Book 3: Chapter 137: All pieces in play

Book 3: Chapter 137: All pieces in play

USD: 1 Day after Cadre-S Graduation

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A Elevator



[Informative: A computronic hijacking attempt has been thwarted. Eighty-seven modules have gone offline. Physical destruction is suspected. No sensors or detectors can be remotely accessed. A faulty surveillance system outside of MJSR&D facilities indicates an evacuation is ongoing. Cascading failures attributed to over usage are present in a majority of units. Estimated total failure at current rate of consumption.]

But we arent even using them for anything... Alex muttered, her brow furrowing as she turned to Tia and relayed the information.

A yellow emergency light began pulsing inside the elevators cabin, casting shadows on the other passengers faces. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to alarm, but they didnt know about the evacuation unfolding in another section of the station. A flight attendant attempted to soothe several anxious passengers just as the captains voice crackled over the intercom.

Attention all passengers. There is currently an ongoing incident on MIL-1A. Please remain seated while we determine whether we can begin disembarking or will need to return to the ground station.

A frustrated voice shot back, But we just docked! Thats a two-day delay!

Screw this. We need to figure out whats going on, Tia declared, her eyes narrowed with determination.

Alex and Rachel exchanged alarmed glances.

I dont know if thats a good idea Alex hesitated, her face creased with concern. They told us to stay put

Its a misdemeanor and civil penalty to disobey a safety order from a flight officer. They like to throw the book at cadets, too, Rachel warned.

Tia shot Alex a disbelieving look. I cant believe this. Okay, miss-follow-the-rules, stay here. Toss a module onto the station so I dont fry when you go back down, please.

Alex blinked as Tia strode toward the airlock. After a moments hesitation, she turned to Rachel. Hey. This is our problem; you dont really need to get in trouble too.

Alex hurried to catch up with Tia, falling in step beside her. The flight attendant intercepted them just as they reached the airlock. Ladies, please sit back down in your seats. No one is allowed

Tia cut her off, waving dismissively at the airlock. Its pressurized and good to go.

The red light above the sealed door flashed to a welcoming green, leaving the attendant speechless.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Alex nodded, and Tia pulled the lever. The door rolled into the wall, leaving the attendant stammering about legal consequences. As Alex moved to shut the airlock behind them, Rachels voice rang out. Wait!

Rushing into the airlock, Rachel cradled three emergency re-breather masks in her arms. If there is an emergency, we might need these.

We can take them. You dont have to come with us, Alex insisted.

I cant just let you two go off and cause trouble. Someone needs to monitor you.

Yeah, right, Tia scoffed.

Alex hesitated briefly before finally giving Rachel a nod and pulling the airlock shut. Im not sure the mask will help if we end up in a vacuum.

Rachel arched an eyebrow as she pressed one mask into Alexs hands. Vacuum? The stations I-fields are pretty safe. I was more worried about toxic gases.

Rachel extended a mask to Tia, but the silver-haired girl scoffed, her eyes cold. Youre the only one who needs it. We can filter out tear-gas and toxins ourselves.

Uhh Alex stammered, catching a harsh glare from Tia.

What? You cant even do that?

Alexs right eye twitched. She snatched the extra mask from Rachel and threw it at Tia. Did someone twist your panties or something, Princess? You dont have to be such a bitch.

Tia stared at her before a sly smile crept onto her face. She looped the masks strap behind her head, letting it hang from her neck. Sure thing, boss.

Feeling the need to justify herself, Rachel interjected, Im wearing a skinsuit, otherwise I would have stayed in the cabin.

Alex gave her a thumbs-up. Me too. Were skinsuit friends!

Tia snorted, while Rachels cheeks flushed. That doesnt mean what you think it does

The airlock beeped, and the exit hatch released a puff of air as the indicator turned green. Station Atmo reads full standard, Tia announced, pulling the control mechanism. The door slid open, revealing gangway emergency lights, and flashing red warnings of the lockdown. But it didnt hinder their access.

As they entered the station, Alex glanced back at Rachel. Thanks for coming with us.

Rachel offered a weak smile and nodded. Hopefully

An overhead announcement interrupted her. A station-wide lockdown is in effect. Duty personnel should report to their emergency stations. All inhabitants should evacuate to emergency bunker locations.

That doesnt sound good, Rachel murmured.

Where are we going for the computronic modules? Tia inquired.

Im not sure Alex admitted, realizing she hadnt thought it through.

Did every bit of critical thinking skills drilled into your head disappear the second we left Glisson? Tia asked.

Wait. Nameless. Didnt you say something about MJSR&D? Alex asked.

A Namelesss voice erupted from a speaker on the wall so Rachel could listen in as well.

[Informative: Computronics location has been narrowed to a subset of labs inside the Meltisar Joint Services Research and Development Facility located on station.]

Tia nodded. Thats where they let me work on them. Were taking a tram.

|Nanite Connection Protocol: A multi-discipline approach to increasing Avatar range capabilities by deploying miniaturized high-powered transceivers inside Avatar body while improving Direct Neural interface connection protocols to be more bandwidth efficient. Current Range: 25km |

||Physical ||

(REROUTE-INCREASE) (+45) |Strength Enhancement: 50 |

(REROUTE-INCREASE) (+45) |Agility Enhancement: 50 |

(REROUTE-INCREASE) (+30) |Physical Reinforcement: 50 |

(REROUTE-INCREASE) (+45) |Biological Modifications: 50 |

(UPGRADE) (+23) |Nanite Rerouting Alacrity: 33 (permanent) |

||Projective ||

(UPGRADE) (+40) |Kinetic Projection: 50 points (permanent) |

(UPGRADE) (+15) |Electrostatic Manipulation: 25 points (permanent) |

(UPGRADE) (+115) |Nanite Correlation: 125 points (permanent) |

(NEW) |Teleoperative Processing: 50 (permanent) |

||Utility ||

(NEW) |Creation Utility: 50 points (permanent) |

(NEW) |Energy Density: 50 points (permanent) |

(NEW) |Nanite Connection Protocol: 50 points (permanent) |

(UPGRADE) (+25) |Nanite Cohesion Enhancement: 50 points (permanent) |

All that from one module?

[Informative: Diminishing returns on additions to ANUF computronics will occur at a faster rate because of high efficiency levels.]

Alex blinked, taking in the enhanced clarity of the station. Colors seemed more vibrant, and when she focused on a specific detail, her vision zoomed in slightly, without causing dizziness or loss of balance.

Shit, Ive been living with my hands tied behind my back, she mumbled to herself.

She noticed Tia and Rachel staring at her, their eyes locked on her chest. Glancing down, she realized her bosom had expanded noticeably.

Tia burst into laughter before managing to compose herself enough to comment, Did your MainComputer not add compression to your ANUF list?

Nameless! What the hell! Show me the list again! Alex shouted.

[Informative: Nanite compression option would decrease efficiency of Avatar platform.]

A distant screech echoed from the tunnel the incoming tram was supposed to be arriving from.

Whats that noise? Rachel asked, concern etched across her face.

USD: One Day after Cadre-S Graduation

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A, Navy Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Center, Resident Annex A5, Room F

Elis sat confined within the sterile walls of the medical annex, acutely aware of the distant hum and beeps of medical equipment mixed with the faint smell of disinfectant permeating the air.

Her frustration mounted as she glared at the nurse standing across from her, fingers furiously tapping at the datapad in her lap. The nurses face displayed a mixture of sympathy and impatience, and she sighed heavily as she read Elis message.

I understand, Elis, but I cant leave my post to take you to the transit hub. Alex will be here soon, anyway. Just be patient.

Elis shook her head, her long red hair falling into her eyesa tangible reminder of the time elapsed since her injury. She had avoided cutting it, recalling Alexs reaction when she had last cut it short. Besides, it wasnt as if she expected to be fighting anytime soon.

Continuing to type, Elis red eyes never wavered from the nurses face. I havent seen Alex since I woke up. I need to see her as soon as possible.

The nurse pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly frazzled. Im sorry, Elis. I cant take you; I need to check on other patients, and theres no one else available right now.

Elis gritted her teeth, her thumbs striking the datapad hard as she typed. Then just give my card access to the tram! Keeping me stuck in the medical center is false imprisonment!

The nurse sighed. I already notified the admin about the problem. They should fix it or send someone to talk to you. Its probably just a permissions glitch since you entered the system without a prior history file.

Before Elis could respond, an unfamiliar voice interjected. When is Alexs shuttle due to arrive?

Both Elis and the nurse turned to see a tall man in scrubs leaning against the doorframe. With black hair, brown eyes, and a friendly smile, he seemed approachable. The nurse appeared surprised but relieved. In about twenty minutes, I think.

The man nodded, glancing at the nurse. Im about to go on break, and its on my way. I dont mind giving Elis a hand.

The nurse smiled gratefully at him. Thanks. I owe you one.

As he moved to Elis side, she typed a message of gratitude. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this.

He introduced himself as Fred. No problem, Elis, he replied, gently pushing her wheelchair. Lets get you to that transit hub.

As they left the room, Elis couldnt shake the nagging feeling that something was off. But the prospect of seeing Alex sooner had her dismissing the feeling as paranoia, and she pushed the feeling to the back of her mind.