Sitting there inside cave surrounded by engineers, I examined its simplistic design from every angle. Nothing was protruding out of the main shape. Both DM and ONC used their best AI for that. I couldn't even find a door or a hatch or any other features like that. I felt stupid, still trying to project my fifteen years of submarine’s knowledge to this thing that looks nothing like a submarine. The engineers were laughing quietly at us. We were surprised and confused. Finally, the DM’s chief engineer approached me, walked me with a couple of officials to the technical room, and gave us a brief introduction to the vessel. Yes, this is a spaceship more than a submarine.
The first collaboration between two AI giants, DM and ONC, wasn’t fruitless, I presume, as DM oversaw the construction of the workflow. This means for a top-secret project like the Supernova, they had to build giant factories underground that functioned primarily with AI bots, so they could manufacture everything on site. Then, ONC used the facilities to build the vessel and all the weaponry inside those factories.
We got inside the submarine individually through mini-vessels that look like simple, underwater balloons. We were projected underwater from a kind of tunnel. Then we got into the vessel from underneath, or I should say we went up, depending on your perspective. Finally, we merged with it as we found ourselves inside the crew-gathering room. I never had seen anything like that in my life. It seemed to me that no human could come up with something so unusual, and I presumed that was an AI design for sure.
I was inspecting the different compartments when I saw Konu’s personal assistant, Dismar, walking towards me. I immediately asked him, “ Is he here?”
He said, “Yes, and waiting for you in the galley.”
Surprisingly. Konu was sipping tea with mint in the kitchen of the most sophisticated human achievement ever. I went all emotional when I saw him, like always, and forgot the protocol. This was something that didn't annoy him at all. He didn't seem to have been changed by the promotion. He just said with a smile, “Maybe some tea, Jazir?”
I looked at him intently, desperately trying to find a way to apologize for our last meeting, and finally, I said, “I am deeply sorry for my behavior the last time we met.” He didn't say anything, and looking at his cup of tea, he kept silent.
When I decided to sit, Dismar left, and Konu went straight to the subject. At that moment, I knew he was not here to chat.
He began, “This is a very serious situation. You are going on a three-year mission. I wanted to come personally to tell you this, as its the longest and most complicated mission ever. We even don't know how you guys will manage that, but it's a must-do.”
“Are we in war? If yes, with who?” I asked.
“I can't really tell, maybe with ourselves,” he replied ironically
I didn’t ask too many questions as I knew that this was a rogue mission. Otherwise, I’d be sitting in the Sea Force’s mission room, reading my brief with the head of the Force. I asked him when the mission would begin, and he replied, “Now.” At that moment, it was confirmed that the threat is serious and that it may happen at any moment.
My crew’s training was incomplete. We never tested the vessel as we were practicing only in a simulation. Konu didn’t want to hear about all of that as he kept telling me the brief verbally. Finally, he gave me the coordinates of five locations quietly and while he was looking directly into my eyes. He repeated the instructions twice. He told me that’s all I needed to know and remember and that no one else should know about it, as this is the true mission. There is no paperwork for it. I am the only one who knows the truth and should execute it no matter what happens.
When done, we should abandon the vessel as the vessel will then be an easy target. He asked me if I trusted him, and I replied, “Yes.” I said yes, even knowing that the coordinates he gave me are not on some planet in the Solar System. Knowing that the coordinates are not in our enemy's territories or any of the pro-nations that orbit around them.
In fact, the coordinates pointed to targets here – at home.
Chapter 12
Wonfuse, the First Citizen
“Only a good servant can become a good master.”
~ Kadar
H e invited me to his house, or let’s say to his horrific castle, to celebrate the beginning of the campaign. Although I found out later when I arrived that he did invite me alone, I was expecting to find all the First Citizens in his office. I was thinking, he is finally showing not only the need to keep his title of the First Citizen, but to be the only one.
“Konu, you can talk very openly here in my office. Kadar came personally to secure the area,” said Wonfuse, the First Citizen.
Kadar came here personally to install the equipment. I know he is stupid, but if he really did that, it could mean that he is mentally challenged. Although I would pay a lot to watch the number one general, “the best of the best,” as they say, sweaty, trying to plug the detectors one by one, while balancing on an office chair. Then I said, “Kadar
