Abraxis Complex 2: Sword of Damocles Page 2

  Paul nodded. “I can agree to that. Hell, I might even take you up on it, later when I get closer to the end.”

  “What do you mean?” Jared asked.

  “I have ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. I've been under treatment for a while, but the fact is that it will eventually kill me,” Paul answered and shrugged. “I'm at peace with it, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see.”

  Greg had been in the simulator, trying to get caught up to the girls with hours logged. When Jared had called, he simply put some cover-alls on over the flight suit. It wasn't obvious, but Paul was close enough to see part of it.

  “Greg, is what you're wearing under there going to be what you're wearing when you fight?” Paul asked.

  Greg glanced down at the jump suit, but saw part of the flight suit was visible. “Probably. There is a helmet that connects to the suit as well, and the suit can seal.”

  Paul nodded. “Okay, could you pass the word to the girls, that for now, you are all to come to training wearing that suit. You can leave off the helmets for now, but I want you all to get used to moving in those things. Since you're going to take care of Sybil, we won't have to worry about her seeing you in them.”

  Greg looked a little uncomfortable. “The suits are capable of giving us some physical enhancements. You won't be able to spar with us if we are wearing them. Mandi also has one, but she won’t be fighting in it; she has a different role than we do.”

  Paul nodded. “Thanks for the warning, I'll keep it in mind. I'll use Mandi as a demonstrator then. She's pretty damn good already.”

  Greg stood. “Okay, then I guess we'll see you in a couple of hours. Dad, when would you like to take care of the Sybil issue?”

  “No time like the present. Let me call Beth in Medical so she's ready for us," Jared replied.

  “Okay, I'll find Sybil, and tell her that I'm granting her wish,” Greg said grinning.

  “Just so I know not to act surprised when I see her, you're not going to kill her, right?” Paul asked.

  Greg's smile decreased. “No, I'd rather not have to do that unless given no other choice. She is a valuable member of the team, but beyond that, she hasn't done anything against us. I'd prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to killing people.”

  “That's a very liberal view to take. She could still file a report on you,” Paul said.

  Greg looked at him seriously for a moment. “Paul, it's only a matter of time before the government figures out there is something other than research going on down here. We know we can't stay hidden from them forever, but we do need to try. Once they find out about us, if they try to stop us or keep us from doing what we are going to be doing, they will only be hurting themselves. We hope to be able to show them that when the time comes. Fortunately, that time hasn't come yet, and for now, I'd still like to believe that there is hope for the human race.”

  Paul looked thoughtful for a moment. “I'd find it very hard to believe that Jared would be involved in anything that would be bad for our country, which is why I've chosen to curb my curiosity and not ask too many questions. So in order to set my mind at ease, is what we are doing here going to be harmful to the United States?”

  Greg opened his mouth to answer, but Jared beat him to it. “Paul, I want you to know I know what you're really asking. No, we are not going to be doing anything against the people of the United States, or of any other country for that matter. What we are doing here is for the global good. We are anticipating that the government will not be too happy with that fact once they find out about it. I can't really tell you more without telling you everything, and you've already said you don't want to know.”

  “Paul, I'll tell you what. Keep your eyes open. If there is something that happens here that bothers you, come to Jared or me and ask. If you feel that you really should know the whole story, if for no other reason than to ease your conscience, I'll still give you that tour and full disclosure,” Greg said. “At that point, you can leave or not. It'll be your choice.”

  “If I chose to leave now, and report on everything I've seen down here?” Paul asked.

  Greg shrugged. “Honestly, we can't let you go yet, not like that. So if you chose to stop helping us, we would simply try to make you as comfortable as possible until such time as we can afford to let you go.”

  “You'd hold me against my will?” Paul asked.

  “Yeah, but only for as long as we'd have to. Basically, we would deny you access to the lift out of here; you'd still be free to roam around. It's nothing personal, really,” Greg explained.

  Paul nodded. “Okay, I just wanted to know; it tells me a great deal about who I'm working with. I do have to say that is a damn sight more generous than the Agency would be.”

  Greg smirked. “We are not the Agency; we never will be.”

  'Prometheus' Base

  Shermandale, Utah

  North American Continent

  Earth, Sol System

  “Ah, there you are, Sybil. How are you doing?” Greg asked.

  The woman smirked at him. “We need to work on your walking. I heard you approaching all the way down the hall. Other than that, I'm doing pretty well,” she paused and eyed him warily. “How are you doing?”

  Greg nodded. “Not too bad, all things considered. A little stiff and sore yet, but Medical released me back to full duty.”

  He noticed her ears perk up. “Medical?”

  “Yeah, I know you've been curious about what's going on in the restricted areas, so after talking it over with Jared, I've decided to increase your clearance level and give you a tour. So, why don't I show you what Medical is?” Greg replied.

  “Really?” she asked. “Are you sure? I mean I know there's a reason for the restriction. If I had been able to actually get past security, I wouldn't have gone any further."

  “So, all the attempts to get in you've been making were you testing security?” Greg asked.

  Sybil shrugged. “Pretty much. I like to think there is no door I can't get into given enough time. I do have to admit that I'm starting to doubt being able to get through that one. If you think I need to know what's on the other side of it, then I'll go, but more than anything else, I'd really like to know how you managed to secure that door."

  Greg nodded back toward the hall. “Well, I can't tell you that, without telling you all of it, so, come on – I'm about to give you a promotion.”

  As she rose from her desk to follow him, she asked. “Huh? A promotion? To what?”

  Greg chuckled. “If I told you now, you either wouldn't believe me, or you'd think I was joking. I'll tell you once we get done.”

  “Does this mean I'll be able to carry my sidearm again?” Sybil asked. She had been very reluctant to give up her Glock when she was brought down.

  They had been walking down the hall while talking, so Greg stopped just outside Jared's office. “Unfortunately, no. It'll be even more important on the other side of the door. There are a lot of things in there that don't respond well to bullets.”

  Jared stepped out of his office and smiled at them. Somehow, that made Sybil even more nervous about this. “You know, maybe I don't need to know how that door works after all, maybe I should just go back to my office and forget all about this.”

  “Nonsense!” Jared replied letting her know it was far too late to back out. “We really need your help in there. I promise I won't kill you."

  She seemed to relax quite a bit about that statement. She knew what Jared was capable of. Of course, she thought Greg was still just an untrained kid instead of being far more dangerous than his father. She nodded agreement to continue.

  The three of them approached the door and without a word it simply opened. Sybil opened her mouth to ask how the hell they'd done that when she saw Greg wink at her. “Just be patient, you'll know in a few moments.”

  The trio entered and waited for the outer door to close and the inner door to open. Once the outer door was closed. Greg stage whispered to
her. “Besides, Jared's authority ended at that door. This is my sandbox from now on.”

  For some reason, that calm statement seemed to bother Sybil far more than Jared's presence had.

  The inner door opened, and Abraxis said from the speakers. “Welcome back, Commander and Agent Danielson.”

  “Thank you, Abraxis. Do you recognize Sybil Konrad?” Greg answered surprising the woman.

  “External base security files list her as Covert Operations Instructor for you and the rest of the team.”

  “Correct, I am upgrading her clearance to include this area. I feel she needs to know what she is training us for,” Greg replied. They were still standing at the inner door, inside a yellow and black striped entry area.

  “Logging Sybil Konrad as a restricted visitor. Please proceed to Medical for Security Tag implantation,” Abraxis replied. “Welcome to Prometheus, Ms. Konrad."

  There wasn't a security tag, but there would be a tag injected into her. It was a tracking tag capable of monitoring her and shutting her down if necessary. 'Shutting down' had two settings; off temporarily and off permanently. If she tried to report Prometheus to the Agency, the tag would shut her down temporarily and call for assistance. If she tried to run, the tag would use its other setting.

  Jared and Greg escorted the nervous woman to Medical, and a smiling Beth met them. Sybil had already met Beth, so no introductions were needed.

  “Hello again Ms. Konrad. Welcome to Medical. This is my little area of the base. Before you can go any further, I have to install a security tag in you so the computer can identify you. While you're here, I'll give you a quick once over in the scanner also, just to make sure you're healthy,” Beth said.

  “Is all this really necessary?” Sybil asked fearfully.

  “Actually, it is. Since we entered Medical, the computer has revoked your access to the rest of the base. If you step out the door, whether escorted or not, you'll be tagged as a hostile. I won't go into details about it, but you would never make more than about five steps in any direction,” Greg said.

  “So, even if I would have made it through the main doors...” Sybil began.

  Greg nodded. “You would have hit the floor just on the other side of the hazard tape on the floor. Inside the tape, you're safe until the computers recognize you; that's why we waited after the door closed.”

  “I guess the tag is necessary then,” Sybil replied as she took a seat on the table Beth had waved her to.

  “Lay back dear, this'll only take a second, and I promise it won't even hurt,” Beth said as she got busy.

  “Okay, so while Beth gets to work, I can start to explain what's going on here. The computer that addressed us at the door is an alien-built, artificial intelligence construct we refer to as Abraxis. He is the base's main computer, although he isn't the only AI here,” Greg began.

  “How did you find an alien computer system?” Sybil asked.

  Greg snorted a chuckle. “It found us actually. Myself, Jolene, Bella and Mandi are different than normal humans. We possess what Abraxis calls 'the gifts of the Rangers'. Basically, we all have greatly heightened learning capacity, but then we each also have different specialties.

  “Mine is fighting and combat, and I am called a Ranger Fighter. I am in command of the team, and this base. Bella is the team navigator and is called a Ranger Pilot. Jolene is our tracking and covert operations specialist. She's a Ranger Finder. Finally, Mandi's specialty is technology. She is a non-combatant called a Fixer; basically she's our team's mechanic and innovator.

  “Abraxis has provided us with all the tools we will need to fulfill the role fate has selected us for; the protection of this planet and this sector of space,” Greg explained.

  Sybil looked shocked. “What are you to protect us from?”

  “Some really, really bad folks. I'll let Abraxis fill in the details on that for you. Now, we have deviated from Abraxis’ plans for us in that we are building a larger base, and we plan on trying to help the other Ranger teams by developing upgrades as well as an emergency repair facility," Greg explained.

  “There are other teams here on Earth?” Sybil asked.

  Greg grinned. “No, not yet at least.”

  “The traits required for the development of a Ranger team are extremely rare, Ms. Konrad,” Abraxis replied from the speakers. “The odds of another team forming here on this planet are very low.”

  “Sybil, may I introduce to you, formally, the Base AI, Abraxis,” Greg said as Abraxis' full size hologram took form beside him.

  “Doc, these must be some heavy duty drugs you're giving me,” Sybil replied.

  “I haven't given you anything yet, Sybil. Marcus is still scanning you,” Beth replied. “Marcus is the medical AI.”

  “Man, I have to quit reading so much science fiction,” Sybil replied.

  “Please don't on our account. You might think of something we haven't. Remember, we are trying to improve on the current technology too. We will welcome any ideas you have, even if we disprove them repeatedly,” Greg replied.

  Sybil took a deep breath, and closed her eyes for a moment. “There is no tracking device is there? This is a kill switch in case I break faith with you, isn't it?”

  Greg nodded. “Yeah, it is, sorry. We were worried that you might be reporting too much to the Agency.”

  Sybil nodded. “I can understand that. Both Paul and I were told to report anything out of the ordinary immediately. Paul almost worships Jared and Sharon, so I know he would never say anything. I probably would have if you hadn't decided to show me everything. I have a feeling that once I know the whole truth, I will be fighting as hard as you are to keep the Agency and anyone else out of here.”

  Greg turned to Abraxis. “Please give her a full briefing on your history and what has happened up to this point. Answer any questions she has honestly if you can. Refer her to me on the ones you can't.” He turned back to Sybil. "I am sorry about the device, but until we know for certain we can trust you, it has to be this way. Before Abraxis begins, can I get you anything? Something to drink maybe?”

  “I'm good, thanks. I have one question for you though,” she said.

  Greg shrugged his shoulders. “Ask, if I can't answer, I'll tell you so.”

  “Between you and your father, who is more dangerous?” she asked.

  “Agent Danielson has more practical experience than Ranger Greg, however, Greg has surpassed his father in all aspects of combat training. Basically in a straight up fight to the death between the two of them, Agent Danielson would not survive the event,” Abraxis replied.

  “Yes, he would,” Greg replied.

  “It was a comparison only, Ranger Fighter, I did not mean to imply you would ever have to fight him,” Abraxis explained. “When you decided to bring Ms. Konrad here, I was going to suggest you bring Mr. Richards as well. The team is very close to surpassing his ability to instruct you.”

  “I'll speak to him about it, Abraxis,” Jared said. “In fact, since we no longer need to intimidate Sybil, here,” he grinned at the woman. “I'll see if I can go find him.”

  Greg held his hand out to his father. “Thanks for your help.”

  Jared took the offered hand. “I know with everything that's happened with our family, we've never really been father and son, but I want you to know how very proud of you Sharon and I am. You've become a remarkable person, Son.”

  Greg was momentarily overwhelmed and pulled Jared into a hug. “No matter what happens to us, you will always be my dad; don't ever doubt that.”

  While the two men had been talking, Abraxis had begun telling Sybil the events of the past that were relevant to the current situation. Beth sat and listened in as well, since she enjoyed listening to the tale. She even got up and got the two women something to drink about half way through. Greg returned to the simulator until Abraxis had finished with Sybil.

  Toward the end of the story, Greg returned to Medical to retrieve his guest, but this time he didn't bo
ther with the coveralls.

  “What on Earth are you wearing, Greg?” Sybil asked.

  “Hypersled flight suit. It integrates my body functions into the systems of my sled,” Greg replied. “Among other things; it can also function as an environmental suit if and when I have to get out of the sled.”

  “It's very, uh, form fitting,” Sybil replied.

  Greg chuckled. “Yeah, it sort of has to be. However, you're going to have to get used to seeing me like this, the girls too. Well, except for Mandi who doesn't need one very often.”

  “If she's a noncombatant, why would she need one at all?” Sybil asked.

  “The Fixer is the mechanic for the hypersleds. She not only has to know how to fix them, but also how to fly them as well. There may also be some missions where a fixer will be required to accompany the team,” Abraxis replied. "Her duties require her to have an intimate knowledge of all the sleds' systems as well as a wide variety of other technologies.”

  “Are you ready to see the rest of the base?” Greg asked.

  Sybil thanked Beth and stood up. “Sure, but I'm still trying to figure out what you meant by a promotion for me?”

  “In addition to teaching us your unique set of skills, I want you to assist Jolene in learning the alien stuff as well. We will have to have the ability to infiltrate enemy compounds, in addition to being able to get away from them. Abraxis has a lot of knowledge in this area, but, as he has pointed out on many occasions, he is an AI and doesn't have the correct mindset that needs to be instilled in order to truly obtain the knowledge we'll need,” Greg explained as he led the woman out of Medical and down the hall toward the closest hangar bays.

  “I think I understand. Basically, you want me to help Jolene learn to become sneaky and underhanded?” Sybil asked.

  Nodding, Greg chuckled. “Yeah, that is, even more than you're doing now. Abraxis will begin teaching you about all the different types of sensor systems that have been developed, and what he knows about each of their weaknesses.”