The Infinite Evolution - Conversion (45 page)

“
Whom does it belong to? And would they be
suppressed memories and not files?”

“
I suppose. Regardless of what you want to
call them, I am going to cross reference this digital signature in
order to determine the mathematical scheme so we can confirm the
authenticity and original owner of this data,” advised
Zaccai.

Within a few seconds, Elymas looked at the screen
and said, “Telmar.”

“
This would not be the Telmar that once worked
for Prime 2 as a Herder, then decided to jump sides and become a
Floater after working undercover as a Guardian?” asked
Zaccai.

“
That would be the one. Our
intelligence shows he was working for an Earth organization known
as Central Circuit and he had a great deal of involvement with an
artificial android that the Earth humanoids built and named Adam.
According to records Jade seemed to have had quite an attachment to
this android.”

“
This unknown data she is carrying, do you
think the Floater’s equipment would have detected it when she was
uploaded to our planet?” asked Zaccai.

“
I doubt it. It is not as if she was brought
in by Prime 2. The equipment these factions are using is obsolete
to say the least,” replied Elymas with an annoyed tone.

“
Analyze all incoming
streaming to
The
Ark
,” instructed
Zaccai.

“
Sir that is illegal without council
approval.”

“
Not if I believe this
facility is in danger. I want to know what information that young
person is carrying. I have a strong hope it is Project
Illuminate
. As soon as
she streams in, analyze her thoughts and memories and dissect them.
There is a good chance Telmar completed his quest before his
death.”

“
Project
Illuminate
? I was under the
impression that was discontinued.”

“
It was, and let us leave it at that,” replied
Zaccai.

“
I see,” said Elymas as he changed the topic
in order to receive clarification on his orders, “What if they walk
in?”

“
Then detain her until we create an image of
her cranium,” instructed Zaccai.

“
As you wish.”

“
Elymas, do you think that
is why Quartus never streamed into
The Ark
?”

“
Well, if I was hiding something
and I knew you had the capability of finding out what it was by
simply streaming into this fine facility, then yes I would probably
enter on foot as well.”

“
A simple yes would have sufficed.”

“
My apologies,
Zaccai.”

“
No apology needed my old
friend,” said Zaccai with a simple smile. “I have yet another task
for you.”

“
And what would that be?” asked
Elymas.

“
The incident where Melchior and Willow
succeeded in killing Corinth.”

“
What about it?”

“
It was certainly a most
unfortunate incident, but I do not feel it is necessary to share
such information with the council at a public forum or the citizens
of this planet. This also goes for Shiphra’s death. Erase all
traces of these two incidents and never speak of it again. I will
place a lock on Prime 2 regarding this matter. We cannot afford to
have these actions divide the two factions even
further.”

“
I will take care of it
immediately.”

Elymas moved away from Zaccai’s seating area when he
delivered the next piece of news. “There is a matter you should be
aware of.”

“
Let me surmise, the rogue copy of Spencer the
Floaters made. It is nearing ground zero of the outbreak in
Australia,” replied Zaccai.

“
That is correct, what do we plan to do about
this?”

“
Do not worry, I will be taking
certain measures.”

“
Yes, sir.”

“
Lastly, there is one more item that needs to
be addressed.”

“
Yes, Zaccai.”

“
You will need to pick a
faction and announce your true intentions when called upon. I
cannot have you stay neutral on this matter. Whatever you choose I
will still consider you a loyal friend. Now please leave, report
back when Izri, Jade, and Reece arrive inside
The Ark
.”

“
Yes, Zaccai,” replied Elymas.

Once Elymas left, Zaccai walked
over to a bluish holographic control panel and entered in a number
of symbols which were unique to his people.

A female voice spoke, “Command override has been
granted. Please enter the destination for a solar freeze.”

Zaccai replied, “Sector Alpha, solar system
Purity.”

“
Stand by,” said the female voice.

A slight pause followed as Zaccai
stood there emotionless. The female voice continued, “Sector Alpha,
solar system Purity contains one G-type main sequence star with
eight planets, one asteroid belt, and five dwarf planets. Warning,
one of these planets currently contains humanoid life forms which
we currently harvest from.”

“
I am aware of this,” said Zaccai.

“
Acknowledged, will this be an executive
order?”

Zaccai simply replied, “Yes.”

“
Under Tureis law this solar freeze can only
be active for fifty seven days under an executive order. If further
time is required a majority vote will be needed by the council,”
explained the female voice.

“
Yes, now please comply,” said
Zaccai.

“
A reason for this solar freeze must be
supplied before this task can be initiated.”

“
Humanoid preservation for all
Earthlings,” ordered Zaccai, showing annoyance with the amount of
time it was taking.

“
Acknowledged, solar freeze will commence in
twelve hours.”

Zaccai sat down near his favorite
vista, put his head between his hands, concentrated with all his
might, and said graciously, “My dear Spencer,
remember your destiny has not yet been influenced, envision
before implementing, and do not be impulsive.”

Izri, Reece, and Jade rushed to
the nearest platform within the Floater facility and set a course
for
The Ark
. Upon their arrival all three headed to Izri’s personal
reflection room, not knowing everything contained in Jade’s cranium
had just been copied.

“
So, is this your office?” asked Jade with a
look of disappointment.

“
Yes, you could call it that,” replied
Izri.

“
Well, it certainly isn’t as impressive as I
expected,” said Jade as she looked around and noticed nothing of
interest except for the five large windows, which seemed to
overlook a bustling city. Jade was amazed with the variety of
different styles of structures and colors each building portrayed.
She was also intrigued with the fact there was hardly any type of
traffic, except for a few pedestrians, which from her perspective
looked like tiny insects.

“
I’m guessing most, if not all your people,
travel with that streaming technology?” asked Jade.

“
Yes, that would be correct. But
there are a minority who feel mobile transportation via a vehicular
device is the better option. Obviously, I am not one of
them.”

Amused by the hint of cockiness Jade said,
“Obviously.”

Once again, Izri ignored Jade’s
minor emotional responses, immediately moved to a nearby data
terminal and started communicating with it
telepathically.

“
What is he doing?” asked Reece.

“
I think he’s speaking to his computer,”
replied Jade.

“
I figured that, but do you know
why?”

“
I don’t know. He doesn’t really tell me
much,” said Jade after she took the nearest seat showing signs of
mental discomfort.

“
What’s wrong? Are you ok?” asked
Reece.

“
I think so. For some reason I
feel a weird sensation, almost like an attraction to
something.”

“
Does it hurt?” inquired Reece.

“
No not at all. It’s more like a
hunger, as if I’m being drawn to something, but I don’t know
what.”

Izri broke his concentration from his current task,
refocused it onto Jade, and asked, “When did this feeling
start?”

“
Just a minute or two ago. Why?”

“
Because we just had two
new arrivals to
The Ark
and I believe one of them is carrying the stone.
I would bet my life this attraction you feel is directly connected
to the stone.”

“
I’m starting to feel a little uncomfortable
with this,” said Reece.

Jade looked over to him and
replied, “You’re kidding right? We came this far. There is no way
you’re going to stop me now.”

Before Reece could even respond
an alarm flooded
The
Ark
, “Attention, there has been an
incident. This facility is in lock down. All personnel please
report to the main chamber within twenty-five minutes. Failure to
do so will result in detainment by Ark Officials.”

“
What happened?” asked Jade.

“
I do not know. I have been
locked out of the mainframe. We need to leave for the main chamber
now,” said Izri as he ordered Reece and Jade to follow.

As they proceeded down the long
hallways Reece was impressed with the volume of humanoids who
followed these instructions with the utmost calm. Normally, in
situations like this, people back on Earth would be hysterical. As
they came closer to the main chamber the number of officials grew
exponentially, but order was still maintained without incident.
There were fifteen lines which formed along the circumference of
the main chamber, and everyone funneled in as if they were rivers
flowing into a massive lake. Every other humanoid stood offset from
the humanoid that stood in front of them, giving them the ability
for a semi-direct view to the center stage.

“
I do not like this,” replied Izri with an
overly concerned voice.

“
Why?” asked Jade with an even more concerned
look.

“
If this was an emergency of some sort they
would stream all of us out of the facility, but instead they are
leading everyone into the main chamber. This leads me to believe
someone suspects something of importance, and seeks an opportunity
for their own personal gain. This is certainly not a life
threatening emergency.”

“
Do you think you may be jumping the gun?”
asked Reece.

“
Jumping a gun? What does that have to do with
anything?”

“
You know, that’s when one comes to a
conclusion without all the facts,” explained Reece.

“
How long have you been on this
planet, a few hours?” asked Izri.

“
Why, what does that have to do with
anything?” asked Reece.

“
A lot! You have no idea how the
politics work here, nor do you understand the events which are
about to take place,” advised Izri.

“
Well then why don’t you explain them to
us.”

“
In due time, but for now we need to focus on
the stone.” Izri directed Jade and Reece to a small alcove, looked
at Jade, dropped to one knee, and handed her a pair of thin black
lined glasses.

“
What are these?” asked Jade.

“
When you place them on you will
see an overlay of a virtual map regarding this facility. If you
touch the center of the glasses a holographic line will appear on
the floor showing you where you want to go.”

“
Why are you giving her these?” asked
Reece.

Izri looked over to Reece with a
serious look on his face and said, “Because we need to
separate.”

“
We being who?” asked Reece with an indication
of concern.

“
We do not have time for this,” replied Izri
as he stood back up and faced Reece.

“
What do you mean, ‘we do not have time for
this,’ that’s ridiculous,” replied Reece.

“
Sorry, my friend, I am only doing this to
make things easier.”

“
Doing what?” asked Reece.

Izri looked directly into Reece’s eyes and within a
few seconds Reece became fully compliant.

“
What did you do?” asked Jade showing concern
for Reece’s well being.

“
I placed him in what you would
call a hypnotic state for the time being.”

“
Is he going to be all right?” asked
Jade.

“
Absolutely. It is as if I had
placed a mental muzzle on him.”

“
You so have to teach me that,” said
Jade.

“
Someday,” smirked Izri. “Now I
need you to listen carefully. I am going to head to the main
chamber I need you to follow the path you think you need to take.
These glasses are going to assist you in this journey. I cannot
come with you.”

“
Why not?”

“
Unfortunately, when an
incident like this is enacted, all council members are mandated to
go to the main chamber of
The
Ark
.”