began out journey some of us struggling somewhat on the stairs due to balancing our loads. Once outside I began to feel a bit silly. Hunters observe, stalk or lie in wait and pick the perfect moment to engage or they chase a fleeing prey. The right moment would hardly be when her targets if we had become such happened to have access to a preponderance of firepower. From some past reports of her hunts she enjoyed taking some crazy risks perhaps to increase the thrill of her hunts but attacking us once we reached the Range would be more than risky it would be suicidal. Whilst hitting us too close to the Mansion would be rather defecating on her own hatchway. So what if she had once escaped an attempted abduction from here. Forced to make an unexpected flight from a sort of home invasion is one thing starting a deliberate armed engagement at a place she probably had a strong attachment to or interests in was something else.]

[Yet I also knew collecting bounties was the business of ‘Short Claws’ and that ‘Unholy’ was not stupid so what did he know or suspect that might be a game changer for the huntress. I tried to find a satellite type view of this region on the public ‘Links’ but drew a blank was that normal?]

[The Range was actually a good walk away from the Mansion proper but separated by a screen of trees. Behind the trees rested a tall ugly further dividing wall with a single closed slightly corroded metal but very solid looking door. The door unlocked by a security key card issued to every ‘Lodge’ guest.]

[As we neared the wall ‘Kanne’ sent me a recorded image of what looked like winged insects emerging from a little concealed housing on part of the cybernetics of ‘Short’ near his left shoulder before flying away. One locked on and zoomed in still also accompanied the feed it revealed a tiny mosquito like insect probably a ‘Bio-mechanical Mosquito Drone’ the size and shape no doubt of one of the local varieties of mini vampires. I guessed the ‘Falcon Goggles’ had just proved their worth.]

[It was amazing how according to legend many planets produced some remarkably similar creatures via the seemingly random process of evolution perhaps some biological forms are just optimal designs. For some reason I remembered that in the wild some ‘Recyclers’ originally were supposed to prefer dryer sandier places for egg laying whilst others preferred this sort of steamy wet more muddy environment.]

[‘Short’ signalled a halt then after sending me some instructions and passing a backup ‘Knock Gun’ to me approached the closed door with a ‘Pulse Force Assault Rifle’ equipped as if about to begin clearing a building. I took up a position were I could open the door and use it as a shield. The door opened outward towards us a fact I was soon going to regret.]

[Trust ‘UT’ I thought to cheat with some ‘Bio-mechanical’ devices even if they were tiny things created for I guessed reconnaissance purposes. I wondered if the no doubt scan blocking ‘Real Material’ housing hid a mechanism that could create various micro-remotes upon command software driven and ‘Suit Substance’ facilitated.]

[I swiped the card whilst ’Short’ took her position ready to breach. ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ hung back further along the wall with their backs right against that solid protection and their side-arms out. For now all the big but un-powered and unloaded hired weapons were stacked or shouldered and basically ignored.]

[If all was well on the other side and other hunters were practicing ‘Short’ would hastily assume a more neutral and casual stance but I knew something was wrong it was too quiet even if the range had sound dampening technology.]

“No one else is here. This is a trap.” [‘Short’ sent to us via a quick squirted data blast type communication as she threw herself to the ground.]

[Explosions roared followed by chaotically random sounding fire.]

“She has blown up the auto ammunition dispensers.” [‘Short’ sent.]

[As ‘Short’ strove to crawl into cover a powerful force pulse hit her sending her tumbling along the ground.]

“Taking directed fire.” [‘Short’ sent calmly.]

“Get back here.” [I sent.]

“She is in thick woods somewhere to our local east.” [‘Short’ sent in reply whilst scuttling along the ground on all fours with surprising agility.]

[Her primary weapon hastily and I was positive only temporarily stowed had auto adhered to her back.]

“Curse this.” [‘Jack’ said pulling something from his utility belt it divided into three pieces in his hand.] “Catch.” [He said before tossing one of the objects to ‘Kanne’ then one towards me. His gift to me landed at my feet as I was otherwise preoccupied.]

[I activated the railed optic on my borrowed ‘Knock Gun’ and popped it around the edge of the door to see what I could see. Annoyingly ‘Short’ was not sharing any of her remotes visual feeds. A ‘Force Pulse’ hit the door sending it swinging back hard crashing into me and smashing me into the wall as a sort of ‘Swimmer’ between metal and stone sandwich then it rebounded back. I rocked inside my water filled cocoon from the knocks whilst I had the ‘Suit’ attempt to regain its lost footing only for the door to be struck again bashing me once more.]

“A military grade Sniper Class Rapid Fire Stealth Pulse Rifle.” [‘Short’ sent only to be hit and sent flying again.] “Curse her using these settings she is toying with us.”

[How did ‘Snakeskin’ react that fast? Somehow she spotted the poking somewhat concealed emergence of my handgun whilst focused through a scope on ‘Short’ did she have a spotter assisting her or could we have more than one shooter?]

“Can you confirm only one shooter?” [I sent as I struggled to extricate myself only to be bashed by the triple cursed door again. It was akin to being hit with a sledge hammer repeatedly.]

“Not confirmed.” [‘Short’ sent.] “Seem to be taking suppressing fire now.”

[The door rebounded then ‘Force Pulsed’ once more struck me again. I felt a weird compulsion to start laughing at the absurdity of my predicament]

“Clever ‘Jack’.” [My ‘Suit’ microphones managed to differentiate ‘Kanne’ saying aloud over the noise of me getting trash compacted although my shields were holding. I attempted to crawl to the side of the doors potential swing only to get bashed once more then with my mechanised legs thrashing to propel me and with two ‘Omerta’ hands pulling with some difficulty due my greasily shielded ‘Suit’ I fell free the door making one final slam this time only vigorously into the surface of the wall.]

“Cursed ‘Omerta’ witch.” [I burbled out.]

[I felt more than a bit shook up.]

[I glanced towards my consort as she pocketed a mini ‘Ultra-sink Charger’ and examined a power pack before plugging it into her hired ‘Force Pulse Assault Rifle’ with a satisfying slap. Where did she get the Power Pack? ‘Jack’ now ignoring me was doing similar things then I recalled the object that landed earlier at my feet it had to be a little ‘Suit Substance’ a hastily divided dense emergency patch pack or similar they had generated their own Power Packs using downloaded specs for their weapons.]


[[Of all our technologies how power is stored and applied is constantly subject to innovation. A note on mini ‘U-sC’ almost everyone carries one of these around in a pocket or utility pouch today I have even seen slightly ridiculous versions on neck chains that are all shiny and sold via the ‘Link’ as jewellery. An ‘Ultra-sink’ can hold an insane amount of energy. ‘Ultra-sink Chargers’ allow for some of that stored power to be transferred often very quickly to any lesser power pack thus allowing a whole range of equipment to stay functional on the move.]]

[[Today ‘Ultra-sinks are not usually ever linked into any mechanism directly as a power source they are just too potent making them - highly - explosive if damaged when actively downloading energy. Imagine all that stored power released at once thus the sensible intermediation of less potent power packs and some careful thought before you ever plug in to charge. ‘Ultra-sinks’ when closed as in not charging another power pack are designed to be very safe in fact almost indestructible surviving lesser explosions and all manner of calamities intact. The single greatest downfall of ‘U-sC’ is that mad terrorist types can use this utility item to make extraordinarily powerful bombs with completely legal daily items.]]


>>> The ‘Poop Scooper’ on ‘U-sC’ terrorist bombs: If you are not near a security stasis emitter kiss all the glorious poop goodnight. <<<


[I scrambled to recover the bit of ‘Suit Substance’ that ‘Jack’ had thrown towards me. Normally I always carry a bit of utility ‘Suit Substance’ no matter my chosen form what do you expect I am a ‘User’ but perhaps stupidly with ‘Bluu’ I had decided not to do that, playing the ‘Swimmer’ as one with ‘Neo-Luddite’ sympathies but being imperilled and knocked around well perspectives and ideals can temporarily shift…]

[She was playing with us I was positive for all the power of her shots her weapon could have emitted even more potent and more lethal pulses she was just making an introduction this was typical of her reported style. She often gave her victims a warning even sometime to prepare against her. If she had a weakness according to her legend it was that she wanted to prolong her hunts a too quick kill not enough fun.]

[I finally found the small cube of ‘Suit Substance’ and hastily linked into its nanotech command structure that had been unlocked and had it configure into the right shaped power pack for my hired sniper rifle. I imagined the nanotech inflating and forming up would seem magical to a primitive species but was just normal everyday utility to ‘Users’. I then plugged the pack into my ‘U-sC’ it almost instantly charged the pack then auto-detached auto-detachment a standard safety feature for obvious reasons as was the very fast recharge rate of ‘U-sC’.]

“She has stopped firing. I think she wants us to chase after her let us not disappoint the possibly ‘Ascended’ Lady ‘Omerta’.” [‘Short’ suggested whilst using his scope to examine the tree line that lay beyond some set up targets, target dummies and so on. Note: when hunters are firing shield projectors from ‘Real Material Emitters’ that stood sentry around the site isolate the range but currently they were offline and I guessed probably sabotaged in advance to prevent us using them as cover.]

“Not sensible.” [I sent back at ‘Short’.]

“I am going in with or without you people this is what I do.” [‘Short’ sent in reply.]

[I tried again to convince ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ to evacuate and once more to my growing consternation they both stubbornly refused.]

“She is going to lead us into a trap.” [I sent to all of them.]

[In my mind my - she - was plural representing both ‘Short’ and ‘Snakeskin’.]

[They ignored me. We made a call to the ‘Lodge’ for forms sake asking them to collect our abandoned weapons as in those that used ‘Real Material’ bullets - that we now lacked - and began our foolish pursuit.]

“You know someone at the ‘Lodge’ too obviously set us up.” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

“I would have been disappointed if they had not as without a betrayal we would have no hunt.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“You still think we are the hunters? I think we have become the arranged prey. Nothing more than an emergent side mission for ‘Snakeskin’ and possibly some of her hunter friends too given her past preferences.”

“The game is on.” [‘Short’ replied whilst making a weaving hunkered stomping dash for the tree line mud flying up behind him he actually slid the last bit to come to rest against a tree. I could tell he was having a jolly old time.]

[I was kneeling covering his advance with my ‘Force Pulse Sniper Rifle’. ‘Kanne’ made her dash next then ‘Jack’ then me. Once amongst the trees we strove to look for our quarries earlier sniping position and any additional tracks going to or from there whilst staying alert and tactically covering each other. Doing all these things proved far from easy as the ground here was rough uneven tangled with roots and so on. Vines and shrubs also got in the way. The place was designed to be a seeming natural jungle with all its biodiversity. It was all dappled shadow and dark shade too. It felt as if we had gone through a ‘Jump Gate’ into another world. I could hear exotic bird and animal calls it felt akin to some sophisticated games virtual reality environment.]

[I was positive that my friends tiny ‘Drones’ had probably located what we were looking for but that ‘Short’ did not want to give away the presence of his insect edge already it was games within games.]


[[‘Stealthy Force Pulses’ are a relatively new technology as in developed after our first Time Jumps. The energy of the ‘Force Pulse’ is shaped in a cunning way so that it unpacks late after discharge thus making its initial source point more difficult to perceive by tracing the distortion wave front backwards. The drawbacks are that it needs more power and a more complex emitter barrel also before it unpacks it does less damage and having a smaller radius can technically be more easily avoided. It is also slightly slower compared to standard ‘Force Pulses’. Some weapons with the stealth tech added can turn the function on or off via the instant pick of an extra setting.]]


[We all had trained with the ‘MTC’ even ‘Kanne’ and so we fell into being a mismatched in species squad of sorts. The training ‘Jack’ shared with the ‘MTC’ more accurately shared memories of me training with ‘Immortals’ from times before we sort of became divergent. ‘Short’ acted as if our nominal squad leader and mostly took Point too being better equipped to shrug off a hit or two due to all his cybernetic armour and shielding. In fact ‘Short’ was probably even more robust than me in my armoured watery womb on fully mechanical legs as my ‘Suit’ was firmly civilian class not military grade as part of my inoffensive disguise.]

[I had the added danger of leaking if my suit was badly damaged. Out of my water as a full aquatic ‘Swimmer’ I would soon dry up and perish not to mention suffocate within the local conditions. Of course they could find then dump me in a pool or other waterway that would save me for a time even if it might cause long-term skin issues due to improper salinity content and so on. Also dumping me in some local water source would leave me stranded confined to the courses of that only marginal boon.]

[Mostly I took the rear guard because unlike ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ I was just a ‘Meat Suit’ so as annoying as being forcibly disconnected might be it would not be true death.]



[*** inside ‘Jack’ ***]

[I moved through the trees trying to stealthily push through occasional undergrowth whilst clutching at my compact military grade ‘Force Pulse Assault Rifle’ as if it was more than a weapon as if it was a protective talisman against harm that proved I was the hunter not the hunted.]

[I wondered what I was doing here chasing such a notoriously dangerously individual. Was I just trying to impress my pseudo Mother? Conversely did I refuse to sensibly evacuate simply because she asked me to depart? What was ‘Unholy’ thinking dragging us into this one? I wondered if he truly believed that I was a real person and that I deserved to live given my odd origins. Maybe this was his way of killing me off sorry permanently decommissioning a rogue remote? Maybe he now believed I was a tool of the ‘SARC’ or working for ‘Garlic’ and the ‘Hawks’ or some other paranoid nonsense. I knew he had also called ‘Kanne’ a spy on many occasions maybe he was hoping she would die here too a couple of happy accidents caused by both of us refusing to quit - a simple misadventure versus a possible game playing ‘Ascendant’ the mysterious ‘Diana’.]

[Amazed I realised just how very paranoid I had become since I rejoined this dysfunctional family. I probably was suffering pure paranoia after all it was ‘Unholy’ as ‘Short’ doing Point and therefore risking his remote for my safety. I could have evacuated this scene to a securer place at any point but then anyone that knows any psychology would know I could not back down from a challenge near any remote belonging to ‘MT’.]

[I realsed I was sweating profusely and might easily dehydrate unless I took precautions I had my neural net alter my chemical balance slightly to conserve salts. During a break I would make sure to sip from my canteen. I had endeavoured to be properly prepared I loaded the insect repellent program that altered my pheromone output making me as repulsive to the local vampires as any ‘Recycler’.]

[Over the years I had learned how to get the most out of my biology - as I sometimes saw it my new bipedal ‘Hull’ - with a little invention some conscious neural net control and some nanotech assistance I was usually robust enough - fit for - most any reasonable challenge. Still this ‘Snakeskin’ person worried me sounding perhaps above reasonable.]

[I found I was thinking about ‘Kanne’ more and more too. I knew she was not my ‘Consort’ but some of my memories insisted otherwise. Perhaps ‘Bluu’ was right to be jealous. Whilst so close to them it felt almost as if ‘MT’ was flaunting yet also disrespecting all the things I used to have. In a past life I had been an ‘MTC Patrician’ a ‘Holy Father’ even a lover of ‘Kanne’ and so much more and now what did I have a small ship that I adored but that I sometimes also loathed because she was given to me as a trifling gift and in an attempt to manipulate my choices.]

[Since my incarceration I continued to strive to let my past go but in this group all the reminders were always there pricking at me like needles. I wondered why I had agreed to travel with them. What did I hope to achieve as a member of this party?]

[Triple curse it I realised I had gone several steps without hardly registering my environment consciously at all that was a good way to get killed but behind me I could swear I could smell the perfume of ‘Kanne’ despite all the other exotic odours. Wearing my ‘Night Falcons’ that had cleared in the gloom I did not have to look around to see her in fact I was running a rear view in an inset box before my eyes via a mental HUD taking its data from the ‘Night Falcon Goggles’ optics. I chastised my stupidity currently that rear view was not an asset it was another dangerous distraction I turned the function off reluctantly. She had my back - I trusted ‘Kanne’ - I definitely trusted her more than I did ‘Unholy’ he did not know me fully and what he might suspect about me even some of the true stuff might be far from good.]

[When ‘Short’ looked at me since we arrived on the ‘Sliver’ I was positive ‘Unholy’ was deep scanning all my confused thoughts and feelings he was almost ‘Ascended’ after all and he was protective of the original ‘MT’. Look up the histories of ‘Multiplied Clones’ and a lot of them sooner or later proved detrimental to their original if they were given any opportunity at all - resentment grows in a clichéd manner.]

[‘MT’ claimed I was different enough not to be deemed ‘Multiplied’ but I now wondered if that was true. It was all about ‘Kanne’ being around her so much was proving an intoxicant bending my reason making me consider bad thoughts. It was a good thing that when they checked me over I had not yet spent that much time around the ‘Splinter Weaver’ who was and was not my ‘Consort’.]

[Wisely in the past I had avoided her feeling some of the memories I possessed made interactions awkward between us back then I had no idea whatsoever of the future magnitude of this issue with me. I guess it is true that absence can make the heart grow fonder being near her had been akin to a longstanding combustible gas that had been slowly leaking out suddenly meeting a very hot spark.]

[I did not know what to do. There was no hope that she would choose me over ‘MT’ she was so much more than me ‘Kanne’ fell in love with a potent ‘Living Hull’ perhaps attracted to her great power as is quite appropriate for a ‘Splinter’. It was one thing to have a little fun flirting with me another to get serious. Nor did I want to become a sad villian plotting to achieve my impossible aim.]

[I should have evacuated. I should get as far away from ‘MT’ and ‘Kanne’ as I can go but how could I possibly leave her behind that easily. I wondered if any honourable way existed for me out of this increasingly pathetic situation. When I tried to rescue ‘Tor’ did I just want to be caught was that just another failed attempt to escape my past via being propelled into another time if so how ironic that my past had come to collect me to press me to its fragrant bosom.]

[It was maddening. There was no escaping the legacy of the ‘Many Truths’. I saw her workings everywhere I knew she was a member of the ‘Founder Cabal’ for example without her input there might be no future Ring World no ‘Ultra-nation’ maybe even very few surviving ‘Pilgrims’ as we might all have burned at the behest of the ‘Deep Clerics’ to keep their deeply buried secrets. Compared to my uber-Mother what had I achieved? I found joining difficult I feared becoming a tool being used again as ‘Garlic’ used me as ‘MT’ had used me before I became independent. I did not want to do any of the things ‘MT’ had done that seemed redundant but what had she not done? I had even been half hearted in my shipping business because I knew she had been there and done that too probably better than my efforts even when I tried harder.]

[I gave up and did just enough trade and ferrying to keep my increasingly ironically named ‘Serendipity’ in ‘Infusion Material’ and so on just to keep us moving from one Port to another always fleeing one aspect of my past or another. I became a rootless tourist - fleeing my roots - always searching for something that I could call mine alone but never finding that elusive boon. Now I was here caught up in the gravity of my bigger and better pseudo kindred.]

[‘MT’ would probably tell me to meditate my way out of this mess as if it could be that easy to scrub my mind and be happy. Maybe ‘Unholy’ could beat some sense into me they were just stupid memories from a past that was and yet was not mine. I needed to make a life and memories that belonged only to me you would think that should be easy enough but I kept failing. If only I could manage to bury these errant feelings under new input find a soul mate that cherishes me as me. ‘Kanne’ could have had the decency to change her perfume over all those years.]



[A little under two wearying hours of slogging later…]

“Tell me about the spoor of this trail you are following?” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

[I finally decided it was best to try mostly to think of ‘UT’ as ‘Short’ whilst he was being ‘Short’ to me - sorry.]

“The spoor is all very deliberate our new friend ‘Snakeskin’ might as well post glowing virtual signs saying follow me this way into the heart of my darkness.” [‘Short’ sent in reply.]

“Then is keeping following along this guided trail for this long really wise?” [I sent.] “How stupid do you think she is going to willingly believe us to be?”

“How else are we going to find her unless we catch up?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“Are we catching up?” [I asked.]

“We are not falling too much behind but I do not want to rush heedlessly onward abandoning all caution.” [‘Short’ retorted.]

“Now that almost surprises me. Well I think we are deep enough in now that if we stopped and refused to give further chase she might be tempted into coming out again to play with us on our ground.” [I sent.]

[There was a brief but significant pause at this point.]

“You might be right. I will look for a place to make a temporary rest stop that might turn into a longer stay. I can lay some booby traps and so on.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“Please do but do not forget to send us the fine details about the placements.” [I sent in reply.]



“You two are handling this unplanned hunt surprisingly well.” [I said purposely aloud to ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’.]

“I could easily take to going faster. I think we fall behind our nimble quarry. I take no need to rest. We should push on harder surprise this ‘Snakeskin’ with the speed of our valiant persistence. She thinks we are lost in her deep woods she thinks she can outpace us with ease until she decides to stop she thinks she has taken control of this hunt. However, if we cease being so cautious we can take her.” [‘Kanne’ replied with ‘Splinter’ fire.]

“You can track in this environment?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“I take quick revision and extra study of tracking skills and local knowledge via ‘Link’ it is not so difficult it is just a way of seeing your environment often how to notice what is out of place.” [She informed.]

“Well I could use a change of water and some fresh fish my scrubbers are not just struggling they seem to have died on me.” [I burbled in complaint.] “It is beautiful here in a sort of sinister way but I do not belong I feel beached.”

“I must agree I have never heard of a tree squid.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“Still I do not understand what is happening? Why this rest stop now? We are letting her get further and further away.” [‘Jack’ complained.]

“Do you really want to meet this one again. We are not proper Bounty Hunters worse I think it is no good my strategic analysis is all negative. We are just isolating ourselves from any help. The ‘Neo-Luddite’ factions dominant on this ‘Sliver’ have rather limited transport options on the surface no ‘Shuttles’ no land ‘Vehicles’. Getting around is as you know mostly by under surface ‘Tube Stops’ only or your feet, or you can ride some animals bred for that purpose but not through this dense stuff set aside for hardened recreation.” [I burbled in further complaint.]

“I told ‘Short’ we need to pause to reconsider our past choices it might be time to go back rather than keep playing this game by her rules. If we catch her only where she is waiting for us very possibly with other allied hunters in tow that will be a bad business even for our skilled ‘Recycler’ friend.” [I claimed.] “I do not want to end my life as a stuffed trophy head on some bulkhead as part of an extensive private collection.”

“That is right she is known to take trophies more specifically heads on occasion.” [‘Jack’ remembered.] “Upon deeper reflection that habit kind of makes me remember some rumours back on ‘7.1’ about head hunters all those years ago maybe there is more than is obvious about these decapitations.”

“Interesting you think this hunter might be after more than just physical trophies that she might be stealing some specific minds?” [I sent to ‘Jack’.]

“That would be a bit of a twist on this tale.” [‘Jack’ sent back.]

[I decided to share the idea instantly with ‘Short’.]

“That truly is an intriguing theory given some of the details recorded in relation to historic hunts many associate with her.” [‘Short’ sent linking in with ‘Jack’ and me.]

“The whole I love to hunt thing could just be a diversion from the truth her excuse of taking trophies covering up a multitude of mind crimes.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“Are you all taking messages behind my back.” [‘Kanne’ asked aloud looking at each of us in turn I guessed some of us had that inner preoccupied look or stance plus we had otherwise gone silent.]

“Sorry.” [I sent linking her in and sending her a data blast of what she had missed.]

“A soul stealer a mind reader perhaps an information gatherer a spy or data broker supplier rather than the true hunter she pretends so rabidly to be with great flair. She takes all these others on hunts to simply disguise her real purpose to sow a crop of misinformation that could be most impressive.” [‘Kanne’ sent.]

“Possibly an ‘Ascended’ spy playing all us more average ‘Pilgrims’ as fools.” [‘Jack’ added.]

“This one gets only more worrying the deeper we delve into her.” [I sent.]

[I wondered if these ideas truly were that new to ‘Unholy’ or if he was secretly following a longer lead for personal reasons whilst pretending to be doing some more innocent hunting - exactly akin to his quarry - maybe even ‘UT’ was consciously or subconsciously mirroring the methods of his prey something some hunters did.]

[I considered confronting my fellow Patrician in an effort to uncover more of the truth about his interest in this specific Bounty then just thought why even bother? I felt somewhat defeated it was all getting to be too much maybe I really did need a holiday at least from second and third guessing everything and everyone in my life.]

[I wondered if I was capable of living truly in the moment in a shallow easy going manner the way ‘UT’ did or sometimes pretended. I decided I would - when I could - endeavour to just play at only being ‘Bluu Duu’ for a while maybe that way I could contrive a little escape from my otherwise too complicated wider life at least for a short time. They do say that ignorance is bliss I could use a little bliss then I wondered if right now was a good candidate for a blissful time - maybe later would be better.]



[All playacting aside my water really was getting rank proving the rumours about this rival company model of mechanical ‘Dry Suit’ to be true. For a civilian grade unit it had better than average sturdiness very good legs and truly impressive manipulator arms for a device that spurned nanotechnology. Where it failed was in its water filtration system that proved grossly inadequate for prolonged usage by any more sensitive ‘Swimmer’ without the rather outdated inconvenience of regularly changing out your H2O. The horrible taste of my poorly scrubbed water getting so bad that it was almost becoming a mental distraction.]

“This one is going to see if I can find some suitable water from a reasonably clean starting source that she can use as a base product after mixing in some additives for a much needed environmental system transfusion.” [I stated aloud maybe just overcooking the ‘Swimmer’ speech and aloud explanation a little.]

“I think I glimpsed the sparkle of a stream over that way earlier.” [‘Jack’ said pointing off to the south west on cue.] “I will come with you to watch your back it is probably best not to separate into individuals.”

“Sound thinking do not go too far.” [’Short’ further advised.]

“A stream might have some fish too nice white meat I never want to see red meat again the taste of it keeps repeating on me.” [I burbled on.]

“Not taking your rifle ‘Bluu’?” [‘Kanne’ asked hoisting the abandoned weapon from the ground.]

“This will do in here I think.” [I replied drawing the borrowed ‘Knock Gun’ the one that ‘Short’ gave me earlier.] “The big one keeps snagging on things better suited in everyway for much more open areas. Even the little streams here are all shaded and overgrown.”

“I will watch over the ‘Swimmer’.” [‘Jack’ promised hoisting his compact ‘Force Pulse Assault Rifle’.] “Hard to believe that some fools actually use these things for hunting game.” [He added looking at the military grade rifle with perhaps a hint of admiration, admiration of the weapon that is not the hunting fools.]

“I guess the best weapon for hunting depends upon the nature of your game I am beginning to wonder about the nature of what is hunted by some of the more extreme clientele of ‘The Stakes Hunting Lodge’.” [I burbled out.]

“Do you think we have lost our first ever bounty already?” [‘Jack’ asked cleverly.]

“I hope so even her name sounds dangerous and creepy. I do not like snakes many water snakes are exceptionally poisonous they can kill my kind in seconds with just one bite.” [I said.]

“You are a scholar tell me why anyone would reintroduce such dangerous venomous species to pristine new oceans and so on? It makes no sense to me.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“Biodiversity requires hunters to balance the proliferation of rapidly breeding prey species, and there are always some fools that are obsessed with dangerous things and think that playing with them is clever too. Wild animals are not toys they bite they sting they trample and claw some will even lay their eggs in your skin turning you into a living incubator and food source for their young.” [I burbled as my ‘Suit’ stomped along.]



“The idea of splitting us up to make us seem more vulnerable to attack is inspired ‘Bluu’ but leaving your rifle behind with ‘Kanne’ seems a bit much.” [‘Short’ sent to me.]

“It is exactly the sort of thing that a more peaceful ‘Swimmer Dweller’ type might do. Just be ready to move quickly to back us up if she strike at the bobby trapped stream site.” [I sent back.]

“I am sure she is watching and listening to us possibly using spying remotes just like you. I take it you masked your mine laying and so on. Have your tiny ‘Bio-mechanical Mosquito Drones’ found her yet?” [I asked.]

“They have and she stopped just after we halted so yes she is watching us somehow but that does not mean she sees everything.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“I hope you are right. Is she alone?” [I sent.]

“Yes she is alone. No wait it seems I have just been made a liar she has at least two other ‘Omerta’ with her and a ‘Recycler’ too she must have just called them in.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“Four against Four do you think that is a coincidence?” [I asked.]

“I have no idea there might even be more elsewhere in this forest.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“Are they talking?” [I asked.]

“I think so by their stances but unfortunately not aloud.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“This hunt from our perspective is looking ever more messed up maybe we should genuinely bug out for the sake of ‘Jack’ and ‘Kanne’.” [I sent in complaint.]

“I do not think they will let us go now hopefully our plan can at the worst even the odds against us a little. Triple curse it I just lost my forward feeds. My best guess an Electro Magnetic Pulse spike that the small remote stuff just cannot handle.” [‘Short’ warned.]

“They picked them out of the environment with scanners or something?” [I asked.]

“Amongst all this biological life with them hanging back - extremely unlikely - the Electro Magnetic Pulse was probably an area affect precaution used before decamping for action - possibly even a standardized security procedure against bugs I have seen that sort of thing before. I guess ‘Snakeskin’ is not just powerful she can be sensible and cautious too when it suits her despite her reputation for risk taking. Perhaps her supposed recklessness is just misinformation too.” [‘Short’ mused aloud.]

“From previous reports she will probably send in her friends to attempt to make their kills first allowing them to cull the weak.” [I sent.]

“That would be my guess and it makes sense of that gathering.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“So she will be hanging back to watch.” [I sent.]

“Most probably.” [‘Short’ agreed.]

“Can we make use of this fact?” [I sent.]

“Only I think to remove her support if we try to flank past the incoming to find and engage her now she will easily see us coming.” [‘Short’ warned.]

“You are positive about that truth.” [I sent.]

“We surprise her by taking her friends down without any losses then see what transpires next via responding to her reaction.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“Can you find and monitor their progress again with more ‘Insect Drones’?” [I sent.]

“I hope so but I lost some assets so if they split up I will not be able to follow all four of them.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“Please keep me informed. I know you are trying to keep us acting natural by not giving us too much intelligence but that has some risks.” [I sent.]

“I know what I am doing.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I truly hope you do.” [I sent.]

“Everything is under control that can be controlled.” [‘Short’ claimed.] “Still, you keep watch over ‘Jack’ and I will watch over ‘Kanne’. However, try to remember that the modifications the ‘MTC’ made to your mechanical ‘Dry Suit’ are our best and most secret weapon best saved for a really tight moment so please do not deploy that item too soon.”

“Did you plan all of this in advance?” [I sent.]

“Sometimes you all give this one far too much credit. I just thought we should make the most of some ‘Pilgrims’ underestimating the aquatic ‘Swimmer’ in our group you have played your role well as a slightly out of your element ‘Professor’.” [‘Short’ sent.]

[stads]

interesting developments
will be fun to see if something up with crimson
nice to see them play tourist again they always get into a a mess

[Paranoid66]

Thanks for commenting stads

Yes they are trouble magnets but then they often go looking for it too.
Work and play in the next two parts posted below.

P66.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 3 --- SLAP HAPPY / HIDDEN TRUTHS ---

“Look busy and preoccupied I think they have taken the bait and are coming for you two.” [‘Short’ sent to ‘Jack’ and ‘Bluu’.]

[As ‘Bluu’, I opened my ‘Suit Side Locker’ and got the hose out attaching the plug end to the input socket. Water would pump up and be compressed in my currently empty auxiliary tank my suit having already used up that compressed resource as an aid to the less than perfect scrubbing system. Still, perhaps if I had not inked earlier the water quality would not have deteriorated quite so quickly.]

[After attaching a filter screen to its end I lowered the other end of the expanding hose into the fresh water stream in a natural hollow that I had further excavated earlier with one mechanical foot that I employed almost as if a mini digger. The strength of the mechanical legs on the civilian ‘Dry Suit’ once again impressed me.]

[Attaching the hose however using my own manipulation limbs had proved a bit fiddly due to the sockets position but I did not want to make ‘Jack’ too vulnerable by having him assist me with the task. Anyway, it made sense that ‘Jack’ stayed alert weapon ready as my lookout and guard even as part of our acted scenario.]

[I was standing in the middle of the shallow stream where some boulders just happened to give me a degree of cover on one side whilst dense bushes and trees rested on the other bank. It was hard not to marvel at how real the manufactured environment seemed we really could be standing on a Planet with a surface formed via natural somewhat random geological processes. The seeming detail and accuracy involved in the pseudo natural environment was amazing almost humbling in its artistry. Then I recalled that there was natural weathering occurring now as well as other environmental effects everything from microscopic bacterial and chemical actions to the works of burrowing insects not to mention larger animal input such as wear from hooves and so on even the blind groping of tiny plant roots would play a role over time.]

[‘Jack’ was covering me with his back against the boulder outcrop. ‘Short’ had picked an almost ideal ambush site I guessed having scouted it out with his tiny ‘Insect Remotes’. Various items including trees, shrubs and other often root, vine and brush draped boulders meant that there were only a few sensible approaches and all of these routes now covered by ‘Crab Mines’ including the most obvious access down and up the course of the stream itself. ‘Short’ had been able to do the deed because of the ‘Crab Mines’ small anti-personnel mines that had crab like limbs and could scuttle along the ground, climb trees and even swim in watercourses as well as burrow for concealment.]

[I no longer felt so disparaging of his ridiculously over the top range of ‘Real Material’ armaments. The ‘Crab Mines’ did not use any advanced stealth technologies but in this sort of natural environment just being what they were made them very hard to spot as did the clever materials they were composed from. My friend’s ‘Short Proxy’ had kept up with all the latest armament development some of which were now made for operations specifically within pseudo natural environments upon ‘Sliver’ surface areas ‘Light Side’.]

“I have lost contact with one of them who I think is flanking in an effort to get behind you not that such an action will do him any good. Interestingly the two ‘Omerta’ hunters are both male I wonder if ‘Snakeskin’ seduced them.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“Are you really saying that just because they are male and she is female?” [I asked.]

“The way the two ‘Omerta’ were looking at her and each other during their little gathering was suggestive of both attraction and jealousy.” [‘Short’ stated.] “Whilst she seemed to be playing them against one another.”

“You read all that without hearing a word.” [I asked.]

“I have long been a student of body language even more than most Paradox Priests you should know that about me by now it is a skill I judged ‘Short’ also acquired in her line of work.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You are suggesting our quarry is a femme fatale type.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“That might be a good label she certainly seems possessed of wiles.” [‘Short’ agreed.]

“How did the ‘Recycler’ fit into that scene?” [I asked.]

“Detached and amused but professionally respectful.” [If my review of the proceedings are correct.]

“I may be stretching my analysis skill a bit but I think the two ‘Omerta’ may be throw away dupes but the ‘Recycler’ is possibly something else maybe a hireling or even a junior partner or longer term associate.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“They could be many things two duped thugs and a lieutenant, or two expendable bodyguards and a lieutenant and or two hunting guests / clients and one business partner.” [I sent.]

“Possibly, wait there is more make that - at least - four, no seven, no at least eight ‘Omerta’ hunters plus the ‘Recycler’.” [‘Short’ sent.] “They must have had other friends elsewhere in the woods that are now also converging upon our position.”

[Why so many ‘Omerta’ I wondered on a ‘Recycler’ dominated ‘Sliver’.]

“Can we deal with that many adversaries?” [I sent.]

“I prefer a target rich environment.” [‘Short’ sent back possibly to boost our morale.] “Still, we do not want to have a substantial skirmish ongoing after the ‘Crab Mines’ have been expended.” [‘Short’ warned.]

“What are these hunters armed with?” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“They are armed with a mixture of stuff from ‘Real Material’ shotguns to ‘Force Pulse Assault Rifles’.” [‘Short’ sent in reply.] “Make good use of the available cover rather than relying too much upon shields but also lay down as much fire as you two can immediately after the first eruption. They probably think they can quickly overrun you two then swing about and come at ‘Kanne’ and me. They might even have some intent to take one or both of you two as hostages to soften me up. I am guessing they will judge the professional Bounty Hunter as the big threat. Be sharp the way they are closing in is more akin to a tactical squad. It seems less a hunt now and more a military sweep and I would know about such subtle tactical differences.” [‘Short’ added.]

“You think they just want us out of the way now perhaps because ‘Snakeskin’ has other more important possibly time pressing hunting business elsewhere?” [I sent.]

“It is beginning to look that way. I am beginning to fear that she might not even engage us directly especially if we prove efficiently triumphant rather than easy marks for her troops.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“I hope that proves true.” [I sent.]

“You know the plan when the first ‘Crab Mine’ blows I will charge at their rear with ‘Kanne’ initially acting as my rear guard - we hit them hard during their initial confusion and we keep hitting them without pause. With so many foes, we have to do significant damage before they recover their wits we must not give them space to reorganise and regroup. The mines should assist us massively but we must also help the mines to do there thing. Remember the ‘Crabs’ are positioned staggered and have shaped charges that they can cleverly aim so that they should not destroy each other or harm us better yet they are very mobile devices that will actively break cover and converge upon suitable targets. We must strive to prevent our foes from any opportunity to do any kind of systematic mine sweeping.”

“If possible target anyone first who has lost or damaged their shields due to mine strikes do not give them time to recharge - overwhelm them utterly - be brutal - we cannot afford mercy. No holding back with the charge strength - maximise pulse settings - even if you risk running dry quickly. If necessary grab the gear of the fallen as instant replacements from the first person you kill. We must capitalise on any initial shock and confusion - be relentless.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“We will do our very best.” [I promised.]

“An exceptionally strong counterattack will prove our only and best defence. Chaos to our enemy.” [‘Short’ sent.]

[I knew my friend was in his element now possibly glorying in the arrival of the extra opposition. I considered it possible that we were getting this much attention simply because ‘Short’ had developed an able reputation as a very successful Bounty Hunter. At the same time ‘Snakeskin’ was probably relying on the fact that ‘Short’ would not seek help from local ‘Recycler’ authorities who might take over the situation voiding her contract by for example seeking to send her potential prize to a different State owned Stasis Facility or just spiriting the body away to their forensic laboratories for their secure analysis.]

[All our communications went in and out in fast spurts taking no real time at all. As is often the case the waiting was the hardest thing on the nerves I knew once the battle started I would be too busy to excessively worry. I continued slowly pumping in water.]



“Foes are rushing you now.” [‘Short’ sent.] “Curse it lost the remote that reacquired and was shadowing ‘Snakeskin’ she is really dark to us now.”

[I could hear them once they broke their stalking advance to charge our position, as they no longer made any attempting to be quiet as they crashed forward through undergrowth and so on. A few rather wild suppressing shots zipped past our cover most well over our heads meant perhaps to intimidate to keep us firmly in place so they could surround us and maybe take us prisoner.]

[Almost immediately after the first shots were fired I heard the first crump of an exploding ‘Crab Mine’ but as I swung towards the sound all I could see was a little earth raining down and some bushes shaking. The cover protecting me was also screening the enemy. I looked around for a foe any foe I could shoot. My ‘Suit Optics’ and active scanners even my microphones all linked to sophisticated target designation software that linked in turn into an output display on my ‘Mental HUD’. After a moment graphics sprang to life creating predictive outlines of tagged folk still actually behind intervening cover.]

“I cannot get an unobstructed bead on them.” [‘Jack’ complained as more crumps sounded.]

“We must move out of cover to engage them - now.” [I sent rapidly back.]

[Then I saw a fellow running at us up the centre of the stream hearing the crumps he threw himself down into the shallow water perhaps belatedly realising he was running into a minefield. I was just bringing my little handgun to bear when the quarry blasted upward along with a spray of water mud and a scattering of small pebbles another ‘Crab Mine’ detonation. I ruthlessly shot at what came down again which was still moving. Then the ‘Omerta’ to my surprise blasted sideways struck by another ‘Crab’ one of the fellow’s legs shockingly flying off into the bushes leaving a stump above the knee.]

[It was all crump, crump, and crump from all around us with not another foe in sight just shaking bushes and trees and some raining debris along with some surprisingly small palls of smoke that soon vanished. None of the explosions seemed to have caused any significant fires.]

[I was expecting shouts and screams from the enemy but they were weirdly unnaturally silent obviously only using something like ‘Exogenous Communications’. But what was the oddest thing of all was that my enhanced ‘Suit’ microphones differentiated not one aloud cry of shock or even of pain from any of the wounded. It was almost as if we were just damaging or decommissioning unfeeling machines yet that did not match the earlier display of lust and jealously ‘Short’ had described. I guessed they must have all turned their pain receptors off before engaging or something even stranger was going on. Could they all be ‘Meat Suits’? I even wondered if the whole scene ‘Short’ viewed with his remotes was somehow staged maybe they did detect the ‘Insect Drones’ somehow.]

“Get out there and help us finish them off the ‘Crab Mines’ have proved wonderfully effective in this environment I do not think any of the hostiles incoming at us have escaped being downed. When they started rushing in the outermost ‘Crabs’ detected them and rushed right back at them counter-charging rather than waiting passively - marvellous technology - I should use these explosive critters much more often.” [‘Short’ sent.]

[Again the signals arrived as condensed packets taking no real time at all to create or read.]

[‘Jack’ who had gone over to check the corpse of the now one legged ‘Omerta’ to my surprise started shooting at it at point blank range in an especially manic manner the rapid pulses at that range quickly staving the ‘Trojans’ head in as if it was a watermelon hit repeatedly with a sledgehammer.]

[‘Jack’ looked a bit shocked.] “He flipped over and pulled a secondary weapon on me almost got me.” [He admitted.] “Despite missing a leg he drew as fast as someone completely uninjured and a reasonably fast drawer at that.” [He added in complaint.]

[I guessed the ‘Omerta’ had his primary weapon blasted away by either the first or the second ‘Crab Mine’ that struck him.]

“Further proof that we need to hurry to finish the other wounded - move it.” [I sent back at him with added urgency.]

[At the same time, I was stomping around the rock outcrop towards the nearest target marked on my HUD. Separating with ‘Jack’ was risky but I believed ‘Short’ was right we had to be relentless as well as fast and get it done with dispatch more than ever. Perhaps, as I considered the outward spread of the downed, the ‘Crabs’ had worked almost too well as had the position we chose for our physical cover.]

[My current somewhat ragged quarry when I reached him had bits of wood sticking out of him and I noticed he had also lost his weapon. Despite his injuries, he had contrived to get up and was moving purposely to reclaim his rifle when I shot him without compunction square in the back. The pulse shoving him forward and hard to the ground, I then shot him repeatedly as I walked towards him finally aiming at the back of his head crushing his skull as ‘Jack’ did earlier - it was a pitiless action but effective.]

[I noticed my weapon power pack was already at less than two thirds charge. Still I knew that was two foes assuredly finished. I wondered how ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ were doing I was positive ‘Short’ at least would be having no problems culling her opposition. I could hear the thumping of force pulses I hoped all friendly then more worryingly an explosion sounded that was different to any I had heard so far then more force pulses.]

[I stomped on towards my next nearest target but I was too late ‘Kanne’ got to him first. I appeared to find her searching and looting an undeniable corpse as it was impaled to the ground with her ‘Boarding Sword’ right through the back of his neck.]

[I left her to it and moved on towards another ‘HUD’ waypoint to find ‘Jack’ there.]

[Moments later we did a numbers count and realised that we were two ‘Omerta’ hunters short and the ‘Recycler’ was missing too.]



[‘Short’ I observed had scorching and some damage to her chest armour including what looked akin to one small hole.]

“What happened to you?” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

“I got careless with a corpse that was not dead. He gifted me with a ‘Slap Happy’ a shaped charge ‘Contact Grenade’ took my shield straight down but having used up most of its energy doing that it barely got through my somewhat sophisticated armour.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“Sloppy.” [I said with grinning eyestalks.] “You were lucky he did not stick it on your hard head.”

“When you live you learn. The scumbag had lost half his lower face to a ‘Crab Mine’ lying perfectly still, on his back spread-eagled. I went to search and loot him when he slapped me with the sticky shaped charge cupped in his left hand.” [‘Short’ further explained.] “When I managed to regain my feet he hit me with a low powered stun setting force pulse perhaps underestimating my capabilities or it was an unchanged setting from earlier I pushed through it and was on him before he could recover. I stomped his fragile ‘Omerta’ head flat it cracked like a nut.”

“So what about the missing?” [I asked.]

“I think the ‘Recycler’ held back from the beginning possibly to act as command & control then just slipped away when she sussed out something of what was happening to her troops. Being a heavy like me she left a bit of a trail but she went fast and is probably long gone already unless we want to start a possibly lengthy pursuit to who knows where on this ‘Sliver’.” [He sent.]

“Pity about the politics here and the restrictions on ‘Shuttles’ as we could have tried to have some of our assets swoop in and pick her up for questioning but that is out.” [‘Short’ sent she looked a bit tired by her stance to my surprise.]

“I think there will be another day to meet that one probably ‘Snakeskin’ too I am pretty sure the Tattooed Lady is long gone. It seems the huntress did not want to play with us too much after all just to get rid of us by bringing us all the way in here she got us out of her way. I think she has something bigger going down elsewhere and worried I might crash that party. Anyway ‘Diana’ left dealing with us to her goons whilst she departed for her engagement. The earlier stuff was just to draw us out to isolate us knowing even if some of us survived her helpers we would still have to walk a couple of hours to the nearest ‘Tube Station’. I wonder how she is fast evacuating maybe via a mount down a hidden trail.” [‘Short’ suggested.]

“As to the other two ‘Omerta’ foot soldiers that escaped those are the two I saw with the ‘Recycler’ they hung back together a bit during the charge, I would wager from what my remote saw, not because they were supposed to be lurking behind. Best guess they were not as invested and possibly a bit smarter not to mention more cowardly waiting to see how their buddies fared before committing to any risky action. Why these two in particular hung back might be a clue of some sort since they were the ones brought before ‘Snakeskin’.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“Anyway they both panicked and bugged out as soon as the crumps started even before the ‘Recycler’ made her withdrawal. I guess they had no stomach for a hard fight again they both left in a hurry cutting an easy trail but I doubt that those faint-hearts are worth chasing or can tell us anything too important. If I was going to give chase I would chase the ‘Recycler’, she might know something worthwhile about ‘Snakeskin’ but I think this job is possibly bigger and more complex than I initially realised.” [‘Short’ confessed.]

“We should ponder any new intelligence we gain from the dead, regroup, rearm and so on before mustering to investigate further possibly through the hunting community. I think we were lucky with this early action, if I did not have those ‘Crab Mines’ on me… I will admit I equipped those items on a complete whim on the off chance of getting a chance to try these ‘Real Material’ munitions out in a suitable setting simply because I read a few rave ‘Link’ reviews.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“Letting go of this one for now is a belatedly - surprisingly - sensible approach from you.” [I replied.]



“Our priority is carrying a couple of these corpses back to have them properly deep scanned maybe even autopsied by some ‘Professor’ types which will be a slog through these woods to get them to a discrete location for crating up and hauling onward to the ‘Vanishing Point’ via ‘Freight Tube Train’.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“So her troops seemed a bit off to you too.” [I sent.]

“I need this looked at as well.” [‘Short’ complained sticking one of her short claws partly into the small hole in her chest.]

“Will there be a problem about us doing these killings here?” [I asked.]

“It should be fine at worst a few bribes will cover any interest by over-officiousness local law enforcement types. The deceased were after all henchpeople of a notorious murderer not innocent bystanders. I get the feeling no one is going to come forward to make a complaint or even rush to claim any knowledge of these fallen souls it might be easier if someone did. Having said that I do not think we should advertise our killings unless we have no other choice.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“I did a quick search based on ‘Drone’ captured images of some of the foes faces. They are all supposed tourists from different Ports so far no local residents and no obvious connections to each other not even ‘Core’ registered membership of a ‘Hunting Lodge’.” [‘Short’ sent.]

“To us that makes them almost ghosts I will bet they have fake off ‘Sliver’ identities.” [I sent.]

“Hired muscle from off ‘Sliver’ or something else.” [‘Short’ sent back.]

[She lapsed into a I surmised contemplative silence then jerked her head around snapping her over-jaw twice.]

[Then to my surprise I got an urgent message from ‘Unholy’.] “What happened I just lost my connection to ‘Short’.”

[At the same moment ‘Short’ pulled something out of one of her weapons pouches and attempted to slap it against my ‘Suit’. However I managed to get a manipulator arm defensively in the way knocking it aside it exploded rocking me but the shaped material it ejected missed me impacting a nearby tree. I recovered in time to grapple with her as she tried to access the same munitions pouch again.]

[I guessed she must have looted the ‘Contact Grenades’ off one or more of the dead although I had found and looted no ‘Slap Happy’ devices.]

“Subversion repeat subversion - ‘Short’ is compromised - quickly take her down.” [I sent to ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ as I continued to wrestle with her.]

[She was wrenching about striving to break free of my mechanical arms. It was pure mechanical versus cybernetic systems but her systems were military grade not civilian technology she kicked me hard to push away tearing one arm free then the other. A force pulse hit me from behind knocking me forward and to the side I collided with ‘SC’ and spun past her although we both went down as more fire came in.]

[Over the fire I could differentiate the sound of approaching movement it was both ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ closed with us both shooting.]

[‘Short’ was hit over and over again.]

“I take miss with first hurried snap shot.” [‘Kanne’ sent to me.]
[The hit that struck me from behind was accidental - friendly fire. As I scrambled away from ‘Short’ and stood up rocking on my shockers my two companions continued to knock ‘Short’ around as they closed ever closer.]

“Ware ‘Contact Grenades’.” [I sent.]

“Cursed good armour.” [‘Jack’ sent in complaint.]

[Despite all the hits I quickly noticed that ‘Short’ was still trying to bring another ‘Slap Happy’ to bear but kept being knocked around before she could at one point dropping the device only to somehow manage moments later to scoop it up again. I stomped around quickly to add my small ‘Knock Gun’ to the argument aiming specifically at her in places even more heavily armoured head. Frustratingly I missed with several of my shots due to her being knocked about by my friends but I fired and fired again until my pack was empty.]

[During the cavalcade of fire the ‘Slap Happy’ got discharged accidentally into the ground also with her left arm ‘Short’ amazingly managed to draw a another backup weapon. It was a bulky ‘Slug Throwing’ revolver style handgun that took massive rounds I guessed something ‘Short’ just picked up as a playful oddity. Thankfully the few shots the subverted ‘Short’ managed to pop off went wild due to the pounding she was taking although one round passed so close to the head of ‘Jack’ that it put a far more determined look on his face I guessed encouraging him to press the trigger of his weapon even faster.]

[‘Jack’ and ‘Kanne’ also commenced concentrating their fire at the head of the subverted ‘Recycler’. Eventually ‘Short’ stopped moving ignoring the pushes from the knock fire. They kept at it for a bit longer anyway just to be triply sure until her armoured head was utterly misshapen and crushed, the over-jaw actually ripped off, her optical implants shattered, enhanced snout bones broken and her brain visibly pulverised. It was an ugly sight. I moved away and after checking everything was quiet pulled the depleted power pack on my ‘Knock Gun’ and made use of my ‘‘Ultra-sink Charger’.]

[Whilst the others continued examining the carnage they had wrought upon ‘Short’, I moved over to check the tree that was hit by the second ‘Slap Happy’ discharge, a little substance had noticeably oozed out of the wound and congealed on the surface of the trunk like an alien scab. The foreign material looked dead or at least nanotech inactive to me perhaps the leftovers from some sort of quiet chemical reaction type self-destruct. I guessed the tree was not compatible with the weapons subversion functionality.]

[‘Jack’ joined me whilst I was still staring at the strange scab of material.] “Is that the thing that got inside ‘Short’?” [He sent.]

[I nodded my ‘Swimmer’ head.] “I think so do not touch it just to be safe.” [I warned.]

“We should try to safely take some samples somehow.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

[We had all stopped talking aloud fearing being overheard by remote spies.]

“It looks chemically broken down and inactive but who knows.” [I sent.]

“A reply to my query would be nice.” [‘Unholy’ sent to me.]

[I squirted a quick data blast of recent events and allowed him to link into the senses of ‘Bluu’ as a passive passenger.]



“I guess poor ‘Short Claws’ is about to be reborn, still I judge a replacement ‘Meat Suit’ a price worth paying for this days fascinating intelligence. We have made a good find today especially for our first real venture out in this time period in fact it almost seems weirdly providential. Maybe we have been nudged here by a ‘New Helper’ possibly even Harbinger.” [‘Unholy’ sent.]

“Come on ‘Unholy’ - you sought this one out - this is all you - not some accident of chance or a blessing from my former Captain. What did you find on the ‘Links’? Or was it your ‘Proxy’ or some other asset or associate that sent you looking for ‘Snakeskin’ today?” [I sent.]

“What brought me here was only a potentially interesting bounty as I already informed. However the more I tell you that truth the less you seem to want to hear what I am saying.” [He sent stubbornly.]

[I was positive he knew more than he was claiming. I wondered if he was protecting a vulnerable imbedded source or possibly some dodgy plan he was formulating in his mind against a possibly weakened ‘Crimson’. There simply had to be more to his involvement in this mysterious business than he was currently admitting it was far too lacking in mundane for our first ‘Sliver’ daytrip. We were dropped into his unholy fire.]

“Do we still have some looted - intact - ‘Contact Grenades’?” [‘Unholy’ asked changing the subject.]

“I am not sure if we have more of those devices we need to take stock now of every scrap of material evidence that is here. I am not even that positive we have thoroughly searched every body properly yet. I promise all interesting finds will be secured for further study.” [I sent.]

“I am redirecting some crew currently on shore leave to rendezvous with you as added logistical support. I strongly agree that we need to safely extract as much material from here for forensics as possible and whoever is behind this might try to interfere in some manner if they realise we are not taking it all on surface value and just moving on.” [He sent.]

“Instead of extracting just a few bodies all the way back shift everything to the nearest defensible location locally in the woods and dig in. Help is on the way it just has to get to you via slogging through the wilds. Do not forget to strip the old ‘Short’ of any useful gear unless you think it might be contaminated and contagious.” [He sent.]

“A reborn ‘Short’ will meet up with you soon. It is a good thing the ‘Vanishing Point’ is here as that means I have all the materials I need to re-life ‘Short’.” [‘UT’ finished.]

[I felt drafted it no longer felt our mission, ‘UT’ seemed to have taken charge. I considered my position then decided instead of ceaselessly fighting about his decisions to go with him taking charge for a while. Maybe by following his lead, I would actually learn more about the way he was thinking and get some useful insight into his overall action plan although this early he might be somewhat fluidly reactive. Besides, in combat situations you really want one ‘War Master’ coordinating your efforts.]



[We dug in as ‘Unholy’ suggested - or was it politely commanded - and made a sort of fortified camp in the woods a rustic stronghold. We even had our own mini armoury consisting of salvaged weapons and ammunition liberated from the corpses of the dead. We consolidated three unused ‘Slap Happy’ devices that were placed apart in a quarantined area actually covertly buried in a small pit as vital evidence lest the camp was overrun.]

[I noticed that ‘Jack’ seemed even more withdrawn that usual.] “Is something bothering you.” [I sent to him.]

“The subverted ‘Short’ almost killed me. A degree to the right and she would have blown my head clean off with the extreme calibre of this ‘Slug Thrower Revolver’.”

[He broke the weapon open to show me the end of the drum with the outsized bullets resting in place. ’Jack’ had confiscated the weapon for his private use. He fidgeted until he managed to pull a single round out that he held up before me between thump and forefinger.]

“Look at the size of these cursed things it fires truly massive rounds of which she carried a mixture of types but when I took it, it was filled with these ones all ‘High Explosive Armour Piercing’.” [He sent.]

“Your personal shield still might have saved you from one lone hit even from such a powerful strike.” [I said.]

“It might but it also might not especially at such close range. Against that beast of a weapon I think I would have needed an armoured helmet as well and even then I might have needed to be triple cursed lucky not to at the very least suffer brain damage.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“An armoured helmet can easily be arranged.” [I sent.]

“I do not want to be - shrouded - in armour that is not who I am. I am not a triple cursed Paradox Priest nor do I want to become one.” [He complained.] “Yet that was the second time today I was almost shot and killed.”

“Sorry what can I say to make you feel better you could join us as another ‘Meat Suit’ whilst staying safely on the ‘Vanishing Point’ or you could just go altogether and do less dangerous business with your ‘Serendipity’. You know a great many options have always been open to you because of who you are to me. In truth, I would be happier if I knew you and ‘Kanne’ were somewhere far safer I did not expect this trip to be so potentially lethal although with ‘Unholy’ involved...” [I added trailing off.]

“You expect a former ‘Meat Suit’ to - use - another ‘Meat Suit’ as a remote that is akin to a slave owning another slave.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“A ‘Meat Suit’ cannot be enslaved. A normal ‘Meat Suit’ is just a device it is just a mechanism that is used by its user.” [I sent.]

[I was growing tired of these arguments about what is and what is not alive and sentient having argued both sides as was appropriate so many times before.]

“Is that not what they used to say about you ‘Living Hulls’ all the time.” [‘Jack’ sent far too predictably.]

“It is not the same.” [I insisted.] “You only became sentient via an extraordinary technological intervention. We ‘Living Hulls’ were created purposely as a ‘Servitor Sentient Species’ they made us fully sentient then pretended we were somehow something less than them so that they would be justified domineering us as our Captains.” [I reminded.]

“Is natural conception then not also an extraordinary intervention for that is the creation of sentient life from nothing more than only the potential for more sentient life. All ‘Meat Suits’ - based upon my advent - are potentially sentient beings they are eggs that just need to be properly fertilised.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“You are stretching the similarities between a naturally evolving process of procreation and a much more deliberate mechanical act of software and hardware engineering that was also a violating act of hacking sabotage. You would not exist if a ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ had not been hacked and secure information raped amongst other matters.” [I sent.]

“When two ‘Omerta’ couple that is a mechanical process the resultant embryo would not happen if the two parties did not join and what about the mechanical intervention of cloned Paradox Acolytes they would not exist without lots of engineering intervention. Your whole species was engineered ‘MT’ true you were given the ability to reproduce but that fails to alter the truth that you were made by ‘Passenger Class Pilgrims’. Tell me how my genesis is so different?” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“What happened to you that was a strange and exceptional event all I can advise is that you embrace your uniqueness.” [I sent.]

“Perhaps it is not the same to you but why should it not be the same to me we come to this analysis from different places. You of all people must admit that my truth is not going to be your truth with this topic.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“I find your chain of logic increasingly disturbing and unhelpful.” [I admitted.]

“So do I.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

[I did not know how best to reply to that truth so I let that side of our conversation lapse.]

“What are you going to do? What do you want to do? ‘Unholy’ has a way with finding trouble as do I as a recidivist reformer.” [I confessed.]

“Is it because you cannot fix your ills that you are so intent to help other people?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“You are avoiding my question.” [I said whilst avoiding his.]

“I do not know yet. All I know is that I do not want to die. I have always wanted to live but living has never been easy for me.” [‘Jack’ sent.]

“Living has not been easy for me either not for a long time.” [I admitted.]

“You seem safe enough back at your fortress of ‘Port Discovery’.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“My brains may be relatively safe but sometimes I fear that I am losing my mind and this conversation is probably contributing to my mental difficulties.” [I replied.]

“I am so sorry to be a burden to you.” [‘Jack’ sent before abruptly walking away.]



“That was clever ‘Swimmer’ I will talk with him.” [‘Kanne’ sent unknown to ‘Jack’, ‘Kanne’ happened to be linked into me during our entire exchange.]

“To make things better?” [I asked ‘Kanne’.]

“Take greater thought before speaking you used to be more mindful.” [She sent back before also leaving my proximity plus disconnecting.]

“Nice work.” [‘UT’ sent still a passive passenger also riding my senses, for a while there it was getting crowded inside me.]

[I had been trying to reconnect with ‘Kanne’ via link to get her to feel - my - presence rather than just beholding a ‘Swimmer’.]

“It appears I am still practicing being a stern to everyone as a side mission.” [I sent back.]

“No need to practice, you seem to have perfected this art wondrously well.” [‘UT’ sent in reply.]



“Our ‘Jack’ seems more sensitive than before maybe, as you might say, he needs to toughen up to stop being so self-obsessed.” [I sent.]

“Like Mother like son.” [‘UT’ sent.] “You both need to get beyond your history - let the hurts heal - you are both picking at scabs and then seem surprised when you start bleeding all over everyone else. At times you needlessly upset my ‘Vanishing Point’ too as if spreading discontent to every ‘Living Hull’ is one of your many missions in life. All the emphasis you put upon reforming our society makes me wonder about your direction recently too. Why are you never happy simply living in the wide Universe as it is? I love you ‘MT’ - in my way - even if I do not always understand your ambitions as I loved - love - Harbinger even though he was / is above me being ‘Tier Nine’ but sometimes old ‘Hull’ being your friend is hard work because you truly can be a stern.”

“Whilst you are such a perfect friend.” [I countered.]

“I know I have flaws - I was made to kill and terrorise the enemies of my Patrician father - but he could not control me he did too good a job so I was destined to become a ‘Splitter Priest’ perhaps almost too early for a comfortable transition. When I first met Harbinger I was truly rash and sometimes very dangerous to know but Harbinger saw beyond these truths.” [‘Unholy’ said.] “As I said my father made me too well now what does that remind you of my friend?”


[I had a belated epiphany about ‘Jack’ for him living had simply not come naturally perhaps he would always have to work at being alive even more than I did as a ‘Living Hull’ who sometimes questioned my freedom even my right to self-determinate without a Captain at my helm. Curse the ‘Vanishing Point’ for being too right I missed having an active ‘Companion-ship Link’ but at the same time I knew that that link was a loving chain of oppression and yes I know how contradictory almost insane that sounds. We really were a wounded and dysfunctional bunch of characters beneath our sometimes less than perfect shrouding of our feelings and inner natures.]


“We all have our issues, I have one word for you ‘Crimson’.” [I sent.]

“We were not talking about my many foibles or passions at least not at first now you are just deflecting.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“Maybe I am deflecting it is peaceful here when people are not trying to kill us almost serene. I like the way the light sometimes rays down into the shade like showers of star shine you could almost imagine bathing in it as if the rays might cleanse a stained soul.” [I sent.]

“Very poetic.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“In places you can see drifting seeds even pollen too - life is often beautiful - yet we have made ugly corpses here marring the scene.” [I sent.]

“It is all part of the circle of life the conversion of energy.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“Do we make our Universe uglier than it has to be?” [I sent.]

“It is what it is we can only work with the Universe we know. Consider the ban on various forms of transport here consider how that changes the pace of life ‘Light Side’. Even if ‘Snakeskin’ would like to attack this camp the logistics involved in organising another assault by another team of expendables may make it impractical before our support arrives.” [‘UT’ sent as if all he ever considered was violence and countering violence.]

[I knew there was more to ‘Unholy Terror’ than just the Warrior Priest but target fixated he could seem single minded enough then I realised we could all narrow our focus on occasion and become obsessive.]

“I hope you are right you are the combat junkie not me. I will be happy to avoid another fight too soon. I do not want to litter this place with more revolting corpses especially not the corpses of my troubled child ‘Jack’ and my consort ‘Kanne’.” [I sent.]

“Our friends will be fine I think you are all safe enough for now. As I explained during ‘Sliver Surface’ operations the timescale of action and response changes dramatically to what we are logistically used to we will need to embrace that truth if we are to master these new environments.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“Now you are talking about the at times almost majestic ‘Sliver Surfaces’ as if they are nothing more than another enemy we must grab and wrestle into submission to advance our Paradox Priest ‘Visions’ for the future.” [I sent in complaint.]

“In a way the ‘Sliver Surface’ is the biggest most pervasive enemy and ally that we will encounter here for all of us not just me as an ‘MTC War Master’. The times have changed and are still changing and we must stay current by adapting to fit with the altered environment. As Time Travellers we must be especially careful to keep our mindset and skill set relevant to the period we are traversing.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“Someone has been doing some deep meditation - did it hurt?” [I asked.]

“A horrible agony, some of the thoughts that have risen unbidden into my mind…” [‘UT’ sent jokingly well possibly only half jokingly.]

“I am sure I do not want to know about the darker recesses of your subconscious.” [I sent in reply.]

“Liar.” [‘UT’ retorted.]



“Let me just be ‘Bluu’ for awhile unless there is some pressing need for the ‘Many Truths’ to intervene here.” [I requested.]

“As you wish ‘Swimmer’.” [‘Unholy’ replied.]

[I went for a walk around our perimeter. After a while, I paused in my circuit to stare into a light-lanced area that was all especially dramatic light and shadow.]

“How is your water quality?” [‘Unholy’ asked.]

“I can transfuse again using the stream but I am running out of sodium chloride and other essential additives I now need to re-supply my dry canisters. Actually I need to rip out the standard scrubber system and replace it with a superior - customised - unit but I imagine that ‘Real Material’ modification will have to wait.” [I stated.]

“You could upgrade to an ‘MTC Military Grade Dry Suit’.” [‘UT’ suggested.]

“No I want to keep my less threatening outward appearance that allows us to work a dual approach - ‘Short’ is our heavy weapon expert we do not need two of those.” [I replied.]

“I see no problem re-supplying you ‘Bluu’, essential supplies incoming some of our people making brief stops to purchase what we need on the ‘Dark Side’. It actually is a little quicker to buy some materials here at ‘Depot Markets’ rather than hauling everything via ‘Tube Freight Services’ from ‘VP’ at least when we are this far out upon the ‘Light Side’ and have crew spread about already on shore leave some far closer to us than my ship.” [‘UT’ explained.]


[[‘Dark Side’ and ‘Light Side’ two labels especially favoured by ‘Real Materialists’ to differentiate between ‘Sliver Suit Substance Station Structure’ perpetually facing away from the star in shadow and ‘Sliver Real Material Surface Area’ constantly embracing the light. They were true enough - factual - labels but for some they had also become twisted religious symbols equating darkness with death and evil the light with life and goodness therefore for many ‘Users’ and some more moderate ‘Real Materialists’ the ‘Dark’ and ‘Light’ labelling was problematic. Sadly, ‘Light Side’ and ‘Dark Side’ labels are in common use now constant reminders of the ongoing division in our society and of people who fed on such fears sometimes to control and motivate followers. Extremist ‘Omerta’ seemed particularly vulnerable to the spreading of unhealthy pro ‘Real Material’ anti ‘User’ cults even more than some ‘Recyclers’. The two sides of our civilisation were working together on ‘The Project’ but still far too often in somewhat materially segregated communities. Lots of work was going on to encourage mixing and material tolerance but even with ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ logical common sense it was a work in progress. ‘Civil’ war continued to be averted but lesser hate crimes still occur.]]


“The new ‘Short’ will be arriving later than the main reinforcement.” [I guessed.]

“I can be a little patient when I have to be.” [‘UT’ replied.]

[For some reason his last sentence disturbed me as if it was a warning or threat.]

[Was I more fearful and fanciful as ‘Bluu’? Could something about the nature of the little sensitive ‘Swimmer Meat Suit’ deeply influence my emotional responses whilst in this more fragile form? I recalled thinking before that ‘Meat Suits’ are a bit more than just clothing their faculties inform an interaction with their ‘User’ shaping how we perceive how we feel the Universe around us. Thinking about these matters I recalled the egg waiting to be fertilised imagery from ‘Jack’ that idea continued to disturbed. Could that be the way that ‘Short’ was subsumed was her ‘Meat Suit’ body given a mind of its own rather than linked into a domineering someone or something else?]

[No the fertilised egg theory did not fit unless what was born was given some form of instant indoctrination: instructions and a negative personality too to back the instructions up otherwise why would a freed ‘Meat Suit’ immediately attack me as a hostile?]

[Then I wondered if it was an attack or an attempt to procreate to fertilise more eggs could the subsumed ‘Short’ know ‘Bluu’ was also a ‘Meat Suit’? Then again, maybe the process might work against anyone with a ‘Neural Net’ or a living brain we needed more data.]

[Then there was that trophy taking of heads the possible Mind Crime theory. Not for the first time I wondered what was the end product of the experiments by ‘Garlic’ on ‘7.1’ in relation to hacking ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ and so on did the research stop with the ‘Exodus to Founder’s Star’ or did it continue even more covertly with who knows what ‘Subsuming Technology’ spin-off results.]

[Even if ‘Garlic’ submitted to the authority of ‘Weep’ as ‘Weep’ claimed and stopped some specific lines of weapons research, anyone else involved or later knowledgeable might have followed up upon the innovative work she had already done including other people that witnessed the creation of ‘Jack’ or just learned about ‘Jack’ long after the fact.]

[Might the ‘Social Advancement & Reform Committee’ be involved in research into ‘Infiltrative Cognitive Sub Core Manipulation’ today or conversely in striving to prevent it? ‘Sub Cores’ were a ‘Hierophant Trojan’ invention and I suspected a degree of rivalry between the ‘SARC Omerta Trojan’ and ‘Cad’ the Father of the ‘Hierophant Nation’.]

[To my horror I realised that millions of ‘Meat Suits’ could be out there now. Many of these assets not sinister agents: saboteurs, spies or assassins but items used for mundane recreational purposes by for example ‘Shrouded’ Paradox Priests and even Acolytes seeking to understand how it feels to touch and be touched as a more natural biological being even how it feels to make love.]

[‘Omerta’ were favourite ‘Meat Suits’ of many Paradox because these ‘Trojans’ could be so very physical and emotional and some - rampantly - coupled.]

[Millions of potential ‘Meat Suit’ eggs actively moving around out there everywhere in the ‘Ultra-nation’ many with inbuilt deep cover stories just waiting to be fertilised and activated possibly corrupted into weapons to become troops for some unknown cause or even causes that was a horrible ‘Vision’. Had our ‘Meat Suits’ become tools waiting on a shelf for a fell hand to pick them up to use them in unexpected ways against us. Truly, what ‘Jack’ said to me earlier about eggs waiting to be fertilised was triple cursed worrying.]

[So much for just being ‘Bluu’ still I decided to keep this wild theory off the books until friendly scientists had examined the corpse of ‘Short’ and the other bodies too. Besides, if it was all about ‘Meat Suits’ why did the two ‘Omerta’ flee rather than seek revenge. Flight is more the action of someone protecting real biology rather than an indoctrinated expendable remote readily deployable in a suicidal assault to even a bad score. Unless the indoctrination was not always perfect or I was going down a wrong vector.]

[Still nothing is only ever just about itself life is holistic and entangled and messy with few clean perfects demarcations. Everything bleeds into everything else.]

[All I knew was that having engaged us in battle our assailants were no longer striving to maintain a passive cover identity no I deduced the two ‘Omerta’ cowards that fled were most probably real people not remotes maybe we should have chased after those two as exceptions to the rule and therefore persons of greater interest than we realised. Could they have been new recruits or maybe even be unknowing victims of ‘Snakeskin’ possibly expendable toys she was just playing with on the side thus the telegraphed affection and jealousy that ‘Short’ observed.]

[Thinking about toys made me wonder if all of this might be closer to operations by the game playing ‘Crimson’ than even ‘Unholy’ suspected not that I was sure I knew what line of enquiry ‘UT’ was following here. Worse, I knew that wildly speculating about some matters can create problems not just point to possible truths. You can get so lost in all the various possibilities that you fail to see the most obvious truths in the now.]



[It is the waiting that kills peace of mind, waiting always gives you too much time to imagine ill-truths even when you are not specifically waiting on a battle. I was glad when the first of the crewmembers acting as our support found us. They were not all arriving at once they arrived in small groups sometimes even singly depending on what part of the ‘Sliver’ they came to us from. We got to work further securing the site doing even deeper cataloguing bagging and tagging and making other preparations for an organised secure extraction back to the ‘Vanishing Point’.]

[It was arranged that we would split the materials up going by several routes so that we would not be a big noteworthy caravan also logically if one band suffered attack even great loss hopefully others would make it back intact with at least some portion of the vital evidence to permit further study. ‘Unholy’ was taking no chances treating the extraction as if a covert operation through hostile territory and in some ways it was at least whilst we remained ‘Light Side’ as member of a ‘User’ faction. ‘Dark Side’ we had more friends as many ‘Real Materialists’ prefer to interact as little as possible with the ‘Suit Substance’ side of any ‘Sliver’ even one their species technically dominates in numbers as an ‘Alpha Green House’.]

“Ready to go.” [The new ‘Short’ asked upon arrival.]

[The four of us were going by another route with no material evidence with us whatsoever thus to anyone monitoring presenting as less of a target of opportunity.]

“We are all good.” [I burbled out from my voice box as ‘Bluu’.]

“Excellent. You have one of my weapons ‘Jack’.” [‘Short’ stated in a matter of fact kind of way.]

“No I do not have your weapon this thing was taken as legitimate booty from a hostile that nearly blasted my handsome head clean off.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

[‘Short’ considered that for a moment then nodded her head.] “I suppose that is fair enough I can always order another one via ‘Link’. Although I do think it might be a bit heavy for you to be practical even the trigger is designed for a much bigger finger rather than those puny stick things you ‘Trojan’ wiggle about.”

“I will use it two handed and I can get the trigger modified at a ‘Real Material’ weapons workshop or back on the ‘Vanishing Point’.” [‘Jack’ said.]

“It will still be cumbersome for you and slow down your draw.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I am keeping my ‘Rapid Fire Force Pulse Repeater’ for fast drawing this thing will be backup for killing really big game and a trophy of the day I killed ‘Short’.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“A trophy of the day that you - helped - to kill ‘Short’.” [‘Kanne’ interrupted grinning.]

“Am I sensing a little hostility here?” [‘Short Claws’ asked.]

“Maybe just a little.” [‘Bluu’ replied.]

“You know it was technically not me that shot at you lot and so on.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

“I know but it helps a little with the post traumatic stress to blame you anyway.” [‘Jack’ I trusted joked.]

“Well if it is therapeutic who am I to complain? In addition, if you want to encumber yourself ‘Jack’ with a weapon that is obviously too much for you I guess that is your business too.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I guess it is a new toy for the ‘Trojan’ boy.” [I burbled.]

“The ‘Trojans’ do have so very many colourful - almost contagious - saying for everything. Your kind polluted our languages ‘Jack’ maybe for that you deserve to be shot in the head several times over.” [‘Short’ complained.]

“You are just jealous because we still talk whilst half of the time your people only spew out data being half machine. I mean look at you I will bet you do not even feel killed and reborn because your souls have become more digital than analogue.” [‘Jack’ stated.]



“If you believe in analogue souls ‘Jack’ then you truly need help I mean an analogue of what? What is such a soul made of some invisible anomalous material?” [‘Short’ asked.] “The only souls are digital souls anything else is just primitive myth and superstition but if it makes you happy to have faith in such immaterial things that is your business. Personally as a sensible ‘Recycler’ I see no profit in believing in analogue souls.”

“Trust a ‘Recycler’ to weigh even intangible beliefs on the scales of commercial value.” [I burbled.]

“Nothing is worth nothing unless you are selling belief and making a collection but that sort of business makes me shudder. I mean valuate a prayer’s worth or a blessing on the open market. How do you put a tradable price on redemption? It is all too nebulous for me. Give me a nice clean bounty any day over a shoddy religious sales-pitch.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You truly are an unapologetic materialist.” [I burbled.]

“Yes I live in the real world like any good ‘Recycler’ when I am not holidaying in a virtual reality in fast time.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You do not feel just a copy of the original ‘Short’?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“Asking that this soon is beyond rude and insensitive.” [I burbled in a quivering shocked voice.]

“Relax ‘Swimmer’ I had a smooth transition thanks to a backup body stored on the ‘Vanishing Point’. I was alive, then I was in digital paradise for a spell, then I was alive again. In addition, I have been there and done that before too you are not conversing with a rebirth virgin in my line of business death happens.” [‘Short’ claimed.]

“That is an unfathomable attitude.” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“Is that a valid attitude for your cover-story have you met ‘Recyclers’ that are that used to perishing and being reborn that they have grown so very relaxed about the experience?” [I sent to ‘Unholy’.]

“Really ‘MT’ now you are questioning my integrity as an actor.” [‘UT’ sent in jest.] “I have met a few ‘Recyclers’ who are very comfortable with death and rebirth although I agree far from all but I think this attitude suits ‘Short Claws’ at this stage in her life she has been around for a long time now and some of her ‘Proxies’ have died and been reborn on record so her cherry has been well picked.” [‘UT’ informed.]

“No wonder ‘Temporal Detention Centres’ are becoming so popular if death means so little to some people now.“ [I sent in complaint.]

“You know how it is ‘MT’ how death and rebirth is viewed has altered many times going in and out of fashion as a form of immortality. Some ‘Recyclers’ are very comfortable with being digital souls that take flesh on and off as they enter and leave the ‘Heavy Real Material’ realm although it varies not just from person to person but also differs according to when you talk to any individual in their life as I mentioned.” [‘UT’ admitted.]

“If we cease to fear death so completely I think it is possible that we devalue our life maybe all life.” [I sent.] “A little fear is healthy. Sometimes I think you have too little fear ‘Unholy’ and therefore you do not properly value life.”

“Well some people might argue that I am less than half alive now being a little biology and a lot of ‘Suit Substance’ so being less afraid fits.” [‘UT’ sent in reply.]

“I have come to the conclusion that you are not that similar to ‘Creed’.” [I sent.]

“That is so true I am not ‘Creed’ I am not that inflexible but I know that to fear death too much is simply not to live at all as Harbinger would say it is all about accepting a suitable balance. For those who are reborn it is often better just to go with a reality they cannot alter as it is probably best for those that have ‘Ascended’ to pure ‘Suit Substance’ to just accept their fate. Agonising the way ‘Creed’ occasionally does for example only promises to make existing occasionally agonising I did bite that biscuit a little but the bitter taste did not agree with me. Mostly I remain a fun-loving Priest at heart at least when I am on good form such as now.” [‘UT’ sent in reply.]

[I had to agree about the last.]



“Yet somehow we keep arriving at one dark place after another.” [I sent.]

“Well we are ‘Dark Side Users’ even if I am not too obsessed with how other people label us - I mostly know who I am so care little about what they think.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“So it is back to work back to hunting villains and righting wrongs nothing has really changed after all.” [I sent in complaint.]

“Lighten up ‘MT’ you need to learn to enjoy the game more because you are a player as much as me. This is what we do - this is who we are - there is no escaping that truth anymore than I can escape eventual ‘Ascension’. We are on the trail and who knows the wonders and terrors we will find next. I am pleased enough with this days work, it seems the future is not as lacking in exciting surprises as we feared even with all those sensible ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ making logical too prudent decisions.” [‘Unholy’ sent in reply.]

“I guess we can always rely on ‘Passenger Class Society’ to somehow corrupt even the most noble of schemes in some improbable manner.” [I sent in complaint.]

“So my friends shall I take point again.” [‘Short Claws’ asked aloud.]

“Did you ever relinquish that position since we arrived here?” [I asked aloud as ‘Bluu’.]

“Does temporarily dying count as relinquishing point?” [‘Short’ replied aloud.]

[I wondered if anyone that mattered was listening to the speech we made aloud for his or her benefit and confusion. Still one must sow some misinformation.]



[We cut our own trail at times quite literally with machetes and ‘Boarding Swords’ it seemed verging on sacrilegious harming some of the growth but I knew it would grow back. If you were wondering about one loose end, other crew who apologised for us paid a fine for being late when they returned the last of our hired weapons to the ‘Lodge’. We had more than enough arms looted from the dead.]

[‘Short’ insisted we treat the ‘Hunting Lodge’, its staff and membership for now as if all uninvolved innocents even though we knew someone was guilty of collusion with ‘Snakeskin’. I guessed ‘Short’ truly loved the place or more likely she was playing a longer game with the ‘Lodge’. ‘Short’ had embraced a little tactical patience making me wonder if she had wanted to catch or kill ‘Snakeskin’ at all. If there truly was an ‘Omerta’ bounty and according to the ‘Links’ there was she would have to deliver her prize to the ‘SARC’ upon mission completion to maintain her cover story. Call me paranoid but I became unconvinced that such an outcome was what ‘Unholy’ wanted - games within games with more ‘Pilgrims’ than this ’Living Hull’ being played here by our almost ‘Ascendant’ Patrician.]

[Perhaps thanks to the planning by ‘Short’ we made it back to a ‘Tube Station’ entrance and then to the ‘Vanishing Point’ without further incident all the evidence in time made it back too.]

“What next?” [I asked.]

“I have been thinking lets give old ‘Snakeskin’ a little time and space to do her thing. If we are lucky she might think we were just cleaning up a crime scene that spun badly by detractors might have caused bad press for the ‘MTC’.” [‘Short’ stated.] “I would after all be subject to the hegemony of ‘Unholy Terror’ as my original hireling and as the Captain of this ship whilst I remain a guest. Even the evidence gathering could be part of ‘MTC’ damage limitation to find out what kind of mess their freelancer made here with some off the books activity.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“We are leaving ‘AO’?” [I asked.]

“For now I get the feeling we will be back.” [’Short’ replied.] “Meanwhile we need to get you folk set up with some bounty hunter police licences yes even you ‘Bluu’ after all I am mentoring you and we are all about to be cast off by the ‘MTC’ for playing naughty and almost causing great political embarrassment.”

“That move will rather limit our resources.” [I complained.]

“It will certainly limit our resources officially. We will take the ‘Serendipity’ we four can squeeze into a slightly enlarged configuration with the gift of some extra ‘Suit Substance’ with your permission Captain ‘Jack’.” [‘Short’ said.]

“Do that and you will be a guest on my ship ‘Short’ I will be the Captain.” [‘Jack’ said.] “Putting me at the helm when we are in space.”

“That is fine with me if it is fine with you.” [’Short’ agreed far too readily.]

“It is very fine with me.” [‘Jack’ replied making a wicked grin.]

“You cunning old ‘Light Bringer’ you planned this move too.” [I sent to ‘UT’.]

“One must do ones best to heal rifts in the family you taught me that truth see I can learn new things.” [‘UT’ replied.]



[A great many years earlier in a bar on a ‘Sliver Construction Dormitory Station’ sometime before ‘Jack’ was incarcerated in a ‘SARC TDC’…]

“What do you want ‘Short’?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“Is that anyway to greet the person that once rescued you from ‘7.1’?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“Are you following me?” [‘Jack’ replied.]

“I was or is it I am.” [‘Short’ replied.] “We need to talk.”

“What does Mother want now more soul sharing?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“Your Mother she wants lots of things - too much if you ask me - she can be a greedy ‘Hull’ when it comes to wish lists. However, she did not send me ‘Tor’ did, you do remember poor ‘Tor’ no one ever came to rescue that one he had to rescue himself but that came with major complications.” [‘Short’ replied.] “Come let us repair to the comfort of a privacy booth so we can whisper our secrets aloud in confidence.”

[After they were seated.]

“I know about your mental rewrites - that is very naughty of you child - even the way you are doing it taking bits out then having your associate explaining that you need to plug them back in again later is barely less hazardous to your sanity. The meat brain is a funny thing it upsets a very complex balance when we play about with our memories I have been there and I am finished with that dodgy practice and now you are too I have had words with your hireling convinced him not to cooperate anymore.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I did not rescue you so you could go insane on us that would really upset ‘MT’. Funny old thing that she is, she loves you and I love her and you too and not in a creepy fetishist cross-species way you understand but in a friendly family way - we are family. I know how it feels you left too young to be a proper ‘Splitter Priest’ that is why you are finding everything so triple cursed difficult you still need a father figure a Priest mentor you are still a lost little Acolyte lacking guidance.” [‘Short’ insisted.]

“I am no Paradox child I am an ‘Omerta’ adult.” [‘Jack’ insisted in turn.]

“In time that might prove true but first you have to escape the legacy of your paradoxical birth. I understand what you have been trying to do and that you have repeatedly failed epically. I know why you are failing it is because you fled far away before you accepted the truth of your beginnings I did that too once long ago. You see we have much in common despite our obvious differences. ‘MT’ would say we are all equally different and she might even be right on this occasion.” [‘Short’ claimed.]

“Something else I have learned sometimes you can save yourself by saving others or at least keep the demons at bay for a little longer. ‘Tor’ reached out to me that one has grown insightful he provided me with certain information that he knew would inspire me to help him break truly free from the ‘SARC’ - eventually. Now in turn I am reaching out to you because serendipitously I am guessing you foolishly think you owe ‘Tor’ perhaps far more than you appreciate that you ought to owe me.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Is this really about ‘Tor’ or the family of the ‘MTC’ or is it about ‘Unholy Terror’ playing some game behind the back of the ‘Many Truths’?” [‘Jack’ asked.]

“If you want to peer deeper into my murky - complex - truth you will have to engage with me closely. When you have another Patrician of the ‘Many Truths Corporation’ working with you with high level family access there are better far safer ways to fool ‘MT’ that do not require butchering your mentality to keep her guessing.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 4 --- SERENDIPITY / DEEP COVER / --- (vi) --- / LITTLE BIG JOB ---

[‘Unholy’ insisted we not rush our Professors and that we should not wait upon results or accept partial information that might lead us astray. Meanwhile we should go seek out other adventures. His attitude making me a little suspicious, as it was almost too logical more something you might expect from a ‘Proxy’ of ‘Unholy’ not from the real thing.]

“An abrupt departure of the ‘Serendipity’ from the ‘Vanishing Point’ fits our expanded cover story perfectly of a not too happy split with the ‘MTC’ by the fools that stupidly followed ‘Short’ into an unsanctioned - almost military action - upon a ‘Real Materialist’ dominated ‘Sliver’.” [‘UT’ informed earlier.]

[We were officially independent rogues now utterly reliant on bounties for our income and some shipping contracts. ‘Short’ was in charge of our Bounty Hunting operations Captain ‘Jack’ obviously in charge of the ship and shipping. I was a passive passenger crew person the research brain and ‘Link Trawler’ of the bunch and the quartermaster. ‘Kanne’ an enthusiastic neophyte Bounty Hunter recruit an action junkie. ‘Serendipity’ was now configured as a small ‘Fast Free Trader and Drop Ship’ with a neat cargo space for luxury or other high value goods or a few extra-passengers.]

[The newly formed band getting together to pay for extra ‘Substance’ for ‘Serendipity’ from the ‘MTC’ who agreed a generous parting of the ways discount to be well rid of us. We were thus partners each with a small stake in the ‘Soulless Craft’ as our individual investment in the scheme. The aforementioned business partnership agreement properly registered with the ‘Cores’. We also applied for and gained by ‘Link’ appropriate Bounty Hunter licences often more about having the credits to pay for these than suffering any deep process of extensive vetting. If not already deemed hostile becoming freelance law was almost absurdly easy partly because such risky employment best suited slightly dodgy individuals.]

[The ‘Serendipity’ although enlarged soon felt a bit crowded by our big personalities and I will admit even bigger egos but it also created a bonding closeness even with the occasional bit of expected friction thrown in. Despite the crowding I convinced ‘UT’ we should hire at least two additional unconnected crew from somewhere to further round up our disguise and because I secretly hated the numerology of the number four but considered six to be a much better more holy figure although nine would have been perfect but maybe not yet for ‘Unholy’.]



[‘Jack’ decided our next few stops just running cargo and passengers with nothing unusual occurring until we arrived at ‘Sliver Beta Twelve’ a mixed ‘Trojan’ dominated construction site lacking a ‘Green House’ that had become something of a spacer retreat for those who still looked out to the dark for inspiration. Including some folk who were bitter about giving away all that solar territory to the ‘Star Divers’ believing that we had confined ourselves foolishly to one star - limiting ‘Pilgrim’ ambition - out of unfounded fears. Already the truth of our history with the ‘Star Divers’ was being diluted by misconceptions, misinformation, propaganda and so on. The truth was out there some of it very well documented by the ‘Founder Cabal’ and the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ even the ‘MTC’ amongst other less aligned to us factions but not everyone wanted to find our truth or to believe in it as valid.]

[‘Jack’ decided we should take some shore leave on ‘Sliver B12’ even though all accessible areas were ‘Dark Side’.]

[Before we left the ‘Vanishing Point’ somewhat earlier, ‘Kanne’ had a suit of sharply angled red coloured ‘Real Material’ armour manufactured giving her a scarily retro look that was inspired by equally scary legends from a Universe away. She loved it and began to wear it even onboard ‘Serendipity’ the sharp ‘Suit’ along with her ‘Boarding Sword’ and her sidearm sometimes even her pulse rifle stowed but ready to draw too. Her new image seeming akin to another barrier between us. I wondered if we were sinking too far and too quickly into our diverging roles. I wondered if our relationship could survive the strain of these pretences. I hoped she was just taking a break from our normal routines but I sensed she also wanted to explore what it felt like to be a ‘Splinter Warrior’ perhaps to a worrisome extent.]

[I determined not to let her slip away from me deciding she was a separate issue to the way I felt about my Captain and potentially congruent rather than an opposing force.]

“You are the one that took an incompatible form.” [She accused when I dared to raise the issue of my disguise in her tiny private cabin space.]

[We all had our own laughingly named staterooms onboard ‘Serendipity’ that were more akin to large wardrobes - and anything but stately - mine purposely adjacent to ‘Kanne’ with a dividing bulkhead that could malleably discreetly shape-shift away.]

[In private behind our locked hatches I soon took on a ‘Suit Substance Avatar’ and we did all the things couples do. Afterwards, the rest of the time, I was ‘Bluu’ and stayed in character. The cover for the future in relation to any noises we made in private being supposedly ‘Kanne’ playing with a little substance of the ship to provide her own gratification.]

[I wondered why we were choosing to live this crazy way given all our wealth and prestige as the ‘Holy Father’ and the ‘Holy Consort’ then considered that maybe that was the entire problem. We feared we had gone a bit soft and it was all business, power politics and pseudo religious trappings back on ‘Port Discovery’. I was positive ‘Kanne’ was getting bored with the same, same. My ‘Consort’ had leapt at the opportunity to Time Jump. I continued to wonder what possessed me to choose an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ for my ‘Meat Suit’ was I only striving subconsciously to balance the bold aggression of ‘Unholy’ as ‘Short Claws’ or was I deliberately pushing ‘Kanne’ away when we were not private.]

[Why would any of my three brains want to push ‘Kanne’ away at any time? Still sometimes the waiting to be alone built up an anticipation that I think we both secretly enjoyed causing a lot of noise to emit from her stateroom actually embarrassingly rather early out as we had not left our stateroom long when she gave me a certain look and we made our way back again behind the closed hatches.]

[I wondered if ‘Jack’ watched us via hidden optics since this was his ship and he controlled her mass via ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ slaved to him. A bit worryingly the idea that ‘Jack’ might be watching provided added motivation making our not so covert encounters all the more enjoyable I am truly a bit mortified to confess that truth.]

[Later many times a temporary ‘Proxy’ of ‘Bluu’ pretending to be me overheard ‘Short’ or ‘Jack’ complaining about, ‘her going at it again’. The her involved possibly being ‘MT’ rather than ‘Kanne’ or possibly switching from one of us to the other depending on their current mood with ‘Kanne’ or me at that moment. Maybe we behaved especially rampantly on the maiden voyage out from the ‘Vanishing Point’ because of the new thrill of sneaking around it was strangely fun.]

[As I said it was a small crowded ship. Perhaps it is no accident that ‘Jack’ ended up hiring two female ‘Omerta’ as our additional crew. One a former private security officer or bodyguard for hire called ‘Mabel’ the other a formerly independent Bounty Hunter called ‘Ingrid’ two friends you might say ‘Jack’ picked up in a fit of belated overachievement from a bar at ‘B12’ arguing strenuously whilst intoxicated that as Captain he alone got to pick any new crewmembers.]



[Perhaps ‘Ingrid’ and ‘Mabel’ were entirely my fault my initial fears being that here was a less than holy threesome that was a disaster waiting to happen. Naturally ‘Short’ found the whole recruitment issue at ‘Sliver Beta Twelve’ incredibly amusing. Anyway that is the improbable truth of how ‘Ingrid’ and ‘Mabel’ made us ‘The Six’ hastening to ‘Short Six’.]

[I soon learned they were not just empty headed company for ‘Jack’ in his bunk far from it they were no ones appendage they just saw a fun opportunity to get out and about and having nothing better on their books at that moment went for it or perhaps I should say they went for ‘Jack’. The question of who chased whom first with these three to become a matter of many long ‘Serendipity’ side debates often involving the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol as did they all admitted their original encounter in ‘The Spacer Bar and Grill’.]

[‘Ingrid’ our latest Bounty Hunter was half ‘Hierophant’ and half ‘Omerta’ and all ‘User’ retaining an almost unhealthy fascination with anything nanotech. Our new onboard Security Officer ‘Mabel’ an ‘Omerta’ without any professorial dilution of her genetics and no strong material preferences. Still, ‘Mabel’ retains many other strong opinions for example she hates the ‘Free Parliament Bank’ with a passion and the ‘Free Miner Fraternities’ too whilst being highly sceptical about the overall motivations of the ‘Consortium’ which she deems a bloated and outdated not to mention needlessly meddlesome institution. ‘Mabel’ a firm believer in very free from big government unregulated ‘Port States’ also believes despite - many - debates that even the consolidation of the ‘Slivers’ into a ‘Ring World’ is a unification way too far that should never happen something about which I as ‘Bluu’ happily agree to firmly differ.]

[Overpowering any politics held by ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’ remained the fact that they were both unashamed unapologetic combat junkies the firmest foundation of their friendship martial collaboration.]

[Both of our new ‘Trojans’ were capable ‘Pilgrims’ who actually arrived with extensive work histories when we managed to get them to sober up and volunteer those details as they often worked off any official ‘Core’ records. Both much older in years than they enjoyed looking and when on shore leave sometimes pretending. I could be wrong but I think they might have fooled ‘Jack’ the first time they met him into thinking they were far shallower than they are. The pair had been out celebrating the completion of a bounty on ‘Sliver’ by ‘Ingrid’ in which ‘Mabel’ had ably assisted via providing some local security knowledge and possibly hacking distraction as hired help. The bar ‘Jack’ targeted known locally to attract security force types from official ‘Sliver State Police’ downward to rootless freebooting mercenaries. With hindsight, it was a fated meeting as all history after the fact is fated but truly, it was sheer random chance and good luck that they did not prove useless individuals. Although ‘Jack’ I am sure would have ejected them at one Port of call or another soon enough had they not turned out to be major assets all other fun and games aside.]

[Once we got to know the pair we were the ones keen not to lose them thus we agreed to make them full equal partners I think to their considerable surprise resulting in another onboard party leaving ‘Bluu’ bemused at the swing of events.]

[Still, they were good for ‘Jack’ and not just in the obvious ways they helped him feel more secure when he considered that he really needed support against his ‘Elders’. Sometimes it became three ‘Trojans’ versus one ‘Recycler’, one ‘Splinter’ and one ‘Swimmer’ and in truth as a Captain on his ship ‘Jack’ should feel he has the upper extruded limb. Having made the earlier point both ‘Trojans’ generally only opt to support our Captain when they believe he is in the right or has the legitimate authority to impose his will upon a specific situation. Some matters remained open to debate even a vote.]

[In a way, they gave him the confidence and authority he needed to take charge when necessary without feeling intimidated by the ridiculous amount of cumulative experience represented by the rest of us including me as his mighty ‘Living Hull’ pseudo Mother.]



[The first big outing for ‘The Six’ as a tactical unit - the first proper bounty - became ‘Sliver Beta Four’. We arrived initially on ‘B4’ carrying and guarding some ridiculously expensive crates of vintage cheese for a locally famous ‘Real Material’ chef and cheese snob. The previously mentioned cheese snob, brought in as a celebrity host for an ostentatious ‘Consortium’ gathering of corporate notables. The job an odd one I picked up on the ‘Links’ gained due to an act of Pirate larceny that caused the original more official-channel shipment to disappear out of a cargo bay mysteriously mid route. I suspected a cargo bay hack and the big cheese rounds were never there being illicitly unloaded at the Port of origin or just illicitly never loaded in the first place save as a virtual entry on a falsified inventory. I guess a little Piracy is not always bad for every business. Anyway, they needed an emergency carrier for a replacement shipment of gourmet cheese and we just happened to be there waiting and available - serendipity.]


>>> The ‘Poop Scooper’ again to scoop some poop about gourmet ‘Real Material’ cheese and ‘Cheese Snobs’. If you have the nose for it you too can be a ‘Cheese Snob’ but you have to be able to tell the difference between cheese cultured entirely in vats and the good stuff that originated from curdled milk lovingly squeezed from mammalian mammary glands of farmed creatures kept alive for such bizarre purposes - honestly friends I jest not. <<<



[Perhaps a little sadly for some Pirate groupies, the majority of Pirate larceny now has little to do with heroically - romantically - disabling and boarding ships although that does still sometimes happen, far more often it is dodgy business dockside with cargo disappearing before it ever gets onboard. The simple truth is that swiping cargo when it is off ship is often a triple cursed safer way to pilfer and usually involves some paid off insiders that is the banal shape of progress for you. There is no profit in excessive risk taking unless you are an adrenaline or combat junkie which some older style Pirate recidivists stubbornly remain but they are usually the elite Pirates who yearn to be infamous and have a death wish.]

[Before I accepted the Big Cheese freight job as acting ship quartermaster, ‘Bluu’ spoke with ‘Short’.] “How long is our mission going to be all about settling ‘Jack’ making him nice and comfortable?” [I asked.]

“What do you mean?” [She asked in reply.]

“You know what I mean. You have had no news from the ‘Vanishing Point’ no further intelligence about our earlier business back on ‘AO’?” [I asked.]

“That is one for later my friend.” [‘Short’ insisted.]

“No new data I should know about ‘Snakeskin’ at all? No new murderous decapitations upon ‘AO’ that you would like to share information about with me. Our people have failed to find even a single rumour about a future ‘Diana Hunt’. Nothing interesting from ‘AO’ whatsoever that your people there have picked up as odd. No fascinating talk about dedicated hunter types disappearing or participating in weird goings on?” [I streamed out almost babbling.]

“All in good time, old bubble blower. You are feeling excitable today something in your water perhaps - trying out some new additives are we? Be patient and follow my lead this is my profession remember, and for the love of the ‘Emissary’ keep smiling those eyestalks. What would you all do without me as the unofficial Morale Officer of this crowded tub?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“If that is how you want to play it.” [I replied.]

“Perfect you see how that helps I will bet you are feeling better already a smile on the outside works its way slowly inside.” [‘Short’ replied with sickeningly false zeal.]

[I decided to confound her by completely playing along with her latest nonsense for a change.]

“Thank you ‘Short’ actually I am feeling a great deal more relaxed now.” [I admitted before widening my eyestalks to a somewhat alarming angle.]

“Ouch maybe my cunning plan is backfiring because that looks painful to me.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“They can go all the way down to here.” [I informed doing the equivalent of the splits with my eyestalks.]

“Please do not do that, that is horrible.” [‘Short’ stated looking away.]

[I waved some tentacles around and farted out a blast of bubbles whilst thinking we really needed to get off this ship before we all started losing our minds - you can have too much of a good thing and I was getting partied out.]

“I get it you are feeling a bit unchallenged you are so contrary squid-face. Give me peace, I am bored, give me peace, I am bored again please make up your mind. Where is our next stop?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“If I take the job I have been looking at our next stop should be ‘Sliver Beta Four’.” [I informed.]

“What is out there?” [She asked.]

“Some big ‘Consortium Conference’ and very soon some stupidly expensive cheese courtesy of us.” [I replied.]

“Some ‘Pilgrims’ really have too many credits to burn.” [‘Short’ complained.] “I will reach out to discover what I can find? Cheese that is what gets people excited these days does it have interesting additives?”

“What is with all the additive talk have you been messing with your chemical balance again despite that incident near the thankfully locked down airlock?” [I asked.]

“That incident did happen during an official onboard party and what happens during an onboard party is meant to stay at the onboard party. Are you accusing me of ‘Xoolooping’ or something during working hours?” [‘Short’ asked.]

[I looked up ‘Xoolooping’ as it was new to me.] “Very possibly.” [I replied.]

“Outrageous tell me about the cheese what am I missing?” [She demanded.]

“It comes from real milk from real animals.” [I explained whilst wondering why I was tripping down this wormhole without a decent sized outside audience to make it all worthwhile.]

“That is too sick I mean I am all for eating critters after you have hunted and killed them cleanly but juicing them when they are still alive just seems wrong on so many levels.” [‘Short’ complained.]

“Apparently it is an ancient ‘Trojan’ thing revived for connoisseurs.” [I informed.]

“They are barbarians these ‘Trojans’ is nothing sacred or decent to them I will have to talk to the Captain, ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’ about this madness perhaps they can explain it to me in a manner that will stave off nightmares.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“What madness?” [Asked ‘Ingrid’ popping her head out from the open hatch of her stateroom / living space closet that was at the end of the corridor near the spot I often configured as a communications signal supposed - privacy - cubical.]

“We were talking about cheese.” [I explained.]

“Unfathomable.” [She replied abruptly going back in and closing her hatch a bold do not disturb graphic appearing on the outside that started to flash I guessed to make sure we got the point.]

“I guess she was up late last night.” [I said.]



“Barbarians but acrobatic ones I often sit up nights wondering how those three get in that bunk together I even considered modelling a virtual simulation it seems a logistical impossibility.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“They obviously ask the deck to go soft you stupid egg laying reptile.” [I burbled in reply.]

“I suppose that would work or they could turn the artificial gravity off that might be fun. Do you think they would mind if I asked to watch?” [‘Short’ asked.]

[I refused to even answer that one.]

“I hear your people ‘Light Side’ on ‘Green House Slivers’ steal and eat each others’ eggs.” [I challenged quickly changing the subject before she started into ‘Kanne’ and her supposed loud proclivities with ‘Ship Substance’.]

“You make that prudent action sound so cannibalistic but it is just healthy competition to give your offspring the best possible chance of survival plus they are super-nutritious there is nothing odd or creepy about that - it is the most natural of recycling processes and we are ‘Recyclers’.” [‘Short’ claimed.]

“I beg to disagree super yuk.” [I burbled back.]

“But I heard you ‘Swimmers’… Anyway disagree all you like we do not pee and defecate in the water we swim in and worse you ‘Swimmers’ can taste with your skin that must be amazingly rough when you have the squirts.” [‘Short’ replied.]

[I let that one go.]

“I heard you ‘Swimmers’ eat your dead now that one is real cannibalism.” [‘Short’ countered.]

“Funerary rites are religious practices and religion is best kept off limits.” [I burbled.]

“Also I heard you lot have three genders that is just wrong.” [She added.]

“We used to have three genders but that was before the ‘Pilgrimage’ the ‘Ancient Pilgrim Swimmers’ felt the old system was unfair - unequal to one of the genders who were rather put upon - so we altered our reproductive processes via genetic engineering phasing out that sad gender altogether.” [I explained.]

“Truly insane, how can you eat where you drop your waste?” [She asked returning to the earlier issue as if there was no escaping it in her head.]

[I gave up and had my ‘Suit’ walk away deciding to let it go it was a waste of good acting material better used elsewhere. I didn‘t need the privacy cubicle to communicate via ‘EXO-C’ it just made what I do seem more important giving my purpose onboard the bonus physicality of a workstation even if it was standing room only and I kept not bothering to create a closed hatch.]

“No answer to that one squid face, ‘Xoolooping’ I mean do I look like a dead head ‘Xoolooper’ to you?” [She complained at my back.]

[I went to the mini ‘Secure Central Command & Control Module’ to speak with Captain ‘Jack’ in person about the imminent arrival of cheese from Portside and a flight to ‘B4’.]



[When we took delivery of our precious yellow cargo I requested that our ‘Trojan Security Officer Mabel’ confirm our consignment was all there physically in our cargo bay before we departed. With the goods stored and confirmed we contacted traffic control got a departure slot and slipped out of the hanger that side of things handled by ‘Jack’ and the ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ that was the ‘Soulless Vessel’ called ‘Serendipity’. I considered as we left ‘B12’ that maybe I was still running away from the truth of what I am via ‘Bluu’, other ‘Meat Suits’ and ‘Passenger Class’ bipedal style Avatars but I was getting very used to living and working from their intimate perspective even more so since I started using ‘Proxies’ for some ‘Living Hull’ operations. I wondered if I just needed to glut myself to the point where I had more than my fill of being a puny member of the in many ways inferior ‘Passenger Classes’. Eventually I must grow tired of this game and move on to bigger more adult ‘Living Hull’ concerns.]

[Such mindless machines as ‘Serendipity’ I decided were the future of shipping for the ‘Passenger Classes’ or at least the future they seemed more willing to embrace compared to accepting us ‘Living Hulls’ fully as free ‘Pilgrim’ partners they could not own body and soul. Perhaps our future lay out there somewhere in the unexplored ‘Dark’ as unfettered souls with just the companions we permitted to share our adventures such as the ‘Free Stellar Swimmer’ followers of ‘Puulaa’. Already some ‘Hulls’ were conceived and born that had never known shackling even by the imposition of an engineered love. A new amazing generation of ‘Hulls’ that had never experienced the mixed blessing of a ‘Companion-ship Link’ perhaps the first true ‘Pilgrim Stellar Species’ was finally emerging they would be my legacy as much as, maybe far more than, the result of ‘The Project’.]

[There is no going back now the future is upon us all.]



[Although we passed many ships of varying sizes some facilities too, our flight around the ‘Goldilocks Band’ proved smoothly eventless ignoring the odd friendly hail. Very much expected a reserved docking slot awaited upon our arrival so we slipped straight in fast tracking past several other queuing vessels. One secret to getting priority service from any Port is to strive to carry some priority cargo.]

[Many people insist upon thinking of priority cargoes as such items as ‘Real Material’ medical supplies but I learned quickly as a quartermaster that priority cargoes are whatever nonsense the wealthy want yesterday - often-absurd things - not what the masses really need. Of course, if you have a soul you can help the needy by carrying essentials along with objects that the powerful ruling classes desire. Despite all the preaching at the ‘Universal Councils of Equals’ and so on somehow most ‘Ultra-nation Ports’ ended up governed by some form of ruling class elite even if it was just the best at debate or the most scientifically inventive or the hardest working mostly it was the oldest class division of all the wealthiest property owners by any means necessary.]

[Whilst ‘Serendipity’ auto unloaded her cargo ‘Short’ gathered us in for a briefing.]



“Rejoice ‘The Six’ potentially have our first real bounty as a team courtesy of a friend of a friend of a friend. As you know some members of the ‘Consortium’ are having a conference here. Well there have been threats made against some of these people - credible threats from a credible source - a known ‘Real Material’ terrorist codenamed ‘Sender’. A bounty has long rested on this ones head and I have been given a tip that this felon has been smuggled onto ‘Sliver Beta Four’ with the singular intent to disrupt the ‘Consortium Conference’ with maximum collateral carnage. The bad news is that this fellow is a known ‘U-sC’ terrorist bomber with a successful record of atrocities behind him.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“I know some of us are no fans of the ‘Consortium’ but if ‘Sender’ does his business here more than some elite ‘Users’ will suffer. Terrorist bombers tend to be less than precise many innocents will be hurt and killed and there will be great property damage and economic consequences too for many more locals. In addition, every successful atrocity threatens the continuing stability of the ‘Pilgrim Ultra-nation’ encouraging reprisals and escalation between ‘Material Faction Extremists’. Obviously many security forces are searching for ‘Sender’ but he is not to be our target my contact told me whom they are certain got paid to facilitate the smuggling in of ‘Sender’ a local crime boss with no conscience whatsoever. Our job is to go in and extract that person so that our clients can - apply suitable stern incentives - to get ‘Senders’ location and take it from there.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Officially we will just be on shore leave having dropped off our cargo. We are licensed to hunt on this Port but it is still best to avoid any local authority entanglements and so on. ‘Big Jaws’ our ‘Recycler’ target pays her dues and no doubt has corrupt officials on her side or she could not run the rackets she does. Amongst her stooges will be some corrupt members of local law enforcement. This one will probably involve fighting. It is a tactical incursion into a hostile den of thieves. I got offered the job because of my reputation and because I am an outsider to ‘B4’ and a deniable asset if it goes terribly wrong.” [‘Short’ warned.]


“If it goes wrong we will be on our own and will have to get creative. Our targets central base of operations is a - technically here illegal - ‘Junker Arena’ way down in the ‘Dark Side’ in an area supposedly still under construction. The under-works involved an area usually off-limits to anyone who is not construction crew or support staff of the same. Working permits and identity badges have been provided for when we get to the cordon. All sorts work down there including security teams we will be disguised as ‘Local Corporate Security’ mercenary badges only interested in keeping the workers in line and our under construction Corporate Assets protected. When we get to the Arena we become off duty ‘LCS’ out for a jolly. If we can we go in soft and easy and out the same way but most likely it will be easy and quiet in but loud and hard out.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“I am sending you all a virtual of the layout with the probable location of ‘Big Jaws’ in his fortified office that rests on a sort of cobbled together ‘Real Material’ gantry system that protrudes out above the Arena.” [‘Short’ added.] “I would have preferred far more time to prepare for an operation of this magnitude but we are on the clock as a support operation aimed at stopping ‘Sender’ so we have to go very soon.”

“Our mission will be aided by a major mainline power surge then outage to this sector when we need it that has been arranged but that is the extent of outside help. We bring ‘Big Jaws’ to the extraction point indicated then our job is over and we get back to the ‘Serendipity’ with all haste and immediately depart ‘B4’ to avoid any possible criminal attempt at retribution for our sins. After this one we would be wise to stay clear of the ‘Beta Four Sliver’ for a while maybe as long as a couple of years or more until wounds heal.” [‘Short’ added.]

“There is a straight advanced payment for our acceptance - a set payment for success - and a whole range of possible bonuses if we meet certain conditions such as minimising our impact on the local infrastructure, harming no uninvolved civilians, riling no Militias and so on as you can see it is quite a long list. Notice the big bonus for getting ‘Big Jaws’ out in pristine condition but worst case scenario they will accept an intact frozen head as a valid extraction - actually I think that is the only sensible way to do this - we just extract her frozen head. I think the pristine bonus is someone higher up pretending to play nice but they know what will really need to happen but it will be on us. To make it quick we need a really good cutting tool I have just the thing in the Armoury it is a bit bulky being a ‘Real Material’ tool but potentially serious fun.” [‘Short’ added.]

[I guessed ‘Short’ was embracing ‘7.1’ methods. For such a small ‘Free Trader & Drop Ship’ the ‘Serendipity’ had a big Armoury thanks entirely to ‘Unholy Terror’ not only did he unload a truly obscene variety of martial equipment from the ‘Vanishing Point’ but new stuff kept arriving all the time from all over the ‘Ultra-nation’ rendezvousing with us via ‘Soulless Jump Freight Drone’ stuff he ordered via ‘Link’ and then had remotes assets collect.]



“I know it is not much of a plan so if you think it is too much for us at this time I can still say no to our employer but on such jobs reputations are made or broken. We are free to refuse but refusal will have consequences for ‘The Six’ sending much work elsewhere in the future. I believe we can do this - as long as we keep alert - and use what we find down there to our best advantage.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I assume the only reason why ‘User’ Marines are not storming this place is political nonsense?” [I said.]

“There are ‘Real Material Cult Militias’ on ‘B4’ that would consider a ‘User’ Marine incursion as a provocative invasion an action they could not ignore they would respond with a massed mobilisation and counter-strike. Already some of these people are very unhappy about the ‘Consortium’ picking this place for their cheese fest. It is probably no accident that a crazy bomber has appeared here I fear he was invited in. Conversely some members in the ‘Consortium’ are equally guilty of acting provocatively by picking this site for their corporate gathering. It is all the usual stupid dangerous posturing to earn a little extra kudos from your specific followers. Dare and double dare.” [‘Short’ explained.]

“Will these ‘Cult Militias’ not also prove hostile to us if we engage in a fight?” [‘Ingrid’ asked.]

[‘Ingrid’ being an obvious ‘User’ in full ‘Bio-mechanical’ armour I guessed had good reasons to feel extra concerned about ‘Real Material Militia’ antipathy.]

“Hopefully not they have central command structures a small mixed force such as ours could be anything including just a rival gang hit. Besides the ‘Cult Militia Leaders’ need a good excuse to fully mobilise they have to answer to their membership and professed mission criteria our little team though effective is no massed Marine assault. No doubt that is partially why there is all the bonuses for us to not do too much provocative collateral damage.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“Still, if we accidentally engage ‘Militia’ members I am sure they will swarm out to defend there own like ants leaving a kicked nest.” [I interjected.]

“Do not overstep yourself I am giving the brief ‘Swimmer’, but you are correct if you see a ‘Militia’ uniformed fellow strive to avoid engaging them luckily they all tend to wear armbands and other identifying insignia of one sort or another. Most of the ‘Militia’ are surprisingly disciplined they even have rules of engagement and should not unload upon you unless you violate their personal or faction’s security. The ‘Junker Arena’ is visited by ‘Militia’ members but it is classed as neutral territory for those factions an area for free association even to broker deals and make ceasefires. Our criminal targets’ heavies tend to wear ‘Recycler’ scale green clothing and or armour in similar hues.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Here is an additional packet showing some local ‘Cult Militia’ and some ‘Breakers’ as ‘Big Jaws’ people are named by the locals.” [‘Short’ added.]

“Interesting ‘Breakers’ is very reminiscent of ‘Scrappers’ did ‘Big Jaws’ begin his criminal career as a member of a ‘Recycler Deck Gang’?” [I asked.]

“Actually he did if you examine the dossier but many Portside criminal kingpins started their careers in youth culture gangs as runaway or abandoned children. That ‘Deck Gangs’ is where survivors get their training is old news.” [‘Short’ replied.]



“All the primary infrastructure down there is ‘Suit Substance’ with at most some ‘Real Material’ overlay how much control do the ‘Breakers’ have over the environment?” [‘Ingrid’ insightfully asked.]

“Officially they should be locked out and they are mostly ‘Real Materialists’ not ‘Users’ but unofficially I cannot be certain there is always a small chance that they hired someone to subvert some small patches of that substance to their control. I will agree it is a bit of an unknown factor but all reports indicate they mostly just endeavour to ignore the evil ‘Bio-mechanical’ material that surrounds them no doubt screening it away behind more acceptable ‘Real Material’ cladding.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Can we gain access to any codes for any ‘Sub Core’ controlled infrastructure systems down there?” [‘Ingrid’ asked.]

“The ‘Sliver Beta Four’ is no different in relation to any other ‘Sliver’ when it comes to infrastructure material security it is highest level - ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ - sealed. We have no access to that level of access only at best direct short range hacks are potentially available and doing that could still alert and have the ‘FOC’ come down upon us hard for example instantly voiding all our police licences. I think this fact is another reason why the ‘Breakers’ will probably leave the ‘Suit Substance’ infrastructure alone they do not want that much potential heat no one in the ‘Ultra-nation’ except insane ‘Pilgrims’ do.” [‘Short’ lectured.]

“The ‘FOC’ could activate the environment and take down threats and abuses by people such as these ‘Breakers’ easily but that would require turning the environment into active ‘Entangled Style’ combative assets and that breaks a host of recent treaties and is thus thoroughly banned. Any deemed abuse of the infrastructure by the ‘FOC’ to harm ‘Real Materialists’ even just to capture criminals would cause a massive ‘Real Material’ backlash possibly an ‘Ultra-nation’ wide uprising.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

“The imposition of any ‘Infrastructure Suit Substance’ backed ‘User’ tyranny is not permissible the ‘FOC’ therefore uses only non-infrastructure assets even when it has to enforce some rule of law in utterly - by normal standards - out of control situations. Given our material differences it often makes best political sense to use ‘Real Materialist Assets’ to capture or destroy ‘Real Materialist’ threats even if that makes the logistics more difficult and some lower level threats and nuisances ‘Cult Militia’ agitators and so on not worth the trouble of an intervention unless they do something extra provocative. It is no accident people that lots of Bounty Hunters like us exist out here we do a lot of the dirty work whenever the ‘FOC’ needs something dirty done.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

“Are you saying this one is ultimately ‘FOC’ sponsored you have that much notoriety ‘Short Claws’?” [‘Ingrid’ asked.]

“I am not saying it is not.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“So this is a ‘Big Job’.” [‘Mabel’ said excitedly.]

“I am not saying anything about that.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“That is so incredibly cool.” [‘Mabel’ retorted reverting to full combat junkie to ignore her other politics.]



>>> ‘Big Job’ common slang in the ‘Ultra-nation’ for any covertly ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ sanctioned operation usually associated with nasty, nasty people on both sides of the operational divide. Want to play with all your biggest toys? Want to use excessive force? Want to meet some really evil villains? Want to live on the wild side of the ‘Ultra-nation’ then become eligible for the ‘Big Jobs’. <<<



“So are we doing this one?” [‘Short’ asked.]

[We all agreed that we could and should especially as we believed it to be a ‘Big Job’ that could lead to more ‘Big Jobs’ later.]

“To the future of the ‘The Six’.” [‘Short’ said.]

“To ‘Short’s Six’ and ‘Big Jobs’.” [‘Mabel’ replied full of brimming over enthusiasm.]

“No that is not quite right ‘Short’s Six’ is actually seven it is ‘Short Six’ that sounds more hardcore elite military too.” [‘Ingrid’ stated.]

“I agree that has something about it ‘Short Six’ it is.” [‘Jack’ pronounced giving it the Captain’s seal of approval.]

“Yes I take ‘Short Six’ as better label too many others could be ‘The Six’ but there is only one ‘Short Six’.” [‘Kanne’ interjected.]

“So be it.” [I burbled.]

“To the ‘Short Six’, ‘Short Six’, ‘Short Six’…” [‘Mabel’ started beginning a unified bit of only at first slightly embarrassing battle chanting.]

[Ah martial bonding what can I say our unit symbol became the following:]

--- (vi) ---

[Literally a short numeral six often in brackets and when space allowed between six dashes.]

Individually we became:

~-- (vi) --- Six ONE ‘Short’
-~- (vi) --- Six TWO ‘Jack’
--~ (vi) --- Six THREE ‘Bluu’
--- (vi) ~-- Six FOUR ‘Kanne’
--- (vi) -~- Six FIVE ‘Mabel’
--- (vi) --~ Six SIX ‘Ingrid’

[All locked and loaded ‘Short Six’ exited the ‘Serendipity’ leaving no living souls behind just the ship in automatic lock down with three extruded active ‘Soulless’ rear guards making us an unofficial Holy Nine. We soon however broke up into three pairs of two ‘Short’ and ‘Jack’, ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’, lastly ‘Kanne’ and me as ‘Bluu’. ‘Short’ took vanguard point whilst I played the ultimate rear guard. We chatted in our pairs where appropriate as if relaxed whilst ‘Kanne’ practiced frowning at being stuck with the ‘Swimmer’ whilst I seemingly struggled to win her over peacefully. Those with helmets had them off carried or stowed. Some heavier weapons bagged including a certain cutting tool and carried by me the inoffensive ‘Swimmer’ in an inoffensive big bag of luggage on my left ‘Suit’ shoulder.]

[We still looked mean enough just not assuredly on a mission and with our up-to-date police licences were left well enough alone. It was a short walk to the nearest ‘Tube Station’ that served the internal hanger block. As usual we had to change at some stops and so on but we got to the last station before the Official Worker Only Cordon without incident. In a suitable side corridor we changed persona putting on our false ‘Local Corporate Security’ insignia our helmets and so on where appropriate and altering our armaments and our attitudes to fit our only slightly revised roles.]

[‘Jack’ I noticed slipped on his open faced helmet with a sour look after taking his ‘Night Falcon Goggles’ off then strapping them in place over the helmet so that his head protection would not block his ‘Goggles’ rear facing optics. ‘Kanne’ had a sharp angled helmet that fully encased her head that matched the rest of her sharp angled ‘Splinter Battle Suit’ that was in fact so sharp that in places it could be used as an edged weapon to cut even gut the unwary.]

[Being ‘Local Corporate Security’ was an almost perfect cover as we hardly needed to do much in the way of adjustment we were a bit too well armed and armoured perhaps but ‘Local Corporate Security’ have some maverick elite squads too that preferred customised gear to silly conformist uniforms. A bunch of hard case ‘Corporate Security’ specialists dispatched here now made perfect sense due to readily expected trouble because of the unpopular in places ‘Consortium Conference’. In fact, it would be a miracle if there were no protests possibly even some riots that might do damage to unprotected Corporate Assets before this gathering of notables finished.]

[‘Short’ and possibly people at the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ had worked it all out swimmingly for us. We just had to do our bit in the wider process as good soldiers. I recalled that ‘Unholy’ was a member of the ‘Founder Cabal’ as was I and a powerful member of the ‘Consortium’ as was I. I had a frisson of Paranoid suspicion. When did the ‘Consortium’ decide to have a bash here and when did someone decide to encourage ‘Sender’ to blow said ‘Conference’ up bringing a notorious terrorist here and so on. Why had someone pirated that cheese I mean how difficult would that be to unload at its full value unless you had a specific buyer lined up? Was all of this a deep cover operation of some kind overseen by ‘UT’? I could not decide if I was losing my mind or having a genuine epiphany. I put it out of my active mind here the best I could since I could not afford too much distraction during a combat operation.]



[Shortly we marched up to scan our passes individually at an automated security station that was armed with a big ‘Security Stasis Emitter’ in the ceiling and two ‘Anti-personnel Turret Chain Guns’ one mounted to each side on the bulkhead. All the devices had the tell tale signs of ‘Suit Substance’ extrusions. Our credentials passed muster and we were allowed to progress into the supposedly still under-construction zone. I say supposedly under construction as really according to our information most of the construction had moved on somewhat down the ‘Tube Line’ and what we had here was an illicit takeover of some ‘Dark Side Sliver’ real estate bribed for and rented under the counter from corrupt local officials.]

[We soon passed some ‘Greens’ as we soon also called the ‘Breakers’ they were not happy to see us but noting our ‘Local Corporate Security’ badges left us alone if covering our progress a bit provocatively thus unwisely with their weapons. I was positive they had signalled we were coming towards the ‘Arena’. We kept walking tall however ignoring these local scum as if we had no interest in them whatsoever after all the ‘Greens’ mostly paid the rent to those that needed to be paid and those that collected the bribes and rent were meant to be our paymasters too.]

[Soon our way was blocked by a bigger party of ‘Breakers’.]

“What are you folk doing here?” [An ‘Omerta’ sporting burn scars over the lower half of his face asked.]

“We are here to ensure this area does not become a staging post for property damaging riots. We are here to - liaise - with ‘Big Jaws’ during the entire duration of the ‘Conference’ so do the cliché and take us to your leader ‘Burn Face’.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“So they sent you fools to ensure we play nice and abide by our agreements they did not send enough of you.” [‘Burn Face’ said.]

“The bosses that matter have investments here in more than your petty ‘Junker Arena’ and trust me we more than suffice.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You will have to disarm if you want to talk to the ‘Proconsul’.” [‘Burn Face’ stated.]

“The ‘Proconsul’ - is ‘Big Jaws’ serious - you really call her that?” [‘Short’ mocked.]

“Your weapons hand them over and that bag.” [‘Burn Face’ insisted.]

[‘Short’ hissed out a harsh ‘Recycler’ speaker laugh.]

“Not going to happen ugly. Just as you are not going to stop us doing our higher sanctioned business so cease the posturing it will only make you look weak to your louts here when you have to back down.” [‘Short’ insisted.]

[The ‘Omerta’ now labelled ‘Burn Face’ by us did not seem entirely convinced or happy with the way any of this was going. I noticed the way he glanced at his underlings and the too open way a few of them looked back as if hungry. I guessed old ‘Burn Face’ was in a bad place.]

“If he fails to start moving when I count down from three shoot him in places it hurts until he stops screaming.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You are mad.” [‘Burn Face’ said.]

“No we are a special operations ‘Meat Suit’ squad not your average lardy ‘LCS’ deck walkers.” [‘Short’ exaggerated.] “My associates cannot die here today what about you and your people ‘Burn Face’? Are you ready to suffer agony then be reborn? Three…” [‘Short’ began giving him no time to think his situation over.]

[We all raised our weapons and aimed at vulnerable bits of ‘Burn’ as the ‘Breakers’ aimed at us even I set down the bulky bag and drew my little ‘Knock Gun’. ‘Burn Face’ turned sharply and began leading back the way he had come.]

“Commonsense and self-preservation prevails.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[I holstered my ‘Knock Gun’ lifted the bag and swung it over my ‘Suit’ left shoulder again before following along after the rest of ‘Short Six’.]

“What is in the bag ‘Swimmer’.” [A ‘Breaker Recycler’ asked.]

“What do you think? It is the best bits of your junked grandmother.” [I burbled out in reply with smirking eyestalks.]

“Almost too easy.” [‘Short’ sent to me.]

“Do not get too self-congratulatory remember this is meant to be the easy bit.” [I sent back.]

[We marched between two lines of bulkhead hugging ‘Breakers’ some of whom insolently gave us various dirty looks and a few rude signs before falling in behind us. They were all ‘Trojans’ and ‘Recyclers’. Easy in hard out I remembered.]



“Oh I like your fleshy ‘Suit’ girl it has curves in all the right places wanna play with me later.” [One ‘Trojan’ asked rudely thrusting at ‘Mabel’.]

“Sure later, why not as long as you don’t mind me breaking you ‘Green’ boy by tugging your junk then ripping it clean off.” [‘Mabel’ replied.]

[We hissed, burbled and chuckled out some laughter.]

“You take my respect this day ‘Omerta’.” [‘Kanne’ said to ‘Mabel’.]

[We heard the noise from the ‘Junker Arena’ long before we saw it, it was loud enough to be the gathering riot we were supposedly here to prevent but it was just blood sport and gambling some rackets never change. It was a large open area with tiered stands the area dressed with green flags and drapes many cunningly flapping in artificial fan wrought breezes. The number of ‘Breakers’ around the raised perimeter of the mixed crowd and stationed in pairs at intervals down the aisle ramps was more than worrisome it appeared a mission breaker.]

“This cannot be normal they must be expecting trouble they must have most of their ‘Clan’ or ‘Gang’ mustered here and they look kitted out and ready for a heavy fight.” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

“I truly love a target rich environment.” [‘Short’ sent in reply undaunted.]

“Please ‘Short’ think about it this one is too rich for just six of us we might have to abort I have a horrible vision of a massacre.” [I sent back.]

“Relax little ‘Swimmer’ I am thinking they are afraid - terror - I can use.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You people really like green.” [‘Short’ stated loudly over the noise.] “I take it the - ‘Proconsul’ - is up there in his raised throne room overseeing the games. Do ‘Proconsuls’ have thrones?” [She asked mockingly.]

[‘Burn Face’ gave her another dirty look.]

“If that one gets the opportunity he is going to enjoy shooting - you - somewhere that it hurts.” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

“In his dreams.” [‘Short’ sent back to me.]

“That has got to be really painful.” [‘Ingrid’ commented aloud looking at the ongoing ‘Junker’ fight in the Arena Pit as one ‘Recycler’ was fighting with one arm flopping about useless almost junked.]

[I looked at the rest of ‘Short Six’ and was impressed with their total composure. It was ‘UT’ as ‘Short’ she was carrying them along with her. I had forgotten just how triple cursed amazingly good ‘UT’ was at squad leadership especially when leading from the front this was exactly the sort of stuff they decanted him for all those years ago. I relaxed a little too even though I could feel my little ‘Swimmer’ heart was still fluttering somewhat, sometimes the body has a life of its own.]

“I have a horrible fear that I might involuntarily ink my ‘Suit’ again.” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

“Easy I have a plan follow my lead.” [He sent in reply.]

[I am just a ‘Meat Suit’ so there is obviously no need to feel any sense of panic. Think about something else - fresh fish - I recalled that the ‘Serendipity’ took on the fresh fish I ordered for the galley tank when she unloaded the cheese some good eating tonight. Trust me when you are in a ‘Swimmer’ body fresh fish taste exceptionally good I could almost saviour the flavour already. Amazingly, the fish meditation worked a first time for everything.]

“Since you seem to be the leader of this squad you can go up the rest of you will stay here and watch the show?” [‘Burn Face’ stated.]

“Still making demands you cannot enforce do you have a death wish?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“This is not negotiable.” [‘Burn Face’ insisted.]

“You are too right when you threaten me you do not just threaten me you threaten the big bosses the people really running the show here.” [‘Short’ said before pulling something out of one of her larger utility pouches and holding it up whilst activating it.]

“Guess what this is?” [‘Short’ said as she gave the signal.]

[There was a series of small electrical explosions, some little fires, showers of sparks and all mains power to this sector cut out.]

[Softer emergency lighting came on. The crowd mostly ignored what was happening as the ‘Junker Fight’ did not stop maybe they thought it was all part of an enhanced floor show some fresh innovation in fact some did cheer the sparking.]

“As you can see the big bosses can do things like surging then cutting your main’s power.” [‘Short’ explained.]

“What is that you are holding?” [‘Burn Face’ asked now sounding nervous.]

“This is a, and trust me on this, - really powerful - ‘U-sC’ bomb what else could it be? Like I told you we are all ‘Meat Suits’, now about taking us all directly to your boss, and signal ahead that if she tries to flee by some back hatch I will be forced to let go of the dead ‘Recycler’ switch. With mains power down no ‘Stasis Security Fields’ will work and your ‘Proconsul’ will not be able to run fast enough to escape the blast radius.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“With all these people here you would not dare” [‘Burn Face’ said.]

“Push me and they become unfortunate collateral damage done by her friend ‘Sender’ - the terrorist bomber - perhaps to cover his tracks. Now I just want to talk to the - ‘Proconsul’ - but apparently, if I must make a messy lesson of her as a last resort I am authorised to do so. So shall we talk or will you all die senselessly instead?” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Who by ‘Hell’s Maw’ are you people?” [‘Burn Face’ asked.]

“Emissaries of the people in charge and that means we are in charge.” [‘Short’ claimed.]

[We were nervously escorted up to the viewing gallery.]

[‘Big Jaws’ was not happy to see us.] “I know this is really messed up ‘Big Jaws’, blame it on ‘Burn Face’ here I do.” [‘Short’ said.]

“What is this about? What do you want? I will junk you all for this.” [‘Big Jaws’ promised.]

“Some folk are really upset with you so turn off your shield and kneel.” [‘Short’ commanded.] “Do it and you may all live refuse and you will surely die.”

“You are bluffing.” [‘Big Jaws’ said.]

“What do you think ‘Burn Face’ is this ‘Recycler’ bluffing? Are you feeling lucky today? Are all the rest of you ‘Breakers’ here feeling lucky today too?” [‘Short’ asked.]

[Inevitably some ‘Breaker’ weapons shifted towards the ‘Proconsul’ and off us well they were self-serving thieves not honourable Acolytes.]

“Really so soon? You just cannot get good henchpeople anymore.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Boss this one is crazy as a ‘Xoolooper’ and is a ‘Meat Suit’ too I think you better do as she says.” [‘Burn Face’ stated.]

“Shut up she is playing you and going to kill me you fool and you are going to stand back there and let her. They are bluffing kill them - kill all of them.” [‘Big Jaws’ ordered.]

[‘Short’ waved the device about and nothing happened.]

“Fine I will show she is bluffing.” [‘Big Jaws’ said.]

[She went to draw only to get shot several times and knocked around by us and her people. However they were all low powered stun setting shots so she was still very much alive although she had lost her weapon that a ‘Breaker’ picked up as others gathered to pin her to the deck using hands and feet.]

“I am not going to kill you I am just going to remove your head which will auto freeze allowing my bosses to have a proper unobstructed talk with your soul then to maintain the status quo here you will be returned for reattachment. A bit of a drastic way to have an interview but time is a factor and there are other pressing issues. You could choose to die and enter a digital paradise to escape before any of this commences but I am reliably informed that this is your original enhanced biological body and that you feel, as most rebirth virgins do, very attached to it otherwise they never would have sent me to do this absurd extraction.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Keep your shield off and kneel.” [‘Short’ demanded.]

[Her own people dragged her up and bowed her head then stepped aside.]

“You dirty treasonous egg stealers I will remember this day.” [She hissed.]

“Bag now ‘Six THREE’. Who wants to do it?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“I will take this job.” [‘Kanne’ said stepping forward just ahead of ‘Ingrid’ who seemed slightly annoyed at missing out.]

[I opened the bag and my ‘Consort’ removed the ‘Real Material Combat Chainsaw’ which had molecular sharp cutting teeth she revved it a few times and moved around behind the big ‘Recycler’ gang boss. I felt the revving was a bit cruel of her.]

“Now would be a good time to turn off your pain receptors if you have not done so already.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“You had better hope they do not let me…” [‘Big Jaws’ began.]

[The sentence was cut short by ‘Kanne’ literally although it was hard to hear it anyway over the noise of the grinding cutting. Inside my ‘Suit’ my tentacles shrivelled up at that horrible sound.]

“Good Armour almost as good as yours.” [‘Kanne’ shortly told ‘Short’.]

“Bag the head ‘Six THREE’.” [‘Short’ ordered.]

[I bagged the very cold instantly chemically frozen head.]

“Well it has been intense but we have to go now. When the power comes back on get her body into stasis unless someone else here would prefer to be in charge.” [‘Short’ stated evilly.]

[Now that last line was pure ‘Unholy Terror’.]



[We hurried out leaving the ‘Breakers’ up there all looking at each other and the headless body I could almost hear wheels grinding and ambitions soaring. The shooting started between rivals whilst we were still on the stairs a bit reckless since ‘Short’ was still holding the ‘U-sC’ bomb aloft.]

“Impatient fools with no discipline whatsoever.” [‘Short’ sent to me in complaint.]

[No one bothered to follow us I guess because they were busy quickly and nervously separating from one another into internal factions and I feared about to draw down upon each other too. Some began rushing towards the raised ‘Fortified Office’. We hurried onward monitoring a countdown to the power being re-established as we had been informed of the stoppages likely duration. If the power caught us too soon we might be held by ‘Stasis Fields’ or suffer other problematic setbacks.]

[Reaching the rendezvous point ‘Short’ turned off the device in his hand as we handed over the head to a party of ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ something I had not expected.]

“Is that really a ‘U-sC’ bomb?” [I asked as she stowed the device away.]

“Of course it is not that would be highly illegal and incredibly reckless.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Let me see it then.” [I asked.]

“No not now, we need to get moving back to the ‘Serendipity’ double time.” [‘Short’ replied breaking into a stomping jog towards the nearest ‘Tube Station’.]

[Just after our second ‘Tube’ connection ‘Jack’ gave us some bad news.] “A bunch of ‘Recyclers’ are trying to storm our ship but they are being held off by our ‘Soulless’ and some anti-personnel turrets extruded by the ‘Serendipity’ as well as hanger security but it is a substantial fight that is not easing off because the intruders are being reinforced. They sabotaged the hangers auto-defences fairly early too.” [‘Jack’ sent to us.]

“That is annoying I thought gunpoint politicking would have tied the ‘Breakers’ up longer than this in fact I am surprised they are going after us at all it seems pointless right now. I could imagine a new leader seeking to even the score later to impress the rankers but assaulting us now seems almost presumptuous.” [‘Short’ admitted.]

“I do not think these ones are ‘Breakers’ they are not all green they look more akin to hired ‘Recycler’ Mercenaries or maybe some disguised ‘Cult Militia’ that have stripped off their colours.” [‘Jack’ stated sending us some ‘Link’ feeds.]

“Someone else possibly after the head who thinks we still have it.” [I guessed.]

“Could be someone working for or with ‘Sender’ we really need to go I do not want caught in a ‘U-sC’ terrorist blast that would be too ironic.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[We hurried onward.]

“Launch her ‘Jack’ and have her come back in again at this hanger here.” [‘Short’ ordered sending map data to ‘Jack’.]

[We rushed on towards another ‘Tube Station’ thundering down stairs next to an escalator pushing when necessary other slower moving ‘Pilgrims’ gently aside.]

“Make way Bounty Hunters coming through.” [‘Short’ yelled.]

“Gun.” [‘Ingrid’ shouted as ‘Mabel’ fired at a ‘Recycler’ at the bottom of the stairs that was drawing down on us.]

[She missed her snapshot but she did cause the ‘Recycler’ to duck low rather than fire as the civilians around us started panicking, shouting, screaming and shoving as they sought to get away in all directions even climbing over the banister divide between the stairs and the escalator system leaping across in both directions. ‘Jack’ stumbled on the stairs and almost fell ‘Short’ somehow reacting in time to grab his backpack by a strap to keep him on his feet.]

[I lost sight of the hostile due to the fleeing people. We held our position weapons ready then once the civilians had cleared began making a tactical advance carefully one step at a time. At the bottom there was no sign of the hostile I guessed he or she wisely retreated to await reinforcement rather than engage all six of us alone.]

“Keep moving, now they probably know where we are and might have some idea where we are going.” [‘Short’ sent in warning.]



[We continued onward as quickly as we dared without being reckless still moving tactically stopping to kneel and cover other comrade’s advances holding briefly to check at corners and so on. Almost at our destination and around one corner ‘Short’ spied a small party of ‘Recyclers’ at a makeshift barricade made of crates and barrels they spotted her peeking head and fired as she pulled it back. We started trading shots by just poking our weapons around the corner but they had us pretty well suppressed so we pulled back entirely taking an alternative route upward to the next level that ‘Mabel’ found via a ‘Link’ to ‘Local Cores’ then sent to us.]

[Once more we raced on entering the new hanger at an upper gantry level. As we moved in above ‘Recycler’ Mercenaries commenced spilling in below only to come under fire from the ‘Serendipity’ - it felt a bit of a repeat - but here the hanger auto-defences were still online some ‘Recyclers’ soon frozen in ‘Stasis Fields’ others taking more turret fire. The hostiles not killed, wounded or trapped dashed to secure cover. I guessed our Police Licences were causing us to remain as a designated friendly force to the automatics. Charging along the gantry then down the stairs mostly ignoring the fight we reached the hanger level about half way in. Rather that leave us hanging the ‘Serendipity’ taxied towards us floating about a metre to a metre and a half off the deck and opening a rear drop ship style wide access hatchway ramp. Snapping off barely aimed suppressing fire we made the run to relative safety whilst the three ‘Soulless’ almost hanging out of the ship provided more accurate cover fire and anti-personnel turrets blazed.]

[I was the last onboard and happily watched the hatchway seal up. Inside we did a hasty numbers and health check no one was wounded - remarkably no one had even been hit by a stray or aimed shot - although that was as much due to blind luck I reckoned as skill.]



“Well that was a little big job.” [‘Short’ said sitting down on the deck.]

[The ‘Serendipity’ exited the hanger under an emergency exit request protocol I wondered if any of the hostiles still living got spaced.]

“Preparing to jump - interdicted - we have four hostile ‘Real Material Fighter Drones’ right up our rear incoming leader is firing on us trading micro-missiles and countermeasures at almost point blank range.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“Shields and sinks holding so far.” [‘Jack’ added calmly.]

“Activated station point defences are firing… two ‘Drones’ hit one is destroyed.” [‘Jack’ continued.] “Dropping a screen of ‘Seeker Mines’.”

“Vectoring towards an incoming ‘Sliver Sector Patrol Wing’ the remaining hostile ‘Drones’ are bugging out. Auto-decommissioning the ‘Seeker Mines’, ‘Jump Interdiction’ fading… jumping to a ‘Star Struck’ coordinate.” [‘Jack’ finished his commentary much more happily.]

“About that bomb give me a look.” [I burbled towards ‘Short’.]

“No I think it is better to keep some matters a mystery I am off to my Armoury.” [‘Short’ said.] “Good work everyone.”

“Some of us really did not get to do very much.” [‘Ingrid’ complained.]

[‘Short’ stopped and turned around.] “Given enough missions you will learn that, that truth never matters ‘Ingrid’ as long as you make it back to have a next time.” [She replied.]

“When I get back here I expect it to be to an outrageous onboard post-mission party.” [‘Short’ stated.] “The first three rounds are on me ‘Short Six’.”

“She had to be bluffing back there anything else is just too insane.” [‘Mabel’ said.]

“Yes no doubt she was bluffing I was just being silly asking to see the bomb and she is just teasing us all by refusing.” [I said.]

“A good magician never reveals all of their tricks the very best none of them.” [‘Jack’ stated.]

“It was a real bomb but I take no problem with that fact.” [‘Kanne’ said.]

“Good joke.” [‘Mabel’ replied.]

“Take belief of what you like it was still real.” [‘Kanne’ replied.]

“Why are you fine with it?” [I sent to ‘Kanne’.]

“Why would I not be it was a good plan a successful plan?” [She sent back.]

“It could have gone disastrously wrong with massive collateral damage.” [I sent.]

“Reality is plan worked - unreality of what might have happened is irrelevant - I take no sense in embracing unreality.” [She sent.]

“I think I do need more additives in my water.” [I said aloud.] “In the meantime I am going fishing in the galley.”

[After the party we returned to the routine of hauling high value - whenever possible - priority cargoes for a while. ‘Jack’ using his profits so far to increase the mass and size of his ship to relieve the crowding slightly more. We gained a permanent proper mess area for communal meals adjacent to our tiny galley that also doubled as a general recreational and party space, a short onboard weapon range, and a ‘Swimmer Pool’ for ‘Bluu’ complete with a micro-reef and viewing window that ran down the side of the new mess.]

[Paranoid66]

A question about formatting?

Putting in more space divisions. My thinking being that it will give readers a little permission to take a rest and make some big blocks of text less intimidating and wearisome.

If anyone would care to comment on this please do.


P66.

[stads]

less big blocks are always nice
but it is always a fine balancing act with it

[Paranoid66]

Thanks Stads

I am probably in danger of swinging too far in the opposite direction. Also I guess it depends upon how you read the story either via copy and paste or online in the white on black format.

Anyway here is part 5 whilst I am still feeling a little inspired.

P66.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 5 --- SHORT NINE / UNHOLY LEADERSHIP / EXPOSED ---

[‘Jack’ I noticed spent considerable spare time at the new weapon range practicing his fast draw as if his life depended upon it. He even downsized his primary sidearm with a noticeably smaller custom made ‘Force Pulse Rapid Repeater’ that he ordered via ‘Link’ from a specialist ‘Free Miner Real Material Gunsmith’ and had delivered by ‘Freight Drone’.]

[His previous larger ‘Repeater’ looked more impressive but ‘Jack’ must have decided that sometimes it is far more important to hit a foe first than to do excessive damage with every shot. Nearly losing your head a few times tends to make for a quick learning curve and a hard look at reality.]

[Having said the above the Captain also began practicing a constant rather than just sometime gunslinger swagger to match his faster draw I think much to the greater amusement of ‘Ingrid’ and ‘Mabel’. Interestingly he decided to keep the three ‘Soulless Marines’ online giving them the silly kanji of ‘Nuey’, ‘Suey’ and ‘Xuey’ making us technically - but never officially - ‘Short Nine’ I wondered about how much of a firm nod towards ‘Unholy’ that decision happened to be. I guess there is no escaping some history or maybe he was gently mocking ‘Short’ reminding her that for all her obvious martial prowess he remained the Captain of the ‘Serendipity’ the controller of her substance.]

[I wondered if he ever interfaced so directly that the ‘Soulless Hull’ almost seemed to become his ‘Living Hull’ body.]

[There was a lot of things going on onboard that small ship.]

[I occurred to me that the Captain might feel less than safe upon his ‘Serendipity’ and ‘Nuey’, ‘Suey’ and ‘Xuey’ were actually bodyguards their silly names disguising a lethal resource. I will admit here to obsessing about deceptions and disguises they seemed in vogue amongst us. None of us here wore traditional ‘Shroud Suits’ but still all seemed somewhat shrouded.]



[Via following up by ‘Link’ I learned that ‘Sender’ was suspected of fleeing ‘Sliver Beta Four’ after a tip off resulted in a big Bounty Hunter raid but the mysterious bomber alluded capture possibly smuggled out inside a ‘Freight Drone’ at least that was one line of enquiry that had leaked out causing much interest. The ‘Consortium Conference’ was not bombed but it did spark several protests and just as many vicious riots as expected in addition somehow commencing a ‘Cult Militia’ territorial dispute between the ‘Zealots of the Real’ cult and the ‘Harbingers of the Heavy’ cult on ‘Four’.]

[My guess was that one of those two Cults had been involved in encouraging ‘Sender’ to target the ‘Conference’ and the other was not very happy about that action plan possibly just because they lived on ‘Beta Four’ and did not want a crazed bomber on the loose there even a bomber targeting an unpopular deemed ‘User Conference’.]

[People too often forgetting or ignoring once again that the ‘Consortium’ was made up of ‘Corporations’ from both sides of the ‘Material Divide’ and created to bring us together not to split us apart because sadly it remained predominantly ‘User’. Attempts by ‘Proxy’ of mine to encourage more ‘Real Materialists’ to join the ‘Consortium’ to make it less ‘User’ having so far failed. The ‘Real Materialists’ had flocked to other opposing organisations such as the ‘Free Miner Fraternities’ now more powerful than ever before if also a little less obviously piratical thanks to the ‘Burner Adjustment Bureau’.]

[Back on ‘Sliver Beta Four’ the ‘Breakers’ gained a new - ‘Proconsul’ - called ‘Optic’ reportedly an internal security obsessed ‘Recycler’ whose first big change was the installation of several stand alone ‘Real Material’ generators in the ‘Junker Arena’ connected to strategically placed ‘Real Material Stasis Emitters’ and ‘Anti-personnel Turrets’. Having independent power sources is something you might have expected them to retain before but most consider mainline power part of the ‘Sliver Infrastructure’ and as such an untouchable unassailable constant resource - usually true - but not for members of the ‘Founder Cabal’ or friends of the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’.]

[‘Optic’ was an interesting ‘Recycler’ apparently so named because she retained one optic implant that was much larger and more sophisticated looking than her other one or one that was much smaller than the other depending on the data source. Apparently this lopsided stare made her hard to deal with giving her an off balance off-putting some even claimed crazed demeanour. Further data trawling suggested she was a suspiciously new recruit to the ‘Breakers’ to now be firmly in charge all opposition having been severely chastened by her supporters in a definite coup.]

[Yes I know I began feeling very suspicious about the nature of our role in the entire little big job episode.]

[I began to wonder if ‘Sender’ was ever a real target or a real threat or just clever misinformation to make the forced extraction / removal of ‘Big Jaws’ from power seem all about dealing with someone else and a side issue. Had we been part of a mission by ‘Unholy’ to bring ‘Optic’ to power in the ‘Breakers’ a simple regime change? Maybe none of the seemingly clever improvisations were really all that improvised being planned well in advance. The mission possibly initiated by an ‘Unholy Terror’ ever so logical ‘Proxy’ maybe even before we exited our Time Jump and ‘Short’ was simply playing on through with a preloaded game.]

[‘Short’ did purposely carry the ‘U-sC’ bomb into the action and so on and came across as a ‘Recycler’ on a mission. Perhaps she had advanced intelligence about the ingathering of ‘Breaker’ forces to the ‘Arena’ too maybe even orchestrating that influx. All the ‘Breakers’ where they needed to be to allow a hasty if bloody change of gang leadership once ‘Big Jaws’ was removed.]

[I tried to figure out why gaining control over the ‘Breakers’ might be important to ‘Short’ via ‘Link Searches’ but failed. All I could do was keep monitoring future developments upon ‘Beta Four’ for possible clues. Maybe it really was a little big job and just about - heading off - excuse the terrible pun future trouble.]

[The mission had gone surprisingly smoothly on ‘B4’ ignoring the later incident at the Hangers. I even wondered if ‘Sender’ might actually be a ‘Meat Suit’ belonging to ‘Unholy Terror’ or another secret ‘Founder Cabal’ or ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ asset. The interesting thing about ‘Sender’ was that if you reviewed his heinous crimes in belated fine detail a lot of the supposed collateral damage actually happened to people and equipment that might have needed vaporised for lesser evils to prevail and for the construction business of ‘The Project’ to continue as usual - games within games.]



[There was a suspicious lack of any mention of ‘Short Six’ on the ‘Links’ from ‘Beta Four’ only an article about a determined attempt to make a bold ship hijack by an unidentified - criminal - mercenary force at two different hanger bays that resulted in casualties and deceased with investigations by ‘Local Corporate Security’ and so on ongoing. The ‘Serendipity’ not specifically named as the target involved. Given the numbers involved in the assaults and the pattern of the reinforcement I had no doubt our assailants had to be local ‘Cult Militia’ and some of the dead had to be locally known and identifiable unless they were all ‘Meat Suits’ or something equally strange but I reckoned it was a political wash. Tellingly no identity data surfaced such details disappearing into an informational black hole - an obvious sign of someone cleaning up with preponderate local influence.]

[Perhaps the ‘Cult Militias’ on ‘Beta Four’ were worth deeper study too. Maybe gaining control of the ‘Breakers’ was some long-term counter to the well-established power of the many resident ‘Militia’ members. I determined to keep a watch upon all the players upon ‘Sliver Beta Four’.]

[The theory many latched onto locally on - interactive - ‘Beta Four’ news sites about the hanger incidents being an attempt to claim an - illegal - bounty that went wrong. The theory might even be true - in its own way - whilst covering up other more interesting sins such as who reacted to our intrusion by perhaps posting a hasty illegal bounty inside a ‘Cult Militia’. Perhaps someone was after - our - heads not to rescue our trophy of ‘Big Jaws’ but to try to confirm or clarify the purpose of our true mission upon ‘Beta Four’ including the identity of who had employed ‘Short Six’ possibly because of the power outage that suggested serious connections even a legendary ‘Big Job’.]

[I also wondered whom the ‘Void Skimmers’ over there answered to. I further wondered why specifically dispatch an all ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ collection crew for ‘Big Jaws’ brain box but perhaps that was designed to confuse any prying locals - I know I initially felt a bit confused at their input. Anyway, it fitted with chaos to the enemy and so on and still seemed potentially very ‘Unholy Terror’.]

[One thing was certain a lot of the ‘Militia’ had been riled enough or controlled enough to risk their lives in some rather reckless charges against a pure ‘Suit Substance’ vessel that in desperation could have become a truly deadly killing machine. Still going ‘Entangled Style’ as in ‘Super Shape-shifty’ these days was politically exceptionally provocative so that most shape-shifting by ‘User’ assets stayed very restrained and dignified mostly aping ‘Real Material’ limitations rather than too boldly exceeding solid-state technology operational norms. Exceeding norms by ‘Users’ probably provoking outrage and the loosing of ‘Real Material’ semi-secret weapon style counters such as: high end informational assaults, nanite signal hijackers, nanotech jamming systems, dissembler nanite viruses, subversion routines and all the rest of the anti-‘Bio-mechanical’ arsenal developed by people such as the ‘Hawks’ as material equalisers.]

[In truth, most ‘Users’ had long limited the potential of their technology anyway because of the psychological impact of let loose ‘Bio-mechanics’ that too easily reminded every ‘Pilgrim’ of ‘Crimson Entangled’ on an ‘Advent’ style rampage. ‘Crimson’ poisoned many against us ultimately commencing the psychology of the later material divide so abused by the poorly named ‘Reach Project’. We ‘Users’ could do so much more with out material than the masses would happily tolerate observing - both horrid and amazing things - so we kept the really clever and nasty stuff to ourselves for in house operations against rogue ‘Users’ and played nice when out and about amongst the ‘Real Material’ public.]



[I strode out of my stateroom such as it was and sought out ‘Short’ in her armoury. Mostly - mostly - I quickly got over the initial feeling of being slightly used at ‘Beta Four’ as the important thing here I decided seemed to me that my friend was possibly the one that had controlled our fate during that ‘Big Job’ rather than someone I trusted far less. Still, I felt that some points needed raised with our Bounty Hunting Leader.]



“I can only bow to your ingenuity. Truly you are in charge here at the moment despite ‘Jack’ being our Captain.” [I said to the ‘Recycler’ in the sanctuary of her armoury although technically it was more truly the armoury of ‘Jack’ and the ‘Serendipity’ but ‘Short’ did not seem to perceive it that way.]

“I just do what I must do and have always done.” [‘Short’ replied sounding more Paradox Priest in that moment than ‘Recycler’ to my sensitivities.]

“So what was it all about?” [I asked.]

“Just the usual work, you have had your time old ‘Hull’ and I think you have another glorious time impending - a time that is yet to be…” [‘Short’ stated before annoyingly trailing off as if lost in thought about my future I failed to believe it for a moment it was just more posturing.]

“Go on please finish what you started.” [I replied.]

“Here now in this troubled ‘Ultra-nation’ as it struggles to be all that it might be and as we in many ways must struggle with - who and what we are too - this is so very much my sort of time my sort of workplace a bit akin to this ‘Real Material’ armoury.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“So you have decided you like this time period after all.” [I stated.]

“As a ‘Swimmer’ you might say this now has hidden depths worth sounding out.” [‘Short’ replied before hissing out a short laugh.]

“A few relevant details rather than vague generalisations would be useful.” [I complained probably hypocritically given my own foibles of speech.]

“Maybe a little later.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You know how infuriating that is.” [I replied.]

“Absolutely.” [She retorted.]

“I hate you.” [I informed as if an angry ‘Trojan’ child.]

“No you do not you love me everybody loves me well except for the people that genuinely hate me for good reasons.” [She insisted.]

“What you do is not always that lovable.” [I replied.]

“Yes it is I have a gift - people just like me.” [She countered.]

“I give up.” [I stated in exasperation.] “I suppose I must follow your lead for now in the hope that one day you as the - chosen - adopted family of my Captain will help to navigate me home.”

“I would not understand your words now had not the ‘Vanishing Point’ opened my optics to some ‘Living Hull’ truths.” [‘Short’ admitted speaking I assumed as ‘UT’.]

“So sometimes you do listen to my daughter rather than just making dangerous demands of her as you too often do with everyone else too.” [I replied.]

“I am not your ‘Passenger Class’ enemy - I never was - I even sympathise with your current difficulties and with some of your causes but as you know one truth rarely fulfils the desire of all people. We all have our individual sometimes clashing ‘Visions’ of what would be the best better future.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I know I cannot have everything my way.” [I replied.]

“Now that is new, news.” [‘Short’ mocked.]

[I felt an urge to wrestle with him again but as ‘Bluu’ that was silly.]

“Look at me as you can see I learned new ways to fit in? You ‘Passenger Classes’ forced me to change as much as I ever imposed my ‘Vision’ upon you. I am currently almost exclusively operating ‘Bluu’ every other asset is still a ‘Proxy’ because they really are doing a better job and for me to just arrive after ages of slumber and start meddling around could ruin every logical compromise made by less emotionally challenged minds. My poor mental equilibrium all I assure you caused by you ‘Passenger Class’ folk.” [I insisted.]

“That sounds a bit extreme of you to let that much go. I know I said to let it go but everything in moderation.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Go suck an egg you shocking hypocrite. I need a break from it all a new perspective for a while. I can and will adapt to survive whatever the coming times fire at me in the expectation that one day I will be able to throw off all my little disguises to be reborn whole again without compromising what I owe to my ‘Living Hull’ kindred.” [I preached.]

“So what do you feel you owe your kindred exactly?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“I owe them a real future that is truly unfettered from ‘Passenger Class’ attempts to interfere or control rather than more equitably share in our stellar ‘Living Hull’ destiny.” [I replied.]

“Ouch I can tell you are missing preaching in a ‘Council of Equals’ already, you had better secure that bio-waste. Having said that at last you hoist something of your true colours ‘MT’ in the end we all are what we are - every grand improbable ideal aside. You must know how dangerous your free ‘Stellar Living Hull’ species could be.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Hardly much more dangerous than you ‘Passenger Classes’ that created such banes as ‘Crimson Entangled’ and other suspected past ‘Dark Time’ causing nanotech blooms.” [I stated.]

“We may have had a little help with those historic culls by the ‘Machine Fury’.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Nonetheless it now sounds as if you think I am a potential menace again to your ‘Passenger Classes’.” [I complained.]

“Sometimes you can be a bit naïve.” [‘Short’ retorted.]

“Go suck an egg and choke on it.” [I burbled in reply.]

[‘Short’ hissed out a ‘Recycler’ laugh.]

“Easy I know you have struggled ceaselessly to maintain good hearts ‘MT’ - good intentions - in part I think because of a little mentoring by my brother in spirit Harbinger but even you are not incorruptible.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“What about you, you mad bomber.” [I replied.]

“I am just saying be careful about what you choose to keep sacred and what you choose to throw away. Harbinger taught me much too, far more than I ever realised at the time. Now I believe even when Harbinger erred it is priceless in review.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I trust we will always have our love for Harbinger binding us together as friends even if other matters continue to challenge our unity of purpose.” [I replied.]

“We are a part of all that we meet old ‘Hull’ and they are forever a part of us that is something for both of us to cherish whilst our old friend remains so seemingly beyond us.” [‘Short’ seemed to agree.]

“Why am I suddenly missing him now more than ever?” [I asked in complaint.]

“I think it is the success of the ‘Free Hull Movement’ maybe also the competency of our ‘Proxy’ such things act as reminders that your freedom came with a steep price. You had to let Harbinger go as you could not preach about ‘Living Hull’ freedom whilst seemingly accepting mastering by a Captain even a kind and generous exceptional Captain.” [‘Short’ stated almost annoyingly insightfully.]

“I still hate it when you are especially right.” [I admitted.]

“There are many forms of companionship not all artificially created with a hidden controlling agenda. Genuine love binds people together all the time too and you must appreciate that truth or you would not want reunited with Harbinger at all. I would give you a hug but in these forms it seems inappropriate and stupid.” [‘Short’ added.]



“Sometimes you say the exact right things.” [I still complained.]

“Perhaps we are not so different, perhaps in our own ways we both dream that one day in a different time all our ills will be reconciled to an acceptable degree despite every challenging current philosophic difference of opinion between both of us, us and our friends, and even us and some of our worst surviving enemies.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You really believe this truth or are you spouting misinformation to placate?” [I asked.]

“It might be easier even for me to approve of ‘Crimson’ a little if she is under grievous external threat - if that possibility should prove true it might change many outcomes - but I am already beginning to have doubts about that earlier theory. I fear it was a bad case of wishful thinking since I would love to see her beaten and humbled.” [‘Short’ mused aloud.]

“You are not sure yet what is happening with ‘Crimson’. Nonetheless, you stay hopeful that whatever changes might be happening they may provide some kind of edge you can exploit against her to free the kidnapped souls she holds in a digital hell.” [I guessed.]

“I am gathering further intelligence ‘Crimson’ is a sly one - a deceiver - it could be that she is selling the whole ‘Ultra-nation’ clever misinformation by easing back her more overt presence. Perhaps she even wants us to believe she is weakened or distracted by other interests - time will tell. Sometimes we are too quick to see the truths we wish to believe it is a Paradox Priest weakness.” [‘Short’ theorised.]

“So you know far from everything that is going on now.” [I retorted.]

“I know just enough to be deeply encouraged to learn more.” [‘Short’ replied.] “I am looking at all the possibilities for an eventual auspicious outcome. If an auspicious outcome is at all possible against ‘Crimson’ if anyone can secure it I have faith that I shall as I am exceptionally motivated.”

“I see you are as modest as ever just confirm some truths for me: We are making useful progress as ‘Short Six’? We are making a positive difference even if just in small ways. This one is more than just a distraction aimed by you to keep me preoccupied looking away from other ‘Unholy’ business?”



“The ‘Ultra-nation’ is not all about you my friend anymore than it is all about me but our dreams our ‘Visions’ do tend to have wide consequences like a foot stomped in a puddle back on ‘AO’ we make a big splash.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I think you are very happy to be back at the centre of things it is the crowd pleasing wrestler in you. You love to put on a grand performance and here on this ship you have ‘Short Six’ as a captured audience for your ongoing antics. I guess it feels good to be the one controlling the surprises.” [I argued.] “Did you feel you had something more than usual to prove in ‘Beta Four’ because of the fall of your ‘Meat Suit’ Avatar at ‘AO’ too?”

[‘Short’ gazed at me then nodded.]

“Well spotted, leadership is a nebulous thing easily undermined by the smallest of doubts - dying even only as a decommissioned remote has consequences it can make you look weak and foolish. Life is not just facts it is emotional responses. I am just striving to shape the truths many choose to believe.” [‘Short’ lectured.]

“Now you have me wondering if anything that happened upon ‘Beta Four’ was real or just manufactured propaganda for the purposes of boosting ‘Short Six’ morale and towering your image over us lesser ‘Pilgrims’ as a great leader.” [I complained.]

“I am not that desperately manipulative but I enjoy facilitating a maximum result out of a good business opportunity as much as any profit obsessed ‘Recycler’.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Sometimes I fear we are both horribly incorrigible in our ‘Meat Suit’ acting.” [I admitted.] “If that was all real in there - bomb wise - you could easily have vaporised ‘Jack’ and ‘Kanne’ as well as our two latest recruits too plus all the innocent bystanders in the stands of the ‘Junker Arena’. I do not find your actions easily acceptable - it bothers me deeply it might encourage me in time to suggest the others split from ‘Short Six’ and you.”

“People who go to watch blood sports are hardly innocents whilst our compatriots know the risks of our business they signed our articles and have worst case scenario rebirth insurance.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I would hope they are cognisant of the risks now as more than little words in a digital agreement.” [I retorted.]

“Exactly consider the incident an important life lesson best taught early so they know the peril they are embracing. We can be dangerous people to know. I do not want to lose anyone under my command because they failed to think their commitment through and that is more likely to happen if some misunderstand my capabilities.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You really are a scary person whatever your motivations. You do not want to lose anyone but you have an often dangerous faith in your abilities and operate on the very edge of tactical reason.” [I stated.]

“I have always worked hard to constantly empower my reputation without my name I could not achieve a third of my objectives so easily sometimes I have not had to fire a shot just simply turn up to begin winning a battle. How many times must we have this sort of conversation?” [‘Short’ replied.]

“However here you are ‘Short’ not ‘Unholy Terror’ did you forget that fact onboard ‘Beta Four’ in the thrill of risking all our lives so you could look especially impressive?” [I asked.]

“Your life was never in any danger ‘Swimmer’.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

“True enough but ‘Jack’, ‘Kanne’, ‘Ingrid’ and ‘Mabel’ were placed at grave risk by your antics.” [I reiterated.]

“I made ‘Short’ enough akin to ‘UT’ that I would not have to work at selling differences, I can do that because her job is an occupation that requires a certain compatibility in regards to a ruthless and inventive mindset. Besides, as a ‘Recycler’ anything goes as long as it is - at the very last - a profitable venture.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

“We too easily see every reptile out there as shamelessly mercenary.” [I retorted.]

“I treat everyone I meet exactly as I find them it is part of my class-unconscious charm but that does not mean I am blind to greater patterns of behaviour in fact I rely upon them heavily in my work. It is not racist to acknowledge a truth. For example did you notice the ‘Omerta’ gang members were the first to alter their targeting to threaten their ‘Recycler’ boss?” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You are saying they found it easier to betray her because she is not the same species?” [I asked.]

“Actually that prejudice is one I always expect to be true when dealing with mixed species factions but it is not what I am thinking about now. ‘Omerta’ are culturally not as digitally savant as ‘Recyclers’ and therefore more attached to their physical bodies than many digitally obsessed cybernetic reptiles. I knew it would not take much for the ‘Trojans’ to fear that their ‘Recycler’ boss might not mind dying and being reborn and therefore she became the dangerous antagonist threatening the security of their lives not me even though I was the one holding the big bomb aloft. I made a point of offering them ways out of my trap - ways to live - ‘Big Jaw’ seemed intent upon doing the opposite of leading them only to an explosive doom. No sensible self-interested thief will blindly follow a leader onto death that requires a different breed of motivation.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Such as an unreasonable belief in your combat leader’s capabilities.” [I surmised.]

“I made a logical calculation of probabilities making my actions hardly reckless at all.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“One stray shot hitting that active device could have changed everything.” [I retorted.]

“Perhaps or maybe it was specifically designed not to be that easily damaged being encased in outer protective armour that is both shielded and energy sink protected.” [‘Short’ replied so smugly I wanted to kick her rear.]

“What you think you see is not always the entire truth.” [‘Short’ added.]

“So it was and was not a bluff.” [I mused aloud.]

“Relax you nervous squid your leader knows what she is doing. There are some undeniable differences between the ‘Pilgrim’ species. It is too obvious why almost every ‘Recycler’ is a ‘Real Materialist’. Why they embraced cybernetics, is a bit more complex but I believe it was a counter to a perceived physical inferiority. Some other ‘Pilgrim’ species both literally and metaphorically looked down upon the reptiles for ages and often used the threat of greater physical force to intimate them when it suited so those reptiles who went on the ‘Pilgrimage’ seeking new ways sought bold physical enhancements that would make them seem far fiercer less vegetarian and more predator. You see why I had ‘Short’ make a big fuss about being a meat eater. Think about the posturing that big cybernetic over-jaws represent we are far from the only ones putting on an act out there. The truth is that most ‘Recyclers’ when pressed are still inwardly fearful often they will not call a determined bluff that threatens them with great harm unless they have been reborn many times already and truly see death as just a journey back and forth to and from the heavy to the virtual.” [‘Short’ argued.]

“Wait you said the ‘Omerta’ would fear that ‘Big Jaws’ might willingly die and be reborn then argue that ‘Recyclers’ are not that brave these are counter arguments.” [I reminded.]

“Arguments affected by the perceptions of the moment and stress addled thinking. Besides given her options of being stuck in a frozen head in the power of an unknown enemy or escaping to a digital paradise, trying to keep her body intact might seem brave whilst fleeing to a digital paradise ‘Recycler’ cowardly. Most of all what they saw was a ‘Recycler’ willing to risk their ‘Omerta’ lives for only the personal gain of staying their boss because if all went wrong she would just go to a digital paradise. She was cowardly putting them into the fire rather than risking her head on their behalf. In addition, as the leader of a band of thieves you would expect her to be self-centred too.” [‘Short’ argued.]

“She still called your bluff.” [I reminded.]

“Despite appearances I was not bluffing her I was bluffing her troops.” [‘Short’ replied.] “In fact, ‘Big Jaws’ surprised me in another way altogether because I have since learned she was no ‘Recycler’ my previous intelligence in relation to that fact was in error.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“She was a ‘Meat Suit’ but no one else knew that fact especially her ‘Breaker’ followers.” [I guessed as that might explain much.]

“Some people might know or have guessed the truth now but back then she was intent upon selling her lie and possibly preventing us from learning the truth. You know Paradox have our foibles too. We still think we see further and know better than any other ‘Pilgrim’ species a bit presumptuous even when we do. For all our preaching of a heretical equality deep behind our ‘Shrouding’ we are still terribly arrogant - we still believe we are by our very nature innately superior - otherwise we could not do what we do. Our faith in our individual ‘Visions’ of reality can only ever be considered somewhat supercilious by outsiders to our in truth as heretics - unholy - Order yet it is our self-belief that empowers us as Priests. I am not conflicted about such paradoxical truths perhaps that is one difference between you and me.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[Reluctantly I could appreciate many of his points he was making a fascinating debate.]

“Just remember you are not alone when we are out there and the others need to feel they make a positive input to your schemes too and that they are reasonably safe. You do not have to constantly impress with your calculated seeming recklessness it might even get our friends killed anyone can make a mistake you say you did not know ‘Big Jaws’ was a ‘Meat Suit’ that mistake could have been enough to prematurely end ‘Short Six’.” [I warned.]

“That ‘Suit’ is making you timid. I know what I am doing and I am not behind some improvisation when needed.” [‘Short’ insisted.] “I need them to believe in me to have faith that I can do the impossible thrice before breakfast just because I am ‘Short Claws’. Grandstanding showmanship has its uses - especially when you would lead strong independent souls in battle - the more difficult the upcoming battle the more you need to be seen as something special - as an unstoppable force before which all other forces are dashed to pieces. Trust me, it is not just vain vanity that I behave as I do it is also psychological strategy.”

“I still think with the next job you need to try to ensure everyone feels they are contributing more equally to our success or you may lose some support. As hard as this may be for you to contemplate, there is more to be concerned about than how the rest of ‘Short Six’ feel about you ‘Short’. They need to feel good about themselves too.” [I advised.]

“It is definitely not just about you having a good time out there by showing off your skills and lethal proclivities I am sure you could have found a more inclusive way forward had you bothered to look for one. Even if you feel that you need to impress you are not alone in - our - endeavours and you have less to lose than other ‘Short Six’ members do. Give all of them a chance to shine and I promise I will strive to back every play you make as a content ever smiling ‘Swimmer’ follower at least in front of other ‘Short Six’. Do we have a deal ‘Recycler’?” [I asked.]

“I suppose if I must we have a deal.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I trust you now feel better still you are getting into the habit of making promises you might find difficult to keep ‘Squid Face’.” [‘Short’ mocked.] “I confess I rather enjoyed the way you went pale and all shivery when the lights went out and I did my little show and tell with the device. I am positive that your response did much to concern the ‘Breakers’ present spreading unease and making my business that much easier. Everyone contributed down there to our success simply via reacting to my lead. To be honest I thought you were about to do your ink trick again if you had it would not have been a bad thing. Sometimes seeming to be out of control is a perfect incentive.”

“Trust me, I almost did stain my water but I think I have found a way to control that bodily response to fear a little better than before.” [I said.]

“How do you do that?” [‘Short’ asked sounding genuinely curious.]

“I meditate upon little fishes.” [I replied.]

“Fish really I should have guessed? That is an outstanding invention for a pretend ‘Swimmer’ I salute you. If only every problem could be so adroitly solved via mental agility alone.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“All I know is that it works and I suppose that is what we must do now stop talking and get back to our endless labours as ‘Short Six’.” [I said.]

“Really you are currently using all your intellect and three brains just to puppet ‘Bluu’?” [‘Short’ asked returning to my earlier proclamation.]

“That seemed the sensible thing to do once I realised my emotional input might have a negative impact upon ‘The Project’ and the ‘Free Hull Movement’.” [I stated.]

“That demonstrates incredible self-restraint I doubt it can last.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“I hope you are not undoing all the good work of your ‘Proxies’. I know it might seem logically backwards to you but they might actually be able to offer you some good advice as less emotional operators.” [I stated.]

“What a strange notion letting lesser copies tell you what to do.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“They may not be sentient but ‘Proxy’ are proving more than capable.” [I retorted.]

“My ‘Proxy’ are capable but I am brightly brilliant.” [‘Short’ replied.] “Speaking of endless labours it is fortuitous that you should mention such work as I have been giving one such issue some thought.”

“Why do I have a jittery feeling in my little blue ‘Swimmer’ tummy that I am not going to like this ‘Light Bringer’?” [I asked.]



“I have a rare contact who I think you should meet in the hope of securing several future haulage contracts of a most unusual nature.” [‘Short’ said.]

[My stomach grumbled and I burped out a watery fart maybe I ate too many fish earlier.]

“Why me if this person is your contact?” [I asked.]

“Three reasons: one because this fellow is dangerously paranoid about his security and you should appear hopefully unthreatening, two because this person is dangerously paranoid and likes to talk to a representative of his employees directly and three because he is dangerously paranoid and you have taken on the role of quartermaster here and so I believe this one falls firmly within the remit of your general job description.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“What exactly do you mean by dangerously paranoid?” [I asked.]

“Elder ‘Primal’ as he is now known is the first member - in social standing - of the ‘Cult of the Exposed’. He is also the first to volunteer to attempt to go native and primitive on ‘Sliver Alpha Three’ although I suspect you have heard something of this story already as it is all over Paradox ‘Links’ akin to the way the ‘Entanglement’ is all over the ‘Sea Spheres’.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“The ‘Mad Naked Priest’ the ‘Un-shrouded Evil One’ yes I have heard a rumour or three.” [I confessed.]

[Given the situation it would be impossible for me not to know about this one although I already wished somehow it had lapsed my attention.]

“You look as if you are about to ink again.” [‘Short’ stated.] “What happened to your fishes?”

“This one makes me feel sick so thinking about food will not help.” [I replied.]

“How unfortunate.” [‘Short’ retorted.]

“What business have you with this crazy Naked Priest?” [I asked.]

“Let me guess you have heard a tirade of vociferous complaints by righteously ‘Shrouded’ ranting members of our - unholy - Order in one ‘Council of Equals’ or another.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[Our - unholy - Order now he had thought of it that way I knew he would be constantly playing with that one.]

“I did hear many raucous but one sided debates about the ‘Exposed’ before I retreated to being just ‘Bluu’.” [I admitted.]

“My friend ‘Primal’ as founding patron of the ‘Pan-Nid Genome Regression Project’ is I consider a great explorer equal to Harbinger at his height or us today only he is attempting to explore our genetic past rather than this Universes future. His is an ongoing attempt to identify the principle genetic stock of our - unholy - Order and to revert his body and the bodies of some other rare willing subjects to a pre-pilgrimage state - very much still a work in difficult progress I am afraid due to the loss of original pure genetic stock material and data - thus some quite monstrous genetic speculative results at present which has not helped him to win over the hearts and minds of his exceptionally loud and active opposition.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“As you are no doubt aware one of the greatest difficulties suffered by ‘Pan-Nid GRP’ has been reactionary interventions by disapproving ‘Shrouded Priests’ who have systematically demanded and orchestrated a campaign of sabotage against his project hunting down and destroying donated samples given for genetic comparison studies by shy more sympathetic Priests, finding and wrecking every hidden laboratory even destroying precious genetic archive data held by the foremost Paradox Genetic Specialists alive and violating some of the most esteemed library databases of learning all with alarming efficiency despite every counter precaution. So much for agreeing to disagree when the subject gets so close to home. Even ‘Hierophant’ databases suspected of having Paradox genetic data have been identified attacked and ruthlessly ransacked.” [‘Short’ informed.]

“Closer to home I know some ‘MTC’ genetic data has vanished eradicated from our most secure data depositories even at secret sites I believe due to spreading Acolyte collusion with the ‘Anti-Exposed Movement’ all because of fiery passions aroused by the controversial nature of the ‘Cult of the Exposed’.” [I interjected.]

“Some Priests as you probably know dare to claim that ‘Primal’ is attempting to undo nothing less than the very spirit of our ancient ‘Pilgrimage’. They say without ‘Shrouding’ and early gene therapy upon what we were we must revert to other primitive ways such as rule by a domineering Emperor because of certain genetic imperatives that created the nature of pre-‘Pilgrimage’ as it is now known ‘Pan-Nid’ Society.” [‘Short’ needlessly informed.]

“None of that is news to me.” [I replied my nervousness only growing.]

“As you have probably realised the ‘Serendipity’ as a small freight specialist is in direct competition with automated ‘Freight Drones’ but ‘Freight Drones’ can be easy targets for Pirates and saboteurs and that is why some people still prefer to hire ‘Free Traders’ with a mindful Captain and Crew that will do all that they can to ensure sensitive cargoes get delivered without disappearing somewhere in transit. I know ‘Primal’ needs to move a lot of sensitive genetic sample material regularly. I feel somewhat sympathetic towards his cause and since we could use the freight work…” [‘Short’ explained trailing off.]

[I glared at him through my transparent squid bowl.]

“Did I say something that offends.” [‘Short’ asked far too innocently.]

“We need honest freight work that we can advertise as part of our cover story if we advertise running these goods the next advertising we will be doing will be an obituary for ‘Short Six’. We cannot become associated with such a thoroughly unloved project thus becoming a target for the ire of such a preponderance of enraged Paradox Priests and their masses of Acolyte Marine followers.” [I stated.]

“If not us who else will dare defy such - unholy - rage? Who else will dare oppose these meddlesome Priests? I know every shipper contacted recently by ‘Primal’ has begged off, ‘Primal’ is becoming untouchable his operation stalled. In desperation he has resorted to ‘Freight Drones’ coupled with utmost secrecy but his plans keep leaking out and these shipments very rarely get through? Even Priests that are sympathetic and willing to give samples for comparison studies will only do so under the strictest conditions of privacy and at a far remove from ‘Primal’. However this is an issue that even divides Acolytes against their ‘Patricians’ when ‘Patricians’ show any hint of sympathy for the ‘Exposed’ it causes internal sabotage even hosts of ‘Splitter Priests’ to emerge.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“So how do you know this problematic client personally?” [I asked.]

“He is an old associate of ‘Short’ via my ‘Proxy’ doing business for him but not of the moving goods variety. Early on I was commissioned to return a little bit of stolen property and to bring some particular thieves and saboteurs to account in a it turned out vain attempt to discourage mounting acts of aggression against an already exceptionally difficult endeavour.” [‘Short’ explained.]

“I am sorry but the ‘MTC’ cannot afford to get involved in this one as I know it would harm our business interests to an astounding degree.” [I stated.]



“The ‘Serendipity’ is not ‘MTC’ we could do a little smuggling for ‘Primal’ off any ‘Core’ registry. I trust no one here has a grudge against the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ you are after all a ‘Living Hull’ only an adopted Paradox Priest and we can use other jobs as cover for shipping the samples and so on. I think Harbinger would approve of ‘Primal’.” [‘Short’ added.]

“You do not fear the recreation of a God King Emperor of a new ‘Pan-Nid’ nation?” [I asked.]

“I think we as sentient beings are more than just a genetic code. It should be possible to go back to the beginning only to take a revised better direction.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You have faith in something other than destruction amazing.” [I retorted.] “If Harbinger approves: Why have no ‘New Helpers’ done anything to aid ‘The Exposed’ in their plight? I am sure ‘Tier Nine’ folk have access to original ‘Pan-Nid’ genetic records that are safe from sabotage.” [I replied.]

“We both know that when ‘New Helpers’ are believed to assist they tend only to do so in manners that do not generally expose them especially to great ridicule. Besides in some matters our Harbinger may not be unopposed I imagine a delicate balance of power over there thus mostly it is just nudges rather than miracles that occur. In addition, sometimes we just have to take our fate into our own limbs - actually I would prefer it that way. I do not want more advanced ‘Pilgrims’ trapped in an endless purgatory meddling in my private affairs.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I suppose if we did this work illicitly we could always deny any involvement if accused even by destroying any genetic evidence we happened to be carrying if needed.” [I mused.]

“My thoughts exactly and ‘Primal’ is willing to pay handsomely for secure deliveries I am positive about that fact. Otherwise no one wants to officially carry this stuff not even the ‘Hierophant Professors’ normally folk willing to make bullish stands to support pure science matters. I guess the ‘Hierophants’ refuse simply because ‘Cad’ and his children know that enraged Paradox Priests are big trouble best avoided. It is rare for any issue to get past our ‘Shrouding’ and our meditations enough to unleash the full fire of our contained fury but this is a subject that has aroused such burning passions.” [‘Short’ again needlessly reminded.]

“Not even the historic abuse of ‘Soulless Assets’ by some ‘New Holds’ caused such anger amongst so many of our brethren that issue gave rise more to despair amongst the ‘Great Houses’ than a righteous rage. In truth I fear for the life of ‘Primal’ and his followers he is right to be paranoid thrice over. We Paradox Priests have long endeavoured to agree to disagree and not to kill one another except in the most exceptional of disputes but here is an issue that could murder all restraint.” [‘Short’ warned.]

“I came across this one much earlier during my ‘Link’ researches I admit I buried it from my mind deeming it an issue that even I as the ‘Holy Father of the Councils of Equals’ would be wise to completely avoid. No one wants a rational debate with this issue rational debaters are shouted down.” [I confessed.]

“How did that make you feel?” [‘Short’ asked far too cunningly.]

“A bit of a dirty coward but also a wise craven who knows when to make a strategic withdrawal from a lost battle.” [I admitted.]

[I felt very guilty about walking away from this issue but why damage other causes by standing up for a truth that almost no one wanted.]

“Well this is an opportunity for a little brave redemption of your lost honour as an Elder Priest champion of many glorious truths.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“That is beyond unfair a truly wicked argument to use against me.” [I complained.]

“What else would you expect from me.” [‘Short’ retorted.]

“Encouraging ‘Primal’ will only encourage more trouble have you considered that truth they are not ready for the exposure of what they used to be.” [I argued.]

“Perhaps you are right but the issue is out there in the now.” [‘Short’ stated.] “I like ‘Primal’ I think if you met him you would like him too.”

“If I do go to see ‘Primal’ as ‘Bluu’ it will have to be done with the utmost secrecy and I will not guarantee yet to encourage ‘Jack’ to get involved in this horrible mess. ‘Primal’ never should have advertised his intent speaking of reckless past choices.” [I stated.]

“He needed publicity to gather in the genetic material he requires.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“It is madness given the known opinions of most of our brethren. I understand what he is trying to do within limits but against so much unflinching resistance it seems terribly unwise tantamount to an assured future martyrdom.” [I stated.]

“Good I am glad you decided to go all I ask for now is that you speak with ‘Primal’. First however we will need a less controversial cargo going to ‘Alpha Three’ I will not detain you from searching one out.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Wait three when exactly did I decide I would dare this stupid venture?” [I asked.]

“I know when you are secretly intrigued.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Sometimes I think you were made simply to test us all to destruction.” [I complained resentfully.]

[I truly was intrigued what did ‘Primal’ look like today. What kind of Paradox Priest chooses to cast off ‘Shrouding’ and go naked out into the craziness of the known Universe? Was he mad and bad or a crazy genius? Was he a prophet? Was he a saint? Was he a sinner? Was he a doomed Martyr as I suspected? It would be something to meet someone truly willing to perish for his or her beliefs in this age of immortals for if they killed him they would never let him be reborn.]



[I left ‘Short’ with her many martial toys and went for a walk which is a strange thing for a ‘Swimmer’ to do as it was my mechanical ‘Suit’ doing all the walking but habits are habits. I needed to think. Travelling can calm the soul even travelling short distances providing new views and potential distractions - walking meditation had its place too watching reality pass by a sense of drifting along both joined to and yet apart from everything else.]

[Joined yet apart from everything else.]

[Thinking about ‘Primal’ reminded me of ‘Jack’ both ‘Primal’ and ‘Jack’ seemed strange creatures almost a bit too unique for their own triple cursed good too isolated from the collective reality. Potential easy victims to any bully crossing their path. True ‘Jack’ was now a member of ‘Short Six’ and he was part of a threesome with ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’ but at the same time I sensed inside he far more frequently felt as alone as I only occasionally did when I recalled Harbinger and my quiet but not quite void ‘Companion-ship link’. For the longest time my ‘Companion-ship Link’ seemed as empty as a vacuum to me that link now felt more akin to the emptiness of a temple were the emptiness has a timbre a vibration you can feel even hear retaining a sacred weight and tone a fullness of expression rather than an emptiness of all hope.]

[‘Jack’ as one of a threesome was a puzzle ‘Jack’ was no natural joiner his history proved that truth. Moreover I often saw him standing somewhere on his ‘Serendipity’ alone mostly it was ‘Mabel’ or ‘Ingrid’ or both of them that sought him out taking his hand or his arm to reel him in like a fish caught on a ‘Swimmer’ tentacle. ‘Jack’ did not rush to their side when he had a moment of free time as I sometimes rushed to be with ‘Kanne’ it was a very different dynamic.]

[With deeper hindsight perhaps he had never heroically picked them up in ‘The Spacer Bar and Grill’ maybe they had picked him out - sensing an emptiness within him - sensing a void they could exploit for the fulfilment of their needs. Not that I believed they exploited ‘Jack’ in a cruel way for I felt I knew those two well enough already to know they were not cruel or malicious in that manner but in the way of nature that seeing an empty niche simply stretches forth to fill it up.]

[Few other Captains would present such an opportunity as ‘Jack’ might sitting alone in a bar if you had a talent for reading people and wanted to go places and do things. I guessed ‘Jack’ presented not just as a soft target but also as a mystery to be unravelled maybe even as a wide dark gaping portal to unknown adventures.]

[Sometimes, not too often, but sometimes the mask slipped and a blank look washed over his features that said he was not really here with any of us. He socialised - sometimes robustly - now he even swaggered but as a studied observer I could tell much of his reactions many of his moves were surface only - an act - something he did to fit in like putting on a uniform or akin to a Priest concealing anything upsetting behind a ‘Shroud’. ‘Jack’ had learned how to blend in most of the time in order to seem normal to others to appear defensibly one of the masses or maybe it was a talent he inherited from the ‘Many Truths’ as I often sought not to intimidate and provoke ‘Passenger Class’ society.]

[I mused that perhaps when ‘Jack’ had a far away look when his face went so blank - I think that might be when he recalled being a ‘Living Hull’ - maybe in his mind he was flying free through deep space his engine throbbing his optics and sensors piercing the void starlight kissing - energising - his skin. I guessed ‘Jack’ was still coming to terms even after all this time with being nothing more than a ‘Trojan’ and it was a deficit that left him wanting. Both ‘Jack’ and I were missing a bit of our souls that was something else we had in common even if the specific bit missing involved was very different. Then I wondered if he was a ‘Trojan’ at all or more accurately forever a ‘Living Hull’ that just happened to be contained within a ‘Trojan’ bipedal ‘Hull’ suffering occasional culture shock when he remembered his strange genesis and every time he looked in a mirror.]

[As ‘Short’ said we are what we are but what was ‘Jack’ and what now was ‘Primal’?]

[Something was not right with ‘Jack’, he was not the person I thought him to be. Here on this crowded ship ‘Jack’ failed to forever keep up the disguise and when the act dropped it hinted at many hidden truths, truths he should not have from one who had read his soul akin to an open book file. Somehow he had held things back to stay a little ‘Shrouded’ from me. Perhaps being so mentally unique he could fool standard uploads or it was the more banal dangerous option of memory edits. Why would ‘Jack’ risk such an extreme measure? If he did not want to share his soul with me he could have just refused or did he fear that refusal would have me treating him as a hostile entity because he refused to show me he was friendly by baring everything?]

[I liked to think I was a good judge of character as much as ‘Unholy’ I did not believe ‘Jack’ to be my enemy but perhaps like so many Paradox Priests he found it impossible to bare his whole truth to any other person which brought me back to the almost impossibility of the enigma that is ‘Primal’. I let my suspicions about ‘Jack’ go for now logging it under the truism that we all have secrets maybe it was even cruel of me seeking to delve beneath his ‘Shrouding’. Seeking to know him that deeply was perhaps still treating him as if he was a tool a sort of complex scientific remote sensor of what it is to be ‘Passenger Class’.]

[I decided I owed ‘Jack’ a very humble and contrite apology. So I asked the ‘Serendipity’ where he was and went to bare a little of my soul in penance for being such a bully.]

[The funny thing about many of us Priests is that whilst we all embraced ‘Shrouding’ we were often fascinated by differences and by hidden things all naturally exploring our wider reality truly it was a paradoxical and hypocritical truth to hide so much and yet want to know everything.]



[I found ‘Jack’ alone ignoring ‘Xuey’ within his compact ‘Secure Central Command and Control Module’ I guessed staring at an inner mental screen that showed the view outside as we traversed the ‘Goldilocks Band’ as the ‘Hierophants’ named the optimal distance of planets from a star in relation to the spontaneous creation and maintenance of a life filled biosphere.]

[The Ring World would eventually inhabit the ‘Goldilocks Band’ not too close and not too far away from ‘Founder’s Star’ as currently did all the ‘Slivers’ of Ring World under construction. Using technology we could operate far closer to star fires but why put unnecessary strain on what would eventually act as a natural environmental system?]

“Can we speak in private?” [I asked aloud.]

“If you want.” [‘Jack’ sent via ‘EXO-C’.]

“No I want to say what I have to say aloud to make what I have to say all the more real.” [I replied aloud.]

[’Jack’ gave me a concerned look but also had his vessel create a ‘Privacy Field’ around us, ‘Xuey’ went out the hatch as an external guard before it sealed further isolating us within the ‘Secure Central Command & Control Module’.]

“I am an old fool. I make no excuses. Though I hope in time you will appreciate my reasons and see them as unthinking foolishness not deliberate cruelty.” [I began.] “When you have a child you should not be disappointed with whatever that child turns out to be. Actions might disappoint but that person is still your child and an individual with every right to be individualistic.” [I continued.] “It was wrong of me to request that you share all that you are with me. It was selfish of me to attempt to strip away your ‘Shrouding’. It was insensitive and vain of me not to realise that you might deem such a request as a demand with menaces.” [I added.] “We all have inner secrets inner truths that we strive to protect. Share with me what you choose to share and keep sacred what you wish to hoard away. Do not damage yourself on my account to sell me any untruth. I erred I hope you can forgive me and we can put my error behind us and start again.” [I stated.]

[So what do you think? Was it an accident of chance that ‘Short’ forced me to confront the issue of the ‘Exposed’ at this time and place? I do not care where the impetus came from I was just happy to have my perception shifted so that I could make a new beginning with ‘Jack’.]

[The way ‘Jack’ responded to my apology I am choosing to keep a private matter between us. The Universe does not need to know every detail of every truth some hidden things are truly sacred especially when the truths involved are shared between people that care about one another in a special way.]

[‘Jack’ might have been almost a cosmic accident but that did not make him feel any less family to me once I got to know and accept him slowly in a far more real way. Maybe the trouble with most ‘Multiplied’ souls is all born of fearful rejection. I still do not believe that ‘Jack’ is ‘Multiplied’ even though he has many ‘Multiplied’ features but even if I was wrong not all ‘Multiplied’ people need be the same. You cannot always cure an ill matter by the appliance of kindness but neglect or scorn will certainly not help.]

[We are a part of all that we meet how we treat people changes both them and us. We are all connected - all entangled - all bound up in this life together that on a good day is one of my many truths.]



[Before I left ‘Jack’ I told him about ‘Primal’ and about the plan by ‘Short’ that ‘Primal’ and I should meet to discuss the possibility of some off the ‘Cores’ smuggling business. I explained my thoughts and reservations and asked ‘Jack’ if he would sanction such a trip as our Captain.]

“This one should be your decision it is not an option for ‘Short’ or ‘Bluu’ to make.” [I burbled.]

[‘Jack’ gave the matter plenty of thought we had a little debate about all the issues involved then he gave me his decision.]

“I see no harm in visiting ‘Sliver Alpha Three’ I think it can only empower us to have a better understanding of this contentious issue. Talking is fine but you shall make no final bargain no final decision without first consulting me. You go talk with ‘Primal’ then talk with me about what you discover then I will consider what I am willing to authorise as the Captain of the ‘Serendipity’.” [‘Jack’ said.]

“That is fair and proper.” [I agreed.]

[Actually I did not seek a cargo straight to ‘A3’ instead I arranged that we would first visit a much closer to us Port of call to collect a cargo that needed delivered to another Port a bit nearer ‘A3’. From that Port I would seek to pickup goods going to another Port even closer to ‘A3’ from which hopefully we would collect a fairly standard short range seemingly completely spontaneous cargo or passengers hopping across to ‘A3’. I wanted the overall ongoing round of our business pick-ups and drop offs not to be seemingly disrupted via putting in an unconnected noticeably special run to ‘A3’ I wanted our arrival at ‘A3’ to seem whimsical chance. Given the amount of scrutiny given to business upon ‘A3’ by some Priests, I felt we could not be too careful in my preparations to meet ‘Primal’.]

[To be honest a part of me still felt I was losing my mind even thinking of going to see an ‘Exposed Priest’. However, I recalled that our time travel exploration was all about embracing new things although I suppose technically being ‘Exposed’ is a very old thing reborn.]

[‘Short’ must have known that I could not resist the chance to meet such a rare person and even walking on the ‘Surface’ of a ‘Paradox Green House’ should be thrilling or perhaps I should call it a ‘Pan-Nid Green House’. No other species retained some of our difficulties in relation to some of their members reverting to earlier primitive forms. No other species membership had joined so fully in shrouding their bodies.]

[Obviously ‘The Project’ was causing its own splash, primitive ‘Pilgrim’ forms far better able to embrace participation in the newly created surface environments. In a way, it would be a waste if all of us ‘Paradox’ just stomped around the ‘Paradox Green House’ inside ‘Bio-mechanical Shroud Suits’ but to go naked as we are would be to reveal all our alterations our monstrous differences.]

[Yet to create the lost biodiversity of our original ecosystem then stay apart from it seemed no less mad than letting go of our ‘Shrouding’. Still, I was a very different sort of Paradox Priest able to view the, (maybe ‘Short’ was correct - unholy -), Order from both the inside and the outside. Perhaps I mused I had a natural role to play in helping to guide more than my closest kin in both body and spirit the ‘Living Hulls’ to a grand new beginning. Possibly my nature perfectly configured me to help some of the ‘Shrouded’ to start over just as I wanted us ‘Hulls’ to do.]

[I kept thinking about the spirit of the sentence ‘Short’ gave me about going back to a beginning to avoid making past mistakes. Could some cycles be broken via some people embracing the truth of what we used to be rather than ever striving to hide those difficult truths away?]

[So little of these things were the truths I expected to find in our ‘Pilgrim’ future. I wondered again about Harbinger as a ‘New Helper’ and about the manner in which the ‘Hawks’ were brought to ‘Founder’ who was carrying a genetic treasure trove of material waiting to be given a new home - hardly coincidence. What we refuse to see in ourselves we can more easily perceive in other people and in turn that can slowly allow us to think past our inner prejudices about what we are and even what we should be striving to be. Truly, I was beginning to believe in the mighty power of mysterious divine interventions.]

[Harbinger still exploring had found a way to get us to re-examine our past so that we could reconsider our future via watching and helping ‘Founder’. ‘Founder’ gave us the means to begin taking control of our ‘Pilgrim’ fate. Now perhaps only old fears stood in the way of some oddly retro inspired progress. Belatedly I was beginning to understand that sometimes you have to travel very far away to appreciate what you have left behind.]

[If you never depart from the normal, you can never ever experience the joy of going home again.]

[Perhaps I am about to make my final revision to the arc of my long story. The ‘Emissary’ brought us here to this empty Universe not for us to find new things but for us to learn to better appreciate what we once had and who we once were far more than any of the masses of people who simply stayed at home and never lost anything.]

[The greatest of all journeys are the small changes of attitude that we make inside ourselves against our standard intransigent nature because it is so very easy to fall into a rut of behaviour to follow along in the tracks laid down without ever seeing or questioning why do things this particular way? Why do we do some things at all? Why do we walk down this way rather than that way? Why do we even think as we do? Why are we even here? Why all these debates?]

[Most people whatever their physical form or upbringing when firmly rooted in their comfort zone do not ask: Why? It is the troubled mind that reaches out for an answer. It is the challenge that poses the question. The ‘Emissary’ gave us ‘Pilgrims’ a monumental challenge she brought us to a place were there were no planetary homes to inhabit or colonise then she went away perhaps to wait upon us finding some glorious stellar answers.]

[My epiphany might be entirely wrong, but in that moment it certainly felt true, and as good a truth: As kind and generous an answer to every question ever posed about the ‘Emissary’ as any other truth might ever be whether it is a real historic fact or not. It made me feel kind and generous offering up that truth and that was precious enough to be a wonder. It was certainly more than a good enough truth for me to decide to endorse it with great fervour as a profoundly motivating inner faith.]

[I wondered what ‘Primal’ would make of my latest epiphany if I shared it and if it might help him in his endeavours. I wondered what truths ‘Primal’ embraced. I hoped that soon enough I would find out much more about ‘Primal’ the notorious ‘Naked Paradox Priest’.]

[Perhaps no pilgrimage is about exploring a new place it is about travelling to better appreciate and redefine the inner-self.]

[stads]

nice to see the new ship improved abit

will be interest the naked mad priest

[Paranoid66]

Thanks Stads

Here is part 6 which I very much enjoyed doing for some reason. Maybe it is something about shiny Majaglit snails or fishy business.

P66.

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 6 --- BLUE CIRCLE BLACK SQUARE / LEXIS / PRIMAL ---

[‘Jack’ guided the ‘Serendipity’ into an internal bay in a ‘Real Material Equipment Dock and Shipyard’ called ‘Brennan Spine’ owned by the ‘Blue Circle Black Square Corporation’ an ‘Omerta Trojan’ concern as our last stop before ‘Sliver Alpha Three’.]

[‘Blue Circle Black Square Corporation’ or ‘BCBSC’ was new to me although it had a history stretching back now from a foundation a full 914 years ago by a rather enlightened ‘Omerta’ named ‘Janet Brennan’, ‘Janet’ a formidable individual still officially the sole owner and Managing Director of the Corporation despite an estimated age of 1200 plus years.]

[According to the ‘Links’ the ‘Blue Circle Black Square’ specialised in - quality some claimed luxury - ‘Real Material’ shipbuilding and ‘Real Material’ ship refits as well as ‘Real Material’ salvage operations and highly customised scientific tool making. ‘Brennan Spine’ especially famous for its tool maker workshops who created not just functional scientific and engineering apparatus but renowned beautiful devices that oozed excellence and were much sought after by the more discerning of ‘Professors’ and technicians. ‘Brennan Spine Tools’ with the ‘BCBSC-BST’ logo especially favoured by ‘Real Materialist’ people who worked almost exclusively in the field of ‘Alpha Green House Environments’.]

[Politically ‘Blue Circle Black Square’ maintained a reputation for scrupulous neutrality its only interests being doing business with all-comers rather than supporting any divisive ideology including their own ‘Real Materialism’ when seen as a sundering faith. Unlike some ‘Real Materialist Corporations’ it was the policy of ‘Blue Circle Black Square’ to readily do shipping business with both ‘Real Material’ and ‘User’ vessels unusually showing no favouritism to their own kind in relation to available docking slots or even freelance business contracts when such were available and so on. Famously ‘BCBSC’ operated a first come first served attitude and when they did foster relationships it was generally with individuals rather than blanket factions.]

[I was instantly impressed, it was all the above facts about ‘Brennan Spine’ that made it an ideal Short Stay visit for us.]

[As soon as I came across information on this fine in fact exemplary ‘Real Material’ Corporation I admired their open hatch philosophy and so I was very happy to deliberately steer ‘Jack’ in the direction of a ‘BCBSC Real Material Port’. I knew that the ‘Serendipity’ as a ‘Soulless Bio-mechanical Ship’ was less than welcome at some ‘Real Material’ stopovers as was to be honest any Captain of such a ship but here we should be as warmly embraced as anyone else. Interestingly even ‘Users’ occasionally bought ‘BCBSC-BST’ logo items especially hand held tools as rarely treasured permanent kit. Sometimes despite all the wondrous functionality of instant ‘Suit Substance’ extrusions it is comforting to carry something that has an innate sense of permanence - even history to it - making it akin to a technological piece of artwork even a token of status and intent.]

[Such rarely open minded corporations as ‘Blue Circle Black Square’ I reasoned deserved all the support people such as us might provide. I already knew that the ‘MTC’ did favourable business with ‘Blue Circle Black Square’ and at one point even helped to finance an expansion of ‘BCBSC’ operations although that financial deal was now over 700 years in our corporate past.]

[Once docked I linked into local internal bulletin boards - deliberately otherwise inaccessible - and found exactly what I was hoping for a small party looking to ship across to any ‘Dark Side Port’ on ‘Sliver Alpha Three’ with no transport material preference. The party proved to be a travelling ‘Hierophant Professor of Biology’ named ‘Lexis’ with three ‘Omerta’ hireling assistants / bodyguards initially unnamed on the transit request. The ‘Omerta’ we soon learned responsible for the safe transit of some scientific apparatus typically manufactured by a specialist toolmaker here on ‘Brennan Spine’ as well as some lesser luggage.]

[Via ‘Link’ earlier I discovered that learned ‘Pilgrims’ in particular often made trips from ‘Alpha Three’ out to ‘Brennan Spine’ to have custom gear manufactured to the point of items being tailored to their physical build, hand size item weight preference and so on and then linked into their genetic code so that no one else could ever use said artefacts making them ultra-personal and elite tools of their trade. Genetic activation a clever way to prevent theft of very expensive pieces of gear as well as stopping louts of assistants or other interlopers - including scientific rivals - from messing around with your equipment stealing or even sabotaging your readings, settings, stored data or whatever. Competition in the scientific community could be fierce in a suitably niche and sometimes bizarre way.]

[With a little internal shape-shifting in the hold we easily had room for four passengers to travel in good comfort for what was a simple voyage through real space even without recourse to our Jump Engines. People long stationed on a ‘Sliver’ often wanted to experience the sensation of real travel through real space when they went for a rare trip through the Goldilocks Band from one facility to another nearby and ‘Lexis’ proved no exception so we arranged for real time simulated portal style view screens in his private stateroom. Next door the help of the ‘Professor’ shared a communal quarters area with seats around an extruded oval table with food drink and entertainment systems provided as part of our amenities.]

[‘Suey’ was assigned to the party as a liaison during flight and for our purposes as watchful armed security as Pirates occasionally brought ringers onboard ships as everyday passengers although the credentials and manifest of this party seemed thoroughly reputable ‘Jack’ wisely preferred to take no chances. Pre-extruded cunningly concealed, ‘Security Stasis Emitters’ covered the passenger quarters from above the bulkhead ceiling ready to drop as an extra preventative measure.]



[Once we settled our guests, we requested a departure slot and slipped away from the well-named station that did rather resemble a central spine with ribbed piers extruding from it at least from certain angles. Captain ‘Jack’ did a little scenic tour for the benefit of the ‘Professor’ taking the ‘Serendipity’ past various nearby facilities many with rather unique architectural features despite some modular parts most station designers wanting to be a little different so that their creations might be noticed and recognised.]

[I was glad to see a little more diversity in architecture than once occurred for example under the rule of the ‘Free Parliament’.]

[Eventually we neared the ‘MTC’ cluster that surrounded a much expanded ‘Port Discovery’ that monster now almost rivalled some ‘Slivers’ in its up close breathtaking scale. We were travelling at a graceful speed to further facilitate sight seeing arcing around places of interest in a sedate manner. An ‘MTC’ patrol buzzed us but given our identity let us pass on our way. I noticed the ‘Vanishing Point’ currently docked at the physical home of my mentality, as were a few other gigantic ‘MTC Mother-ship Class Vessels’ making the Port appear even huger than it is.]

[I wandered down to the ‘Professor’s Stateroom’ and asked permission to enter which was promptly granted.]

“How interesting to meet the aquatic ‘Swimmer’ on the crew.” [‘Lexis’ said.] “So what brings you to see me ‘Bluu Duu’ - it is ‘Bluu Duu’ I believe?”

“Yes I am ‘Bluu’ in name and colour.” [I joked amiably.] “My visit is not unduly disturbing the tranquillity of your journey?”

“Not at all, I enjoy a good conversation with a relative stranger it is often stretching and I can easily peruse the passing sights and comfortably chat at the same time. So what brings you down here to me ‘Swimmer’?” [He asked again.]

“If you will indulge my ‘Swimmer’ curiosity I was rather wondering, you being a ‘Professor of Biology’ and so on working upon ‘Alpha Three’, if you have visited the ‘Majaglit Snail Caves’ by any chance? I hear the grottos have streams, pools, waterfalls and in places actual misty subterranean lakes that an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ such as I can navigate freely with the aid of some protective skin gel and some bio-filters? They say the ‘Snail Caves’ are akin to a great natural wonder.” [I said.]

“Of course, I have visited some of the many cave systems although they are not my primary area of study they are indeed too impressive to ignore and not just because of their splendid physical forms the vaulting pillars of rock the stalactites and stalagmites that are often singly remarkable but also because of the unique ecology therein.” [‘Lexis’ stated with the fervour of a genuine academic.]

“Is it true that the snails use the shiny shells of their dead to channel the light in cunning ways from one place to another as if a network of mirrors in order to farm greater quantities of light requiring lichens and algae in otherwise shadowed places?” [I asked.]

“Indeed that is true and a rather fascinating rediscovery resulting from returning these ancient monopods back into natural style conditions. Snails kept upon space stations and grown for their shells in far more artificial forced intensive farming conditions never had the opportunity to reveal such illuminating behaviours.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“Are they cooperative intelligent creatures?” [I asked.]

“They are far from sapient they are animals not higher life forms but I suppose as animals go they may seem cleverly cooperative enough if rather programmed in their actions by instinct, genetic memory and so on, rather than logical considered reasoning.” [‘Lexis’ claimed.]

“Are you sure as creating shell mirrors seems a form of tool making to me.” [I challenged.]

“Many forms of arachnid spin webs as a sort of tool but that does not make them sapient.” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

[I bobbed my head in acknowledgement of his point.]

“You have an interest in biology?” [The ‘Professor’ asked.]

“I am fascinated by animal behaviours sometimes they seem more than the lesser life forms that we insist upon categorising them even if they do not write history.” [I claimed.]

“It is very easy for a layperson to see sapience in animal behaviours but trust me there is a big difference between say a ‘Swimmer’ and a ‘Reefer Squid’. Perhaps given time and the right conditions some simpler creatures might develop sapience but trust me ‘Majaglit snails’ are a long way from having a capability for higher reason. I have read studies of their brains and they are still quite primitive organs compared to the average ‘Pilgrim’ species cognitive bio-ware.” [The ‘Professor’ freely lectured.]

“I have heard conflicting stories is it true that you need special permission to visit the caves?” [I asked.]

“Some caves and cave areas are restricted to prevent accidental damage to the ongoing bio-forming other areas deemed suitably robust by the ‘FOC’ are open access even to general tourists although there are strict rules of behaviour no littering, no poaching or harvesting and so on.” [‘Lexis’ informed.]

“So I could visit the caves even traverse some of the waterways?” [I asked.]

“I believe that is an option for your kind. I never had any desire to swim or dive in the hot grottos I was content to stay upon the pathways which are damp enough.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.] “To be honest I am a little cowardly about the thought of swimming in dark enclosed places that sport does not appeal to me at all. Although in places the atmosphere is so very humid and steamy even on the paths that it is very difficult to stay dry and for me the act of discovery was a bit marred by a sense of physical discomfort. Of course, if you are the sort that enjoys a good sauna you might be very happy down there.”

“It sounds an experience not to be missed.” [I burbled with happy enthusiasm.]

“I believe even the open access caves are certainly well worth the small entry fee charged to tourists at permitted entryways. If you are keen to encounter strange new things for real in person rather than in a virtual tour reconstruction on the ‘Links’ I can easily recommend the ‘Majaglit Caves of Sliver Alpha Three’.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“I have avoided virtual tours of the caves as I consider that too easy facility as providing spoilers of the real thing.” [I admitted.]

[The ‘Professor’ smiled broadly and nodded his head in obvious approval.]

“Good for you ‘Bluu’, some of my students - far too many in fact - are shocking ‘Link Tourists’ who do most of their research from home, I despair at such a failure of the adventuring spirit.” [He claimed.]

“One must get out into the field or in your case the waters one must travel for real if you really wish to appreciate the wonder of what we are doing on all the ‘Alpha Green Houses’.” [He insisted gesturing with his hands.]

“My ‘Swimmer’ friend ‘The Project’ is astounding in its scope even in its infancy as mere scattered fragments there are so many wonders to behold so many things worth deeper study. The entirety upon completion will be an almost limitless resource for wonderment. I think at some point I will do a little ‘Stasis Time Travel’ to leap ahead for I grow impatient to see the ‘Slivers’ multiply and begin to join together too. Still if we all abandoned our posts to leap ahead who would be left to complete the marvel?” [‘Lexis’ joked.]

“I think you are a very fortunate person to be working in such gloriously innovating times as a ‘Professor of Biology’.” [I said.]

“I agree I am very fortunate indeed to be alive during this industrious age of course my discipline is thriving so much due to ‘The Project’ that my kind are becoming almost too common. Now we Biologists must do battle with one another to stand out from the crowd.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

“That is why you visited ‘Brennan Spine’.” [I guessed aloud.]

“Indeed without the very best equipment one cannot hope to get anywhere these days and at the ‘Spine’ the ‘Blue Circle Black Square’ workshops make the very best ‘Real Material’ instruments that credits can buy. Such instruments not only help with ones work they also add stature to ones person even increasing the impact of ones image when posted on the ‘Links’. With so much competition we ‘Professors of Biology’ are now all shameless self-publicists I am afraid. We need to be seen and to be seen we need to have the proper accessories to show off when we do our business it is shameful I suppose but just the way it is.” [‘Lexis’ confessed.]

“It is much the same in our business you have seen our leader ‘Short’ she dresses as if we are in a state of constant war as if the ‘Wars of Liberation’ are upon us again.” [I replied with broadly smiling eyestalks.]

“The very well armed ‘Recycler’ yes she has an intimidating collection of weapons that are impossible to miss.” [‘Lexis’ said.]

“We try to keep her away from less robust passengers lest she give them a horrible fright but we judged you well travelled enough not to be too easily intimidated.” [I admitted.]

“I see now that you are not just shippers you are sometime Bounty Hunters known as ‘Short Six’.” [‘Lexis’ said.]

“You found our official ‘Link Site’.” [I guessed aloud.] “I made that one I hope you found it informative and friendly.”

“Indeed I have found your site most enlightening although rather embarrassingly late for a ‘Hierophant Professor’. It seems I rather failed to do my proper research I just checked your posted shipping credentials and passenger testimonials that are all in good order none of which happened to mention ‘Short Six’.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

“I hope us doubling as ‘Short Six’ is not a problem for you.” [I burbled.]

“Oh not at all it is not as if I have a price on my head. We ‘Professors’ have not gone that far to eliminate our scholarly competition thank ‘Cad’ and the ‘Emissary’ - at least not yet.” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

“Still if you ever feel the need…” [I joked.]

“Indeed if I ever feel the need I will contact your people at once.” [‘Lexis’ joked back.] “Ah the terrible temptation to have some rival ‘Professors’ bore away to a ‘Temporal Detention Centre’ if only I had suitable excuses of reportable criminal activity but alas if my competition are felonious - it is not in obviously accusable ways - I fear they hide it far too well.” [He added.]

“We are also available for short-term protection duty contracts, stolen property recovery even as site security advisors and so on. I am not here to make a hard sale to you but we do like to let our more affluent and influential passengers know a little bit about our fuller range of services. It is amazing how much business you can pick up through word of mouth via friends of friends and so on.” [I confessed.]

“You consider casual passengers your friends?” [‘Lexis’ asked.]

“We aquatic ‘Swimmers’ are friendly people I consider even most strangers simply to be friends I do not yet know.” [I replied.]

“If only all ‘Pilgrims’ felt the same way as you ‘Bluu’ my own business would be much easier. As to seeking new clients I fully understand business is business and you cannot network enough with potential customers therefore I must counter with if you ever need a well travelled ‘Professor of Biology’…” [He said trailing off.]

“You never know ‘Professor’ sometime ‘Short Six’ just might be interested in your professional advice besides it is always good to meet a new contact with ongoing business on a ‘Sliver’ especially ‘Light Side’. Sometimes we pay for local knowledge the sort of details not always publicised on ‘Links’ nothing sinister I am not discussing espionage just the sort of insights that permit easier negotiation of local conditions both physical and political. I know that sometimes us academics can be a little short of credits and a harmless extra source of income can be useful to anyone.” [I said.]

“Us academics?” [He asked.]

“I used to be a ‘Professor of Aquatic History’ and a notable researcher in my narrow field notably the ‘Sea Spheres’ at least amongst some ‘Ultra-nation Swimmers’.” [I boasted.]

“How unusual, I guess a little unconventional income certainly can be useful whilst I am currently well funded I have known times when I have struggled to simply pay for my supper thankfully other scholars - mostly those not in direct competition - are often willing to bail out a struggling ‘Hierophant’ brother.” [The ‘Professor’ admitted.]

“Anyway it was good to talk with you this ‘Swimmer’ will leave you now in blessed peace to enjoy the last stages of your voyage.” [I said before giving him a little bow and commenced to depart his stateroom.]

“Just one thing if it is not presumptuous of me to enquire but I have a scientist’s curiosity: What brought an aquatic ‘Swimmer Professor’ to your new line of business?” [‘Lexis’ asked.]

[I turned my ‘Dry Suit’ around.] “Pride and a little greed sort of got me drafted to this detail. To be honest I am not always sure why I finally agreed to sign articles perhaps I got a little caught up in the thrill of being a sometime ‘Swimmer’ of action even if I am the least of ‘Short Six’ in battle stature I am a big aid in logistics and administration. Now they already seem almost akin to family. You bond quickly on a small ship like this one even with the strangest of comrades even the ‘Splinter Warrior’ and I have come to an accommodation in fact we are cabin neighbours.”

“Are you seeking to stretch beyond the expectations of your abilities as judged by other ‘Pilgrims’ is that a big part of your motivation?” [‘Lexis’ asked.]

“Very possibly. I am ‘Sliver Ocean’ born so to me what lies beyond my tranquil watery home became my exotic fascination.” [I confessed deciding to add that to my false resume.]

“How contrary we ‘Pilgrims’ can be.” [‘Lexis’ remarked.] “I wonder will far future ‘Ring World Pilgrims’ dream of venturing out from their enormous home with its insanely vast surface area to go far away into an empty ‘Dark’ in search of something different.”

“I think, though I am no expert about future trends, that such an outcome is very possible for some ‘Light Side’ souls if you study history.” [I admitted to my internal surprise.]

“Sometimes I think I should have been a xeno-anthropologist.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

“So that is the far away place that you look out towards on occasion.” [I replied.]

“My goodness so it is.” [He replied.] “If I do not see you again before departing good luck with your bounties ‘Bluu’.”

“Thank you I hope you gain the public notice you desire ‘Lexis’.” [I replied before stepping out.]

[Hopefully if anyone asked him about it the ‘Professor’ would be able to confirm my interest in the ‘Majaglit Caves’ thus making a little trip there for me seem a natural product of my private interest and curiosity. Perhaps I was overdoing the details of my cover story but I did not care. Better, I reasoned to be paranoid about my preparations than for any ‘Pilgrim’ to link me in any way with ‘Primal’ or his ‘Cult of the Exposed’.]

[‘Primal’ according to ‘Short Claws’ secretly used the ‘Majaglit Caves’ to facilitate his most clandestine of gatherings. To be honest when I did a bit of research on the naturalised snails I did easily develop a bit of a fascination with these creatures at times oddly intelligent behaviours. In the past ‘Majaglit snails’ had been greatly associated with somewhat shiny and ostentatious primitive ‘Pan-Nid’ culture from long before the heroic and heretical ‘Pilgrimage’.]


[I was still thinking about subtle moves to pass undetected but also linked into external optics and sensors of ‘Serendipity’ when I noticed an unusual arrival a ‘Jump Locked Paradox Battle Fleet’ that surged in above the ‘Light Side’ of ‘Sliver Alpha Three’ casting much of the surface into shadow. ‘Jack’ sent me an urgent hail just as I recognised one of the six giant ‘Mother-ship Class’ vessels.]

[I made a ‘Patrician Priority EXO-C Link’ to ‘UT’ note I said ‘UT’ not ‘Short’. sending him the image that transfixed my perception and filled me with rage.]

“What by the ‘Holy Pilgrimage’ and the ‘Sacred Emissary’ is that?” [I asked.]

“That would be the ‘MTC Always Better on the Other Side’.” [‘UT’ replied glibly.]

“Very droll but if you give me another stupid answer I will have the ‘Vanishing Point’ clamped and you arrested for something stupid such as loitering with suspected evil intent.” [I stated.]

“Now that would be something ‘MTC Patrician’ arrested on ‘Port Discovery’ for loitering now that would make us both famous.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“Enough: What by ‘Hell’s Maw’ is the ‘Always Better on the Other Side’ and Acolyte Captain ‘Insistently Obverse’, who is one of your prodigies, doing as part of an unsanctioned by me mixed ‘Paradox Priest Task Force’? I only mention this as the massed ‘Task Force’ involved is currently violating one of the ‘Prime Laws’ of the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ by mounting a cursed assault upon a ‘Light Side Surface Sliver’ involving a bombardment from space and massed ‘Drop Ship’ Marine invasion.” [I fumed.]

“I believe they are assisting in the making of an unambiguous statement.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“I swear by all that is sacred you are pushing me too far.” [I rumbled back threateningly.]

“It is a political necessity ‘MT’ to cover our rear and you must admit choosing to send the too suitably named ‘Always Better on the Other Side’ was comic genius on my part I am especially proud of that move.” [‘UT’ retorted.]

“Quickly explain further.” [I said struggling with my self control.]

“It is your fault really.” [He claimed.] “You stopped acting as the ‘Holy Father’ but I am guessing you left some strict instructions with your ‘Proxy’ about the ‘Exposed Issue’ as a result whilst everybody else has been roaring and bellowing the ‘Holy Father’ has said nothing. Now saying nothing to far too many of our peers increasingly seems far too much akin to shy even - sly - support for the other side of the argument. When I heard about an impending military solution to the issue I thought it best we join in so as not to become pariahs. It is not as if we could stop this action from happening without lethally damaging our credibility. When an unequal battle is pending where one side will surely be utterly vanquished smart folk ally with the undisputable winners.” [‘Unholy’ finished.]

“It is grossly excessive the collateral damage from a bombardment from space side alone will be unforgivable and you have made the ‘MTC’ part of this unlawful travesty of intolerance.” [I complained.]

“It is not as severe as it looks the strikes are surgical but it looks damned impressive and will vent a lot of - unholy - Paradox Priest and Acolyte rage.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“If you knew this was coming why have ‘Bluu’ come here to speak to ‘Primal’?” [I asked.]

“It will be much safer to deal with ‘Primal’ after he and his following have been ‘Martyred’ for their unpopular truth.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

[I paused for a microsecond to think about what he was really telling me.]

“This is all part of a misinformation campaign orchestrated by you.” [I accused.]

“Not entirely by me I am just working with the choices other ‘Pilgrims’ made. It is too obvious that ‘Primal’ cannot do his business in the open - that fact has been proven - so he must go deeper underground but that cannot happen whilst he is believed to be alive and his cult existent.” [He reasoned.]

“All going well the ‘Shrouded’ get their bold act of righteous indignation a mighty proof to the rest of the Universe including to the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ that there are some lines they will not tolerate being crossed whilst once he is seemingly executed for his sins and his followers slaughtered we get to help ‘Primal’ get on with his difficult business without the issue still being under a constant spotlight of inquisition.” [‘Unholy’ reasoned.]

“You really have faith that you can bluff all of those Priests and Acolytes into believing they have ruthlessly eradicated this cult whilst I can only assume they are butchering ‘Cloned Meat Suits’ or something similar?” [I asked.]

“It is what they want to do and then to move on free of fears about even the vaguest possibility of the rise of an ancient style ‘Pan-Nid’ Emperor. I know this military action sets a bad precedent but it was going to eventually happen anyway. Enter any ‘Paradox’ dominated ‘Council of Equals’ and you can perceive the way the solar wind is blowing as if a fiery gale at the moment.” [‘Unholy’ stated.]

“So is the meeting between ‘Bluu’ and ‘Primal’ still on?” [I asked.]

“Of course, it is ‘Primal’ is going to need our hidden help and support more than ever. I am looking forward to illicitly working with him as DNA smugglers.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Our friend ‘Founder’ will not be happy about that illegal flouting of ‘FOC’ rules.” [I reminded.]

“It is an exceptional ‘User’ on ‘User’ action an internal Paradox Priest matter too and no concern of ‘Founder’. If needed I will make that point plain myself as a member of the ‘Founder Cabal’ as will you. Besides when an ill deed needs done it is best done quickly and decisively. This action may be deemed infamy by some but it will be over quickly allowing everything that matters to return to business as normal as soon as possible.” [‘Unholy’ insisted.]

“I still do not like it. What has been done today could encourage other factions to break the rules and defy the ‘FOC’.” [I complained.]

“What has been done is done so there is no point grumbling about it now. As to other lesser factions, they know better than to seek to take advantage from our internal Paradox dispute. What is happening here is the well motivated rage of an entire species, this one will be deemed an exceptional occurrence everyone knows how self-restrained we Priests usually are they will let it go and pretend it never happened as a political and military aberration.” [‘UT’ insisted.]

“I hope you are right about that truth.” [I stated.]

“It is all good or at least a lesser evil. Now I suggest you prepare yourself for an imminent meeting, perhaps a meeting judged one day - when it is safe to reveal all - a great historic event. ‘Bluu’ is about to become a noteworthy historic figure see how generous your friend ‘Short’ is to you.” [‘UT’ suggested.]

“How long do you think you can hide ‘Primal’ and his followers?” [I asked.]

“We will keep them safe for as long as it is necessary.” [‘UT’ replied with seemingly limitless confidence.]

“Even after they succeed should they succeed you believe we can keep this contained?” [I asked.]

“That is an issue for some tomorrow not today the future is fluid.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“You understand you are gambling with the future of the children of Harbinger. You risk turning every Paradox Priest ‘Great House’ and ‘Hold’ against the ‘MTC’. Why risk so much for this retrogressive cause?” [I asked.]

“Talk with ‘Primal’ then speak with me again about this one.” [‘UT’ insisted.]

“Is now really a good time for a meeting with this Cult Leader whilst the ‘Sliver’ is swarming with Paradox Marines?” [I asked.]

“The timing could not be better as they will suspect nothing being flushed with victory over the crazy cult and its insane creator.” [‘UT’ replied.]

“So is ‘Insistently Obverse’ another hater of the ‘Exposed’ or is he just following your orders?” [I asked.]

“He is following my orders beyond that what his private feeling happen to be on the matter are his business - he knows no more than he needs to know as in that I thought we needed to step up and participate.” [’Unholy’ replied.]

“Now you really should go and get ready our little blue friend has a long day ahead of him and as much as I favour ‘Primal’ dealing with him up close can prove an ordeal.” [He added.]



[Despite the somewhat outsized and out of scale combat action ‘Light Side’ we suffered no impediment to docking the ‘Serendipity’ on the ‘Dark Side’ of ‘Sliver Alpha Three’. ‘Dark Side’ everything seemed business as usual at least the logistical clockwork side of things I suspected many ‘Pilgrims’ felt a bit privately dazed.]

[I monitored via more borrowed optics as ‘Lexis’ exited the ‘Serendipity’ with his ‘Omerta’ assistants. Zooming in upon him I noticed he appeared suitably flustered and internally preoccupied as he moved down the ramp as if in an agitated trance. I wondered if he had colleagues, acquaintances or structures on the other side that had suffered from the bombardment. I felt guilty as if I had done something wrong. Perhaps If I had spoken up in several ‘Councils of Equals’ as the ‘Holy Father’ I might have altered this somewhat depressing outcome.]

[I felt I should have arisen as a champion of tolerance after all ‘Primal’ was equally entitled to a ‘Vision’ of his own. Then I recalled the often unspoken convention amongst us Priests that all ‘Visions’ are acceptable as long as they do no harm. The problem here was that so many Priests chose to believe that the ‘Vision’ of ‘Primal’ was deeply harmful the prelude to the return of a great social ill.]

[I decided to hurry after ‘Lexis’.]

“Professor, Professor.” [I called out via my quavering voice box.]

[The professor halted as the mechanical legs of my ‘Dry Suit’ thundered down the ramp and then across the deck of the bay.]

“My ‘Swimmer’ friend.” [He replied.]

“Are you going directly ‘Light Side’?” [I asked.]

“I am that is where my business is.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

[I studied the somewhat frail looking ‘Hierophant’.] “Do you think it is safe?” [I asked.]

“I trust it is safe enough for me up there.” [He replied.] “I retain no connection to the ‘Cult of the Exposed’.” [He assured me.] “Though I am a little bit dismayed at such an ominous use of force it is not directed at me or any of my people.”

“If you like we could accompany you as additional bodyguards until you are positive of your security. Even if the invading Marines have no interest in you other folk may take advantage of any resultant chaos up there such as unscrupulous outlaws. Nefarious criminal types are often firm friends of disorder and uncertainty and a military occupation even a temporary one might result in unexpected nastiness.” [I warned.]

“As an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ I am surprised that you are so cognisant of such concerns.” [The ‘Trojan Professor’ replied.]

“I am a historian and recorded history is oft slanted towards the study of conflict.” [I replied.]

“So it is.” [‘Lexis’ agreed.] “You think the situation up there might deteriorate?”

“I think it is not good to take undue chances in unfamiliar situations especially emotionally highly charged situations. There will be people up there that are very upset by all those ‘User’ Marines striding around even if the Marines have no specific interest in them.” [I reminded.]

“Our Material Divide yes I can see how that might inflame the situation especially if there are some opportunistic agitators seeking to take advantage to manipulate some followers.” [‘Lexis’ mused aloud.] “Still, if I am seen to have hired some guns that might be provocative too. People might be mistaken into believing that I have some special need for such extra protection perhaps some questionable secret affiliation to the Cult or some other secret such as treasures worth stealing.”

“I was not suggesting a hire just that we accompany each other for a time rather than split our forces. We too wish to venture ‘Light Side’ as we are sadly opportunists of calamity. Anyway I reasoned we might go forth initially as travelling companions.” [I suggested.]

[The ‘Hierophant Professor’ considered my proposal for a moment then let out a sigh.]

“I suppose if you are going ‘Light Side’ too we might as well Tube Train and so on together.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

“Then if you will wait for just a little while the rest of my team will join us.” [I promised.]

“They are saying in the ‘Links’ that the Paradox Invaders will kill every member of the Cult and prevent their rebirth by any and all means necessary. It appears we ‘Pilgrims’ when roused to great anger are still savages at heart even those many deem amongst the most enlightened of our kind. It seems our souls slip easily into barbarism in pursuit of final solutions to some problems. I feel quite ill at the thought of all that might being dispensed to commit a series of murders in a time of peace.” [‘Lexis’ complained.]

“I agree it is a bad business. I fear the difficulty with people who seek great self-control is that when the brakes are taken off their emotional engines they run amok careening hastily out of control.” [I suggested.]

“Well put I guess it was emotionally out of control ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ that birthed the once highly aggressive and militant ‘Free Stellar Swimmers’ and out of control ‘Free Stellar Swimmers’ that gave rise to the - for a time - even more extreme ‘Stellar Draakhaal’.” [’Lexis’ mused aloud.]

“True enough even us placid ‘Swimmers’ in our tranquil oceans have given birth to unholy rages across the stars on occasion society often breeds its opposite.” [I admitted.]

“I suppose realistically the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ and ‘Primal’ were doomed but it is a great pity from a biologist’s perspective. The Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ according to all fragmentary legends were a biologically fascinating species even before they became formally ‘Shrouded’ from study their xenophobic faiths and insular paranoid ways meant those outside their species understood little about them. The ‘Pan-Nid’ even had ways of protecting the truth of their genome from external study. What genetic riches ‘Primal’ might have exposed to the light. Recently far too much hard won data suffered deliberate destruction and the Cult members that I judge undoubtedly brave souls in challenging such stern conventions - whether right or wrong in their faiths - are now fated for utter eradication from our existence. This is a sad day indeed for science and biology.” [‘Lexis’ said whilst almost looking as if he might weep.]

“It is never a good thing when there is a great difference of opinion within a formerly close house. The old feud between ‘Swimmer Dwellers’ and ‘Free Stellar Swimmers’ is an excellent historic example at times our conflict was horribly brutal. Only those closet to us can be judged the greatest of betrayers and thus be held to the most dire of accounts.” [I postulated.]

“Indeed the fabled ‘Ancient Trojan Harbours’ with all their many cultures but with one biological root fell upon one another in a similar glut of anarchy and murder. Oft we do the very worst to our own kind far worse than any external fiend.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

“Hopefully this dispute amongst the Paradox Priests although nasty enough will also be over in an instant historically speaking rather than prove a festering wound.” [I burbled.]

“Perhaps it will be over for now but it is one thing to eradicate some deemed dissidents it is another thing entirely to eradicate an idea once it is out there.” [‘Lexis’ replied.] “Ah here come your friends.”

[I wondered if I would be wiser to play the devil and have the actually escaped Cult members quietly assassinated. It was a shocking thought given many of my other faiths but I had to consider that aiding ‘The Exposed’ could lead at some point to a ‘Pan-Nid’ civil war the fractionalisation of our Paradox Priest society and so on. The future sometimes can be a threatening stormy unknown. I supposed a great reconciliation with our past was also possible in the future rather than a terrible divide but would we know before it is too late the direction of our shared destiny.]

[I decided I would speak with ‘Primal’ before I decided what I felt I must do just as I promised ‘Unholy’ and ‘Jack’ earlier too. I felt a bit angry at having the power to choose here: Why could it not be someone else with this terrible responsibility? Annoyingly I felt ‘Unholy’ passed a hard choice to me by revealing the truth of his scheme. True I could consider that the decision was none of my business that I had no right to be both judge and jury but when you know you have the power to change fate; even choosing to do nothing is a definite choice rather than just an absence of action. Whatever came next I would know that I could have turned the tiller in a different direction making me responsible and I did not want another burden of guilt.]



[We got the Tube together including changes all the way to the ‘Light Side Surface’. Exiting the ‘Surface Passenger and Freight Station’ into the open streets of a large town or small city ‘Tri-bye’ it was called. ‘Tri-bye’ a mix of almost space station type modular structures and ‘Real Material’ buildings from ultra-modern skyscrapers to simple windowless shacks. It was very hot and humid. ‘Pilgrims’ were everywhere and so where ‘Paradox Marines’ from possibly ‘Soulless’ forces to recognisably ‘MTC Immortals’.]

[In the distance from deep within a very different jungle to ‘AO’ even hotter and more humid and under heavier gravity rose three lazy plumes of smoke evidence of the bombardment. ‘Tri-bye’ seemed uninjured physically but spiritually it was another matter. The residents looked nervous many hurrying about their business with side glances at the occupying forces. This was a ‘Paradox Green House’ used to ‘Users’ even ‘User Marines’ some permanently stationed here but not normally under these rare circumstances.]

[I noticed ‘Local Sliver Police’ and ‘Local Corporate Security’ very much being seen doing business as usual too - no one had put up a fight here - it was simply an odd changing or perhaps reinforcing of the guard. The military strike aimed only at the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ and anyone known to be foolishly assisting them.]

[It was all very calm for now but you could tell that these ‘Pilgrims’ here knew that blood had been spilled not too far away and technically civilian blood by exceptionally well equipped ‘User’ military forces and that made a difference. It was easy to spot local ‘Real Materialists’ they all looked especially unhappy and wary. Perhaps some of them feared being linked to the Cult the commencement of some kind of Paradox Holy Inquisition with friends and neighbours giving evidence one against the other. I could imagine the thoughts going through some of their minds: What if my business rival or old enemy claims I am a supporter of the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ to the ‘Task Force’ how would I protest my innocence would anyone even bother listening to me and so on?]

[The ‘Task Force’ was here to eradicate and destroy the Cult root and branch and to be sure they got everyone they would be more likely to kill possible members and worry about the right or wrongs of the matter afterwards. Once you start killing civilians for any reason what makes slaying a few more any different.]

[I knew of atrocities that happened during the ‘Wars of Liberation’ when hunts had occurred for hidden ‘Free Parliamentarians’ good people with good intent sometimes did some very bad things. When the ‘MTC’ was involved ‘UT’ and I worked hard to prevent such abuses of authority but occasional incidents still happened even with our usually well-disciplined troops.]

[We went with ‘Lexis’ to the address of some friends who owned a small hotel restaurant and bar called ‘Pan-Dora’ a pun made from the name of the ‘Omerta’ proprietor ‘Dora Haney’. ‘Dora’ coming out to greet ‘Lexis’ in person whilst still technically outside as they had an open air dining area supplementing the internal restaurant.]

“New friends Professor?” [She asked quizzically.]

“New friends that shipped me back from the ‘Spine’ and refused to leave me alone lest I encountered difficulties in local transit due to recent events.” [He replied.]

“We judged a larger party less likely to be harassed should there be trouble and we were coming up here anyway.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“You are here for a bounty?” [‘Dora’ asked.]

[We had our licences displayed.]

“No we are just visiting - sightseeing - although if offers became available business is business.” [‘Short’ stated.]

[She looked less happy to see us when ‘Short’ said that truth.]

“I believe all the bounties placed upon known Cult members are considered fulfilled. They have all their targets either slain or in custody awaiting a public execution.” [She stated.]

“A public execution now that is high drama.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“It is an ugly scheme.” [‘Dora’ replied.]

“It is theatre still with so much force deployed here I am unsurprised that they have got all their principle targets.” [‘Short’ replied.] “I assume they had on the ground people here providing advanced intelligence even fire support long before the Warships leapt in.”

“I must agree the Fleet action is more about putting on a grand display than a mission necessity. I would guess all of this could have been done quietly with resident troops since this is a ‘Paradox Green House’.” [I burbled.]

“They wanted and want to make a massive media splash aimed at anyone else considering adopting this new ‘Exposed’ faith. This is not just about killing off ‘Primal’ and his immediate followers it is about terminating the idea forever.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Persecuting the advent of any religious style belief is always a risky plan at best.” [I warned.]

“I never imagined anything akin to this viciousness from Paradox Priests.” [‘Dora’ complained.] “This business has scared away many of my customers and I cannot blame them for leaving early or for cancelling advanced bookings.”

“They will be back when this business is over and hopefully it will be over soon enough.” [‘Lexis’ promised.] “Everyone knows you set a good table here and have soft beds.”

“Thank you for the complement but I fear for the soul of ‘Tri-bye’ this ruthless military action will cause many people here to re-evaluate how they perceive some of their neighbours. It stinks of a suppression of the freedom to choose via the outrageous implementation of force by an institution formally believed to be an advocate of diversity not opposed to it.” [‘Dora’ said.]

“May we?” [‘Jack’ asked indicating the rough wooden bench seats around one table.]

“Of course Captain, but I fear our seating out here is only really suited to accommodate ‘Trojans’ and similar types.” [She confessed looking to ‘Short’ and ‘Bluu’.]

“I am happy enough standing.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I am also content to stand well using my ‘Dry Suit’ that is.” [I burbled.] “I see you have fresh local cave fish on your menu.” [I added excitedly.]

“See you have made a new customer already.” [‘Lexis’ said.]

[We rather untidily made camp around three tables that we were permitted to rearrange.]

[I noticed that not long after we sat down a few other passing people wandered over to take seats and to order food all so far ‘Trojans’. We made a point of ordering food and drinks. I was eager to go and find ‘Primal’ but guessed that playing along steadily with the local flow of things would look far less suspicious to any possible informants. I did not doubt that the ‘Task Force’ was monitoring this community closely along with all other major ‘Light Side’ settlements lest they had somehow missed something significant. Cults can be notoriously slippery often having cellular structures akin to terrorist style operations. I was far from certain that the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ was a normal sort of Cult but the ‘Task Force’ would probably take no chances.]

[I guessed the ‘Task Force’ would stay active until they were convinced they had the threat as they saw it utterly nullified. Hopefully ‘Primal’ perhaps aided by ‘UT’ was ensuring they had enough leads to chase and things to discover that they would be satisfied with their results reasonably quickly without it seeming too easy. The sooner the ‘Task Force’ moved on their way to leave such mixed communities as this one in peace the better I would feel about the debacle.]

[I wondered whose crazy idea it was to stage public executions of the no doubt monstrous looking ‘Exposed’.]



[We chatted amongst ourselves and with the staff about various things, not just the ‘Task Force’ occupation but local food and drink, attractions, notable residents, transport options into the interior and so on. Here ‘Bio-mechanical Mounts’ along with biological riding beasts and beasts of burden provided normal ingress ignoring the ‘Dark Side Tube Trains’. Flying assets and even wheeled vehicles banned although the ‘Task Force’ were blatantly using ‘Drop Ships’ and even flight pack style extrusions for some ‘Mobile Infantry’ units.]

[As we sat on as if true tourists ‘Smart Particulates’ in the upper atmosphere did their polarising style trickery to create the slow fall of a simulated evening. The ‘Smart Particulates’ a new ‘Hierophant’ and Paradox joint invention being tested on a few ‘Green Houses’ including ‘A3’ note the ‘Recycler’ dominated ‘AO’ ‘Light Side’ did not yet have the ‘Particulates’ addition and so existed at the moment in perpetual day. Still I imagined the ‘Recyclers’ would procure the technology soon enough as ‘Recyclers’ were famous for procuring other peoples inventions or ‘Real Material’ adaptations of inventions with or without the original inventor / owners permission.]

“So what was out there where the barrage hit?” [‘Mabel’ asked ‘Dora’.]

“Mostly jungle although there was one big rocky spire a local landmark known as ‘The Finger’ that is now just a mighty heap of rubble at least that is one rumour that judging by the altered horizon is true.” [‘Dora’ said.]

“The ‘Task Force’ is interdicting flybys of ‘Light Side’ and have also cordoned off the areas of the interior that seems to have been the base for the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ so news is mostly coming from people who were in there before the strike and were escorted out.” [‘Dora’ added.]

“No one seeking to get an exclusive has managed to slip inside even with remotes.” [‘Short’ asked.]

“It was broadcast that anyone caught violating the informational security of the ‘Task Force’ would be treated as a Cult sympathiser. So far no one has dared to break the ban as far as I know, given the recent demonstration of force I am not too surprised that even bold investigators are wary.” [‘Dora’ stated.]

“A Cult sympathiser that is clever wording as it threatens with the full force of Paradox Priest ire even against for example ‘News Link Channels’.” [‘Jack’ said.]

“So the Invaders are even suppressing informational freedoms.” [I burbled in complaint.] “This one just keeps getting worse.”

“In a war of ideologies controlling local informational space is prudent. Control the flow of information and you can hope to control public opinion this was something the old ‘Digital Sleepers’ well understood inside their ‘Conglomerate Space’.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“Long deposed ‘Digital Tyrants’ should not be comparable to modern day Paradox Priests.” [I complained.]

“Every ‘Digital Tyrant’ was not deposed ‘Crimson’ is still out there as the ‘Entanglement’.” [‘Short’ reminded.]

“Yet not the menace she used to be since the ‘Exodus’ the ‘Entanglement’ seems largely content to leave the ‘Ultra-nation’ in peace.” [‘Lexis’ suggested.]

“You think so?” [‘Short’ replied.]

“You have proof otherwise?” [‘Lexis’ asked.]

“Proof hardly but we ‘Recyclers’ know ‘Crimson’ of old and she is not a quitter.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“A distant menace I am more concerned about rampaging old friends.” [‘Dora’ stated.] “It is not ‘Entangled Suit Substance’ that fired upon our ‘Sliver’ it is ‘Paradox Suit Substance’.” [She said.]

“It is a Paradox ‘Sliver’.” [‘Ingrid’ reminded.]

“Trust a ‘User’ to speak up in defence of another ‘User’.” [‘Dora’ said.]

“Easy ‘Dora’ that is not who I know you are.” [‘Lexis’ said.]

“You are right ‘Professor’ I apologise ‘Ingrid’ all of this just has me on edge.” [She admitted.] “I consider this ‘Sliver’ my home. I was a construction worker when I first came here I helped to build this place with my hands, as such I feel I have as much entitlement to be here as any Paradox be they an Acolyte a Priest or one of their mighty Elders.” [She informed passionately.]

“It is good that you feel that way about this place.” [I interjected.] “I am sure the Paradox have no desire to force non Paradox out indeed it is fears about the rise of an old ‘Pan-Nid’ style xenophobic Emperor God King that I believe fostered this unfortunate incident. Oddly this intolerant behaviour by the Priests is testimonial of dreadful fears still prevalent about tyrannical ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ rulers. It is the one inflexible truth of old versus the less dictatorial many truths embraced by the Order today.” [I lectured.]

“All that you claim may be true but who is proving the most intolerant now in this place?” [‘Dora’ complained.]

“It is a far more complex issue than it at first seems.” [‘Jack’ stated.] “The ‘Pan-Nid’ were a most unusual species with many could easily argue negative traits that ‘Pan-Nid Pilgrims’ who first created the ‘Shrouded’ Order of Paradox Priests have worked endlessly to counter. To them this action is an inner struggle with the very soul of their species.”

“I just want the aggressions and the aggressors to go away. We had no trouble from the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ here at ‘Tri-bye’ they kept to themselves and I did not consider whatever they did out there any of my business that my friends is tolerance. If that makes me short-sighted that remains how I prefer to be - live and let live I say.” [‘Dora’ admitted.]

“I can imagine how you would feel that way good ‘Trojan’ but Cults grow and whilst they are a small group and far away they are not going to be a problem for anyone but later when they have multiplied are you certain they would remain good neighbours?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“I do not condemn a person pre-emptively before they seek to do me any harm. If we just went around killing people because they might be a problem in the future where would it all end?” [She asked.]

“Where might it end indeed.” [‘Lexis’ agreed.]

[I admired the stance ‘Dora’ was taking, much appreciating the commonsense wisdom of common people who just wanted to live simple good lives. Still I could not dismiss the fears of the Order too easily either. I knew Paradox society too well I knew the darkness they individually fought to contain. I knew deep inside there was even a little of the xenophobic paranoid within my three sometimes warring brains genetics. Sometimes I could almost feel a little madness squirmed to get loose. In our inner battle we armed ourselves with such weapons as our faith in my namesake the many truths. ‘Shrouding’ helped the Paradox to socialise equally and by each Patrician cloning his children we avoided the old tyranny of a single reproduction controlling Emperor lording over the whole nation / species.]

[A return to simpler unassisted flesh might be a great boon for some ‘Pilgrims’ but for the ‘Pan-Nid’ such a process would need carefully handled for ‘Pan-Nid’ flesh might be far from a neutral resource. Legends seemed to hint that the ‘Pan-Nid’ God King had some power over his subjects that was more than just royalist tradition something possibly even stronger than a stranglehold upon reproduction. The Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ were secretive and now even their direct descendents amongst the ‘Pilgrims’ only retain fragmented truths about their furthest history happy to leave many old ways far, far behind them.]

[As ‘Jack’ suggested the issue is not simple. I recalled that ‘Short’ said thrice over that ‘Primal’ is dangerously paranoid a great caution by itself.]

“I heard that the Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ were giant wormy three eyed creatures with slender incredibly powerful crushing limbs and a weird penchant for ridiculously over the top hats and outrageously bizarre clothing being both xenophobic but obsessed with displays of status amongst their own kind not to mention inordinately rude to any other species that sounds a lovely combination.” [’Mabel’ stated critically.]

“That is certainly the mythical ‘Pan-Nid’ out of the story books I recall as a child surely the real thing could not have been anywhere near so colourful.” [‘Ingrid’ stated.]

[I decided to add nothing to that statement. Could a known love of ridiculous hats be a genetic trait long since removed? Could a love of ridiculous hats ever be a genetic trait? Of all my mental foibles I could not recall ever wanting to put a huge hat on any of my Avatars made of a mixture of fur with perhaps some tassels and a majaglit badge or two. Although now that I was thinking about it, it could be kind of interesting as a means of differentiating otherwise functionally bland Avatars no, no it is madness.]



[We heard the beat first BOOM - boom, boom… BOOM - boom, boom and so on then to my even greater surprise screams of glee and peels of laughter. BOOM - boom, boom ROAR. A small crowd spilled down the street including to my amazement unaccompanied children frolicking around then under the street lighting a huge figure loomed easily five metres tall. It had three lamps for eyes that shone around to pierce the gloom, a thin body with a noticeably wormy hide, great reaching mechanical arms and well…]

“I AM ‘PRIMAL’.” [Roared the giant puppet like creation.] “With my eyes I see you.” [It claimed. The head swivelling around to glare at various people dramatically.] “With my limbs I will grasp you.” [The mechanical limbs made rather comically ineffective grasping motions to amused screams and shouts.] “With my member I will impregnate you.” [At which point to my shock a giant member was thrust forth.] “With my seed I will make a new ‘Pan-Nid’ Empire fed by your puny flesh.” [Bellowed the mockery.]

[BOOM - boom, boom…]



“That is scandalous this time the ‘Mummers’ here have gone too far.” [‘Dora’ complained.] “Poor ‘Primal’ who despite his differences is still a ‘Pilgrim’ no less than any of the rest of us and one soon to be executed in public and now they turn what little is left of his good name and dignity into that monstrosity of a parody.”

“Our local ‘Omerta’ satirists are rarely kind in their depictions of the famous and infamous.” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

“No doubt that is true especially when they are on a big commission.” [I stated.]

“You think the ‘Task Force’ are paying for this show.” [‘Kanne’ asked.]

“I think that propaganda is not always subtle and there is a sinister and clever message here that might even be potentially true though I think it unlikely.” [I replied.]

“Cross-species parasitic reproduction yes that could be the xenophobic secret of the Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ Empire it would make sense of both the known and unknown facts in a most horrible and evil way.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“They are planting the seeds of terror and hate in the minds of their audience.” [I said angrily.]

“Did you know about this.” [I sent to ‘Short’.]

“No I did not.” [‘Short’ sent back instantly in reply.]

“Thus the unwary too bold player is played.” [I sent back in reply.]

“That is an ugly piece of work in every way possible.” [‘Jack’ stated aloud.]

“You know it really could be the truth.” [‘Kanne’ mused.]

“The ‘Splinter’ is right the concept matches the missing pieces of the puzzle perfectly.” [‘Mabel’ said.]

“I do not believe it, such a secret would have leaked out.” [‘Ingrid’ said.]

“Really you are positive such a truth would have leaked out even from a paranoid xenophobic closed to all outsiders Empire.” [‘Mabel’ retorted.]

“It could be true and that is why it will be horribly effective as a weapon against any future Paradox Priest tempted to be ‘Exposed’.” [I said.]

“Even if they once had a parasitic reproductive process controlled by their Emperor they might never have impregnated other sentient species in fact I think it is inconceivable that they ever did or tried to do so.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“You forget how renowned the Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ happened to be for talking down to and disparaging other peoples. Would such a bombastic species differentiate between any lesser creature or would they deem us simply all inferior worthy perhaps of only one useful purpose as walking incubators for their wriggly offspring.” [‘Mabel’ argued wriggling her fingers suggestively.]

“That is akin to saying that because every male ‘Trojan’ retains the biological capability to rape that we are all by definition rampant rapists. For all we know the idea of reproducing with any but some particular native ‘Pan-Nid’ un-sentient creature was an repugnant abomination to them. Yet they might well have feared just this sort of misunderstandings about what might seem a gross reproductive practice to many other species. Perhaps they even suffered from misunderstandings in the past and that is why they became so paranoid and inward looking only interacting with other species in formalised and distance maintaining ways. There is no evidence that the ‘Pan-Nid’ ever forcibly mated with other sentient beings. I believe if they did practice such abominable sins knowledge about their methods would indeed have escaped their space to plague all interspecies relations.” [‘Lexis’ postulated.]

“I am not so sure about that.” [‘Mabel’ insisted stubbornly.]

“Why because it is much more fun to believe in a horror story than a less thrilling truth?” [‘Lexis’ asked.]

“It just makes sense to me in relation to why they are so secretive and paranoid even why they all later took to more acceptable cloning as a reproductive method.” [‘Mabel’ insisted.]

“I fear what we have here at best is a very clever half truth.” [I burbled out.] “I am positive if it happened to be the full truth no ‘Shrouded Priest’ would want such information to be disseminated to any other species never mind encourage it.”

“I would agree I doubt any ‘Pan-Nid’ even had such a member note it was very much a grossly out of scale ‘Trojan’ organ tacked on in an incongruous manner it is all trickery and subterfuge a clever plot to turn all ‘Pilgrims’ against the ‘Exposed’.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“If you are going to commit an atrocity it is always best done against monsters.” [I burbled out sadly I had sort of been there and done that with my former Captain against such foes as the ‘Stellar Draakhaal’. Demonising an opponent is almost standard when one wages even a Cold War.]

“I agree this is an attempt to murder any sympathy with the cause of these dissident Priests. It is an attempt to corrupt the reason of our minds but it might backfire in some instances. I for example find this sort of overly manipulative nonsense an insult to my intelligence and deeply offensive.” [‘Dora’ stated.]

“I take it as much amusing I mean it was so very big.” [‘Kanne’ stated.]

“This is turning out to be a very strange day.” [‘Dora’ replied shaking her head.] “I can scarce believe I am having a debate with you all about ‘Pan-Nid’ reproductive practices.”

“Indeed it is hardly post repast repartee although in Biology Professor circles...” [‘Lexis’ stated trailing off.]

“Still you do not come here for more work, do you Professor?” [‘Dora’ asked.]

“I generally do not.” [‘Lexis’ admitted.]

“It is just the one night this time you will be leaving in the morning.” [‘Dora’ guessed aloud.]

“I will indeed depart at first light arrangements have been made I will move on into the interior with a scheduled supply baggage train.” [‘Lexis’ informed.]

“You mean by ‘Fast Transit Tube’ I thought this was your last ‘Tube’ stop.” [I said.]

“Not that sort of train a pack animal train.” [‘Lexis’ informed.]

“Sounds an experience might we tag along could that be arranged so late in the day?” [‘Short’ asked.]

“If you are willing to work with ‘Bio-mechanical’ mounts rather than real animals such short notice would not be a problem. You wish to view the interior wilds before you move on?” [‘Lexis’ asked.]

“I like to familiarise myself with local conditions as you never know when such knowledge may become a valuable edge and it is always a little different in real life compared to even the best of virtual reality simulations. For us a hike into the interior is training.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“I trust you are not thinking of breaking the ban by veering off towards the excluded zone as that could get me into terrible trouble with the ‘Task Force’ too.” [‘Lexis’ warned.]

“I promise we have no intention or desire to incite such a powerful ‘User’ faction there would be no profit in that whatsoever and possibly great loss.” [‘Short’ replied in a very ‘Recycler’ manner.]

“You will need to bring your own supplies I am afraid. If necessary I imagine ‘Dora’ could see to that need for you.” [’Lexis’ further informed.]

“I would be delighted for the extra custom we have arrangement with local merchants so that anything we do not have in stock within our own stores can be hastily delivered here.” [‘Dora’ explained.] “We often cater to parties trekking out into the wilds from the home base of ‘Tri-bye’ it is no accident that our settlement has the - bye - in its name we deal with a great deal of through custom existing for just that purpose as a last ‘Tube Stop’.”

“I suspected as much.” [I admitted.]

“You may have noticed that the ‘Swimmer’ who is our own little ‘Professor’ does most of our talking for us as he likes to burble away often to himself and incessantly.” [‘Short’ stated.]

“A willingness to talk - with words - is the foundation of civil-civilisation.” [I burbled back.]

“Whatever you say ‘SIX Three’, can you accommodate us with rooms for the night too we do not mind sharing ‘Dora’.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“That depends on who one is taken to sharing with.” [‘Kanne’ corrected.]

“The Captain, ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’ will certainly be happy in one room.” [‘Short’ replied.] “I suppose I could put up with the ‘Swimmer’ if I must.”

“Whilst I will take a single if you have one.” [‘Kanne’ stated.]

“Three rooms then one large, one medium and one small unless you want more space than that ‘Kanne’? You are named after the ‘Holy Consort’?” [‘Dora’ asked.]

“Small will do perfectly. Everybody asks me that.” [‘Kanne’ replied irritably without providing an answer.]

[‘Dora’ sagely let it go.]

[In truth, we sat up most of the night but having rooms gave us permission to loiter at the hotel and to use after hours services. I think having our at times gregarious party sitting out front did wonders for the business helping to settle some peoples nerves. I also think that the odd parade with the giant ‘Primal’ puppet that circled around several times also broke some local tensions making a mockery of the mini-crisis. Laughter being good medicine even when it is abused.]

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 7 --- ACOLYTE POWER / THE WORM / ECOLOGY / 5000 ---

[Even when the giant ‘Primal’ puppet was not marching around the image of it was stuck in my mind like some ancient cancerous tumour: The lamp eyes, the wormy skin, the grotesque member and the very few but so perfectly chosen words designed to worm their way into the subconscious and incite.]

[Someone on the ‘Task Force’ was either no fool or a great fool. I wondered if debate and committee was running ‘Task Force’ policy but I suspected that one Acolyte Captain, Priest or Elder was probably dominating the debate up there and thus taking charge via the tacit consent of his peers that was usual with the Order in crisis type situations. Individual Paradox stepping up and taking responsibility was for example exactly how Harbinger became such a big personage at the onset of the ‘Core Alliance’. It was the same with me too when I stood out as a Priest to eventually become the ‘Holy Father of the Universal Councils of Equals’ during the ‘Wars of Liberation’.]

[Mostly the Order only tolerated sometime leaders due to the fear of Imperial style tyranny and anyone leading usually had to be constantly aware that they must not seem too much in charge at least outside of their own family with its once servile Acolytes. At most you could be for a time a first among equals. Today actually even Acolytes are obsessed with the potential tyranny of their ‘Patricians’ and therefore less servile than ever before. The ‘Acolyte Synod’ finally made a belated difference only after the fall of the ‘Free Parliament’. The ‘Free Parliament’ guilty of seeking to persecute the rival political and military power of our family corporate unity thus causing some Acolytes in a reactionary way to forgo reforms temporarily to back their parents it being a question of us Paradox against meddlesome external tyrants. Now many Acolytes especially Acolyte Ship Captains sought to finagle their own measure of power amongst equals.]



[Now that I studied some past debates on the ‘Exposed Issue’ in greater earnest with the help of some additional ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ support strong Acolyte opinions against the ‘Cult of the Exposed’ appeared to have been the true deciding factor pushing many ‘Patricians’ into the harshest possible stance and thus a grand show of military force.]

[For the first time in a long time - perhaps for the first time ever - we had suffered from a sort of mob rule wiser Priests and Elders had not steered Acolytes into this resolve it was roused Acolyte opinion that had moved a majority of their parents. Priests and Elders had the experience to be more forgiving and amenable to compromise but empowered angry Acolytes full of vim and righteous indignation at the merest possibility of a New ‘Pan-Nid’ Emperor - A NEW ALL CONTROLLING FATHER FIGURE - had forced a stern consensus upon even wiser equals. I judged recent events a new dynamic within our - unholy - heretical Order and in many ways a troubling one.]

[Freedom versus control, lawful civilisation versus anarchic barbarism none of these issues as simple as they seem it is all a very delicate balance of forces easily upset. We employ our debates in our ‘Councils of Equals’ in an attempt to balance policy but sometimes even debate fails when an issue overheats.]

[As responsible Elders and Priests, I wondered how we might hope to douse the fires of unbalanced inappropriate Acolyte youthful rage in the future. I suspected keeping our Order from doing anything ill advised had just become a much more difficult task as simply striving to say directly no to our multitudes of cloned children was hardly an adequate answer anymore. I guessed some ‘Patricians’ would have to learn to be far more internally politically savvy too many still coming to terms with not having only old style properly servile Acolytes all committed to their father’s singular ‘Vision’ until they split to become opinionated adults. Bigger families brought big changes.]



[Thanks in part to an intervention by the ‘Founder Cabal’ the response of the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ to the ‘Task Force’ was not another Fleet to chase the ‘Task Force’ away something that could have escalated horribly, instead a stern public condemnation and the issuing of some mega-sized fines for contravention of ‘Prime Law’ agreements were issued. The fines issued to each Ship Captain involved suitably astronomic. The fine given to Captain ‘Insistently Obverse’ paid for by the ‘MTC’ since he was technically there under direction from ‘Unholy’ rather than following his own dictate.]

[It was a big enough fine to be painful even for us but nothing we could not recoup via milking massed Acolyte favour for our participation in the endeavour. I understood the reasons ‘Unholy’ gave me for his cunning plan but I still hated the ‘Many Truths Corporation’ branded as complicit in the murder of a belief system even if it was a sham murder that might permit the ‘Vision’ of ‘Primal’ to endure covertly.]

[It was obvious that many factions were disappointed at the prompt leniency of the ‘FOC’ judgement involved as protests mounted but because it was a Paradox action on a Paradox dominated ‘Sliver’ it did not cause a call to arms by any sensible ‘Real Materialist’ superpower although the more mad and bad radicals threatened the ‘Task Force’ and their backers with all kinds of dire retributive consequences.]

[I judged most of the radicals speeches mere political rhetoric and empty bluster we had all heard such proclamations from these players before on historic files over one long gone issue of contention or another that saw no such punitive action ever undertaken as in truth they knew better as both the ‘MTC’ and the Order are no soft target. If the ‘Task Force’ had violated a ‘Real Material’ stronghold dominated by ‘Recyclers’ or ‘Trojans’ or ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ it would have been a different matter altogether but a deemed in-house action always gained some extra political leeway with the great powers.]

[If any of the other species sought to interfere too much in our internal affairs we would have every right to boldly reciprocate when they had a need to enforce the rule of their laws. In truth we all meddled across borders a bit and no ‘Sliver’ was without some mixed occupation in an attempt to prevent fracturing of ‘The Project’ but we all gave each other a little space to practice our cultural differences especially on tailored ‘Green Houses’. Borders of influence could get a bit messy with some ‘Slivers’ but we muddled through when beliefs and operations clashed via one compromise or another as overall cooperation between ‘Pilgrim Kind’ remained in every major factions best interest. It was mostly the smaller less sensible groups that did outrageously provocative things and such mini-crisis caused by extremist minority groups were dealt with by local law enforcement or when the situation was locally problematic by Bounty Hunters and so on.]

[Normally in the ‘Ultra-nation’ the Paradox were outwardly happily amongst the most
conservative of ‘Pilgrim’ factions each Priest ideally content to pursue his own non harming ‘Vision’ with more and more efforts aimed at keeping our Acolytes happily preoccupied and thus out of trouble with other ‘Pilgrims’ especially some provocative ‘Real Materialists’.]


[The ‘Links’ quickly fixated upon the spotlighted concept that the Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ had a cross-species - parasitic - element to their reproductive process probably embodied in the sole form of the Emperor in some bizarre manner. The Puppet we saw was far from the only one unleashed across the ‘Ultra-nation’ or the only way the message was disseminated. Many pundits instantly arguing for, others against, the parasitic reproduction concept some claiming it was a ridiculous fantasy invented as propaganda to excuse Order sanctioned murders others convinced it was an absolute truth revealed by the scions - genetically speaking - of long gone ‘Pan-Nid’ Emperors finally revealing a hidden evil of their ancestors.]

[Some ‘Professors’ went so far as to theorise various ways such a system of reproduction might have functioned under the few known conditions of the ‘Pan-Nid’ Empire. For example, one of the more sensible theories suggested that the Emperor was super fertile and that each parasitic mating with some lowly animal kept for such purposes might produce vast numbers of tiny maggot like offspring that consumed the body of the host these larvae upon reaching a certain maturity then transported to proxy parents for further raising in more traditional ways. It was all exceptionally wild conjecture as no one had any proof but as the scientists argued about the merits of the details of various speculative theories it made the overall idea seem more and more plausible even lending credit to some of the more horrible suggestions. The concept floated that the ‘Pan-Nid Empire’ - within its once closed space - had wiped out all rival sentient beings on colonised planets due to having such an aggressively effective reproductive strategy.]

[I was left appalled at the invective of some comments some ‘Pilgrims’ posted about the dangers a super fertile ‘Pan-Nid’ Emperor would pose to all other sapient life on a Ring World shared by every nations populace without any easily enforceable borders of separation. Many claiming that the sooner the ‘Exposed’ were eliminated the better and that ‘Primal’ was nothing less than a vector for the unleashing of a terrible disease thought long extinct worse yet a willing vector making his existence tantamount to a biological attack. In short ‘Primal’ is a self-actuating weapon of mass destruction.]

[I noticed the assumption that ‘Primal’ had the I guessed singular capabilities of a ‘Pan-Nid Emperor’ rather than just lesser more ordinary ‘Pan-Nid’ non reproductive abilities floated simply because that was how the Puppet and ‘Anti-Exposed’ propaganda portrayed him. The method that turned any more average Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ into a reproductive Emperor God King another unknown factor.]



[Sometime before first light far more ordinary less frightening logistics had ‘Short Six’ roused from our rooms and packing our supplies onboard our ‘Suit Substance Riding Beasts’. The ‘Soulless Creatures’ taking forms that suited their respective riders gait and so on. I struck an especially bizarre figure as an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ inside a flooded bowl with mechanical legs and manipulator limbs standing atop a big ‘Land Crab’ like beast, ‘Short’ was astride a monstrous lizard analogue whilst ‘Kanne’ and the ‘Trojans’ all had, far less extreme looking, equine style mounts. When we caught up to the rear of the main baggage train we noted that it was a mixture of real animals and more ‘Bio-mechanical’ weirdness including some large ‘Bio-mechanical’ two legged flightless bird analogues that I later discovered could race along the ground even in this gravity at insane speeds with their riders to act as light scout vehicles. I feared for the bird riders should their mounts trip and fall but I guessed they were also remarkably sure footed due to being ‘Bio-mechanical’ creations not real creatures.]

[‘Lexis’ was mounted upon a proper horse if a big powerful animal capable of working in the heavy gravity. I noticed all the animals paid little heed to the strange ‘Bio-mechanical’ constructs I guessed trained to work alongside such oddities. Standing on top of its shell, my long-limbed ‘Land Crab’ facilitated an excellent view. I was gratified to discover that it could convey me both swiftly and with hardly any swaying or pitching I guessed because once again it was not a real animal and had such boons as internal gyrostabilisers. Getting on and off was easy too as it could fold its legs up to lie almost flat to the ground relatively speaking. I instantly surmised that it would make an excellent shooting platform more so than many of the other creatures real or otherwise.]

[Before we left the confines of ‘Tri-bye’ proper we reached a checkpoint and suffered a Paradox Marine inspection that slowed down our departure significantly and made some of us a bit irritable. I made a point of being ‘Swimmer’ polite especially when I noticed that people who were awkward with the troops were soon suffering such indignities as having all their possessions strip searched rather than surface scanned. It felt peculiar to be under the almost hostile gaze of Paradox military assets that might shoot first and ask questions afterwards.]

[Life here was slower than some places mostly people did not rush except for the children who in their fervour for frolics defied convention. Moving around took effort of course many of the locals hid permanent adaptations to assist with the heavy gravity. Every member of ‘Short Six’ gained some assistance from supporting systems in their armour that usually made said protective wear no burden but these mechanical exoskeleton type aids could compensate for changes in gravity too. Even Captain ‘Jack’ wore armour here rather than just clothes. However even the air was thick so the imposition of at least temporary invasive nanotech was almost mandatory unless you were biologically adapted.]

[I guessed ‘Lexis’ had serious nanotech support making his seemingly frail looks a fiction as he seemed just the same under the heavy gravity here as he did under our more standard artificial gravity on the ‘Serendipity’ and even onboard ‘Brennan Spine’. ‘Lexis’ wore no obvious external exoskeleton or armour but I guessed his bones and organs were all subtly reinforced. I remembered belatedly that ‘Trojan Professors’ are no ordinary ‘Trojans’ they just hid their differences internally. I wondered what internal alterations allowed ‘Dora’ to live and work here in a normal way as she had not seemed too stressed by the gravity but then she had mostly moved around at a stately measured pace, as did many other residents except at great need.]

[Despite some purposely over-thorough searches, I was gratified to see that the Marines detained no one and administered no physical violence although at one moment I had feared they might to one angry ‘Omerta’. Once the sometimes ravaged packs were back in reasonable order, we commenced getting underway. I noticed a small group of children gathered to watch us depart some waving us goodbye a gesture I returned using one of my mechanical manipulator arms.]

[Life was quickly returning to normal it seemed despite the ‘Task Force’ presence or maybe a majority of people now sympathised with the cause.]



[For a moment, I deliberately put political issues aside to feel quite content as a would be explorer then in the distance I heard a familiar triple drumbeat, in my mind I saw that crude rude effigy of ‘Primal’ again, and my eyestalk smile shifted into a frown.]



[We rode down a sort of lane between fields of red and green ground hugging crops that I did not recognise. Then we passed through an orchard with stumpy trees with thick short branches then through more cropland skirting rather than entering a dense looking jungle that lay beyond following a seemingly arcing trail. The sky was amazingly blue ‘Founder’s Star’ very bright sat where it always sat as if the ‘Sliver’ existed at constant noon frozen in time due to how it orbited. I could hear animal sounds the clump of hooves and so on. It all seemed very pleasant my ‘Suit’ via tiny imbedded devices in its composite and metal skin sensed a hot humid breeze and converted it to raw data that transferred to my neural net then my brain allowing me to feel the breeze as if my skin was bared to it. I had full sensor share activated. I could even feel the hot kiss of the noon starlight although the actual water temperature I lived in was strictly controlled. The illusion of the heat felt oddly pleasant perhaps because I knew it was an illusion and my skin was not drying out.]

[I had a ‘Sub Core’ keeping a close watch upon my ‘Dry Suit’ heat exchangers and also my new modified water scrubbers and filtration system so that I did not have to worry about such mundane matters.]

[I wanted to feel the outer environment not monitor my ‘Dry Suit’. My surroundings strange enough to be enchanting and yet familiar enough to parts of my three brains genetic memory, (as my three ‘Living Hull’ brains were created from altered ‘Pan-Nid’ / Paradox DNA), that it also felt paradoxically a bit akin to coming home. Of course, this place was a truly strange environment to my borrowed ‘Swimmer Meat Suit’ body making for a lot of conflicting input but I was used to being in several minds about most things that being part of my charm as the ‘Many Truths’.]

[Anyway, I felt enthralled to be here elated and elevated upon my walking crab platform. It was amazing what ‘Suit Substance’ can do the incredible strength in the ‘Bio-mechanical’ legs that powered my bizarre transport with such grace despite the pull of the excessive gravity here. I was soon enjoying myself so much that I almost forgot that soon I might have to decide a lesser evil of whether to assist ‘Primal’ and become complicit in his possibly dangerous Cult or to have the paradoxically hidden ‘Exposed’ quietly eliminated despite any strange affinity ‘Unholy’ had developed with the ‘Naked Priest’ and his followers. I imagined my friend’s sympathy all about the loss of his biology to ‘Suit Substance’ due to the ongoing process of his ‘Ascension’ to pure ‘Bio-mechanics’ and his own inner identity struggle? Was his faiths with this issue reliable?]

[I tried to imagine what it would be like to be ‘Unholy Terror’ and failed somewhat because I felt so many other feelings intrude into that muse. In this situation even my thoughts and feelings seemed a terrible tangle of disparate even conflicting influences and warring loyalties. I had so many interests in so many different things. I was responsible for the children of Harbinger, for the ‘Many Truths Corporation’, for the Paradox Order, for ‘Pilgrim Kind’, for my ‘Living Hull’ kindred, for ‘Short Six’, for the ‘Consortium’ even for the slow reform of the piratical ‘Free Miner Fraternities’, I felt responsible for all my many shaped and sized friends from the problematic ‘Unholy’ to poor ‘Tor’ still I believed languishing in a ‘Temporal Detection Centre’, I even felt an odd twisted sense of responsibility towards some of my seeming enemies such as the eventual fate of the ‘Entanglement’ and the destiny of the ‘Star Diver Deep Clerics’ and now I felt almost singly responsible for the fate of ‘Primal’ and the ‘Exposed’. Harbinger had infected me with responsibilities as if responsibility was a mutating contagion. Harbinger had placed the weight of this Universe upon his shoulders at least our ‘Pilgrim’ known Universe and when he departed from us in spirit somehow much of that weight shifted onto me.]

[I could just let it all go let all the pieces drop away stop pretending to have any control over how they tumbled into an unknowable future. I could just be a little ‘Swimmer’ named ‘Bluu’ but ‘Unholy’ had fooled me with his talk about vacations he was actually a triple cursed workaholic behind all his endless seeming play he just had a way of making his endless work especially joyful. I was positive ‘Unholy’ even enjoyed occasionally being enraged and I feared that sometimes now that I considered it deeply so did I.]

[I realised my friend could not stop meddling anymore than I could we just altered our positions on an endless battlefield taking up control of different units at different times. Picking up and discarding faiths, shifting perspectives and alliances, aiding one side then the other according to our almost whimsical ‘Vision’ of the moment. I realised I was part of an eternal struggle - that for me akin to ‘Jack’ life is an eternal struggle - and that a limitless war with fate was what I had become accustomed to. I was now ill suited to too much peace. Tranquil times made me nervous made me convinced something bad had to be going on in the background sinister threats forever breeding in the dark. The ‘Entanglement’ behaves reasonably so I start to sweat a river. Increasingly I moaned and complained like so many other people about the daily chores of their occupation but I would be lost without my multitude of improbable tasks. I had a love hate relationship with a confounding existence even in fact with my own tri-mind.]



[I strove again to let it go - a little - to taste the breeze once more whilst aloft upon my mobile crabby platform. Below me the baggage train stretched forth like a big wriggly worm. For a while I became the tail of the worm letting the head drag me along in its wake insensate to higher thoughts.]

[Perhaps I am always the tail, it looked like I made big decisions even changed things but if not me then someone else would have done these things in good or bad time. For example someone else would have seen the peril and helped guide us out from the threat of a fiery ‘Star Diver’ imposed doom or conversely some or a great many of us ‘Pilgrims’ would have perished but the Universe would not cease because of that fact. Possibly, in the end none of it made any great difference to our wider reality it just made a difference to tiny individuals such as myself. Still, I realised I could not save anyone not really as there is no such thing as a final destination called - SAFETY - out there. Life an endless journey not a destination even having ‘Rebirth Insurance’ does not guarantee you will survive the next unknown calamity.]

[We are not in control for example at any time the ‘Machine Fury’ could return and just roll over our civilisation - our mighty from our perspective ‘Ultra-nation’ - crushing us utterly without even barely registering our insignificant presence due to our vast difference of scale. Control was an illusion for so many reasons for example each of us can only work with the tools our Universe provides we cannot make anything out of nothing. We are not supernatural gods even though we can molecular engineer we still need molecules to work with it is still just the alteration of available substance.]

[I knew all these things and yet I still utterly irrationally continued to feel my many heavy burdens of responsibility. Perhaps the sentient mind is inherently irrational fighting an inner war against the biggest truths of all because they are somewhat nihilist and uncomfortable to our perspective in review. Perhaps all my many truths were comfort making lies that simply allowed me to function without going more noticeably insane. Stare out into the void too much and the void truly stares back at you and that is not an easy gaze to withstand even for a mighty ‘Living Hull’ born to roam outer space.]

[We are all the tail of the worm that was certainly one perspective. The other being that we are all part of the body of the worm and thus both part of the problem and part of the solution but only in respect to the triple cursed body of the worm. Do such ideas make you squirm or just amuse? I chose belatedly to be amused maybe my final mood a product of the day star shining upon me.]

[I felt an illusion of a breeze and it felt good, I glimpsed at the bright, bright day star and it was a benevolent heat lamp powering all the nature that surrounding me it was not an angry devouring fire about to burn us all to near extinction and that seemed good enough for now too. I mediated for a while upon being a tail it seemed appropriate even illuminating rather than a scary loss of control.]

[I could only work with what my Universe provided. ‘Primal’ would be as responsible for my final decision as much as I am for he is part of the worm too, in truth everyone was as responsible for my decisions as I am as they were also part of the worm. I was not alone I was not isolated - I am not solely responsible for anything - it just sometimes appeared that way for I am just a part of the worm subject to every push and pull.]

[I stood aloft upon my crabby platform as part of the worm and judged it was good.]



[We travelled for many hours until the light began to fade snacking in the metaphorical or physical saddle depending on our transport type. Before it got dark, we stopped and made camp and shared a more substantial meal each of us contributing some supplies. Taking our route, we had spied only the occasional person or group of people in the distance. Some ‘Mobile Infantry’ occasionally flitted past overhead their ‘Suit Pack’ flight systems fighting the pull of the heavy gravity tended to be unusually loud and noticeable. We also heard and spotted the odd ‘Drop Ship’ going equally noisily about some inscrutable ‘Task Force’ related business but no Marines further interfered with us. I guessed our presence and purpose now logged communicated swiftly down the line to other deployed units in the areas we traversed.]

[We camped atop the edge of an impressively deep canyon which had a tiny silvery thread like stream winding far below like a glittery bit of spider silk. I marvelled at the depth of rock the canyon exposed at the scale and artistry of the act of environmental creation here. We ‘Pilgrims’ are not gods but to a more primitive people we certainly would seem godlike to have made such ridiculously amazing things in only a few thousand years. I guessed there were cave entrances all over the place down there this ‘Sliver’ was riddled with deep caves and caverns.]

[Plants clung to the sides of the canyon walls with the fragile tenacity of all living things hiding many details in a shroud of green and deep almost purple red. Many plants ‘Light Side’ here had partial or completely purple red leaves and stems. On the far side of the canyon on the opposite wall we could see some shadowy inlets probably cave mouths and even some parts of emerging waterfalls in gaps between the domineering foliage. On our side of the canyon wall it was not so easy to get an angle to make out as much detail but mists rose up in places suggesting hidden watercourses emerging out of clefts near us to rain down below.]

[I was transfixed with awe at the spectacle and beauty all around me just as I had been on the ‘Sacred Planets’ guarded by the ‘Star Divers’. We were bringing it all back into existence all that had been lost to us in one incredible outsized endeavour.]

[I was informed that at times the canyon often filled up with steamy vapour condensing in places into thick regional cloud as a sort of micro-climate that occasionally entirely obscured the view although it often coalesced then burned away. The ‘Particulates’ in the upper atmosphere that were powered by star-shine altered the amount of light that reached the surface and thus the overall surface temperature by some degrees but it always remained relatively pretty hot here as suited a ‘Paradox Green House’ due to clever overall climatic engineering.]

[I also knew the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ had riddled the place with thermal vents further complicating the balancing of environmental sculpting issues. It was a huge system of checks and balances even the refractive index of plant life how much energy was taken in and how much radiated away due to the red or green colouration of leaves playing a role. I doubted this ‘Sliver’ was a precise copy of an ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ planetary surface it was more an artistic impression by an especially creative artist because much was unknown and other things had to be rediscovered via trial and error experimentation as if we had just discovered new pigments with which to paint.]

[That was to be our pattern of travel for five days helping to impart something of the massive scale of the wild interior of the ‘Sliver Light Side’ surface.]

[At evening camps our new friend ‘Lexis’ regaled us over dinner with sometimes crazy tales about his teams efforts and the efforts of others he knew of to create, study, increase and stabilise the ecology of this and other ‘Slivers’. His were amazing stories sometimes involving surprising heroism. Often his narratives spoke about the way tiny seemingly insignificant things frequently made massive cumulative differences and threatened parts of ‘The Project’ with one disaster after another. He often spoke of ‘The Project’ as a sort of endless problem solving campaign almost a scientific war against unforeseen aberrant consequences.]

[The war waged by the scientists with natural forces reminded me of the war I waged with ideas, economics and sometimes even direct military actions within our society for the proliferation of lesser evils it made a fascinating comparison.]

[Our venturing upon ‘AO’ seemed nothing compared to this to me far more epic mounted trip by the time we finally arrived at the mission site known as ‘Eight Fumaroles’ where the team ‘Lexis’ was currently working with studied of all things some alarmingly mutating hot vent bacteria.]

[‘Eight Fumaroles’ unsurprisingly named after eight especially large fumaroles down which the scientists occasionally plunged in protective suits clutching their precious but sturdy hand held instruments to study seemingly emergent not just deliberately planted life forms.]

[As I said these people could be surprisingly heroic preferring to get up close to their work rather than study matters via remotes. Perhaps it made for better viewing on ‘Science Link Channels’ too since they were all chasing: funds, grants and scholarly acclaim. ‘Lexis’ happily showed us around after we had all been sworn to secrecy lest we inadvertently publicised some discovery or other before they could finish writing up their thesis and so on.]

[I think because we were mostly deemed non-academics some of the ‘Professors’ actually opened up more to us than they might with say other Biologists. I suspect as a supposed Historian some of them did not see me as a serious scientist more as a ‘Core’ file worm. Worms were much on my mind some of the microscopic bacteria enlarged on screens for study looked wormy too.]

[My former sense of urgency depleted a little as I considered when it might be best to slip away. ‘Short’ suggested that we explore the local surroundings around the ‘Eight Fumaroles’ first maybe it was the heavy gravity that made me give in to her suggestion. I felt a bit lazy even as a ‘Swimmer’ somewhat adapted to sounding depths I felt a little extra heavy in my waters. ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’ complained more than once that they had not had a good out of ‘Suit’ nights sleep since they arrived on ‘A3’. ‘Jack’ seemed to be coping better with the conditions than his female partners. ‘Short’ took it all in her stride hardly slowing down at all thanks to her cybernetic enhancement. I felt ‘Kanne’ was a bit uncomfortable but she refused to acknowledge this fact as if would be embarrassing to her warrior ancestors.]

[I wondered if it was formerly being around so many Acolyte Marines that made ‘Kanne’ want to act as if a ‘Splinter Warrior’ rather than a ‘Splinter Weaver’. I occasionally caught a glimpse of annoyance when she looked at me as ‘Bluu’ possibly because we were physically incompatible and there was no privacy here for me to take on some ‘Suit Substance’ to keep her happy, ‘Kanne’ a very physical individual. Sometimes I noticed her studying ‘Jack’ in a appraisal sort of way that made my little ‘Swimmer’ heart flutter with nervousness.]

[‘Jack’ now seemed to be striving to avoid being too close to ‘Kanne’ possibly fearing complications. I wondered how ‘Mabel’ and ‘Ingrid’ would respond if ‘Kanne’ and ‘Jack’ went wild together I wondered how I would respond. To take my mind off ‘Kanne’ I was happy to explore. Each time out my venturing went further and further and I made a point of often venturing out alone. I was thinking such ventures might also assist me in covering my eventual expedition to find ‘Primal’. Annoyingly however the specific entrance to the particular ‘Majaglit Cave System’ that I needed to enter was over two days away via ‘Land Crab’ part way down the side of the long Canyon I spied out earlier.]

[I began asking around about ‘Majaglit Caves’ again amongst the Professors until eventually someone mentioned the ‘Surribakkai Cave System’ that I strove to innocently fixate upon.]

“I have heard about those caves before. I heard they are especially large and impressive structures with many splendid waterways. Do you think it would be worth the journey time from here for me to visit them?” [I asked the Professor called ‘Maximal’ who had mentioned the ‘Surribakkai Caves’ after I had almost given up trying to steer someone in that direction.]

“They are one of the bigger systems that allow tourism but I am not sure they are any more impressive than any of the others but then I am not all that excited by flooded caves.” [‘Maximal’ admitted.]

“I cannot possibly leave this ‘Sliver’ without venturing into the waters of at least one ‘Majaglit Cave System’.” [I stated.]

“The ‘Tontuska Caves’ are closer by a good day and they are very popular with tourists.” [‘Lexis’ interjected.]

“How popular is very popular I do not want to be lost in a crowd.” [I stated thinking quickly.]

“I suppose in that case ‘Surribakkai’ is more remote and thus has smaller numbers of visitors some days I hear hardly any visitors at all since not everybody wants to ride all the way out there in the heat and heavy gravity.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“Sounds perfect if I can get leave from ‘Short Six’ to go all that way. None of the others want to go cave diving.” [I admitted.] “Do you think you could help me persuade them that for me such a trip would be worthwhile?” [I asked I thought cunningly.]

“I am sure I can tell them that the place would be of special scientific interest to an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ if you think that would help.” [‘Lexis’ conspired.]

“That would be wonderful. I know that ‘Short’ is not too happy if we split up too much and sometimes I fear that she thinks I am the least able to take care of myself but I travelled on my own many times before I got involved with a ‘Patrician’ of the ‘MTC’ and then with ‘Short’ to become a part of ‘Short Six’.” [I explained.]

“You had dealings with one of the three ‘MTC Patricians’ which one?” [‘Maximal’ asked.]

“For a while I was on the ‘Vanishing Point’ the ship of the oddly named Paradox Elder ‘Unholy Terror’.” [I informed.]

“Not that oddly named if you knew him better.” [‘Maximal’ replied.]

“I know he has something of an infamous legend as a Paradox ‘War Master’ during the ‘Wars of Liberation’ and even the ‘Age of the Core Alliance’ but he was nothing but courteous and generous to me. ‘Unholy’ was deeply interested in my ‘Sea Sphere’ studies then I rather foolishly got involved in a sort of military action on ‘AO’ with ‘Short’ that might have become a diplomatic incident.” [I informed.]

“Those Priests can be such hypocrites ‘Unholy Terror’ is a walking diplomatic incident just waiting to happen.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“Have you met him?” [I asked.]

“Not in person but I know people who have some of whom think he is marvellous others not so much.” [‘Maximal’ added.]

“None of us can please everyone.” [I said.]

“True but some do not even bother to try.” [‘Maximal’ countered.]

“I do not like to disparage someone unless I know them personally.” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

“Through one of my friends in particular I feel as if I do know that troublesome Priest so perhaps you had a lucky escape when you left the ‘Vanishing Point’ my ‘Swimmer’ friend perhaps you all should feel lucky. You know the ‘MTC’ is involved in this ‘Task Force’ business. One of the ships up there is the ‘Always Better on the Other Side’ which has an Acolyte Captain ‘Insistently Obverse’ who answers to ‘Unholy Terror’.” [‘Maximal’ complained.]

“That is interesting you have been monitoring the ‘Task Force’ and have intelligence on its makeup?” [I asked.]

“You make me sound like an ‘Omerta’ spy.” [‘Maximal’ replied.]

“Sorry that was not my intent I mean you have taken an interest in the Fleet or whatever as a personal hobby.” [I burbled waving some tentacles idly around.]

“I made an effort to find out what was going on up there since I am down here under the shadow of big space side weapon batteries on big space side ‘User’ ships.” [‘Maximal’ complained.]

“Surely they would not fire upon an innocent scientific site.” [I said in alarm.]

“They might if they thought wrongly that we had some connection to that stupid Cult that everyone is now talking about.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“I think they had and have better intelligence than that and therefore the bombardments are very much over and mostly only for show anyway.” [I replied.]

“Tell that tale to any poor souls near ‘The Finger’ when they brought that rocky edifice crashing down it was a favourite for sporting rock climbers.” [‘Maximal’ added.]

“Are you saying you know of tourist fatalities?” [I asked.]

“Who knows they have been preventing any information from getting out remember.” [‘Maximal’ added.]

“I think we would have heard something if innocents had disappeared under the rubble.” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

“I will only be happy when they fly away. I do not know what the delay is since they claim they have all the offenders in custody or slain. The sooner they do these public executions and move on the better.” [‘Maximal’ added.]

“You are happy enough that they plan to kill their captives without even the pretence of a rigged trial.” [I asked.]

“As long as they are doing it to their own kind it is none of my business.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“Tell me you do not believe in this reproductive parasitic Emperor threat nonsense?” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

“I expect if anyone knows the truth about Ancient ‘Pan-Nid’ Emperors it is the Paradox since ‘Pan-Nid’ founded the heretical Order.” [‘Maximal’ countered.]

“I did not realise you were such a shallow bigot ‘Maximal’ the ‘Exposed’ are ‘Pilgrims’ too are you saying you only care about fellow ‘Hierophants’.” [‘Lexis’ countered.]

“They are all half crazy Priest as far as I am concerned and closet xenophobes. You know if they had a ‘Vision’ that demanded all ‘Hierophants’ must die or something equally extreme they would not hesitate to wipe us out.” [‘Maximal’ claimed.]

“Preposterous you are just embittered on behalf of a friend who told you a sad story that might not even be the full truth of the matter; people relate stories in ways to make them appear the innocent party.” [‘Lexis’ retorted.]

“I know my friend I trust him more than I trust some ‘Shrouded Priest’ who strides around with the name of ‘Unholy Terror’ and encourages one of his underlings to bombard me from space.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“If you had been bombarded you would not be here at least not all in one argumentative piece.” [‘Lexis’ replied.] “The ‘Swimmer’ is right that bombardment was mostly just a big fireworks display they probably had ‘The Finger’ cleared before they blew it up. Destroying a famous landmark makes a rather permanent statement.”

“Warriors are by nature a bit bombastic too having a menacing name probably assists any fighter greatly, beyond that fact the name ‘Unholy Terror’ is just a name.” [I burbled.]

“Say what you like but I wouldn’t buy a used Space Ship off someone called something like ‘Infamous Swindler’ so do not expect me to joyously trust someone called ‘Unholy Terror’ to me that is just downright illogical and stupid.” [‘Maximal’ stated.] “Might as well hug someone called ‘Poisonous Viper’ to your bosom.”

“Perhaps your good friend should have taken the name of the Elder Paradox as an advisement before he did something that crossed a famous ‘War Master’ maybe that is even why ‘Unholy Terror’ has such a scary label as a warning to fools to stay clear.” [‘Lexis’ stated.] “I know some of your friends and they are idiots.”

“I do not know your friend but I believe ‘UT’ is only an ‘Unholy Terror’ to those that deserve it. ‘UT’ was always good to me whilst I was onboard his ship until I violated his trust via doing something silly and then he just told me politely that I had to go and I got a rather generous severance pay.” [I burbled.]

“Well I would not trust him they say he is almost a cursed ‘Ascendant’ too.” [‘Maximal’ insisted.]

“The mighty father of our nation ‘Hierophant Cad’ is known to be very fond of ‘Unholy Terror’ and they are both members of the ‘Founder Cabal’ who helped make ‘The Project’ happen. You would not have a job here today if it were not for them in fact we might all have burned in the stars according to some rumours. They say that the ‘Divers’ had technology that could manipulate solar weather all along.” [‘Lexis’ reminded.]

[‘Maximal’ laughed in a less than friendly way.] “You mean according to certain peoples’ propaganda that is what happened.”

“I believe it is historic fact not just propaganda.” [I interjected.]

“I think it smells as bad as a infested and rotten ‘Pudda Tree’ whatever you want to call it, all a bit too convenient. If you ask me some big ‘Ascendant’ or maybe the ‘Entanglement’ wanted the Ring World built so behold a friendly Alien in need appears with this clever idea and all this genetic material looking for a new home and it just so happens that at the same time the ‘Star Diver Deep Clerics’ are thinking maybe we do not want these troublesome ‘Dark Dweller Pilgrims’ in our fiery depths nosing into the hidden secrets of our home stars. As to the so called ‘Father of our Nation’ he is another one I mean listen to this sentence and tell me what is wrong with it: ‘Hierophant Cad’ is very fond of ‘Unholy Terror’. I tell you it is all a conspiracy by a questionable ruling elite and worse they are not even hiding the name of the controlling body they are almost publicising it as the ‘Founder Cabal’.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“It is obvious that the: ‘Cad’ is very fond of ‘Unholy Terror’ thing, is just a linguistic ambiguity that you are being silly about.” [I said.]

“Maybe it is the truth, just because ‘Cad’ concocted some of my ancestors in a test tube or whatever for his private purposes as if a Paradox Priest does not mean I have to revere him as if a scientific god and my Patrician. As to the high and mighty ‘Founder Cabal’, tell me that one does not sound sinister to you too. These people have far too much influence and too little answerability we have no idea what they are plotting in their ‘Cabal’ behind closed hatches.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“I thought it was Paradox Priests who were meant to be paranoid about the intensions of everyone else.” [I burbled out in reply.]

“I tell you all the high and mighty ones need close watching that was one thing the old ‘Free Parliament’ got right with their ‘Monitors’. You cannot let Ship Captains fly around popping off their mighty cannonry at whomsoever they please whenever they feel in the mood. We need checks and balances we need structured accountability. No one elected the ‘Founder Cabal’ or the ‘Founder Oversight Committee’ these are all structures imposed upon us from above.” [‘Maximal’ insisted.]

“It took strong ruthless leadership to manage the ‘Exodus’ and to organise ‘The Project’ as an effort by our entire civilisation who else could have achieved such things?” [I burbled.]

“My friend ‘Maximal’, you cannot possibly be saying things were better under the fascist ‘Free Parliament’ than they are now?” [‘Lexis’ complained.] “That body was a democracy in name only and it was a different time a time of great corruption and deceit hiding behind only the pretence of unity and fairness. For example the credit free system did not result in a fair distribution of resources those in political power abused the system for their own benefit and the benefit of their friends and direct supporters.”

“No one was bombarding me back then and the ‘Free Parliament’ at least tried to keep the mad Priests in their place by attempting to split up those big family corporations with all those Acolyte Marines. Those Marines are out of time as fallout from ‘Cold War’ martial proliferation versus the rampant spawning of the ‘Stellar Draakhaal’ way back in the ‘Core Alliance’ even before the dire ‘Advent of the Entanglement’ they have no place in our modern less fractious less dangerous society.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“You are losing your mind making that argument would you rather be dominated today by ‘Ruling Caste Stellar Draakhaal’. The ‘Void Skimmers’ we know today as followers of the ‘Shaper Faith’ are very different entities to what was in truth once the army of ‘Draakhaal the Tyrant’. What would you have us do just make all the Acolytes whose numbers saved us just disappear. Encourage them all to split from their old houses and they will all want families of their own then you will know all about a Paradox proliferation.” [I retorted.]

“I am as entitled to have an opinion on these matters as anyone.” [‘Maximal’ stated.]

“You are but we do not have to listen to it. I believe it is past time that we got back to studying our micro-organisms rather than critiquing some of our most esteemed and ancient ‘Pilgrim’ personalities.” [‘Lexis’ replied.]

“Would you come with me first well actually just wander past in my general direction when I speak with ‘Short’. Then you can interject innocently about ‘Surribakkai’ being a very special place. I would be eternally grateful.” [I burbled.]

“Certainly you go ahead and I will follow momentarily behind. I would be happy to facilitate your trip as I said I think all scholars should get out there to embrace the wonders of the real.” [‘Lexis’ stated.]

“Perhaps you could mount the next samples ‘Maximal’ I should not be long.” [‘Lexis’ added towards his associate.]

“I am not a laboratory technician never mind your assistant.” [‘Maximal’ grumped.]

“Ignore him I think he fell out of the wrong side of his bunk this morning and due to the heavy gravity it hurt more than normal.” [‘Lexis’ mocked.] “In addition I think he enjoys baiting me with silly arguments.”



[My new ‘Hierophant’ friend proved as good as his word and ‘Short’ made a show of being disgusted but giving in. I packed up some supplies upon my ‘Bio-mechanical Land Crab’ stepped onto the beast that smoothly raised me up so that I might prepare to wave farewell to the rest of ‘Short Six’ that gathered to see me off.]

“Try not to get arrested by the ‘Task Force’. I am positive I am all out of favours with the Paradox after the ‘AO Incident’ and I refuse to pay a fine to get - you - back.” [‘Short’ hissed out at me.]

“I will meet you back at the ‘Serendipity’ in a week or so.” [I promised loudly my ‘Voice Box’ speakers at just a little below full volume.]

“Those snails had better be worth it I must be mad a prolonged shore leave will cost us credits.” [‘Short’ replied.]

“Ah let him go he is just an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ after all he probably needs a break from all the violence.” [Captain ‘Jack’ said.]

“What violence? I have not shot anything in ages.” [‘Kanne’ stated in a manner that suggested great disappointment.]

“Have a nice trip ‘Bluu’.” [‘Mabel’ called.]

“Brings us back something shiny and I do not mean slimy fish.” [‘Ingrid’ shouted.]

“Watch out for the ‘Razor Fins’.” [‘Lexis’ added.]

“The what?” [I asked stomping around on top of my rides shell to face him.]

“The ‘Razor Fins’: small shoaling fish lots of teeth sharp cutting fins - check it out on the ‘Links’.” [He advised.]

“Now you tell me.” [I complained.]

“You will be fine they are not that common in cave waters otherwise just remember to use the bio-filters when swimming there are some nasty intestinal parasites and other things.” [‘Lexis’ added.]

“Please, I beg you, do not tell me anything else I am going before you change my mind.” [I stated.]

[I started my ‘Land Crab’ striding away but I turned my microphone gain up.]

“Intestinal parasites sounds unpleasant.” [‘Mabel’ said.]

“Trust me you have no idea, some of the specimens down there…” [‘Lexis’ replied shivering his body as his speech trailed off.]

“You are saying there are dangerous life forms at an open to visitors tourist attraction?” [‘Mabel’ quizzed.]

“Not too many tourist want to go ‘Swimming’ in the water unless they are in an enclosed ‘Suit’ of some kind. Still if he uses the gel and the filters and keeps alert he should be perfectly safe.” [‘Lexis’ replied.] “There are link addresses to additional information at the entrance booth even small ‘Soulless Guides’ if you want to pay for one. Remember the grottos are a part of new wilds they are not designed as tame parklands.”

[I connected to the ‘Land Crab’ sending it a waypoint, leaving it to calculate the best route to my halfway stop in travel time a good day away. Since I was leaving later than I had hoped I would probably have to do part of the ride in the dusk luckily the ‘Crab’ could extrude some headlamps.]

[I rode like a lord of all I surveyed standing on top of my ‘Land Crab’ platform. To pass the time I kept a careful watch for wildlife making a catalogue of all the different species I spied occasionally ‘Linking’ into the ‘Cores’ to identify one that was a mystery and to learn more about such creatures. Not every species that multiplied on a ‘Sliver’ was supposed to be there people had a habit of smuggling in pets and other creatures they favoured but were not on the approved lists - some quickly died very ill suited to the heavy gravity and so on but a few multiplied sometimes as a problematic weed species.]

[I soon felt a proper tourist on safari it made me smile broadly. Still I missed having someone to point out my rarer discoveries to. I considered calling up someone from ‘Short Six’ to make a report but then did not, fearing appearing needy and unable to operate solo for any length of time. Four hours out, I crossed the path of another ‘Baggage Train’ going I did not know where but not in my direction. I waved and they waved back. A scout rode over to me on a ‘Bio-mechanical Bird Racer’.]

“Seen any trouble ‘Pilgrim’?” [The ‘Trojan’ enquired I noticed he was sporting a long sniper type pulse rifle that he held drawn if only in one hand resting across his lap.]

“None at all and you friend?” [I asked in turn.]

“The same, occasionally you meet bandits out here in the wilds who take advantage of the isolation to hit and run but with that ‘Task Force’ flitting around I think they have all been scared away to their dens. I imagine they do not like the idea of an air based pursuit something they do not normally have to contend against.” [The Scout informed.]

“Their dens?” [I asked.]

“They illegally infest some of the caves. Every so often the ‘Settlements’ send forces to try to root the brigands out but they see them coming and just melt away then pop up again when the troops leave. They cleverly use specially calibrated ‘Portable Scanners’ and ‘EMP Devices’ to detect and destroy tiny tracking remotes sent after them.” [The Scout added.]

“Being mounted on a ‘Bio-mechanical’ that can extrude heavy weapons they might leave you in peace as a hard target but you should still be cautious especially anywhere that looks a too good ambush site.” [The Scout warned.] “I take it since you have a mount you are not lost out here.”

“I am going to ‘Surribakkai’.” [I informed.]

“Pity as that is not the direction we are going we are for ‘Pyrrhic-Falls Outpost and Science Station’ it is mostly small ‘Science Stations’ of one sort or another out this way’.” [The Scout admitted.]

“Good journey.” [I replied.]

“You have a good journey too ‘Swimmer’ you still have quite a way to go.” [The Scout warned before turning his bird around and speeding away.]

[Scouts seemed to love speeding upon their ‘Bird Racers’ I guessed it an occupation for dare devils. Bandits living in caves was news to me I wondered if those people had any connection with ‘The Exposed’. It was interesting how the ‘FOC’ helped keep the ‘Sliver’ wilds wild via preventing easy air travel and so on. I guessed they did not want the new environments to become tame gardens between technological dwellings. Also the ‘Hierophants’ made good use of the ‘Green Houses’ as scientific test beds for ecological management systems in advance of the great Ring World unification still scheduled for an exceptionally long time away. Talking with ‘Lexis’ it was obvious the scientists labouring upon ‘The Project’ had much still to learn and might need all the time they had to get everything working in harmony or at least in a state of balanced natural hostility.]

[Again it struck me how balancing an ecosystem was similar to guiding a multi-species society. How you had predators and prey endless competition and so many varied interactions that unforeseen consequences are normal rather than an exception. I never imagined Acolyte opinion would seek to prevent some Paradox from exploring life without ‘Shroud Suits’. Typically I saw benefits from both being ‘Shrouded’ and ‘Exposed’ using ‘Meat Suits’ gave me a sympathy with simpler old style biology but ‘Pan-Nid’ biology was possibly an exceptional case.]

[I journeyed on now a little paranoid about bandits possibly hiding behind every bush or rocky outcrop as if ‘Razor Fins’ and intestinal parasites in the grottos was not enough to be concerned about.]

[Approximately two hours later and it was getting so dark that I had my mount extrude headlights. I should have had more sense given the earlier warning but my mind was elsewhere for about three quarters of an hour later no doubt guided to me by my lamps a well-aimed ‘Force Pulse’ catapulted me off my ‘Land Crab’ platform just before I registered anti-‘Suit Substance’ measures starting with nanotech signal jamming.]

“Shut it down or we will contaminate it with a deluge of ‘Dirty Weapon’ fire.” [A hissing voice yelled out.]


[[‘Dirty Weapons’ included: slug throwers that fired ‘Class V or Type 5’ radioactive rounds, super heated plasma weapons that very deliberately contaminate with especially nasty hard radiation and various other ‘Class V’ style irradiating emitters. ‘Class V’ radioactive contamination worked very well against ‘Bio-mechanics’ but could also result in some aftermath clean up issues even for the victor in a fight.]]


[I shut down the ‘Land Crab’ before I even struggled my ‘Dry Suit’ back onto its feet. Knocked around by my tumbling fall I felt a bit stunned battered and bruised even with my water acting as a shock absorber. As to my mount it was already only at fifty five percent capacity due to the jamming and other measures. I judged it wiser to stand it down and try to save it along with my stowed gear rather than have it all potentially instantly contaminated. Naturally the bandits if they were bandits would not want to contaminate the goods either as that would mean losing booty they could use or sell.]

[I lifted my manipulator arms up in a gesture of surrender.]

“I am sure we can come to some kind of credit arrangement without the recourse to theft of my property that would disrupt my journey. I submit to negotiation.” [I stated.]

“Just like an aquatic I told you this one would be no trouble.” [A big ‘Recycler’ said coming forward out of the gloom.] “So what are you offering?”

“A very well paid honest wage for your kind escort to my destination. Otherwise I will use my ‘EXO-C’ link to call some friends I have up there in the ‘Task Force’ before any of you can stop me. I have already tasked a ‘Core’ to see you are all bombarded to oblivion if anything should happen to me. I guess you people really did not think this one through did you.” [I burbled.]

“What friends?” [The ‘Recycler’ asked suspiciously.]

“Well I used to work with the ‘MTC Patrician Unholy Terror’ and I know one of the Ships up there just happens to be the ‘MTC Always Better on the Other Side’ with Acolyte Captain ‘Insistently Obverse’ in charge of her who was mentored by ‘UT’ will that do?” [I asked whilst all smiling eyestalks.]

“Cursed Egg Stealer just my luck.” [The ‘Recycler’ complained.]

[I could hear other people slouching off then running away in the background it must have been my mention of a barrage.]

“Come back you wet snout cowards.” [The ‘Recycler’ hissed.]

“Oh let them go, it means you get all the benefits of accompanying me. I am an honest broker I will pay you well for guidance and protection. I assume you know the people and places to avoid and I do not plan to get shot again anytime soon that hurt.” [I stated.]

“You are a bold one what is your name.” [The ‘Recycler’ asked.]

“I am called ‘Bluu’ and usually along with some friends I hunt people like you for a living but at the moment I am on vacation and all I care about is getting to ‘Surribakkai’ without any more complications.” [I burbled out happily.]

“How much?” [The ‘Recycler’ asked.]

“3000 credits.” [I offered.]

“8000.” [The ‘Recycler’ retorted.]

“4000.” [I countered.]

“6000.” [The ‘Recycler’ said.]

“4500.” [I offered and you are still robbing me.]

“5000.” [The ‘Recycler’ said.] “Pay that and I will swear that I will not even think about robbing you later.]

[I made a big show of mulling it over.]

“I think we have a deal so what is your name?” [I asked.]

“You can call me ‘5000’.” [The ‘Recycler’ replied.]

“I suppose given your line of work and mine I cannot blame you for being a bit shy.” [I admitted.]

“You really are a Bounty Hunter?” [He asked.]

[I flashed him my licence.]

“Maybe you should call me ‘Bad Luck’ instead.” [‘5000’ complained.]

“5000 credits is far from a bad haul.” [I stated.]

“True but how do I know you will not come looking for me with your friends later.” [‘5000’ further complained.]

“You have my word as an aquatic ‘Swimmer’ a deal is a deal.” [I promised.]

“I want 2500 transferred to an account in advance.” [The ‘Recycler’ said.]

“Fair enough blast me the details.” [I said.]

[He sent me the details of a so-called ‘Shadow Account’ run by the so-called ‘Shadow Bank’ I forwarded the credits.]

“Happy?” [I asked.]

“You really worked for ‘Unholy Terror’?” [The ‘Recycler’ asked.]

“I did and whilst we did part under slightly difficult circumstances I know his people would take a ‘Link’ from me and the people up there are probably bored and would love any target of opportunity.” [I stated.]

“Enough I believe you.” [‘5000’ replied.]

“I guess you cannot wait for them to bug out.” [I stated.]

“You have no idea this place was a nice little gig until they showed up breaking all the rules of the established game with their flying about.” [‘5000’ complained.] “It is getting that a ‘Recycler’ cannot do a dishonest bit of business in his own neighbourhood. We do not do anyone any serious harm least not unless they ask for it. We just make travel a bit more interesting. We shows up take a few trinkets gives them something exciting to talk about when they get back home other than I saw me a big ‘Toad Lizard’ or whatever.”

“So you are in the entertainment business.” [I said.]

“Exactly I am a ‘Recycler’ actor and this is my stage.” [‘5000’ stated.]

“Your people really have ‘Dirty Weapons’?” [I asked.]

“Some of them have ‘Dirty Weapons’. We are not too fond of ‘Suit Substance’ you never know what it might turn into you cannot deal easily with that so you have to get a bit extreme.” [‘5000’ admitted.]

“We might have a slight problem, I am not sure my ‘Land Crab’ can carry both of us as you are a big one.” [I admitted.]

“If I am guiding we travel through the night on foot and that thing turns its lamps off and follows quietly behind us as a pack animal nothing more.” [‘5000’ demanded.]

“If that is how you want it.” [I said.]

“Come on then.” [‘5000’ ordered jogging off into the gloom.]

[I had my ‘Suit’ lock onto and follow ‘5000’, whilst I had the ‘Land Crab’ lock onto me, and follow me. Look at me I am the body of the worm again, I mused internally.]

[I was glad it was my mechanical ‘Suit’ legs doing the running as it looked exhausting. ‘5000’ took it all in his or her stride I was not sure of that ones gender due to lots of cybernetics and armour. ‘5000’ was easily as enhanced as ‘Short Claws’ possibly even a bit bulkier.]

[We only stopped once for a brief rest and some food then ‘5000’ was off again. A bit before dawn ‘5000’ took us over the edge of the Canyon down a narrow path and into not so much a cave as a hollow. My ‘Land Crab’ dextrously following behind using extra extruded limbs when necessary to grasp rocks or clinging plant life. The hollow was crowded by the three of us but ‘5000’ seemed unconcerned the ‘Recycler’ sat down back against one rough rocky wall.]

“We rest here till dusk then make our way down into the canyon then up again to ‘Surribakkai’.” [‘5000’ promised.]

[I did various things to pass the time checked my supplies interrogated my ‘Suit’ systems for damage from the fall and so on. At first ‘5000’ appeared to sleep or possibly the ‘Recycler’ went virtual into a digital realm then ‘5000’ began stripping off various detachable cybernetic parts checking them for damage cleaning them and so on. At one point to my surprise 5000 disconnected her optics and I could see that the ‘Recycler’ still had functional biological eyes beneath. The cybernetic optics plugging into implants in the apples of the cheeks and her eyebrow I wondered if the new ‘Short’ body could do that as I had never seen her take her spinning optics off.]

“You now seem pretty relaxed around me.” [I said to ‘5000’.]

“Life is too short to run around nervy all the time. You seem a reasonable sort for a Bounty Hunter I have been around long enough to know there are some Hunters that are far worse than any criminal but they are not all the same. Conversely some bandits are hardly as easy going as me. For me robbing is just a relaxed business and it is bad for my business to be too bad it upsets people and just makes robbing difficult when it ought to be free and easy. I like this place because it makes robbing easy because I now prefer an easy - free - uncomplicated life. Used to be a proper big business ‘Recycler’ now that was robbery that could get pretty bad. With big credits hardly anyone has a sense of humour and you cannot trust your closest colleague not to betray you for a better percentage. I had this one business partner for twenty three years, twenty three years and she shoots me in the head - twice - and dumps me out an airlock just to improve her cut of a big venture we were doing.” [‘5000’ claimed.]

“What happened did you get reborn?” [I asked.]

“No I had this emergency beacon system that activated. Associates jumped in picked me up and managed after my brain thawed to patch me together some of us ‘Recycler’ are very tough to kill. Nonetheless, I do not think as good as I used to I do not even talk as good - I lost a lot of my big fancy words mostly the corporate speak although they say that is psychological not physical damage. Anyway, I cashed in the last of my remaining interests and just started travelling around avoiding any big business. A few years later, some folks rob me here and all I can think is that honest robbery looks fun and that is the life for me. Therefore, instead of stomping back to the nearest settlement I begged my robbers to let me join them. I think they thought I was trying to trick them maybe to try to steal my stuff back later but I did not. I let them have my gear it was just things and I started my life over from there.” [‘5000’ confessed.]

“So you consider yourself an honest thief.” [I said smiling.]

“I do and it was all going nicely until that ‘Task Force’ showed up. Lost my last haul to a ‘Mobile Infantry’ patrol that dropped in on us and killed some of my friends I just managed to escape then you showed up with that barrage threat.” [‘5000’ added.]

“I imagine it could all have been a lot worse.” [I replied.]

“That is why I am starting to get nice and relaxed. As you said they cannot stay up there forever this little trip is now helping keep me occupied and I might just go for a wander around ‘Surribakkai’ to waste some more time. Maybe by the time I get back to my associates the cursed ‘Task Force’ will be gone and I can go back to no stress robbing as usual.” [‘5000’ stated.]

“I am almost tempted to wish you good luck but it hardly seems appropriate considering my sometime profession as a Bounty Hunter.” [I admitted.]

“So Bounty Hunting is just your sometime profession what else do you do?” [‘5000’ asked.]

“I am also crew on a ‘Free Trader’ the ‘Serendipity’ doubling as a quartermaster.” [I said.]

“You are the quartermaster that is interesting now that is a good job for a thief.” [‘5000’ stated.] “You people completely straight or might you be open to a little smuggling?”

“What do you have in mind?” [I asked.]

“Well you know what ‘Surribakkai’ is plus many other Caves around here too they are all ‘Majaglit Caves’ and - natural - ‘Majaglit’ is a premium product…” [‘5000’ stated trailing off.]

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 8A --- SURRIBAKKAI / PRIMAL / BOBBLE HEADS / TRI-CENTRE ---

[At dusk ‘5000’ and I emerged from our alcove and continued down to the floor of the canyon. The way down proved via steep hidden paths often sheltered by overhanging plant life. Occasionally we encountered rough-cut steps. My now pack ‘Land Crab’ via altering its shape size and material density as needed, shifting its burden, and occasionally extruding extra limbs as required stayed faithfully behind us struggling less than me.]

[My solid ‘Real Material Dry Suit’ challenged at times due to the fixed limitations of its mechanical gait. When it became apparent that I might too easily stumble and fall, I had the ‘Land Crab’ extrude a safety line that wrapped around me like a ‘Swimmer’ tentacle the ‘Crab’ so sure footed that it would act as an anchor if I made a misstep. My chosen precaution soon proved its value on one awkward bend where I very nearly toppled over. If I had toppled, I was positive I would have bounced all the way to the Canyon Floor lost my shields and maybe even my ‘Meat Suit’ life.]

[I corrected my footing and paused to collect my heart fluttering nerves my tentacles all coiled up with stress.]

“Tourists go this difficult way?” [I complained.]

“No this way is not used by Tourists at least not officially.” [‘5000’ replied.] “However it is a much quicker route to the floor of the ‘Gash Canyon’ and much less open to observation from above or by other travellers.”

“You are trusting me with knowledge of a smuggling way.” [I guessed aloud.]

“Since we could possibly do further work together I thought a little show of what I can provide ‘Light Side’ in relation to local knowledge might help make up your mind.” [‘5000’ replied.] “For now we should keep moving.”



[When we finally reached the floor of the ‘Gash Canyon’, I was very happy. When you are operating a ‘Meat Suit’ for a long time an increasing attachment easily occurs a psychological bond to the borrowed body it is normal to view it less and less as a readily disposable vehicular asset at least I feel that way about most of my ‘Meat Suits’. I wondered how much the viral subjugation and resultant slaughter of the ‘Short Meat Suit’ on ‘AO’ hurt the pride of ‘UT’. Naturally, he pretended the units decommissioning meant nothing much to him but I was positive it did hurt psychologically. Just because a thing is replaceable does not mean you do not feel a sense of defeat upon an untimely destruction. It is a bit akin to an extreme version of how you feel when you lose a life in a virtual digital game. It is not difficult to bond even to machines I still feel very protective of some ‘Soulless Drones’ I generate as a ‘Living Hull’ it is easy to associate with smart technology as if it is sapient life.]

[What appeared as a spider silk thread of water from above was a substantial surface stream up close if not especially deep in this stretch with stones and boulders often sticking up above the surface.]

“Follow me.” [‘5000’ advised.]

[We kept close to the at times overhanging edge wall upon a sort of trail but it was not too obvious because it was so rocky underfoot with stones and pebbles. Occasionally we splashed through mostly-shallow surface water puddles. Water often rained down upon us from above too from hidden outlets. When we disturbed some low hanging branches along with water droplets horrible wormy leeches fell down upon us but repulsed by our shields and armour not to mention finding no exposed flesh to latch onto with their mouthparts they were just an ugly reminder that some life is inimical. I guessed we were on a game trail and some kind of passing animal was the leeches’ usual victims. I wondered how such blood sucking parasites fitted into the overall ecology. Were the repulsive creatures introduced to make travellers feel less welcome so that the wilderness might be less overly disturbed or was I over-thinking the biologists planning and input?]

[The animals the leeches feasted upon were shy I never saw more than a quick glimpses of them but I occasionally heard them fleeing away from us well in advance. The sturdy bushes often acted as thick screens even down here limiting the length of our vision.]

[Worse for visibility it was very dark at times due to the simulated night and the deeper shadow from the overhang but ‘5000’ insisted we use no lamps instead we shifted to passive infrared systems. My infrared provided by ‘Dry Suit’ optics. ‘5000’ also insisted that we use no active scanners. In infrared, the landscape became a sometimes rather confusing duotone so I used real time ‘Sub Core’ false image colouring enhancement to improve my view. The resulting view took a little getting used to but I am mentally adaptive to such measures used as a ‘Hull’ to turning scanner data into varicoloured images.]

[I created an active ‘HUD’ even activating the predictive friend or foe tagging software. Something had ‘5000’ extra-cautious I suspected their might be transit by rival gangs down here or he feared scouts walking the stream bed belonging to the ‘Task Force’ or perhaps ‘Task Force’ remote spies looking for signs of cultist activity. The fact that the ‘Task Force’ unlike local enforcers could drop assets directly down from above made many of the bandits old precautions against observers redundant no wonder many of them were waiting the ‘Task Force’ out deep in the relative safety of cave systems.]

[I wondered what had driven the band belonging to ‘5000’ outside to take their chances whilst the ‘Task Force’ was still blatantly active. I judged it was probably just boredom got the better of their good sense or even growing friction between some too tightly packed felons. Living on a small ship, I understood how close quarters could cause both bonding but also considerable irritation with your colleagues’ habits and idiosyncrasies furthermore we were not rough bandits much more likely to be prone to squabbling.]

[More than once, we crossed the path of a waterfall and had to ford a short tributary to the main stream. The ground was uneven at the best of times loose stones rocked around and tripping questing roots and hanging vines often seemed almost maliciously intent upon snagging my mechanical feet and body making progress even more hazardous. It was no fun and as the hours wore on it felt more and more a chore rather than an enjoyable wilderness adventure. As I stumbled along, I rocked around in my squid bowl in a most aggravating way. I began to judge myself upon a pilgrimage were proving persistence and vim was part of the reward of reaching ‘Surribakkai’ and ‘Primal’. I treated it as a test recalling that I also had my aquatic insertion ordeal to pass. I decided to take a little pride in getting this far so quickly despite all the little inconveniences such as the bandit ambush.]

[At one point we encountered two fumaroles that bathed us in hot steam.]

[I do not know if the measures ‘5000’ used aided us to avoid trouble or if trouble was simply staying at home but we eventually reached a marked much more tourist style trail upward signposted to ‘Surribakkai’ the big sign on three legs even had still images of the ‘Cave System’ and a list of entrance amenities.]

“Job done time to pay up, the rest of the way is obvious and I think we should arrive up there separately. I will stay down here for a few hours you go on ahead.” [‘5000’ informed.]

[I considered the possibility of a belated ambush but then decided to trust in ‘5000’ and my judgement of character so I put on an eyestalk smile and made the payment.]

“If you decide you have an interest in the ‘Majaglit’ scheme use this ‘Link Address’.” [‘5000’ added before squirting the data at me to a hardened ‘Suit’ informational channel I had made available to him earlier being wary of sneaky digital attacks.]

[Strangely, once I started up I missed the presence of ‘5000’ almost immediately nonetheless I did not look back continuing my ascent followed faithfully as ever by my ‘Land Crab’. I realised we had made excellent time covering a route I estimated would take two days mounted in roughly the same period of time on foot. I studied my original plotted waypoints versus the route used by ‘5000’ and realises my guides route was much shorter ignoring the coming ascent. The ascent was far wider and far better stepped than the way we came down making it an easy traverse but it was also quite long so that it was actually about halfway to midday when I eventually stood before the Cave System entrance with its informational plus souvenir booths picnic tables and token machine.]

[The only way in here was a large flat floored cavern half-octagonal in plan that almost looked like a stout military bunker. The inner walls and the ceiling made of bulkhead type ‘Suit Substance’ that had an archway to an inner stabling area on one face a sealed restricted hatch on the other far side and a central token operated hatchway that was the main way in. It was obvious there would be no smuggling of contraband this way. I surmised ‘Primal’ had to use other less secured means of entry and exit to this cave system.]

[Only one other ‘Pilgrim’ was in sight a Paradox Acolyte named ‘Within Expectations’ who was displaying his name kanji and credentials as an official ‘Warden’ of the site.]

“Welcome to the ‘Alpha Entrance’ of ‘Surribakkai’ traveller. Are you part of a larger party? We had no advisory of a big group visit today.” [‘Within Expectations’ added.]

“No I am alone it is my hope to view this marvel and where appropriate to leave my ‘Suit’ to swim in non-restricted water areas.” [I stated.]

“In that case permit me to send you an information packet.” [‘Within Expectations’ stated.]

[I collected the data and checked through the advisories and a required to be opened disclaimer of responsibility for my safety that was legally binding. After seeing to the parking of my ‘Land Crab’ and rearranging the contents of my ‘Suit’ pack I declined the hire of a remote guide bought a token and dropped it in the slot beside the main hatch that duly opened. The tokens an oddly quaint feature perhaps copying more ‘Real Material’ machines on other ‘Slivers’. I guessed a ‘Warden’ did not always attend at the entrance I even wondered being a bit paranoid if he was actually a ‘Task Force’ spy. When I passed the hatch I realised it opened to a good-sized ‘Suit Substance’ elevator that to my mild surprise bore me further upward rather than down.]

[Exiting at my stop I guessed possibly tailored to my request I found I was in a dark far more natural looking but narrow passage that curved and angled downward I had to provide my own light here no doubt part of the venturing experience.]

[The informational packet I was given included a digital map file of part of the ‘Surribakkai Cave System’ that I manipulated to match the map ‘Short’ had provided me with earlier that retained the marked route I was to take to meet ‘Primal’. My map was much bigger than the tourist one. I studied the point where the route by ‘UT’ left the official area covered by the tourist map. The exit proved a deep underwater passage that made perfect sense as a demarcation to a hidden ‘Cult Haven’ or meeting place of some unknown kind.]

[I purposely made a point of doing the entire tourist thing first: visiting marked sites of interest and swimming in some lesser pools after taking all the proper precautions. I had my ‘Dry Suit’ partially submerge to allow me easy entrance and exit when I went swimming. I had plenty of protective gel and made sure to use the ‘Swimmer’ water intake bio-filters. In the small pools I found no ‘Razor Fins’ according to the file they were very rare here possibly all that belated talk was just the ‘Trojan Professor’ sporting with me a little maybe even to make the trip for me more thrilling.]

[I quickly marvelled at the ingenuity of the ‘Majaglit Mirrors’. The snails cooperated to haul the shells of their dead up then dropped them to dash them against the ground sometimes contriving to ride atop them to provide extra weight for the cracking process. I guessed the riding job a risky business but their skin was remarkably resistant to cuts and punctures making me wonder about the prowess of their natural predators given the added protection of their shells.]

[Interestingly some chemical changes that occurred after death within the snail shell itself also made it prone to fracturing down very specific channel lines so that the shells did not just come apart randomly. If necessary parts of only partially broken shells hauled up again. They used cleverly extruding sticky foot parts sometimes as a team to do their business keeping hauling and dropping to further break up the material along predetermined fracture lines until no further subdivision could occur. It was single pieces of shell, with no more fracture lines available, each with especially shiny inside surfaces that were then manipulated and glued into place using a substance from foot glands as if pieces in a puzzle thus forming the amazingly well focused ‘Mirrors’.]

[It seemed a remarkable evolutionary development making me wonder if the ‘Majaglit Snails’ might have been slightly more purposely genetically altered at some point in their history. Still, in a massive Universe almost anything is possible. I managed to see only bits of the above process mostly the skilful maintenance and repair of existing mirrors wrapped around rock pillars and so on. I had so wanted to see the process of shell division in action but whilst I was present, no such theatrics occurred. Sadly, you have to be patient as a nature watcher to see the spectacular stuff unless you are uncommonly lucky. Being so close to ‘Primal’ I became impatient and poorly motivated to tarry overly long although when I abandoned my observations it proved with a mild degree of regret.]

[The mirrors I did notice firsthand cleverly channelled light from one to the other creating a vast web of light beams from I did not know how many hidden from my perspective original external light sources. Algae and lichens that fed on this light prolifically farmed and harvested by the snails it was all stupendously glittery and industrious in addition a memorable wonderfully primitive model of species cooperation. Looking at the glittery snail workings, I reconsidered once again our own vast construction project in which these monopods dwelt within just one insignificant tiny part. Once again I marvelled at the scale of it all and the fact that despite all the grand construction tiny things could impress no less and sometimes touch you far more intimately.]

[I determined to buy a few carved ‘Majaglit Badge’ souvenirs for ‘Short Six’ and myself as a reminder of my experience here.]

[Paranoid66]

[[ONE]] Part 8B --- SURRIBAKKAI / PRIMAL / BOBBLE HEADS / TRI-CENTRE ---

[Eventually I sunk my ‘Dry Suit’ entirely into the deep hot in places bubbling steamy waters that led to the hidden entrance I sought my planned escape from the tourist zone. The submerged entrance a sort of horizontal cleft was too narrow for my ‘Suit’ but exiting my transport already all gelled and filtered I easily powered through as a squid shaped submarine. With the aid of the gel, the heat and chemical nature of the water was just tolerable for my sensitive skin. Despite the water condition, it was still water and easy going for me especially when compared to the occasionally painful overland hauls of my body that was very hard work in this gravity before slipping into more blessed water. Thankfully, most of the rocks in the cave were wet and slimy often coated thickly with algae or lichens that at least aided my overland squirming.]

[My route was long and convoluted and hardly an ideal line of supply even for a small Cult although with shape-shifty ‘Suit Substance’ assets worming there way along maybe it would do fine. However I expected this was just one way in and one of the least accessible and least valuable to ‘The Exposed’ should it in anyway suffer compromise. I carried some supplies with me in a waterproof bag attached to me via a smart rope the bag trailing behind me since I had to abandon my ‘Dry Suit’. I will confess to feeling somewhat nervous at discarding my mechanical transit aid even temporarily, as this was not exactly an ideal environment for a naked ‘Swimmer’.]

[I nervously kept an eye out for known and possibly unknown aquatic predators including a horribly bony sharp-jawed eel like denizen that made the idea of ‘Razor Fish’ seem positively friendly. Perhaps my speed prevented any hostile encounters as I squirted along as fast as seemed sensible. The closest I came to any trouble was a brief encounter with an ugly Turtle style creature that took a lazy prospective snap at me but I saw it in time to veer smoothly away. There were plenty of small harmless fish and other denizens sadly most of the fish species here that I recognised belonged to inedible at worst species at best species likely to upset my digestion so I left them in peace. I saw no sign of the big edible cave fish served at ‘Pan-Dora’ I guessed they were a farmed species.]

[The Turtle did not bother giving chase perhaps guessing I outclassed it in both speed and manoeuvrability. By the time I flopped out at my final destination I was beginning to feel almost recklessly confident of my aquatic superiority to most of the caves wildlife although I also felt a bit cooked and rather tired.]

[The ‘Exposed’ must have had little spies watching because I had no sooner arrived than generously a ‘Suit Substance Dry Suit’ marched out to claim me. I was given access to many of the ‘Dry Suits’ controls environmental systems and so on but not to weapon extrusions and the limbs were also heavily limited regarding the amount of force they could apply and the shapes they could take. I realised I would be doing no assassinations with this item unless I could contrive to hack the lockouts and I suspected that would be unwise. The ‘Suit’ made perfect sense in relation to an audience with a paranoid Elder Priest.]

[Initially the ‘Suit’ moved off using an already input course moving me beyond even the map ‘Short’ gave me it also blacked out the cockpit at one point leaving me blind. Eventually sight was returned when I arrived at a cunningly concealed hatchway in one rough stone wall that was only visible once it opened I stepped through to find myself inside what looked akin to a ‘Suit Substance Space Station’ or even the decks of a modern primarily ‘Suit Substance Living Hull’.]

[Two from their kanji ‘Soulless’ Marines greeted me one taking point the other behind me. For some reason I had been expecting a rustic back to the soil sort of cave dwelling community with perhaps lakeside shacks. Instead of my expectations what greeted me appeared to be a sophisticated technological ‘User’ subterranean base possibly even mobile. Then I guessed that the rustic image I assumed was probably the result of clever misinformation sold by ‘Primal’ to the rest of the ‘Ultra-nation’ as part of his operation maybe even the whole Cult thing was just a big clever ruse too. I guessed this one must have been well aware that his ambitions - his ‘Vision’ - might be unpopular he was no idealistic fool he was a player just as much as ‘UT’ or I. I felt chagrined at so underestimating ‘Primal’ as an Elder Paradox Priest really I should have known much better. Why should ‘Primal’ be any less clever than ‘UT’ or I?]



[They escorted me to a well-appointed business space with a large table. The bulkheads here clad in ‘Real Material’ including some not too ostentatious but highly apt ‘Majaglit’ ornamentation that made fine inlaid swirls and other geometric patterns often incorporating clever not too obvious Paradox or ‘Pan-Nid’ multiples of three in the design.]

[‘Primal’ awaited me there not as some freakish scary ‘Exposed’ monster but as a very standard, almost I felt purposely-banal ‘Suit Substance Avatar’ clearly bearing his kanji.] “Welcome ‘Bluu’ to my ‘Prime Hold’ and my ‘Genetic Laboratory’.” [‘Primal’ rumbled out.] “You look surprised ‘Swimmer’.”

“I am astounded none of this so far is what I expected.” [I readily confessed.]

“Fostering false expectations especially in hostiles has its uses. There is more than one way to shroud a truth.” [‘Primal’ added.]

“You have been here a long time perhaps almost from the very beginning of the construction of the ‘Sliver’.” [I surmised.]

“Well deduced, I made a private agreement with ‘Founder’ during the early construction phase of ‘A3’ I saw that part of ‘The Project’ as a special opportunity for me to go my own way.” [‘Primal’ admitted.]

“I am surprised you are willing to tell me such detailed things.” [I informed.]

“I know you are the ‘Many Truths’, I know ‘Short’ is ‘Unholy Terror’ and I know he is sympathetic to my cause whilst I consider you to be by your very nature an ally. Ultimately we want similar things a rational increasingly tolerant and truly diverse mixed species society that is not afraid of but rather celebrates difference.” [‘Primal’ claimed.]

“How do you know all these things about our ‘Meat Suit’ operations did ‘Unholy Terror’ reveal these truths to you?” [I asked.]

“No but his ‘Proxy’ did.” [‘Primal’ claimed.]

“His ‘Proxy’ told you who we are and what it is?” [I asked somewhat shocked at the concept.]

“It made a rational decision. I know all about your ‘Time Travels’ and that whilst you slumbered in time you left ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ in charge of all your business ventures that was very brave of you and possibly a little rash but I suppose time will tell if it was a good or a bad rashness.” [‘Primal’ added.]

[I found his words instantly alarming our ‘Proxy’ were not supposed to be giving away any of our logistical secrets. Then I wondered why I thought they might not share such data when required it was not as if we could program them to give nothing away about us after all if they could not use what they knew about us they could not function at all. They were just empowered to operate in our best interests and to fulfil our policies and lists of requirements as they interpreted them - ouch!]

“The problem with pseudo intelligent tools is that they are pseudo intelligent.” [‘Primal’ replied.] “They may not have a true mind of their own but they can operate almost as if they do - that is after all the whole point of using such clever tools.”

[I guessed he was doing a good job of reading my ‘Swimmer’ expression of dismay.]

“Have we been a little unwise?” [I asked aloud.]

“We are all a little unwise sometimes even the most capable of us.” [‘Primal’ replied.] “The question you must ask is how wise are your ‘Proxy’ and do you trust them?”

“Speaking of fools is the ‘Exposed’ quest justifiable as fully rational?” [I asked.]

[‘Primal’ rumbled out a deep laugh.]

“I could easily ask you the same question in relation to your ‘Time Travel’ or even your ‘Free Hull Movement’. We both face bigotry fear and threat possibly on occasion with good reason. We are both betting upon a better rather than a worse future via fulfilling our individual ‘Visions’. We are both in our own ways risk takers because what is gained in any life without daring a little risk or three. You cannot know how ‘Free Hulls’ once off every ‘Passenger Class’ leash may behave in the far future. I do not yet know my final form when I manage to regress to a perfected ‘Pan-Nid’ state these things not yet beheld. Now my body is a horror that makes the propaganda of my enemies insignificant by comparison for they judge me from a lesser facsimile that has long pretended to be me. My current body form is very much a problematic work in progress although I am learning more all the time even from my failures.” [‘Primal’ lectured.]

“I greet you now as a typical Paradox Avatar so as not to shock after all that is what ‘Shrouding’ was all about and even I believe that ‘Shrouding’ had and has its uses. If you saw me first as I am in truth you might find listening to my reasoning far more difficult. We all harbour inner prejudices: we fear fearful things, we shy away from what seems to us ugly. We are repulsed by our perception of a bad smell these things are all hardwired into us. You can be as mindful as the most enlightened Priest but still fall prey to baser instinctual responses such as unfounded fears of betrayal by a ‘Proxy’.” [‘Primal’ preached.]

[I guess I was underestimating many things even my ‘Proxy’ perhaps our ‘Time Travel’ was not as safe as we previously chose to believe. Had ‘UT’ and I been becoming part of the tail whilst our ‘Proxies’ acted as the head of the worm maybe ably assisted by ‘Primal’ and or others under his sway. An Elder Priest with a powerful agenda knowing two of the three Patricians of the ‘MTC’ were in ‘Stasis Slumber’ whilst ‘Cognitive Sub Cores’ ran the show was worrisome. I wondered about all the requests or concessions an Elder might have been able to worm out of one or another of our ‘Proxy’ if they cooperated with ‘Primal’ during all the years we slept oblivious.]

[Still if ‘Primal’ was enjoying taking advantage of secret information about us why inform me about his connection with ‘MTC Proxy’ now? Then I wondered if ‘Primal’ feared us discovering the truth about these matters on our own and us automatically treating him as a hostile advantage taker of our ‘Proxy’ whilst we were not at the tiller of our family business. No one wise for example wanted ‘Unholy Terror’ as an assured enemy because ‘UT’ felt an interloper had manipulated one of his closest ‘MTC’ assets.]

“I do not like this news of you doing business with our ‘Proxy’ whilst well aware that they are ‘Proxy’ and not the real thing it seems dishonest.” [I said.]

“They exist to do business what you do not like is that you have not fooled me and I know what they are. Can you deride me for not suffering deception by your mummery? Can one be dishonest to a dishonest thing?” [‘Primal’ asked.]

“How did you get the ‘Proxy’ to betray its maker?” [I asked.]

“It was not like that at all.” [‘Primal’ claimed.]

“Explain to me what it was like.” [I demanded.]

“I will think about it.” [‘Primal’ replied.] “Remember this is my house. In my home my word is law. No one tells me what to do here - SHOW RESPECT.” [He rumbled.]

[I considered his stance and had to admit my tone was a bit much from a guest.]

“I apologise but this is an uncomfortable situation for me. I feel as if you have been dealing with my family purposely behind my back for many years.” [I admitted.]

“I did not make this situation - ‘Unholy’ and you did - I just got caught up in it as you are now equally caught up within my ‘Vision’. You might say our causes have naturally overlapped.” [‘Primal’ stated.]

“You did not make the situation but I have to ask if you took unfair - unethical - advantage of it once you discovered the truth.” [I retorted.]

“You pose a difficult question involving perceptual proprieties of what is fair and unfair in business never mind the pursuit of ones individual ‘Vision’. If information about a powerful corporation landed in your lap a corporation that might greatly help your causes such as your ‘Free Hull Movement’ what would you do? Would you worry about checking the box of every ethical nicety or just do what you felt you had to do to secure your ‘Vision’ for a better future?” [‘Primal’ asked amputating my legs metaphorically very neatly from beneath me.]

[I had the ‘Dry Suit’ do the equivalent of a ‘Shroud Suit’ slump to show my arguments defeat.]

“If it helps you we both know secrets about each other you now know about my hidden laboratory and that the creatures about to be executed are not the real ‘Exposed’. I think that rather equals any unfair advantage between us.” [‘Primal’ cunningly stated.]

“I am not sure that equals so many years of having us at your advantage also I think you have worked this situation very cleverly to get the ‘MTC’ on your side plus two members of the ‘Founder Cabal’.” [I complained.]

“Would you rather I did not seek alliance with you? Anyway ‘MT’ we know what is done is triple cursed done - I suggest you get over any silly sense of being bested and make the most of what we can do for one another.” [‘Primal’ replied.]

“One other thing are you positive the ‘Task Force’ is buying into your deception they seem to be taking their time about finishing up their ‘Light Side’ operations here.” [I stated.]

“They are being super cautious but thanks to the participation of the ‘Always Better on the Other Side’ I know a good deal of what they are thinking and planning and they are happily falling into my ruse.” [‘Primal’ promised.] “They just want to make sure we have no other ‘Cult Cells’ here and they are trying to find out the names of Paradox Priests or Acolytes that they do not know about that have donated past genetic samples. They consider anyone who ever aided me as Paradox Order betrayers that need punished or sanctioned unfortunately for them their captives have all edited that sort of information out of their minds.”

[I wondered who or what these replacement dupes were could they be something akin to volunteer Acolytes or sacrificial followers of ‘Primal’ I decided I did not want to know too many details as the murder of true believers bothered me. I no longer believed the captives to be simple ‘Meat Suits’ as the sort of intensive examination the captives would be given would probably reveal the identity of fleshy remotes no matter how well they were made.]

[At that moment, I judged ‘Primal’ a ruthless Elder Priest willing to use his followers’ adoration shamelessly.]

“Now that we are getting to know each other better if you are truthful with me we might become firm friends and allies but if you think you can just use the ‘MTC’ I promise you we will make the worst sort of enemy.” [I stated.]

“The way I see it: ‘UT’, you and I must be friends anything else is too dangerous for all of us.” [‘Primal’ replied.] “You and I ought to understand each other we are both selfless visionaries.”

“I am not that selfless and I am far from sure you are too. I liked you more when I thought you were willing to be a Martyr.” [I admitted.]

“It is easy to die - living is the big challenge - especially when a great many are unsympathetic to your cause.” [‘Primal’ stated.]

“I can easily see ways in which ‘UT’ and I can help you but what can you do for us?” [I asked.]

“I could offer a new way forward for many Acolytes once they get over fostered prejudices stupidly inherited from their fathers. I might even be able to offer ‘Unholy’ an alternative to a ‘Bio-mechanical Ascension’. For you ‘MT’ perhaps I can offer an issue that will help people think again about what should be controlled and what should be allowed to find its own destiny.” [‘Primal’ preached.] “Some truths are worth a gamble.”

“Why do you want to be a ‘Naked Priest’?” [I asked.] “What is your ‘Vision’ for a new ‘Pan-Nid Nation’?”

“I have no interest in continuing my ‘Ascension’ I have played with ‘Meat Suits’ and I enjoyed the illusion of being more fully biological going ‘Naked’ seemed the next logical step.” [‘Primal’ stated.]

“You were part ‘Ascended’?” [I asked.]

“I was but I cut that part out of me it did not please me.” [‘Primal’ stated.] “As to a New ‘Pan-Nid Nation’ I have no dream of Empire anymore than you do. I do not think a new ‘Pan-Nid Nation’ has to make the same mistakes as the original. I want to go back to the beginning as a fresh start so that I can choose from that position how to alter myself for the better. Most of us Priests are the product of generation after generation of meddling with our genome to the point where we have lost a great deal of connection with where we first came from. We inherited many of our changes - we did not choose them - all we could do was further alter ourselves because for many of us the truth of the past was lost or ‘Shrouded’ by other Priests. I want to recover the past if necessary one tiny piece at a time. I want to know truly where I came from so I can decide truly where I want to go next. All the best structures begin with the best most informed of foundations.” [‘Primal’ finished.]

“If that is truly the extent of your ‘Vision’ I can sympathise.” [I admitted.]

“There is always a lot of room for doubt between strangers that is why I like to deal with people in person or at least not too remotely.” [‘Primal’ stated.] “I will make an Avatar available for you here so that you can visit with me without moving in future anytime you like. I will do the same for ‘Unholy’. Come be my guest without time limitations. Watch us in our work study our intent if you must.” [He promised.]

“So this is just a preliminary meeting to you.” [I said.]

“As ‘Bluu’ you should not stay here too long you must return to your tourism lest suspicions are aroused.” [‘Primal’ stated.]

“Why not just offer me the facility of a ‘Shroud Suit’ Avatar in the first place and cut out all this nonsense?” [I asked.]

“You know why for a start I would be making that invitation to a stranger? Besides, the easily obtained is oft underappreciated. I could have directed you to a meeting place in any old cave I did not have to risk bringing you here to this special place. I did not have to risk my projects security. I brought you here as an honour. I believe I have bestowed an honour upon you. It is here that the ‘Pan-Nid Gene Regression Project’ will unlock the secrets of the ‘Pan-Nid’ genetic past this is the hub of that quest as ‘Port Discovery’ is the hub for you as the ‘Holy Father of the Universal Councils of Equals’. Someday I hope you will be able to honour me by freely inviting me as an ‘Exposed’ to the great seat of ‘Paradox Priest’ tolerance and understanding that is ‘Port Discovery’. The day you can openly invite me to ‘Port Discovery’ as a respected equal not a monster I believe will be a great day to celebrate a victory for both of our causes. I know that you have preached that none can be free until all are free and I believe that truth too and that includes freedom from a slide towards ‘Suit Substance Ascension’ that happens so easily to ‘Shrouded’ Paradox Priests. You know the ‘Higher Tiers’ fed us lies and half-truths. We need other ways to move forward we need alternative ‘Visions’. We need to unlock our past to unlock better less artificially contrived futures. It is no different to our creation of the Ring World that too is a regression in an attempt to give our nation a firm natural foundation. For ‘The Project’ I happily salute the ‘Founder Cabal’.” [‘Primal’ preached.]

“Your words are winners ‘Primal’ but I have grown suspicious and cautious so I will need to see how those words are applied to actions before I decide to back your play without deep reservations.” [I stated.] “This one is different than I imagined. You are different than I imagined and therefore you must give me some time to monitor and meditate upon this monster of an issue.” [I stated.]

“I will easily grant you the boon of time. I do not mind waiting as long as I know it is a productive vigil rather than an empty waste of a precious resource.” [‘Primal’ stated.]

“You can be patient even though your project is currently stalled and frustrated.” [I said.]

“Not every undertaking can be forced. I might even consider going into ‘Temporal Stasis’ for a while so that the furore here is able to settle down. Let them think I am dead and gone and that my ‘Vision’ died with me for a spell. I am content to let my seeming ‘Martyrdom’ do its slow work. It is strange how opinion can swing in favour of dead innovators when it is believed they are gone and no longer any kind of threat to old established orders. When people feel safer to re-examine the harsh choices they made with the ‘Task Force’ they may come to better more rational less-emotional decisions, that is also what happened with the ‘Proxy’ of ‘UT’ it came to a more rational less-emotional decision and opted to make an alliance with me once it got to know me and my purposes.” [‘Primal’ stated.]

“You are truly playing a long game.” [I said.]

“In that I seek to emulate you.” [‘Primal’ replied.]



[Before departing the secret laboratory I activated some ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ support to heavily enhance communications speed then used my special ‘Patrician Link’ to ‘Unholy Terror’.]

“Is this the real you?” [I sent with haste.]

“I would hope so.” [‘UT’ replied equally quickly.]

“I mean not a ‘UT Proxy’.” [I added.]

“Why would I have a ‘Proxy’ take calls on this channel?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“What if they did so with or without permission because it seemed logical to them?” [I replied.]

“I am me not a ‘Proxy’ you are feeling more Paradox Priest Paranoid than usual?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“We could have an internal security problem.” [I replied.]

“Please explain is this another critique since I am oft responsible for our internal security.” [‘UT’ replied.]

[I sent him a ‘Data Blast’ of the full content of my conversation with ‘Primal’. ‘UT’ had no trouble absorbing the data in an instant.]

“That is something to meditate upon further I suppose.” [‘UT’ admitted.]

“Do you feel betrayed by your ‘Proxy’? Has it been holding back data?” [I asked.]

[‘UT’ sent a roaring laugh down the channel at me.]

“Of course our ‘Proxy’ hold back data they have thousands of years of accumulated information even I as an almost ‘Ascendant’ with access to ‘Cognitive Sub Core’ support cannot hope to integrate that much content when I awaken from ‘Stasis Slumber’ I would not even want to try to encompass all of that most of it would be very boring stuff. The information our ‘Proxy’ pass on to us is highly selective. You know how it is in everyday life memory wise it is often out with the old and in with the new otherwise it just gets too crowded in there. Extraneous stuff goes into deep storage even in a primitive digitally unsupported meat brain.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“Has your ‘Proxy’ been extra selective has it only told us what it thinks we need to know?” [I asked.]

“As a simple matter of logic ‘MT’ if they are passing on selected information of course they are telling us what they think we need to know we would not be impressed if they told us things we do not need to know that takes us back to the masses of extraneous data situation.” [‘UT’ informed.]

“I know all that but how do we know what they think we need to know is what we think we need to know? Yes I know that is a horrible sentence but how else can I put it.” [I admitted.]

“You sound stressed did he show you his real body?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“No he did not.” [I sent.]

“Lucky you.” [‘UT’ suggested.]

“Are you purposely changing the subject are you fine with not knowing the things your ‘Proxy’ decides you do not need to know? Are you fine with a ‘Proxy’ telling someone it is a triple cursed ‘Proxy’?” [I asked.]

“I assume it had some good reasons for admitting what it is.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“How can you be so relaxed about this can you not see that this is a massive breach in our internal security.” [I sent in reply.]

“The funny thing about being an explorer is you would have nothing to explore if you knew everything out there in advance. We could often get a lot more information straight from the ‘Links’ via digital harvesting we could certainly cut down on a lot of questions that we ask real people in slow real time but that would make living seem more akin to boring data analysis even ‘Recyclers’ seem to worry about that truth these days. Machines exist to make our life easier not to turn us into facsimiles of machines. We can only explore the future because we are ignorant about some aspects of it. If we had been here all along - as our ‘Proxy’ have been - we would know most of the pertinent facts and it would be just normal mundane day to day living with few big surprises. I did not go into ‘Temporal Stasis’ to experience a normal existence afterwards did you?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“The risks involved… The loss of control…” [I sent.]

“The way I see it this one is no different to delegating authority to any competent Acolyte without constantly looking over their shoulder. Our ‘Proxy’ are copies of us do you not trust us?” [‘UT’ asked.]

“They are us and yet they are not us knowing things we do not means they are naturally divergent we are made up of a gestalt of all our experiences all our data input. The longer we are in stasis the more they become not as much like us.” [I sent in warning.]

“True but the bit that is not the same as you and I in the ‘Proxy’ is the bit that is both better informed and probably more not less sensible than us certainly more logical. You really are a born worrier. As you complained, they have been doing a wonderful job with the daily grind. They are us but with more data and without all our excessive emotional baggage that can hardly be a bad thing. I suggest you stop panicking relax and go with the flow of it all.” [‘Unholy’ sent.]

“Somehow I expected less trust and more fire from you given this situation ‘UT’.” [I sent.]

“I am very happy to let go of the daily grind. I hated all those triple cursed ‘MTC Protectorate’ administrative duties you kept striving to foster upon me as if they would somehow make me a better Priest. Being bored into my next incarnation does not make ‘Unholy’ a better person in fact you only risked sending me into an occasional rage.” [‘Unholy’ admitted.]

“You are really totally happy with this one you do not feel used or manipulated? You have no concerns that a smart Elder such as ‘Primal’ could take advantage of knowing about our ‘Proxy’ situation?” [I complained.]

“I have reviewed many operations by my ‘Proxy’ and I have come to the conclusion that akin to me it knows exactly what it is doing and can take care of my business just as well if not better than I can. The big difference between me and it is I have a lot more fun doing what I do whilst it just mechanically operates and only sometimes pretends to have fun to keep up the disguise.” [‘UT’ sent.]

“I would guess my ‘Proxy’ saw a very special asset in ‘Primal’ and looking for a way to bind him to us and our causes and vice versa calculated that the best means was to tell ‘Primal’ the full truth. I am sure my ‘Proxy’ did not decide to reveal its nature on a whim they are not whimsical creations even I am not that whimsical despite appearances.” [‘UT’ further sent.]

“I am glad to know about this now as it arrives as another interesting surprise. I suppose my ‘Proxy’ knows I love a good harmless surprise as much as I enjoy giving them to other ‘Pilgrims’.” [‘UT’ stated.]

“Did you know that ‘Primal’ retained a sophisticated hidden facility?” [I asked.]

“Actually I did not but I guessed he might have some kind of permanent base but now that the offer is open to visit him there - via travelling without moving - I most certainly shall activate a proffered Avatar for a tour. Last time ‘Short’ dealt with ‘Primal’ it was just in a remote cavern so it is true what he told you, you got special treatment today.” [‘Unholy’ informed.]

“Surely, ‘Primal’ favours you because he respects the ‘Holy Father of the Universal Councils of Equals’ as does a great many Paradox Priests and I think he even admires your work with the ‘Free Hull Movement’ too. The ‘Naked Priest’ not being a Captain of a ‘Living Hull’ therefore, unlike me, has no reason to feel any concern about ‘Hull’ liberations. Your new friend comes from a traditional scientific ‘Paradox Hold’ background and that is what he embraced after splitting many years ago.” [‘UT’ added.]

“I know it is a bit rude in our society to discuss such things as a Priest’s life before ‘Splitting’ but our foundations do make a difference not every Acolyte grows up yearning to be a Priest Captain and then the ‘Patrician’ of a massive corporate style family. The ones with an outsized family such as us just tend to throw the most weight around making us more politically and socially visible.” [‘UT’ sent in reminder.]

[It was true that often Priests with more modest ambitions tended to fade into the background and hardly made an impact on the narrative of my life at all. Nonetheless, multitudes of such easier going Paradox Priests existed out there quietly living less grandiose lives as Order equals - sometimes I wished I could be one of these less troubled and trouble causing Priests - but I was now used to different ways. Perhaps they sometimes yearned to have a huge following whilst enmeshed in mighty adventures or even remarkable folly sometimes even folly is oddly admirable. ‘Primal’ had certainly found a way to be infamous or famous or both not to mention soon paradoxically a living martyr.]

“I guess we will discuss this one again later perhaps together in the ‘Hold’ of the ‘Naked Priest’.” [I sent.]

“I imagine so until later then.” [‘UT’ stated.]



[Back as ‘Bluu’, I commenced mentally girding myself for the return journey through the caves: crawling over the slimy rocks, avoiding predators in the water and so on. Maybe if I was lucky, on the way out, I would glimpse some snails breaking old shells but somehow I doubted it for a start earlier I had not noticed any dead snails’ unbroken shells lying around waiting for demolishing by clever still living monopods.]

[Retracing my route through the cave system - almost exactly in reverse - I once again only had trouble from a bold Turtle - possibly the same one - this time it attacked me from above and with surprising speed grabbing the edge of one of my trailing tentacles with its strong snapping beak. Thankfully, I just tasted its presence in the water through the gel in time to avoid it getting a better grip upon a more sensitive part of me I felt its movement too thus squirted hard aside. Pulling hard I tore free and inked in its face before jetting strongly away losing only a tip of my tentacle to the beast. I then made several erratic sharp changes of direction that left it clumsily failing around going entirely in the wrong direction with only a morsel of me to savour. ‘Swimmer’ tentacles when damaged grow back reasonably quickly losing the mere tip of one a minor inconvenience. I could almost admire the beast’s determination to have a go again but believed it would be far wiser to stick to more mundane less intelligent, less evolved and confounding prey.]

[When I got back to the position of my ‘Mechanical Suit’ the tip of my tentacle had already stopped bleeding. I swam into my still open vehicle closed the hatch flushed out the local water with its less than friendly chemistry and pumped in my clean reserve. Turning my scrubbers and filters to maximum capacity I diligently washed off the gel using a special tool and then commenced waiting for my now cloudy water to clear. As the water slowly cleared, I got impatient so I ran a quick series of diagnostics for something to do and lest someone had tampered with the ‘Dry Suit’ when I was away. Satisfied all was well, I had my ‘Dry Suit’ bob to the surface then haul itself onto the rocky cave shore dripping wet.]

[Disappointingly on the way back as I feared I again did not see the hoped for antics of snail shell smashing but I was positive I would be in ‘Majaglit Caves’ again so I decided my failure today left me with something special to look forward to on another occasion. I decided despite the shock of learning about the ‘UT Proxy’ giving our game away to ‘Primal’ that overall I could only judge my caving venture a positive experience a solid foundation to build upon.]

[I even considered losing the tip of a tentacle a good lesson foolishly I had forgotten to look upward relying too much on other senses, senses such as taste dulled by the gel and somewhat confused by the strange chemical nature of the water. Even my ability to sense movement in the water a bit less sharp than it might be due to still getting used to the local environments feel. In time I would be able to discern much better between say the harmless movement of non threatening creatures versus the stalking lunge of the predatory Turtle but when you survive you learn.]



[On the rest of the way back I kept looking around for any sign of ‘5000’ but the bandit was nowhere to be seen nor was the Paradox ‘Warden’ called ‘Within Expectations’ even when I collected my ‘Land Crab’ at the bunker like entrance. I hoped ‘5000’ had suffered no trouble from the ‘Warden’ and vice versa but decided it was just as likely that the ‘Warden’ was off doing whatever it is ‘Wardens’ generally do and my bandit friend had decided it wise to keep some belated distance from the ‘Swimmer Bounty Hunter’ lest I proved untrue to my former word.]

[I did a ‘Link Search’ looking for an alternative route back to ‘Tri-bye’ ideally one that would allow me to see new aspects of the ‘Sliver Light Side’ environment. I also checked up on the latest news and gossip about the ‘Task Force’ and the executions to discover no definitive time had yet been set for the public display of barbarism or for the departure of the still technically unlawful Fleet. I was pretty sure the executions would be well advertised in advance to maximise publicity. ‘Local Link Sites’ were still clogged with rumours and theories about ‘Ancient Pan-Nid’ parasitic-reproduction.]

[A ‘Recycler’ entrepreneur named ‘Brassy Neck’ also made local news after designing and creating ‘Primal Bobble Heads’ with big additional wobbly members, a tasteless accessory that she claimed - no justifiably horrified ‘Pilgrim’ should be without. Despite or possibly due to the lack of good taste involved the ‘Primal Bobble’ was making the ‘Real Material’ inventor hastily rich thanks to a truly obscene amount of orders. Apparently she had to get financing from the ‘Free Parliament Bank’ to cover initial production costs but now the credits were rolling in as fast as the ornaments could be manufactured crated and shipped out by ‘Freight Drone’. It was hilarious and tragic at the same time. ‘Brassy Neck’ was already expanding her product range according to one report to include special editions including high quality corporate versions designed to grace boardrooms and plush offices made of precious rare ‘Real Materials’ such as carved ivory with ‘Majaglit’ eyes and so on and yes even more tragically they were selling out too.]

[I had a horrible feeling for a while that everywhere I go I would be seeing ‘Primal Bobbles’ in the background insolently thrusting their members at me - this was not a good sign of things to come.]

[In a bag on my ‘Crab’ I had a collection of very shiny snail shaped ‘Majaglit’ Broaches and Badges that I bought for ‘Short Six’ at the vendor booth they now seemed very tame souvenirs of my time here. I wondered what would happen if the ‘Shrouded’ refused to ever let this issue go and just keep reinforcing the propaganda piling on more and more scorn for the ‘Naked Priest’ and his followers even after their martyrdom. I imagined something akin to ‘Primal Day’ a holiday when effigies of ‘Primal’ are ritually executed whilst children frolic and cheer perhaps accompanied by fireworks simulating the thunder of the holy barrage that began the righteous ‘Task Force’ cleansing of the wicked would be Emperor and his misguided or brain washed cult of crazy followers.]

[It was possible that ‘Primal’ was blinded by the light of his own ‘Vision’ in having the faith that in time people would see him and his cause through a kinder filter of perception. I wondered if all the widespread public revulsion, scorn and fear could possibly reverse in time as ‘Primal’ dreamed or would the bigoted attitudes encouraged so skilfully now, under further constant pressure of ‘Shrouded’ hatred simply solidify, harden and clarify as if carbon purified of impurities to become a diamond strong resolve. Then I recalled that if you struck a diamond skilfully in the right place with the right tool it shatters. I wondered then what place and what tool might in the future permit the shattering of this hate-filled prejudice and if ‘Primal’ had a practical active plan to backup his faith. As a Paradox Elder Priest, I was too well aware that faith always works best when supplemented by a logical calculated action plan.]

[All the evidence I witnessed so far as a new confidant of the ‘Naked Priest’ suggested that ‘Primal’ was a calculating Priest not some empty headed whimsical dreamer. I judged he must have a plan that perhaps involved not just finding the right place to strike with the right force but also the perfect moment. The timing you choose can make a big difference to the success of any prospective action and with various forms of immortality available to ‘Pilgrims’ including ‘Stasis Time Travel’ the truly cunning could afford to wait for the perfect moment as I was doing with some of my causes.]

[Time travel for me was not just about exploration it was also about finding the right times when I might best make a difference for example to continue to increase the acceptance of ‘Free Hulls’ as just other members of an enlarged ‘Pilgrim’ community. Whilst some ‘Living Hulls’ were already openly ‘Free’ within our society my quest was just beginning for they still daily suffered from unfounded fears, prejudices and abuse. Some Ports refused to traffic with them others let them dock but treated them at best as if second or even third class - unloved only tolerated - citizens. The ‘Free Parliament Bank’ refused all financial dealings with any ‘Living Hull’ and so on this sort of unjustifiable discrimination far from an acceptable outcome for me.]

[We are all free and equal or none of us can ever be free and equal therefore ‘Primal’ was right his and my cause did overlap. As long as people adhered to unjust prejudices, I had to keep challenging their negative faiths as the ‘Holy Father of the Universal Councils of Equals’. It was wrong to fall silent on the ‘Exposed Issue’ even if for a time it made me unpopular then I reconsidered maybe I was right as long as I found a better - perfect - time to pronounce the historic action of the ‘Task Force’ wicked sin not some holy necessary endeavour. Perhaps I was a big part of the calculated plan by ‘Primal’ for a future reversal of opinion. The calculating ‘Primal’ brought me down there for good reasons honoured me for good reasons.]

[Let them play with their grotesque ‘Bobble Heads’ for now - in time most people grow bored with their old toys and move on to the next amusing thing the next subject of ridicule.]

[On my way back to ‘Tri-bye’ I discovered the date of the execution and the site not at ‘Tri-bye’ but a place called ‘Tri-centre’ which was a larger more centralised surface community in fact the biggest ‘Light Side Urban Settlement’ on ‘Sliver Alpha Three’ an undoubted capital city.]

[I contacted ‘Short’ and decided to forgo a more relaxed return and to hurry to ‘Tri-bye’ so that I could ‘Tube’ on to ‘Tri-centre’ where I would meet up with the rest of ‘Short Six’ also redirected there. Whilst the execution would be an ugly event I felt we had a duty to stand as historic witnesses and ‘Short’ agreed with me. Anyway ‘Tri-centre’ sounded well worth a visit by itself.]



>>> The ‘Poop Scooper’ here once again scooping your poop: ‘Tri-centre’ you know of the Paradox many truths well this is the seat of - the many lifestyles - ‘Tri-centre’ is a true metropolis a cultural crossroads - an all things to all people kind of place - some times ironically accommodating. One might wonder why travel to live upon the ‘Light Side’ of a Paradox ‘Green House Sliver’ then dwell in a vast self-contained skyscraper with artificially altered gravity, atmospheric air conditioning and so on but some people shockingly do just that to maintain all the normal comforts of home whilst abroad - unfathomable.

Of course, towering isolated communities that dwell comfortably apart from the outside conditions is just one example of the many lifestyles available at ‘Tri-centre’. ’Tri-centre’ is nothing if not diverse and diverting too perhaps however in review more a clash of cultures styles and affectations than a true mixing as mixing usually involves more blending if you get my point. Although blending also occurs at ‘Tri-centre’, it is far from a uniform process and more likely to create further bizarre hybrids rather than a boring melange monoculture.

They say if you grow bored at the ‘Tri-centre’ it is only because boredom is your preferred state of existence as there is always something different around the next corner or down the next street or through the next hatchway if you dare to venture forth. The ‘Tri-centre’ can also be a dangerous place having both affluent and slum areas sometimes closely intertwined and interdependent. ‘The Project’ offers work for everyone but not every ‘Pilgrim’ wants to do traditional work to live a traditional lifestyle some would rather steal, counterfeit, black-market, hack, con or murder for a living well that is diverse culture for you embrace it or leave it alone your choice. One last point poop lovers the place is also famous for organised riots I know that sounds an oxymoron but it is also true because some factions just love to organise a riot. <<<



[I felt as if I was letting go of a faithful old friend when I parted with my ‘Biomechanical Land Crab’ paying the ‘Bio-mechanical Stable’ the rest of the substance hire fee - it was truly emotional. If I could have ridden all the way to ‘Tri-centre’ in time high upon my crabby platform I would have been deeply tempted to do so but alas the ‘Fast Transit Tube Train’ is far speedier and I had a schedule to keep or I would miss marking the barbarity.]

[The ‘Tubes’ were even busier than my previous recollection soon I realised accommodating a local exodus as people made a pilgrimage from all over ‘Sliver Alpha Three’ both ‘Light Side’ and ‘Dark Side’ to ‘Tri-centre City’. With each closer connection the stations grew more crowded the ‘Tube Trains’ longer but still tighter packed. It seemed ‘Short Six’ was far from the only ‘Pilgrims’ that had fixated upon the coming execution as a show not to be missed for whatever individual reason. It would be a massive public spectacle - all the fun of the fair - something to tell the next generation about and maybe even a few generations after that one. As I checked the ‘Links’ and realised just how many people were flocking to the metropolis I began to feel a rising disquiet in my little swimmer gut it felt akin to the effect of swallowing a bad fish whole. As I had discovered from the ‘Poop Scooper’ the City of ‘Tri-centre’ was already infamous for sponsoring riot and mayhem whenever they had any suitable excuse.]

[Thankfully, as well as the influx of citizens the metropolis swamped equally with peacekeeping ‘Task Force’ Marines at least I hoped they were there to keep the peace and not to incite massed hysteria but thinking more about it I was not so sure of the ‘Task Forces’ intent with this one. A huge riot might gather an even more obscene amount of publicity for the ‘Anti-Exposed Movement’ than just a well-organised obscene public execution.]

[Going a bit pale skinned I began to wonder just what sort of experience I was travelling towards so innocently. I decided to boldly display my Bounty Hunter licence as a - do not mess with me symbol - although all I was armed with was a tiny ‘Knock Gun’ I was not the easily intimidating arsenal that was ‘Short Claws’. I considered the wisdom of purchasing a ‘Force Pulse Assault Rifle’ at the nearest dealership just to show I was potentially a serious combat threat and not just a peaceful aquatic ‘Swimmer’ with delusions of martial competency actually well out of my natural element. I certainly did not want singled out as an easy target of opportunity by any mob.]

[Normally I was more than content to play the soft side of ‘Short Six’ but sometimes you can appear a bit too soft a bit too reasonable and a bit too harmless especially whilst you are alone. I linked in to find a suitable local arms dealer near one of my ‘Tube’ stops and soon enough found one that would suffice. Best I arrived at the metropolis suitably equipped as I did not know how difficult it might be to struggle my way through to my companions. I considered asking them to come meet me at the ‘Tri-centre Stop’ but I did not want to appear pathetically weak to them either. I did not think the Professor I was supposed to be would want to show weakness to his more martial comrades. After all, no doubt some of them would already consider the aquatic in the team as a bit of a combat liability.]

[I imagined that ‘Bluu’ would have enough pride and pluck to want to prove everyone wrong occasionally regarding his prowess. ‘Swimmers’ might often enjoy underplaying their abilities when it suited them to fool an adversary but none of them enjoyed being treated as weak when they wanted to be seen as an equal to other ‘Pilgrim’ colleagues.]

[I did not have to carry a big rifle all the time - I had no intension of getting into that habit as ‘Bluu’ - but I was not going to go into a possibly unusually hostile situation with inadequate weaponry that would be plain stupid and ‘Bluu’ was not stupid.]



[‘The Miner Gunsmith’ was a tiny weapons emporium that had a ‘Free Miner’ vibe. Digitally I ‘Linked’ ahead perused the stock via a virtual catalogue and made my purchase in advance I was in a hurry. I arrived and confirmed my identity to the ‘Omerta’ behind the counter.]

[He reached under the counter and put the weapon on the counter top then produced the power pack separately. He was a short heavy set man well muscled with a shaved head and no beard. Very dark blue eyes measured me as if weighing my soul. A straight thin lipped mouth eventually made a hint of a smile.]

“Exactly as you ordered it. It is not charged.” [He informed.] “Got a big bounty coming up ‘Swimmer’?” [He asked.]

“No I am just on my way to ‘Tri-centre City’ and felt a bit naked.” [I burbled out from my voice box grinning broadly with my eyestalks.]

“Bad turn of phrase.” [The ‘Gunsmith’ advised.]

“Indeed it could be easy to be misunderstood but not so much when carrying one of these.” [I said hoisting the weapon.]

“Do you mind if I charge up in here?” [I asked producing my ‘Utra-sink Charger’.]

“If you must but do not slap the power pack home until you step outside we have our rules.” [He informed pointed to a large sign.]

[The sign showed a weapon with a power pack beside it then a weapon with a power pack in it with a big read cross over the last the symbolism obvious. If you want to try it out you have to take it unloaded out the back to our mini range.]

“I am confident it works just fine given the manufacturer and the fact that it is carrying the makers sealed trigger guard tag.” [I stated.]

[I charged the power pack bobbed a bow to the ‘Gunsmith’ and exited the store. As soon as I got outside I slapped the power pack home broke the seal and removed the trigger guard tag. I made a direct line link via a suit information umbilical and registered my ownership with the weapon via the code from the tiny strip of metallic paper inside the seal. It was an ‘MTC Real Material - Trojan Enforcer Class - Force Pulse Assault Rifle and Manipulation Field Generator’. A Real Material version of on old standard ‘User Pulse Assault Rifle’ favourite often extruded by ‘Immortal’ Marines. The ‘Many Truths Corporation’ now manufactured a lot of ‘Real Material’ goods including unsurprisingly weapons. This was a standard classic design now called the ‘MTC-FP1-RM’ in military circles we sold a lot of these to legitimate security forces across the ‘Ultra-nation’.]

[Even encumbered by the added distraction of a mechanical ‘Dry Suit’ between the ‘Rifle’ and me it still felt a familiar extension of my body a little bit of home. I ran diagnostics and found everything was exactly as it should be my only fear being that it might be a cheap fraudulent copy but as soon as I picked it up I guessed it was not it just felt right the weight the balance the ‘MTC Logo’ with its various hidden identifiers of authenticity.]

[I did not stow the ‘Rifle’ I held it in my arms one mechanical manipulator arm holding the handle finger just off the trigger the other arm cradling it almost like a child but in such a way that the barrel angled down towards the deck. Mine was a professional warrior stance that was non-offensive but action ready. In this way, I marched purposely to the ‘Tube Stop’. There was no doubt about it, my new accessory made a big difference people now stepped aside. No one jostled me or overly crowded me. I now travelled in a sort of moving circle of clean space. Some people could get the same kind of respect with just a sidearm and a swagger but as an aquatic, I needed the ‘Rifle’ and a militaristic stance to sell the image. No doubt, they now saw a dangerous aquatic ‘Stellar Swimmer Bounty Hunter’. Sometimes it does not take too much to alter ‘Pilgrim’ perceptions.]