A computer-generated voice has invited us to help ourselves. Duh, that would be Communal. They should think about upgrading the voice sim. It’s funny. Not the voice. But with Communal, I think of them as a decent guy living down the block. This is just plain strange. Not too strange to miss out on one of those donuts though. As we walk further in, there is something ... different. There is an odd-looking machine toward the back wall.
The general was looking around, obviously impressed. “I understand the server layout. But what is that machine that looks like a big chandelier with copper pipes, toward the back?”
The machine voice of Communal answered. “Hello general. Hello Mr. T. Oh, and there’s Viz, Para, Rock, and Roll. Ahh, and my good friend Muncle. General, the devices you described are quantum processing units.
“Our current server arrangement uses traditional integrated circuitry coupled with state-of-the-art quantum computer processors, all linked directly to our Central Processing Unit and the Nanite Array Network Bundle.
“Old school silicon melded with quantum computer tech, and the Array. Pretty snazzy, huh?”
Mr. T was nodding his head, looking past the server farm toward the more sophisticated machines in the back.
He had a look of wonder in his eyes as he slowly moved toward the quantum processing units and the Array. “It’s nice to finally meet you Communal. In person, so to say. Shockwave needs an official headquarters building. I already have a nice location in mind. What do you think of bunking in with us? That facility will be much more secure. May I approach?”
Communal responded as one of the cameras moved to track Mr. T. It was a machine voice, but not as bad as I sort of intimated earlier, not at all tinny. The voice had a certain calming effect. “Of course, come on over. And, a new location for us? Why, we think that is a splendid idea Mr. T. Thank you for offering.”
Mr. T smiled, continued his slow walk, looking like he was in a trance, speaking softly. “It’s no trouble at all. I am sure we will all get along famously.”
We think the DoD initiated the raid at the behest of DARPA. They wanted their investment back. We’re sure DARPA wants all of Shockwave. A warning statement by Mr. T, from what seems like a year ago, just popped into my mind.
Don’t tell anyone about your gifts. If the government finds out, we will all be lab rats for a very long time.
For goodness sakes. That conversation was barely 3-weeks ago. A small part of me understands the thinking behind the DoD raid. A good case could be made that the tech development in that DARPA lab had a major role in jump starting Communal and our team. Yeah, there’s no arguing about that. A lot of DARPA experimental tech is involved in whatever’s happening with us. But it’s something more too. The lab explosion mixed together a whole lot of variables. Communal and Shockwave came out of that mix.
We need to stay autonomous though. Shockwave came out of that lab event for a purpose. I have never been so sure of anything in my life. And it’s clear we owe the general a great debt for our autonomy. That goes for Shockwave and for Communal. Thank you general. Thanks for the tour and donuts Communal. Time to go home.
We have accomplished a lot in a few days, aptly explaining our exhaustion. Really, all the running around is starting to wear on us. At the same time, this whole thing is getting more and more surreal. Even as the world puts aside differences, there are cracks forming within the DoD. Nothing we can do about it. It’s time for a short rest and then we need to focus on the Moon situation. For that, we need more information.
Mr. T wants to interview the two queens that we captured. He needs to pick up a couple of things for that. Rock and I decided to tag along, mostly as a show of support. Mr. T looks so ... tired.
Para and Roll are heading back home. They are still messed up from the Mars mission. Para seems extra worn out from being inverted so much. Roll stayed too long on Mars with no protection, when he ported Para. There wasn’t a good camera angle, but I think Roll tried to get to the team, to port them home. He seemed to be doing that while trying to evade the bugs. Roll won’t say what happened to him on Mars. He overstayed his 10 second window though.
***
* TROLLKIN AI. SECURITY ALERT. Internal. 08:33.
Trigger event: Grounds access. Hostile.
Personnel on site: Two. Operatives Para and Roll.
Operative location: Para, main floor, bedroom 2.
Operative location: Roll, basement level, bedroom 3.
Emergency contact initiated. Calling Mr. T. No response. Message left, emergency tag. Continue call attempts.
*COMMUNAL: <Communal interface established.>
* Begin data log. Begin real time recording. Begin historical event analysis. <Interpretive program running.>
* Source data sort, Level 1: Agent cerebral nanite matrix, limbic sensor. Trollkin Security System. Agent s-loop device speakers activated, two speakers.
* Alert: Front door breach. Six bug intruders. Aggressive intent is likely. Enemy confirmation. Defense program initiated. <Error, parse string incomplete.>
* Alert: Defenses offline.
* Alert: Automated central station alarm system disabled. Local alarm system disabled.
* Assessment: Six bugs on premises. Commando tactics, search pattern.
RUNNING.
Bugs are on main floor, hallway access to bedrooms 1 and 2. Door breach, bedroom 2. Scream, Para. Limbic response, interpretive Communal, Para is fighting. Exoskeletal fracture, bug disabled. Motion in hallway. Second bug disabled. A third bug points a
