Henry Gallant Saga 2: Lieutenant Henry Gallant (21 page)

Gallant was dumbfounded.

GridScape, is there any rational engineering reason for using such a unique number to modify the design?

“There is no discernable reason for utilizing a multiple of the three absolute constants of the universe.”

After several minutes of reflection, Gallant started to get an idea of what he was facing.

Gridscape, what is the best way to stop a saboteur?

“Incapacitate him, capture him, or put in place unassailable defenses.”

GridScape, actually the best way to stop a saboteur is to let him succeed. Do you agree?

“That would be illogical,” responded the
Intrepid’s
AI.

I’m counting on that.

Gallant mentally visualized his plan.

GridScape, I want all code processing scanned for elements using multiples of Planck’s length and segregated into a virtual environment. Without disturbing, or alerting, the author of those code segments, I want you to develop a mirror program—he visualized a complex logic code for a specialized task—Position this program inside the core kernel of the accelerator AI control system. Designate this code PERFIDY.

GridScape worked for an hour to complete the program to Gallant’s satisfaction. GridScape took remote control of the accelerator’s AI control system and installed the clandestine program.

Gallant decided to withhold his findings and efforts from the
Intrepid’s
internal security investigation, as well as from Neumann.

A secret only stays a secret, if just one person knows it.

Before returning to Elysium to continue his onsite investigation, Gallant went to check on the progress in engineering. Entering the Engineering compartment, he was impressed with ongoing work. The teardown of removal of damaged frames and equipment was complete. Replacement bulkhead sheets and electric panels were under construction. Tired, but satisfied faces looked up at him as he passed by. The
Intrepid
was recovering her élan.

Chief Howard approached Gallant, the deck reverberating under his feet, a tribute to his brawny bulk.

“Chief Howard,” Gallant said, nodding.

“Good afternoon, sir. What can I do for you?”

“I’m checking on our repair status. Do you have an estimate for the antimatter and dark matter requirements for the return trip to Earth?”

“I’ll calculate those and get the numbers to you before the end of the next watch.”

“That’ll be fine.”

Gallant turned his attention to a nearby panel.

“I hear a whine.” He raised his hand to silence the others and listened again. “I tell you I hear a definite whine.”

Howard listened and soon the two were engrossed in a conversation about the possibility of repairing the electrical motors within the panel.

Reluctantly Gallant entered the engineering control room. A cold chill passed through him as he recalled the circumstances that had caused him to abandon it a month before.

“Ready to commence reactor startup,” said the reactor technician pulling Gallant’s attention back to the present.

“Very well, commence reactor startup,” said Gallant. He was keyed-up to run this validation test on number-one reactor.

After working the rest of the day aboard the
Intrepid,
Gallant was satisfied he could leave repairs in Howard’s capable hands.

The next day, Gallant walked into Freedom Park. Across the common, an attractive young woman was sitting on a bench. A gentle breeze was blowing, ruffling her blonde hair. She appeared the kind of person bound to invite attention—it was Alaina.

Closing his eyes, he imagined stealing up behind her and throwing his arms around her.

Instead, when he approached her from behind and stepped around in front of her, her facial expression changed from clear and calm to cloudy and stormy.

"Hello, Alaina. I've been looking for you," he said quietly.

“Oh?” was her tight-lipped response.

“I’m sorry—for everything.” His heartbeat quickened as her frown grew more pronounced.

"Are you? Are you, really? Wolfe's men are still carrying guns. And my PUP group is constantly being harassed and arrested at rallies and demonstrations."

"I'm sorry. I can't interfere with Wolfe and the SSP."

"Then I have nothing to say to you,” she said defiantly, but a moment later her anger seemed to lessen. She murmured softly, “Please go away."

Gallant sat down next to her. "I need your help."

"If you can't help me, then I can’t help you."

"I need to return to the ruins in the jungle.”

“The ruins?”

“Yes, the sabotage and cyber-attacks on the mining sites have continued. The damage and harm to the workers is serious.” He waited for a reaction.

Seeing none, he continued, hoping to make the facts persuasive. “I’m convinced these attacks are being carried out using advanced technology—technology that could be connected to the ancient machinery in the ruins. I've looked at maps and satellite images, but the jungle is so overgrown, I can't find my way there. I need your help to back-track our steps."

Anger and hurt lingered on her face. He could tell she wasn't eager for a new adventure with him. She didn't trust him.

And in fact, given her anger and her connection with the dissident groups, he wasn't sure he should trust her.

"Alaina, it’s important. Lives are at stake.”

Alaina told her grandfather she was going to find the ruins in the jungle with Gallant and not to worry. He insisted she pack camping gear and be vigilant. He waved goodbye as they flew away.

Gallant had a flyer he had acquired to supervise facility operations. Alaina used her own flyer and followed behind him.

They flew to the vicinity of the outpost station they had found when they were last in the jungle. Circling above the area, they tried to identify the trail they had used, but the jungle had long since grown over their downtrodden path. As a result, they had to guess where to search. They landed their flyers, hoping they were close to the correct location and direction. Hauling their gear, they set off on foot, a light breeze blowing through the area.

After several minutes of careful stepping through the current on uneven, algae-slimed rocks, they approached the far bank. It was steep and slippery.

"We've got to cross," said Gallant, looking at the swiftly flowing water. The river was far wider upstream and had several turbulent rapids downstream.

“This looks like the best site to cross.”

"These rivers can be infested with dangerous crocodile-like reptiles," said Alaina, looking unhappy at the prospect of wading into the rapids.

Gallant looked up and down the river but didn't see any immediate threat, or a better place to cross.

He looked at Alaina, but she wasn’t moving.

Stripping off his clothes, he stuffed them into his backpack. He took several tentative steps into the water and lifted his backpack over his head.

Heaving a sigh of resignation, Alaina followed suit.

It took several minutes of careful stepping over jagged rocks before they approached the far bank. It was steep and slippery.

Gallant threw his backpack up and into the jungle. Then he struggled to find adequate footing to climb out of the river. When he reached the top of the slick bank, he extended his hand to Alaina, but she brushed it aside.

She set her foot on the bank to scale the vertical slope while still holding her backpack. That her reticence proved to be a mistake was evident when she fell backward into the river with a loud splash.

“Augh,” she cried, after reemerging.

Gallant jumped down to the water’s edge and grabbed her. He pulled her onto the bank, but her backpack quickly disappeared downstream in the turbulent waters.

She stood on the shore—shivering—naked—her expression apoplectic.

She put her hands on her hips. “How is it you always manage to get me soaking wet and naked?”

He smiled at the propitious outcome.

Just lucky, I guess.

Opening his backpack, he pulled out his khaki shirt and handed it to her. He put on his khaki pants.

Standing with only his khaki shirt to cover her, she said, “This is why there's always so much whispering about me in Hallo.”

Gallant looked at her and burst out laughing. She joined him in unrestrainedly laughter for several minutes.

We’re friends again,
thought Gallant.

He gave her a reassuring hug.

They climbed up a small rise and witnessed the sun’s cupreous ginger glow fading with the approach of night. With the last embers of sunset, Gallant saw the rock-face mantle outcropping they were looking for, sticking-up over the trees, several kilometers ahead.

“It’ll be dark before we reach the ruins. I think we’d better make camp for the night and get a fresh start in the morning,” said Gallant.

“No argument from me,” said an exhausted Alaina.

Gallant pulled a tent out of his backpack and pitched it while Alaina gathered wood. She started a fire in front of the tent and cooked the food he had brought.

The noises of the jungle reminded them of the nighttime dangers, but with their camping gear and a laser gun that Gallant had slipped past Junior, they weren’t afraid of dragors.

When they finished eating, Gallant spread out their lone sleeping bag inside the tent.

Exchanging furtive glances and contemplating promiscuous images, they got into the sleeping bag—together.

The campfire burned bright and the jungle worked its magic. They became locked in an intimate embrace—their passion as strong as it had been the first time.

The next morning, Gallant woke with a delicious sense of contentment.

He sat up, and not seeing her, he called, “Alaina?”

“Yes, Henry?” came a quick and eager response from the other side of the camp.

She walked toward him wearing the only clothing available, his khaki shirt. An instant replay of the previous evening flooded into his mind.

Feeling like a recidivist, he said, “This jungle . . .,”
She laughed, “Yes, let’s blame it on the jungle. It must be an aphrodisiac."

“Let’s not try to explain our jungle adventures. Let’s enjoy the moment.”

“Okay.”

They relaxed and enjoyed breakfast until Gallant said, “We’ve got a lot to do today.”

But, before they set off, Alaina ripped the lining out of the sleeping bag using Gallant’s knife. She fashioned sari pants for herself after wrapping the largest pieces of material around her body. For Gallant, she made a mock long-sleeved shirt which had to be knotted at the sides and wrists.

“That will have to do,” she said as they donned their ill-fitting new apparel.

It took some effort to remember they had an important mission, exploring the many passages of the underground structure.

Within a few hours, they were able to relocate the ruins and make their way to the entrance of the underground tunnels.

This time as they traveled underground, the passages of the vault chambers were humming with activity—the lights and power were on.

“The overall structure is undoubtedly ancient in origin, but this section has a supply of power keeping it maintained and clean.” Alaina touched the walls, puzzling.

They entered the central room and crept forward together into a vestibule leading to a long hallway and finally into a great room, a gallery. The marble floors and walls were highly polished and remarkably well finished into a high gloss which reflected light.

They came to a place that had witnessed a great passage of time and found what looked like ancient machines running.

To their surprise, a six foot-tall humanoid avatar appeared before them when they entered the chamber. It only vaguely resembled a human, but it managed to say in a weak wavering voice, “Welcome.”

Alaina stood still with her mouth open.

“Who are you?” said Gallant, looking around the room to see if anyone else was present.

The avatar shimmered and flickered, while the background humming changed pitch, as if a new demand was being made on the few available resources. After a few more seconds, the humanoid avatar appeared brighter, as if it were a more powerful image, generated with greater resources.

The now booming voice of this apparition said, “I am an ancient philosopher and thinker. Fortunately I have had access to the libraries and reference books available in the Hallo community and I have acquired considerable vernacular information. So it would be appropriate for you to refer to me as Aristotle. This would be my way to pay homage to one of your ancient philosophers.”

“I’m impressed with your rational articulation, Aristotle. I’m Henry Gallant and this is Alaina Hepburn. We’re explorers interested in learning about you and this underground structure. Please, excuse an indelicate question, but is this avatar you, or a representation of you?”

“I am everything you see before you. I am the avatar. I am this vault chamber. I am the surrounding tunnels, passages, chambers, microprocessors, and computer. In total, I constitute a volume of ten cubic kilometers all of which is buried beneath the surface of this planet and connected to the surface through an ancient carved stone passageway. Since my demise a million years ago, I have suffered much. I am now in the process of restoring myself to my former glory. However, for now you must excuse my limited ability to welcome you properly.”

“Another indelicate question, if I may. Are you an Artificial Intelligence?”

“You would consider me to be an Artificial Intelligence, but I would refer to myself as a sentient being. I was attacked and murdered on this planet over one million years ago by a criminal assassin.”

“Murdered? You were murdered?” Gallant and Alaina looked at each other, eyebrows raised—perplexed by such a description.

Gallant considered the implications of an independent mechanical intelligence; could this be the villain damaging their equipment?

“Yes, unjustly murdered.” The avatar’s image shimmered as if to emphasize the emotional toll it had suffered.