CHAPTER FIVE

The patrolman sucked on his filter free nicstick with his hand on his rumblestick. A crude but effective close quarters weapon, it would have the impact of ten strikes with one.

A Spider destined Auric personality, Blist took pleasure in his job. The problem was, he thought, he

didn’t get to apply his specialization often enough. His area of expertise was inflicting pain. The weaker the current project was, the more creative he could be, he thought. He also found the colour of blood on clothes exciting.

In his mind, he was destined to be this way so no one was to judge. He wondered if that’s what his parents last thoughts were when he tried out his rumblestick on their heads? Blist joined this crew but had bigger plans in store for himself. Change was coming. He felt it. It was his destiny.

Yon watched the large patrolman from nearby and used his optics to plan his approach. He saw that upon closer inspection, the target had no visible exposed skin and so he couldn’t deploy the nanites to control this target. He cursed under his breath. He was going to have to change things on the fly. Targeting optics revealed no weakness in the armor so a direct attack on the target’s senses would just leave Yon vulnerable to counterattack. He wasn’t familiar with the weapon that the target had holstered but it looked custom and if the other tech was any indication, it was probably specialized. According to the downloaded memory bank, this member of the crew rarely spoke and keep to himself. Ataki let out a low growl.

"I don’t like it either buddy," Yon said as he patted his nanite composed friend, "but we got to take him out or we’ll lose our advantage."

Blist was fully aware that he was being followed as he noticed the acrid smell of nanite dust permeate the building from within his sense enhanced helmet . Most likely he was under surveillance by a Horse destiny officer but if it was Scorpion class then this gig was finished. No problem, he thought, there were plenty of opportunities for a man with his set of skills. The key is to understand your enemy’s tools and disable them. After that, it came down to brute strength of which he had plenty. He saw the officer step out from behind his cover. A Scorpion officer first class marked his uniform. Blist smiled, this was going to be fun.

Yon stepped out from his cover with Ataki at his side. The law required Yon to identify himself.

"Outlier!" Yon called out, "Surrender yourself and place your weapon on the ground. Do it now!"

The huge Outlier just smiled and motioned Yon to come forward and calmly rested the baton type weapon on his shoulder. Yon assessed the size of the Outlier and thought that he had seen bigger. But something about the confidence of the large man unnerved him.

Yon’s hand to hand combat was excellent even if he rarely needed to use it. He instructed Ataki to form into a staff as the body armour would render any animal attacks useless. This was going to have to be an old fashioned submission arrest. The nanites that composed Ataki scattered and a staff materialized in Yon’s hands. The patrolman’s eyebrows lifted in amusement behind his mask but he wasn’t impressed.

The two circled one another gauging distance and sizing one another up. The optics showed that the Outlier was approximately seven height-units but moved with a grace and balance of a trained combat artist. The Outlier feinted left and lunged with his baton. Yon barely avoided the strike and felt a vibration in the wake as the baton swished by his head. The Outlier looked surprised that he missed his target and Yon took this opening and brought the staff hard and up into the exposed neck. First rule of combat taught in operator combat school was if a target can’t breathe, he can’t resist.

Blist felt his trachea compress and staggered away. If it wasn’t for the reinforced fabric around his neck, he would have been finished. As it were, his armour absorbed most of the shock but it still hurt like a xeek. He fell to one knee with his hand rubbing his neck. Pain was not common to Blist unless he brought it on himself. He found that he liked it.

Yon bladed himself with the staff at the ready position stepping to the side after his attack. He had hit the Outlier as hard as he could and couldn’t believe that the beast was still upright. He circled around to the left as the Outlier got up on both feet and grinned.

"You got me good there lawdog. I’m going to enjoy ripping you in half."

"It’s over." replied Yon, "If you give up now and cooperate, you can help yourself avoid being placed in stasis."

Yon whipped the staff around in a technical display of martial arts mastery that ended with the end pointing to the Outlier. "Or you can resist and try to hit me with your little stick you have there."

Blist was not used to being taunted and he twisted his rumblestick hard and imagined what would happen if he stuck it into an eye socket. He cracked his neck and regained his composure. This was a worthy opponent. Most of his victims underestimated his speed assuming him to be slow and plodding instead of viscously quick.

"Enough talking. I’m going to put you in the ground." he said to the officer and waved his baton from side to side as if teasing a dog.

Ataki vibrated in Yons hand. According to scans conducted when he came into contact with the Outlier during the initial strike, there were no apparent weaknesses that could be exploited and physically, the Outlier easily had the advantage. The outcome was not statistically favourable and without backup, disengagement was the best option. Yon viewed this assessment on his optics and shrugged. He believed that his speed and skill could handle this troll of a man. He took a running start and planted his staff into the ground and launched his full body weight

into a kick to the head of the Outlier. The helmet could only take so much force before cracking under pressure. If all of his weight was focused on one area, then he could create a vulnerability for Ataki to enter and disable the Outlier. This was already taking too much time and the Outlier could have warned his partners or called for backup. The fact that he didn’t should have been a warning.

At the same moment he was struck in the head, Blist brought up his rumble stick in a stabbing motion and connected with the officers back. Yon screamed as he felt his spine shatter after making contact with the Outlier’s head. He collapsed in a heap and the nanites quickly sent bots to the area to stabilize the wound. In an instant, transport ships alerted by the vital statistics monitored by Jelwin, could be heard in the distance racing to the scene.

Blist saw that his helmet was cracked from the kick to his head and now was vulnerable to a nanite attack.

He looked at the fallen officer writhing on the ground and growled, "If we meet again, you won’t be so lucky! I’ll be sure to finish the job." and scrambled away.

There was no way to warn Hawkstone and Hace. They were as good as caught and he was paid up. He was bored anyway.

Ataki formed into a stretcher and formed braces to hold Yon’s head in position. Yon’s vision blurred and the last thing he remembered was the shadow of the Outlier fading away in the distance and the sound of sirens growing louder as they came to his rescue. Jelwin would later tell him that Hawkstone and Hace managed to escape and were on the run.

CHAPTER SIX

Shanh was feeding Teo when she heard the news. She wiped her tears in the bathroom and composed herself with an expelled breath. Teo and Yon would need her more than ever now. Stubborn as he was, Yon would resent having to have things done for him as he recovered and getting his strength back would take time. This and raising a baby would be a real challenge but she was from good stock. She could handle this. She had to.

Following the crippling injury to Yon, Shanh was grateful that at least Teo was growing strong and stubborn like a good Horse destined Scorpion trait over the next few years. Additionally, Yon recovered quickly with the help of the nanites and rebuilt his spine.

On the other hand, the mission was a colossal failure and Yon was placed on administrative leave for a year and psychological evaluation. He obsessively played back every step leading up to his injury and threw himself back into training with the face of his attacker as motivation. As he worked what happened over in his brain he realized that he had been overconfident and acted out of anger. Looking over the nanite footage, Yon saw that he failed to consider the best option and underestimated an adversary by looking beyond the present task and focusing on a future goal. This mistake, he would not make again. The next time could be fatal.

Shanh noticed that Yon was more distant since his recovery. He seemed obsessed with his last case, spending his nights at the office and training like mad to find any advantage over the individual who almost killed him. She looked down at Teo who was busy examining his

feet and sighed. Here was a carbon copy of his father. She’d better enjoy this time before he fights her at every turn. She could already see a stubborn streak in Teo when he would grunt angrily when he didn’t get what he wanted and wouldn’t allow her to try and sweet talk him. She knew better than to try and change her husband’s mind. Once he had his mind set on something, nothing could distract him.

He was singular in his pursuit and that’s part of the reason she accepted his courtship. There were other more eligible suitors who attempted to win her hand with gifts and honeyed words, but Yon was so matter-of-fact she almost laughed in his face. Compared to one suitor, a Firefly destined Zule, who was took pride in his glowing robes or a Skunk destined Ares temperament suitor who surprised her with a perfumed bouquet everyday one month, this man just stated that the only thing he could offer was complete honesty. Shanh, being a Stork destined Water trait appreciated this.

In her chosen occupation, she helped those who were beyond any nanite repair to pass over to the Beyond. In those cases, people just wanted honesty and closure and all the fancy accoutrements of life revealed itself as mist. She saw that although life with Yon would not be life of luxury, it would have a firm foundation of honesty.

They were married before family and friends according to the tradition of the Holy ones in honour of Yon’s parents’ beliefs. So when Yon became focused on a task, she knew better than try to remind him of his duties to her or her son. He would come back to them, he always did. But he had never been injured like this before.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"I still can’t believe it’s all gone." lamented Hawkstone flexing his new mechanical arm, “I worked so hard to collect it all and now…” He made an explosion sound while demonstrating with his hands.

During the fight between Blist and Yon, Hawkstone and Hace were alerted to trouble when they heard Yon’s screams. Their entire warehouse full of stolen goods had to be abandoned and they managed to escape; keeping their plans for the gold reserve alive. They later found out that Snope was captured and that Blist had taken off without giving any signal.

Hawkstone just barely escaped a nanite intrusion by cutting into his arm when the first particles entered through his hand. He had to bleed them out but not before they rendered his left arm useless.

"How in Gol’s name did they find us!" he continued. Even though it was over two months since the raid, Hawkstone still fumed over having lost his collection.

Sharpening his knife on a block, Hace, his second-in-charge glared at him. "When are we going to finish the job?" he asked. It was a while since he had a chance to cut anything and he was getting restless.

Hawkstone was irritated by the constant slow scraping noise made by the stonemetal as it was being sharpened.

"Why don’t you use a laser buffer to sharpen your knife?" said Hawkstone ignoring Hace’s question,"It’s sharper."

"I know," said Hace, "but I like the feel of metal on stone. And when I cut, the imperfections make my work unique."

Hawkstone shook his head. He was surrounded by insanity. He was better than the crew he ran with. He could have been great. Amazing even. With being born of Raccoon destiny, he should have had a successful trading career if it wasn’t for his temperament. If that one son of a xeek hadn’t tried to cheat him...well Hawkstone couldn’t help it if his temperament was Volcanis. It was his destiny as they say but Hawkstone refused to believe that this was it. He aspired for greatness and it would do anything to make it his destiny. But now, this minor bump was just part of the building process.

"You didn’t answer my question Hawk." Hace said warningly.

He didn’t exactly point the tip of his blade towards Hawkstone but held it loosely in his general direction. Hace didn’t like being ignored and he waited for an answer.

"I’m in the dark, just like you Hace." Hawkstone quickly replied.

He could see the menace in Hace’s eyes and knew better than to make him an enemy over trivial matters.

"Lez will give us our role when its time and then we’ll be set."

"That Xeek!" cursed Hace, "Why is she in charge anyway?"

"Lez is Silkworm destined Unicorn trait Hace," said Hawkstone as calmly as he could. "she was destined to create operations and as a unicorn trait she can see things we can’t."

"Oh," said Hace. "I still think she’s a xeek. Not much to look at either eh Hawk?" Hawkstone rolled his eyes as Hace slapped his knees laughing at his own joke. By Gol this was not his destiny.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lez meditated in the white room naked, surrounded by water. Born into a creation destiny, Silkworm, she had always wanted to make beautiful art since she was a child. How things can suddenly change, she thought as she reflected on the path that led to her current state of mind. Born of the tribe Bru, her family wanted her to marry into a family of the same standing when she was sixteen. But she refused because she had foreseen herself on a different path; a greater path. She had tried to explain this to her betrothed but insulted, he attacked her leaving her permanently scarred. From then on people never saw her creations, only the scarred person who stood in front of them.

Contemplating ending her life, she experienced at same visions over and again and knew that her path had not come to an end just yet. But now, in the white room, no one was here to cringe at her appearance and her mind was at peace. She learned to accept her scars as a part of her identity and naked, she could embrace the balance between her perfect state of mind and her imperfect physical temporal state. We are all scarred, thought Lez, although some scars are just more visible than others.

With her mind a blank slate, she was able to construct her masterpiece. She always liked to start from the edges and work her way in. In this case, the image in her mind was the perimeter of the heavily guarded fortress where the gold was kept. She determined that once the gold was hers, then she could effectively buy control of the outer habitats and like the barbarian hoard that destroyed the Roman empire of Earth, bring a rotting empire to its knees. She knew that the leadership of Lexu would first employ nanite attacks as a defensive response to an attack as it was their most powerful weapon and they would attempt to neutralize comms for a quick response to any attacks. Knowing was half the battle.

In any conflict where an adversary has the superior technology, the side with the disadvantage must use the element of surprise or challenge preconceptions of the possible. Lez had foreseen the fall of the ruling class and knew that she had time on her side if nothing else. They would wait, confident that their technology would protect them while she slowly destroyed their foundation and watched as it all came tumbling down. The world would watch in awe as the once confident people burned to ashes before the one whom they had rejected.

CHAPTER NINE

Time passed and the leadership of IPSEC decided that because all leads in the attempted heist case had gone cold and there was no new information that came to light, the perpetrators who had escaped had either died due to the hazards of choosing a criminal lifestyle or were injured and died due to their injuries sustained during the raid. Either way, the stolen goods were recovered and the information obtained from the sniper was enough to close the case and make the leadership trumpet this major blow to the Outliers’ operations. The archive posts carried the news of the IPSEC success throughout the galaxy but Yon couldn’t shake what he saw via the nanite memory sweep. He knew that an operation this well planned wouldn’t be dropped and that the escaped Outliers were not even close to the head of the organization.

He refused to let it go and for his stubbornness, was demoted to file duty and sent for evaluation. Conspiracy theories were not becoming of a field operator and a closed case was good to present before the heads of the colonies. Besides, the idea of the gold stores being raided was nonsense. There was an army of field operators at the ready and the bank was built over solid impenetrable bedrock. No place was more secure.

The bank held the entire gold deposits of Lexu but the gold held more intrinsic value than actual worth. It was a reminder of a different barbaric past when greed, corruption and inequality nearly destroyed Lexu. Then the first of the transmissions from a long destroyed Earth began to reach Lexu’s orbiters. The people saw how the people of Earth brought upon themselves their own destruction and then seeing the self-destructive behaviours mirrored in themselves, set aside their differences if only to avoid the same fate. The leadership of the colonies used all their technological advancements and discovered that what was once myth and entertainment held scientific basis.

Thus, the Zodioscope was created based on trends and patterns found throughout an enormous sampling of data. It was found that entertaining concepts of destiny used by Unicorn trait fortune tellers actually had merit but only in that a common thread weaved through those born in the same year and that this was cyclical. Not only that but the month in which you were born guided how you made choices relating to the path you chose.

Yon looked down at his squirming son. All the technology in the world and they still couldn’t come up with an odour free way to deal with wet and soiled diapers. Ataki stood by amused while Teo enjoyed his momentary freedom from the linen bondage to let loose a stream of urine that arced through the air and landed where Ataki’s nose would have been if he had been a real dog. Instead, the nanites separated and allowed the wet stream to pass through right onto Yon’s pants. Teo giggled as Yon groaned. He would have to change into his spare uniform now.

The weekend always went by so fast. On Indigo day they had to make a supply run to the local canteen. They had fresh fruit this week which was rare. He thought about how his life was different now that he was off field duty and decided that he missed his time in the field. He still maintained a strict training regime if only in the event he found himself meeting the hulking Outlier again.

"Ok Teo, say bye bye to daddy." he whispered after Teo finished feeding. Teo was almost two.

"Bye bye daddy," said Teo as he frowned, "I don’t want you to go."

"Ok then who will pay for everything?" asked Yon.

"Aaki will!" said Teo triumphantly. He couldn’t yet pronounce the "t" in words.

"Did you hear that Ataki?" chuckled Yon.

Ataki whined and sniffed Teo. Yon took a box from his drawer and placed it on the bedside table next to his sleeping wife. She was still as beautiful as ever, maybe even more so now that she was a mother. He made a special gift for her as this day was their second anniversary.

As a romantic gesture, he created a neck ornament from Ataki that would allow Shanh to feel his heartbeat at all times and to connect them via the same anchor. Also, the events that nearly crippled him was always in the back of his mind because he knew that the escaped Outliers were still out there regardless of what the leadership said. If anything happened to Shanh, he would know where she was. She slept with her chin up and mouth open, snoring softly. He resisted tucking in the loose blankets as he had learned that any disruption to her precious sleep time would lead to consequences.

He straightened up and touched his back. The new composite spine strengthened his core but it still took time to adjust. Jelwin was able to test a new tech that allowed the new composite material to deflect a similar assault by organic fusion. In short, any attack to the spinal column would reverberate through the body and out the arms. The impact would, in theory, be absorbed by the force that caused the blow. If it was effective, then this could be outfitted to all field operators. Yon agreed to be the test subject and found out that he had to be careful backing into anything, especially if he was carrying anything. Mods were always tricky. The wrong mod could affect other areas of physiology especially with illegal power add-ons which emphasized utility over safety to the wearer.

Time in the Hive allowed Yon the opportunity to go over every minute detail of the downloaded brain scans of the sniper and try to piece together exactly how they planned to pull off what appeared to be an impossible task in two days. As far as Yon could see, information was kept from each cell in the event of capture. All he could determine was that the sniper would cause a distraction but he had to be wary of misinformation which was planted to fool investigators who used information from brain scans. As far as technology had advanced to aid

the law, there were always ways to subvert this. It just took some clever thinking.

CHAPTER TEN

Two years ago.

"Two days. You said we are going to break the Empire in two days?" Draf asked incredulously, "That place is a fortress!"

"Do you trust me?" asked Lez.

"Of course. But...two days?"

"I said that the Empire will begin falling in two days," corrected Lez, "the actual destruction will take much longer."

Draf shook his head. It was not his place to question the Oracle, as Lez was called among the organization. He knew it would jeopardize the entire mission if he knew too much and was captured. But he was a frank man who appreciated directness, not these mystical mysteries.

Lez knew that Draf had many questions, they all did. But their goal would not be attained by rushing. Much like the gradual transformation that carved valleys, they would etch away like rivers ever so slowly that their enemies wouldn’t realize that they were doomed until it was too late. In two days she would see her vision begin to take form.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ome landed hard in complete darkness. He liked the dark. No one to laugh at him in the dark. No one to point at his low heavy brow or stooped shoulders. In the dark they can’t throw rocks. People don’t scream when they can’t see you.

The scarred lady knew. She was nice. She told him that he was special. That she knew how he felt and that together they were made for a great purpose. His purple eyes adjusted to the dark and found what he was told to look for. He took his tool and began to work. He was special, the scarred woman had told him so. She was nice. Not like the others.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Present

"Ok Teo," said Shanh, "what day is it?"

"Red day!" exclaimed Teo as he jumped up and down on his bed.

It was his first day of school and he could hardly contain his excitement. Being a Scorpion trait meant that he would start a year later than the other children as the cut off was Volcanis. This was good in a way as when he started school, he would be further along developmentally than, say Volcanis trait kids. At five, he was a carbon copy of his father: Stubborn, hard headed and very inquisitive. Yon vowed to not raise his son in the way his own father had but wanted to raise his son in a home where love was unconditional and the child felt supported. Shanh looked at her little man who proudly checked himself out in the mirror.

"Perfect!" he nodded.

Shanh laughed, "yes you are!" and grabbed him to cover him in kisses as he squealed in protest.

***

Meanwhile, in his underground sanctuary, Ome thanked his little friends as groups of rats and insects brought him sustenance. Ome always had a special connection with the things that crept and crawled underfoot. Perhaps he was born to the wrong species. For the past five years, he made progress with his task and was proud of what he had accomplished during this time. The scarred lady would be happy. Ome drank water from a creek near the entrance of his post where he slept in a comfortable bed of pine branches he made and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Grabbing a handful of berries from the pile that his friends had left him and smelling the air as he tossed the handful in his mouth, he felt peace for the first time in a long time. But there was much work to be done still. He stretched and took the familiar path to continue his work.

***

The normally quiet Hive archives were currently filled with the sound of argument between Yon and his commander.

"It’s been five years Yon for Gol sake," said Jelwin exasperated, "I don’t want to hear another word about this heist. It’s not going to happen."

Yon signed in frustration. He couldn’t understand it either. What was the Outlier leadership thinking? Criminals weren’t exactly known for their patience and he had flipped, twisted and turned inside out all the usual suspects and contacts he had as well as memorized everything from Snope’s head but there was nothing tangible. The only thing he had was a sense of anticipation lingering in the air; a subtle electricity that reached out to dark corners of seedy establishments catering to outworld traders with questionable reputations.

In one of those dark corners, Draf was currently convening with Hawkstone, Hace and Blist in the private room in the back of a loquacious venue where fantasies became reality if only for a night. Gyrating bodies danced to rhythmic music and mind altering treats were available within arm’s reach.

After the events from five years ago, Blist had gone and made a name for himself as an enforcer for crime lords but killing criminals was not as fun as killing the lawdogs. Maybe that’s what it was. He hated anything that tried to control him and keep him bound within parameters. By killing anything to do with the law, he was effectively killing it. By extension, this could be accomplished by targeting Horse destined people. During his time amassing his wealth from those he killed, he had heard rumblings of an Oracle who would bring the Outliers back to Lexu where they would establish a new empire based on Outlier law. When he was part of the cell that was disrupted five years ago, no one was supposed to know anything about the others but Blist knew enough to start looking. He knew of Hawkstone’s proclivities and ways and forced his victims to tell if they knew anyone that matched these details.

Thinking that this may save their life, they told him everything. Sometimes the information was useful, sometimes not. But cooperative or not, they all met the same fate. Blist couldn’t risk having one of them let on that he was tracking Hawkstone down. The trail of bodies eventually led Blist to a dealer in classic art.

With the advent of technology, everyone used digital

medium to create as the ancient medium of paint and canvas was deemed unmarketable. Space was limited and why put up a painting when you could scan an unlimited amount onto your walls. But Hawkstone, Blist knew, was a purist. He liked the smell of paint on canvas and appreciated how long it took to create a masterpiece. He loved that it was imperfect. Blist knew this from walking the warehouse before his fight with Yon and decided to pay him a visit upon getting involved in the new order.

Hawkstone looked as if he had just seen a being from the Beyond when he saw Blist and did not appear to be happy with the reunion. He was still bitter after Blist left them to be captured five years ago.

"Let it go man, " Blist told Hawkstone as he sat across from him, "you got out didn’t you?"

"What do you want Blist?" Hawkstone glared at the intruder. He was having a good time before Blitz showed up and scared his companion for the night away,

"Whatever happened to the job?" asked Blitz.

"Nothing happened that’s what," replied Hawkstone, "it was total blackout once we got raided."

"Well I hear the Oracle has been busy."

"Forget her," said Hawkstone, "she’s public enemy number one and no one knows who she is!"

"No one’s heard anything through the usual channels?"

"Not for five years but the accounts are still active last I checked."

"So what, you’re getting paid to wait?"

"To spread the word that things are underway."

Blist shook his head. "Five years. What job takes five years?"

******

Earth, the year 2116, first transmission to cluster M13 since 1974.

Message from Dr Steve Rhee Greetings from Earth! 

I have included in this transmission our entire collection of written works to present. 

In these words you will find our history but also you’ll see how events can divide opinion. You will see some writers as very negative and others as hopeful. Some writers twist details to suit their theories while others present just the facts. 

 You see, there is good in us. We were not always warbound and self-destructive. Most of us desire peace and security. 

 It is too late for us now sadly as the mistakes of the few will cost us our planet. Whether it was for profit or hatred of anothers religion, skin colour or creed, it doesn’t matter now. We’ve gone past the point of no return. 

 It wasn’t just one thing. It was a confluence of simultaneously occurring variables. 

I guess it was only a matter of time. 

 We never did establish faster than light travel and efforts to colonize other planets failed miserably. You have to give us that if nothing else. We have always had hope.

 Now any remnants of our race and history lies in these messages. 

 If you are able to decode these messages and understand them then perhaps you are further along technologically than we were. If so, I will include the last known coordinates of our pods we sent out containing vials of our dna and samples of as many different species of plant and vegetation. These are viable samples and, in the right conditions, you will be able to grow these seeds and replicate life as seen on our planet.

 I’m not a historian but I will endeavour to outline as best as I can how we ended up here. As you well know by now, the information dump is enormous and not sorted in any meaningful way. You may not be able to differentiate fact from fiction, history from entertainment. Also, please keep in mind that my voice is mine alone. It is not to be the representation of my whole race although I will strive to present my ideas and opinions in an unbiased manner. 

We humans are a product of our environment and shaped by our upbringing. Values instilled upon us as children by our parents and peers are the lens through which we view the world and how we justify our response to any given situation. So with that being said, this is my version of what led us to this. 

 In the 21st century, Earth was divided into factions. On the international stage, western powers and european leadership attempted to curtail the wave of fanaticism that was taking hold of te middle-east. On top of this, nuclear war loomed as existing dictatorships demanded the right to establish a nuclear portfolio. Threats of sanctions and international pressure only was as effective as the extent to which an individual in power is willing to cooperate. The world was also threatened by an increase in viral outbreaks which were brought into being through the changing environment conditions. 

Everything is connected friends. 

Though the threads are barely visible, they are connecting the events of today. There is not one factor to blame which makes this all the more unfortunate that this was unavoidable. 

 The first messages you received were primitive and held within the code information about our planet. We didn’t have a specific star system in mind but used probability theory to estimate where the best odds of intelligent life was. 

In 1974, during the late 20th century, SETI sent out what is now known as the Arecibo message to Messier 13, a cluster about 25,000 light years away. The senders knew that it would take 50.000 light years in total at the very least if there was to be a response so the exersize was more of a test of capability than anything. 

By the time you receive this message, Earth as I know it may no longer exist. In fact, I have doubts we’ll last another 100 years given our current state much less the next 50,000.

 Granted, I do not know if this will ever be read by any sentient species but what matters is that if your reading this, then perhaps you will learn something about us and avoid the same fate. 

 Dr Rhee wiped his eyes and paused the recording. He didn’t know if he was wasting his time sending messages off into space instead of enjoying his last days on earth. The year was 2116 and after he had sent all the data, he would take his scotch and take a moment to allow the alcohol to aborb into his system. Then he would kill himself.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ten years later.

Teo looked at himself in the mirror. He was filling out nicely he thought as he flexed his biceps. At fifteen, he was almost done preparatory school and had his sights set on field operations academy like his father. Although his father was rumoured to be on the hard side of the Operator leadership with wild theories about a gold heist, he still felt that he was destined to save his father’s reputation. He had been a little on the small side but he was tops in his problem

solving class, a key class for field operations.

As for the physical challenges, he had that covered. Ever since he could remember, his father had been a tough instructor.

"It doesn’t matter what your physical limitations are Teo," his father taught, "every problem has a solution." His father would also stress, “Mental strength aligns with physical strength. One cannot be effective without both.”

To prepare Teo, his father would make him solve puzzles and scenarios to challenge him to think outside the box and not just repeat memorized answers from textbooks.

"You are destined for greatness son," Yon kept on reminding him, "it’s my job to prepare you. Weakness in mind is not an option."

"Why can’t I just be normal?" Teo complained during a break in his close combat training. "I’m so tired."

"You need to know how to use your environment instead of relying on your tech." said Yon ignoring his son’s remarks.

It hurt him to see his son in pain but it would all be worth it if it saved his life and prepared him for the harsh reality he would face in the field. Things were getting worse along the border as the Outlier groups appeared to more organized and clever in their activities. It was harder to keep track of their infiltration as they now used legitimate looking front business to gain entry into Lexu. Through this method, they were able to hire avocats and people with access to leadership using amassed digicash and promise of sensual and mind-bending fantasies.

The fact was plain; the leadership and equipment of the force was outdated and behind what was out there used by the Outliers. The enemy had adapted and built their own tech to counter the S.W.A.R.M. The new tech was also more advanced.

"Block! Move faster! Too slow!" Yon yelled out as he pitted Teo against Ataki. "Now you’re dead Teo. Congratulations."

Teo looked up at the smiling wolf shaped nanite cluster that held him down. He was tired and didn’t see the point of all this thinking if he could just blast the nanites with an Ion Ray. Boom boom. Done. He struggled to his feet and looked at his father. He looked old. Old and grumpy. There was no getting out of this Teo knew unless he could figure out a way to solve this.

Both he and his father, being Horse destined Scorpion trait men, were obtuse and stubborn in their ways. He breathed deep and got in the ready position. An idea presented itself as he looked from his father to Ataki.

"What is my status?" he asked Yon as Ataki circled around.

"Your comms are damaged and nanites have been disabled. If you can’t stop this enemy, he will go on to wreck irreparable harm to the citizens of Lexu."

"What is my environment?" Teo kept asking questions while watching his father.

He knew that Ataki communicated with his father via his visor and that Ataki was an older model. He positioned himself between his father and Ataki and taunted the dog shaped nanite cluster.

"Come here boy! That’s a good puppy! Do you want to go play fetch?"

Ataki growled and the nanites bristled. The artificial intelligence program had grown and he now had the limited ability to disregard commands if he chose. The command from Yon said to hold position but he wanted to teach this young pup a lesson he wouldn’t forget. Targeting his rear end would give him something to remember and he’d think twice about calling an elite nanite operator a puppy.

As he pounced forward, Teo tucked quickly backwards and rolled between his father’s legs. Ataki crashed into Yon fiercely and as Yon and Ataki were tangled, Teo rushed over and removed the optics on his father’s visor. Copying his father’s voice he commanded Ataki to hold his prey down. With lightening quick thought he programmed Atakis visual cortex to see that he was pinning him down instead of his father. Ataki held down Yon and growled.

"Ataki, get off me!" Yon struggled. Teo laughed and enjoyed the reprieve.

"Teo, end this, now!" shouted Yon from the bottom of the moving pile.

"No more lessons right?" Teo replied as he crouched to his father’s position.

"What? How did..." Yon stammered.

"No more." repeated Teo.

Yon agreed reluctantly. He didn’t anticipate this and had to give Teo credit for thinking creatively. He was already much further advanced than Yon was at his age. Ataki shook his head as if waking from a dream when Teo removed his hack. He looked down confused at Yon with his head cocked to the side.

"Get off me idiot!" snarled Yon, "How did you fall for that?"

He shoved Ataki off him and got up with a grunt, taking back his optics from Teo and dusting himself off. Ataki communicated through his optics that he would run a full diagnostic scan and scattered apart to his docking port.

Yon looked to his son and shook his head admiringly.

"I guess your training is complete son. There isn’t anything I can teach you now."

Teo grinned. Words of praise didn’t come often from his father but what was sweeter was that he wouldn’t have to go through another Gol forsaken sim. How different reality would be he would think many years later.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Shanh looked on as Yon put Teo through yet another scenario. She was worried that Yon was too hard on Teo but knew that this overbearing style of parenting was intended to prepare Teo for his destiny. Given freedom to do as he chose would most certainly cause a Horse destined Scorpion trait individual into a life drawn to easy money and excitement. More often than not, without a firm foundation of integrity and focus, this type either entered the academy or ended up on the hard side of the law as smugglers of contraband.

But still her heart broke every time Teo looked dejected when he failed over and again. She was his mother and only wanted to hold him and protect him from the world. But by preparing him in mind and body, he would be able to be equipped to fight for himself and on the behalf of others.

While Teo’s father taught him the ways of logic and critical thinking, Shanh would teach him the importance of kindness, respect, teamwork and love. For Shanh, it was love that could overcome the greatest disadvantage in any situation. Love could cause someone to sacrifice themselves or give incredible strength when all seemed lost.

As she watched, she saw Teo transform from a boy and into a young man before her eyes. He was still the inquisitive bright smiling boy she gave birth to but now he had an understanding of the world at large. Now as she saw Yon being held down by his own nanite, she laughed out loud at the cleverness that her son showed in his reasoning. Ever since Yon was injured fifteen years ago, there wasn’t very much laughter. But Shanh was from solid stock and knew her husband would return to her. In the meantime, she shared special moments with her

son and their bond was strong. Her nanite jewelry vibrated with her husband’s elevated heartbeat but as she was watching the struggle, she knew it was out of surprise instead of fear. She sighed when her tears of laughter subsided and wiped her eyes. After all, her husband needed her to recover from his humiliation and her laughing would just add to his shame.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ome was happy with his progress. The scarred lady was pleased. Time was not a factor here. Ome reached out to touch the smooth walls. This was his masterpiece and he would be immortalized by his work. For over fifteen years had passed since he was rescued by the scarred lady and for fifteen years he had offered his skills as a sacrifice. He didn’t want it to end for he was created for this purpose. He was comfortable in the darkness and the solitude.

The sounds of his tools impacting against the rock and his breathing were the only sounds that echoed through the chamber; it was pure. He had to be careful now for if he made the slightest error, all would be for naught. He couldn’t risk having the guards above know that he was digging a tunnel right under their feet.

He picked a smaller cutting tool for precise measured work and made the first strike. With his heavy tool, he could be through in about two more years but as he had to ensure a solid support to prevent the cave from filling in, he had to ease his way up into the vault. The gold stores of the entire planet lay waiting.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Jelwin looked at the holo and scratched his head. The information didn’t add up. Ever since he was promoted to Chief of the Division, he had no end to queries from leadership as to the current state of the Outlier colonies. Over the past ten years, the Outlier groups had lessened attacks to the point where there was virtually no activity on that front. In fact crime had reduced to historically low rates that law enforcement personnel were reassigned to other departments such as drafting legislation. The leadership proudly showed this reduction in activity as the result of forward thinking and good government. As a result, funds were being diverted to infrastructure, education and health initiatives. There was no need for so many field operators any longer and even threat assessments were few and far between.

Five years ago, Owl destined Tree trait researchers found that Outlier currency was evolving from the gold trade to more easily accessible and convenient paper currency and now digital currency was making its way into Outlier colonies. The leadership of Lexu, after reviewing this new data, determined that the security around the gold reserves be reduced to a few field operators as the threat was now considerably reduced. Over the past few years it became known as a discipline post where operators were sent if they wanted to ride out their career with relative ease or if they couldn’t be placed anywhere due to attitude or poor performance.

Jelwin responded with a neutral reply mentioning that the situation was being monitored. With land being scarce on Lexu, corporations saw an opportunity to venture out just beyond the perimeter. They contracted private Whale destined Scorpion trait types who were imposing in size and who carried equally impressive weapons. Mostly though, they were a visual deterrent from pirates as colonies could be very lucrative just off planet. They would sell the lifestyle as edgy and artistic with the promise of security.

Yon managed to keep his cold case research subtle enough that he was reassigned back to active field duty. To ease his transition, he was sent to patrol the gold reserves which at this point was an entertainment destination for families and visitors complete with merchandise and dining options.

How things have changed he thought as he watched the afternoon crowds make their way to the exit with gold themed mementos of their visit. Ataki was also an object of fascination of the curious who had never seen a field operator or their tools up close. He wondered if they thought he and Ataki were part of the tour. Ataki looked up at him and whined. Yon looked at the message on his optics and laughed.

"No we can’t go back to the file room. You wanted back in the field too, remember?"

Ataki snorted. Even though there were newer models, Yon didn’t want to replace Ataki. With everything they’ve gone through, Ataki was family. Besides, it wasn’t about the tech as he learned before. It was about how you used what tech you had. And with Ataki, thoughts between them were instantaneous and his artificial intelligence had unexpectedly developed a level of learning that could only be described as organic.

Yon didn’t disclose this new development as it would mean losing Ataki for tests and analysis as it broke protocol boundaries in the nanite original program.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Lez had embraced her scars as a symbol the planetary governing bodies had branded on her. Over the past ten years she had brought warring clans together with the promise of stability and wealth that ensured longevity to enjoy both. Those she could not convince, she easily destroyed. There was no room for error if her vision was to become reality.

Things were developing quickly. The first stage was to take the entire gold reserves off planet to several secure storage facilities owned by the heads of the crime families. Then she would activate the encryption algorithm created by a Horse year Scorpion trait inside activist. Once this code was embedded into the mainframe, all bio data would be permanently erased. This included bank records, payments, debts, licence and of course, criminal records. Total chaos would ensue and Lexu would be ripe for the taking.

Now, with no currency, the gold stores would skyrocket in value and with no bioID to tag them as criminals, the Outliers would now have all the power and wealth with no legal ramifications. With the promise of a new life without a bioID record containing all your previous convictions and accounts, she convinced a young tech operator named Ship, who worked for IPSEC, to develop a backdoor access during a standard update of the holo secure mainframe.

Ship looked at his holo grid, interfacing with the code testing for weaknesses. He was almost there. With some modifications, his masterpiece would be complete. He called the program, Genesis.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Teo was excited. He had passed his academy entrance exam easily and was chosen for Operator school. He looked around at the other cadets and recognized a few faces. All Horse destined were to choose a path relating to law but there were many branches. Sometimes the one you wanted wasn’t the one you ended up with.

"Hi Teo!" a voice said behind him.

Teo turned and saw Roule, a girl who he had known during school.

She grinned widely, shaking her dark hair, "We made it!"

She had grown into her body over the summer and her pre-selection training really showed. Teo knew her as one of the toughest girls who could fight with any of the boys even when she was out-weighed and out-muscled. Now she had grown into stunning young woman.

Her dark eyes sparkled as she caught Teo with his mouth open.

"Close your mouth unless you’re going to same something." She laughed.

Teo shut his mouth, "Roule?" was all he could say.

Instead of the dirt covered girl who used to play Outliers and Operators with him as a child, the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen stood before him. She seemed a little shy about her new body and chose clothes that downplayed her curves but was unsuccessful.

She looked down and pointed to her chest.

"What am I going to do with these?"

Teo glanced quickly and blushed.

"Roule....I ...what?" he stammered.

"Aw...I made you blush! Well you’re not the gangly smelly kid anymore either!" she said as she leaned in to sniff him.

Teo also had grown into his body and his training with his father showed off his physique.

"I was never gangly!" he said finally finding his tongue and wit.

"Not anymore that’s for sure," Roule said exaggerating looking at Teo’s body and feeling him arms. "Oooh, check it out!" Roule teased, "The girls in our class will have trouble paying attention mister!"

Teo watched as Roule walked away shaking his head. The academy just got a whole lot more interesting.

***

Teo quickly established himself as a leader and second only to Roule in terms of overall achievement. Some classmates thought that Teo held an unfair advantage being a legacy cadet and took every opportunity to ridicule him for his father’s failures.

"Hey Teo," taunted Domini, "are you going to work at the museum like your dad? That nanite he has is so obsolete, it was under the display “Ancient History”!"

Domini was tall blonde cadet with green eyes that changed colour according to his mood. He was surrounded by his two shadows as Roule called them. Poog and Xit were thick chested giants who seemed to have a look of constant disdain for those whom they thought were inferior to them. This was pretty much everyone as they came from one of the ruling clans and set their eyes on executive positions instead of field ops. They wanted the prestige and power but not the work it took to obtain it.

"Just ignore them Teo," said Roule, "he’s just jealous because we’re the head of the class."

"And probably because I’m friends with you too." teased Teo.

Roule had caught the eye of all the male cadets for her carefree nature and stunning beauty but Teo admired her for her work ethic and her heart. She reminded him of his mother in that way. But he couldn’t deny that enjoyed the feeling of jealous glances whenever he walked with her around campus. Roule slapped his arm and rolled her eyes.

"Shut up! Can you believe he had the nerve to try and feel me up the other day?"

"He what?" said Teo as he took his eyes from Domini.

"Yeah, as I walked past him he whistled and tried to touch me but I moved away. He’s lucky he missed because then I’d have kicked his Gol-forsaken backside into orbit!"

Teo didn’t need to fight on Roule’s behalf. She could take care of herself but what infuriated him was how little respect Domini had for others. He spat in the direction of Domini as they walked away with the sounds of the three elite born clan members fading away.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Three years later

Teo looked at the sleeping form of Roule lying next to him. They had been dating for over a year and his father was displeased. “She will be a distraction,” Yon had said. In fact he had said that his future was too important and that he must focus on his studies. But his feelings were too great and being a Scorpion, once he was told he could not do something, he went ahead and did it. He looked at how Roule’s hair fell across her face and gently kissed her lips. They had to keep their relationship a secret because cadet relations were forbidden and it could get you expelled from the academy. Teo, Roule and Domini were the top three upper-class cadets which meant that they could choose their career track.

Teo got dressed while Roule lay sleeping and looked out over the campus. His parents were getting suspicious and he didn’t want to lie to them. Once he told them he knew he would break his father’s heart. But he had to choose his own path otherwise why exist? This wasn’t going to be fun but it had to be done.

CHAPTER TWENTY

"Teo, you hardly touched your plate. I made your favourite. Are you not feeling well?" asked Shanh during dinner. Teo rarely had time to come home now that he was in his final year at the academy. Her little baby was now a grown man and she brimmed with pride. But as a mother always knows when something isn’t right, Shanh knew that something was bothering Teo.

"Mom, dad, I have something to tell you," said Teo with a sigh as he put down his utensil.

Yon froze and looked up. What he feared from his father’s prediction was always on his mind but up till now nothing had happened. His relationship with Teo had been one of teacher-student but nothing he did could be accused of being considered heart breaking.

"I’ve been dating Roule for over a year now and I think I want to marry her."

He felt relieved that he was able to tell his parents but found the silence that he faced unsettling.

"Aren’t you going to say anything?" he asked his parents.

Shanh looked back and forth between her husband and her son and played the intercessor. "Oh how wonderful honey," she said with a smile, "Roule is a wonderful girl...but don’t you think you ought to wait until after your career is underway?"

Yon tried to maintain his composure. After all, didn’t he do the same to his father? But this was different. Teo had a destiny to fulfil and he couldn’t allow Teo to veer off his path and get distracted.

"I’ve thought a lot about this mom and I know what I want. We’ll both pursue the same area of responsibility and marry in the tradition of the Holy ones like you and dad!" Teo thought that by doing this he could gain favour.

"You will do no such thing and cease this foolishness," said his father quietly. "you are too young and have no home or job. How will you feed your family? What happens if she is relocated? What happens if the academy finds out? My Gol Teo, how can you be so stupid!"

Yon tried to contain himself but his son’s selfishness and lack of foresight was mind boggling. Was he so difficult when he was Teo’s age?

"Honey please..." Shanh put her hands over Yons and tried to keep things civil as Teo stood to leave.

He would rather leave now than stay and say things he would regret.

"I didn’t come here to ask for your blessing," said Teo, "I just thought I would show you respect by telling you."

"Respect!" scoffed Yon. There was no stopping him now. "After one year? After all we did for you? You’re going to ruin your future boy, all for a roll in the stars." He said with disgust.

Teo raised his voice. "Don’t tell me about ruin dad," said Teo with his hands clenched, "everyone knows about your crazy theories and how you disgraced yourself."

Now it was all about pushing his dad’s buttons.

"If that’s how you feel son, then you’ve made your choice." said Yon with a disgusted wave of his hand. "Just don’t expect us to help you when it all turns to Xeek."

"Fine!" Teo yelled while grabbing his coat.

He kissed his mother on top of her head as he passed her and whispered, "I love you mom. Goodbye. "

Shanh wept as her heart was torn in two directions and tried to hold onto her son to prevent him from leaving. He removed her arms from around his waist and walked out without looking back.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Yons heart broke as he saw his wife and mother of his child’s face contort in anguish. He had prepared for his son to break his heart in some way but didn’t consider that it could be an indirect cause. Shanh was the foundation of his life and was the only thing good in his life. She brought him strength and her smile could brighten the hardest day. It was on her strength he was able to recover from his injuries and rescue from the dark recesses of his mind when he was filled with fury. She was a calming wind to his rage. But when he hurt her as she was now, he couldn’t help but feel responsible and nothing he could do or say would make the situation better.

If only youth had the benefit of wisdom gained through experience Yon thought. But mistakes were more permanent than others and this one could affect the rest of Teo’s life. He held his wife.

"I’m sorry honey," he said, "he just knows which buttons to push you know?"

"Just like a certain someone I know" said his wife.

"I swore I wasn’t going to be like him but I guess I am my father’s son."

"Just like Teo is yours my love."

"He’s too smart to give it all up. He’ll do the right thing."

"I know my love. It’s only you that needs convincing."

Yon kissed Shanh tenderly.

"I knew I married the right girl," he said as he brushed her hair from her forehead. "It’s happening isn’t it? Just like dad said."

He was referring to the last thing his father had told him when he said that he would be hurt as much as he had hurt his father when he married Shanh and left the Order. The prediction had just come true. The promise was so vague however, it was impossible to predict what he could have meant. Could there be more than one instance?

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Teo saw an indicator on his wrist comm and tapped it to view the message. He was summoned to the director’s office first thing. The next message was from Roule who apparently received the same message. Fraternization was forbidden but they had been so careful. Teo knew that Domini was interested in both their status as upper-class cadets and of their relationship. But would he go so far as to report their relationship? Recruits paired off all the time in violation of the rules naturally and as long as the couple didn’t interfere or distract from the integrity of the program, instructors generally turned a blind eye. The only time people were summoned were if they were about to be expelled.

Teo knew he didn’t do anything but frantically tried to think of what it could be. It could be a test of some sort he thought. But he knew something was wrong when he saw Roule being escorted from the office in tears. He made eye contact with her but she was firmly led in the other direction before he could do anything. She shook her head at him and he knew that their time at the academy had come to an end.

"Teo, please sit down." said Director Kors. Otel Kors was a silver haired former operator who had graduated with his father many years ago. While his father was disgraced, Otel thrived and advanced quickly in the administration. He was savvy and had a natural gift for

organisational behaviour. Director Kors looked up as he closed a file and Teo saw pictures of him and Roule together. He sat with his lips pursed and shook his head.

"Teo, you know this isn’t easy for me. But we have to maintain decorum here otherwise it all falls apart. You understand that this is more than just about your relationship right?"

Teo nodded

"Yes sir."

He would take full responsibility and perhaps they would still allow Roule to stay. If this was how his time at the academy ended, then so be it. He would not beg or demean himself. There were other ways he could make his mark.

"You know your dad and I went through the academy together right?"

Teo nodded as a lump formed in his throat.

"So this isn’t easy for me but I’ll come right out and say it. You are formally expelled with no avenue of appeal for breach of protocol section 426 for fraternization with a cadet. You will be escorted to your quarters to pack your belongings and sent on the next transport home."

Teo wasn’t even given an opportunity to explain things as the Director stood and gestured to the door.

"Please give your father my regards. I wish it could have come under better circumstances."

Teo was numb as he was taken to his quarters in full view of the other cadets. He passed Domini and his shadows who just smirked as he passed them. They must have had something to do with this he thought. Somehow Domini must have used his father’s connections to find a technicality to expel both him and Roule to establish top position. He wanted to tear that smirk off his face but that would only make things worse. He wouldn’t give them the pleasure of a response.

He was still mad with what had happened at his parents’ home and now this? The one trait that came with being a Scorpion personality trait was that he never panicked. No matter how bad it got, he believed in what the Ancients had called the Concept of Ultimate Reward. This concept said that true wealth came in the service to others. For materials fade away but your legacy of positive action reverberates forever in a chain reaction. It also taught that you should accept the consequences of your actions.

Teo took a deep breath and nodded. It didn’t matter that everyone else breached protocol. He was an upper-class cadet and should have shown better judgement. He was not above the rules and maybe they would have found each other eventually. But they were in love and were drawn so powerfully to each other it certainly felt impossible. No matter, they would establish a life together somewhere even if it was off planet. As long as they had each other, everything would be ok. People searched their entire lives for their lifemate but to find someone who could harmonize so perfectly with you was rarer than the most precious jewel.

He felt that he finally understood his parents now as he gathered his possessions in front of the security officer. He took one look around his room and nodded. The next chapter of his life should be interesting he wondered. There was no telling what lay ahead.