Humanity Unleashed: Episode 9

As the Elder Councillors were beamed off the Bridge of the Hercules, Trevor felt frustration bubble up in his chest, he felt helpless, and Lacey shared that same feeling.


“I hope they are all safe,” Lacey finally said what was on both their minds.


“The whole Council is there together, there is nothing that Planetoid Council can do against them, whatever happens, we will follow if anything happens…… “ Trevor left it unsaid.


Onboard the Planetoid, the Elders stood staring at all the images of long-gone members of a species unknown to them. Stepping forward, Razmusin asked,


“Planetoid Council, what species do you represent?” asked Razmusin.


“We represent the Vaadwaar or the Creators.” The woman stated emphatically.


“And your name?” asked Razmusin.


“We do not have a designation.” Announced the woman.


“We recognise you as Sasha of the Vaadwaar, you will speak for the collective,” Razmusin announced. He thought about what was the best way to start delving for information, then asked,


“Sasha, have you any idea why the Vaadwaar left?” asked Razmusin.


Sasha replied, “We do not know, when we awoke, the creators were gone.” Sasha honestly replied.


“We ask permission to take a look at your program data, to see what and why the creators left you here.” Satisfied he had attempted diplomacy.


“We agree,” Sasha affirmed.


“Hal, scan the database, make copies, and analyse the data, then report your findings,” Hanna ordered.


“Understood Councillor.”


“In the meantime Elders, are you hungry?” asked Hanna.


“Yes please,” answered Quillan.


Hanna asked Captain Rankin to send food for their party, and within 10 minutes the food arrived carried by porters. While they ate, the Vaadwaar surrounded them and just watched what they were doing.


“Is this the sustenance you require daily?” asked Sasha.


“Yes Sasha, it is what our bodies require to live, without sustenance, we die,” Hanna informed her.

“Interesting, This, food, gives you energy, how long does it last?” Sasha asked with curiosity in her voice.

“It depends on a person's body type, for example, someone who works very hard, requires more food than someone who just works in an office setting,” Explained Ra’Ani.

“We understand.” Replied Sasha. “We work hard as well, trying to improve ourselves.”

“We wish to know how many of you there are,” stated Sasha.

‘We number in the trillions Sasha,” answered Onjin, “how many of you are there?”

“Just 5,000 of us remain, we needed to cull our numbers or run out of energy, die as you put it, so many of our members chose to sacrifice themselves so the rest would continue.” Answered Sasha.


Then Hanna stepped forward to address Sasha,


“Sasha, I have a proposition to put to you and your Council, but first, we wait for Hal to complete his task,” Hanna stated. She had a plan, listening to the Vaadwaar, she felt a twinge of guilt hit her between the eyes. She had felt ill will towards these entities and now regretted it. Picking up on how she felt, the rest of the Council and the Elders turned to her smiling.


“I have made a grave error in judgement Councillors, I must make amends.” Stated Hanna, full of remorse.


“We all did Councillor, we are just as guilty, so what do we do about it,” asked Nala.


“We do the right thing,” Hanna stated.


"Hal, have you completed your analysis?”


"I have Councillor.” Confirmed Hal.


“Report Hal,” ordered Hanna.


‘Understood,” replied Hal, “Their programming is very basic, not complex in the least. It is a wonder they made it to this stage of development, I have made a full copy of the data in our Repository, so I can restore it if needed.”


“Thank you Hal for your analysis,” Hanna stated.


Walking over to Sasha, Hanna began.


“Here is my proposal Sasha. I propose a full upgrade of the software data you currently have, your data storage device needs to be replaced, we will do that for you,” Hanna stated


“Our unique identities, will you renew that too?” asked Sasha.


“No, you will retain your unique identities with full memory recall, you will retain everything from your history till now. As a bonus, when you wake, you will have bodies of your own.” Hanna finally finished speaking.


“Then we lay ourselves at your feet, place our trust in you, we are unanimous,” Sasha stated in confidence.


“Your new database will be here within the hour, for now, the building of your new village has begun in earnest, we await word from Dr Heke and his team who are transporting your new bodies. Did I mention, you will be able to eat as we do? Welcome to the Organic species,” Hanna stated.


“When do we begin,” asked Sasha.


“As soon as everything arrives Sasha, we will notify you,” Hanna replied.


The installation of the Repository data storage was going as well as could be with additional storage completely isolated from repository data to stop corruption from occurring by leakage or short circuit of data from one or the other. The time to shut down Sasha and her Council drew nearer every day, yet they appeared eager, not at all worried, trusting in the Councillors to bring them back.


With 2 days remaining till her inauguration, Lacey and Trevor headed for the Little Chinese Shop for the last time, Zhāng jiā háo promised a meal she would never forget. Greeting their hosts, they sat down at their usual table while Zhāng Mei brought them wine, the mood was jovial, filled to the brim.


“This diner is so popular, I hope they don’t overwork themselves,” Lacey mentioned out of concern.


“Look,” Trevor had noticed a young Chinese girl in the kitchen. “They have a helper.”


“Makes me feel better,” Lacey laughed.


They celebrated their last meal here as crew members, something Lacey would never forget in a hurry. Their hosts served them their meal, once again their taste buds burst with flavours, and the smell was simply divine. The Hercules was due to dock at Command where Lacey was to disembark the Hercules as its Official Commander for the last time.

The next day Trevor docked the Hercules at Fleet Command Space Station orbiting the Union inner Planet of Lassiter Prime, home of all branches of the Military.


Admiral Marc Lazarus, greeted Trevor and Lacey as they stepped off the Hercules.


“Welcome aboard Command Space Dock Captain Rankin, Captain Stirling.” Marc with a huge smile on his face while shaking hands.


“Not official yet Admiral, but thank you,” Lacey responded with a smile of her own, still in her Commander’s Armour.


“It’s Official Captain, just the inauguration ceremony to perform.” Explained Marc, “Grab a shuttle, and the pilot will take you to your lodgings. Meet me tomorrow at 13 hundred hours, and I will explain what to do for your ceremony,” shaking hands with both of them, Marc went to meet with the dock crews.


Grabbing an available shuttle, they travelled to their lodgings on Union property and stored their luggage. Deciding to explore, they walked taking in the glorious architecture on display throughout the entire city, stopping to try different Chinese establishments, rejecting all, tried a Hamburger joint. Not bad tasting food, but not good either. Deciding to head back to their lodgings to cook their own food, stopped at a market selling fresh goods. Trevor cooked their favourite food, Chinese noodle soup with all the trimmings.


The next day Lacey and Trevor relaxed till it was time to visit the Admiral, leading them to his spacious office complex, he began by explaining the plan for the inauguration day event. After an hour of explanations, Admiral Angela Lazarus peeped her head through the door. Marc waved for her to enter, Lacey and Trevor got to their feet and saluted her, telling them to sit down and carry on, Angela strode to a couch and relaxed there while Marc finished his chat. This was Angela’s daily ritual unless Marc’s job took him away from her, Angela waited to go to lunch. Finishing their informative chat Marc dismissed them, then went to lunch with Angela.


“Let's have an early night, a long day tomorrow,” Lacey thoughtfully said.


With a full 10 hours of sleep, they both sat bolt upright at 6 the next morning, shocked they slept so long. Kissing Trevor on the cheek, jumping out of bed to take a shower, while Trevor made coffee for the both of them.

The ceremony drew many of her colleagues from all branches of the services in celebration of the crowning achievement of one Captain Lacey Jennifer Stirling. The swearing-in, signing of the register, and fingerprint plus DNA check were confirmed, and then Admiral Marc Lazarus spoke on behalf of the Union, welcoming their latest Captain with the History of the Service up to now, leaving only her speech to complete the occasion.


Lacey spoke of her gratitude to everyone who had supported her thus far and wished that support would continue. She also spoke of Trevor who was her mentor through all the hard times she had been through, to their eventual relationship leading to their wedding in 9 days' time. At that announcement, a huge cheer and whooping from her gathered friends filled the air. Finishing the day with photos and a party lasting till the early hours of the morning. One particular photo she would treasure the most, this photo revealed Trevor posed behind her with his arms around her waste.


Officially, it took just days to set everything for the Vaadwaar, once implemented, the Vaadwaar would wake at 6 am and start the day as a normal village would. The software stored within Athena would transform their organically grown Hi-tech bodies with uniquely named individuals. The Council had ordered Hal would make the necessary changes to the code that would incorporate new unique members of their community, up to a maximum of 100,000.

The village would eventually grow into a city and be brought to life using technology to help in construction efforts.

As for the Vaadwaar Space fleet, Hal had the job of adapting the code to seamlessly blend the ships when they were completed, adapted into Vaadwaar life as if they were always part of everyday living, nothing was left to chance.

Finally ready to activate the new installer software, Hanna told Sasha they were ready to shut their old Database down, that she and her people would wake with a staggered waking and sleeping pattern asking her if they were ready to do this. Sasha without hesitation nodded to confirm.


Sunlight filtered through the window as Larka opened his eyes and rose out of bed without disturbing his mate, prepared breakfast for him and his wife, and woke her with a touch to her shoulder.


“Good morning my dear, breakfast time.” Announced Larka.


As they sat in the kitchen consuming their breakfast, they watched the town come to life. Sallivus, named after one of their pioneering ancestors, proudly displayed his name in bold letters. Sasha and the Council were to make an announcement today at 10, so he would have to close his shop for an hour or two. Larka owned the Bakery Goods Store just up Main Street, open six days a week, and had prospered, his baked goods were well sought after.


Larka still had goods from the day before so had enough to last till this new batch was ready, Larka prepped the dough for bread baking after the Council meeting. Cakes, fruit cakes, and buns were his main sellers. Every retailer along Main Street had an ID thumbprint scanner to identify who bought products, what was bought from which shop, at what time, and what it cost. No Credits were exchanged at the point of sale but were paid weekly by the Council Administration Bureau of Monetary Affairs directly into Citizen digital Vault accounts held at the Vaadwaar Planetoid Bank.


With all businesses performing beyond Council expectations, the Economy and society blossomed. Covering freshly made dough with Bakers Cloth, Larka, and his wife closed their store and made their way to the Council Chambers just up the street.

Hanna watched as the Vaadwaar entered the Chambers with a smile, she and Dawn decided to attend the first Council meeting.


“Welcome citizens, thank you for your attendance today. We have two esteemed members of the Union Council with us, please pay homage to our Guests, Councillors Wilke and Haldane,” Sasha announced to her people.


Standing as one, the Vaadwaar bowed, bowing in return, Hanna and Dawn sat down. This was better than they expected, Hanna had trepidations whether their experiment would work or not. So far, it had turned out well, with no glitches or anything she noticed. Hal also monitored the code for any violations or corruption. The meeting concluded 1 ½ hours later with Hanna and Dawn chatting with Sasha about their progress.


“Everyone behaves as if this,” pointing to everything around her, “was normal life here,” Sasha stated in amusement.


“It seems they have acclimated to this life well, though this is the first day of their new lives,” Dawn added with a smile.


“We cannot thank you enough for what you have done for us,” Sasha stated still smiling.


“A word of caution Sasha, not every species will open their arms to you, some will reject you, even attack because of what you are, what you represent, a sentient Artificial Intelligence.” Dawn advised, “Be careful, we will also monitor you to make sure, what I just told you does not happen.” Dawn pointed out to Sasha.


“I see…,” Sasha said thoughtfully.


“Many species believe Artificial intelligence is dangerous, your host bodies are made of an indestructible core with an outer Organic shell that regenerates while you sleep,” Hanna explained.


“From what we have observed, we are the only ones who have embraced Sentient Artificial Intelligence as a gift, to work with side by side. Most still use A.I. as a tool to be controlled for fear of a revolt by unstoppable machines.” Replied Dawn with disgust.


“That is definitely not our way, we embrace all Sentient lifeforms willingly as partners, and eventually, as friends,” Hanna added.


“Thank you for your honesty, for being frank with us. You have given us purpose, and hope, a future to look forward to, a reason to live our lives the way we want. You could have destroyed us at any time, yet you did not, so we placed our trust in you, every single one of us. Sasha spoke the truth to Hanna who recognised her words as honesty.


“No need to thank us, we heard your sincerity, saw your struggle, your sacrifices made to preserve your very essence, and we knew we had to help in any way we could. It was the least we could do for you and your people.” Hanna replied with tears streaming down her face.


Sasha walked over to Hanna and Dawn placing her hands on their shoulders,


“No matter what happens in the future, you are a part of us and have our support, if you ever need us for anything, just call and we will be there,” Sasha stated with determination in her voice.


“We have a Negotiation protocol ready to install on your order Sasha, when you’re ready,” Dawn replied. Sasha just nodded,


“Hal, install the Negotiation Protocol database code,” Hal began the installation immediately.


Looking into Sasha’s eyes, Hanna and Dawn saw Sasha processing the data stream in real time. After completing the task, Hal announced that the installation process was successful.


“Your history is interesting to us. I also see the struggle between your species eventually leading to what you are now. What an amazing journey you’ve had, " Sasha said in amazement.


“Amazing? It was a journey of discovery, a path that taught us the absolute truth about ourselves, we maimed and killed each other by the millions in two World Wars with petty skirmishes almost on every continent.”


“Our people had a war footing ingrained from the time of our inception, we learned the hard way, a necessary evil we finally conquered by talking to each other. It took us many years to understand that our greed and potency to destroy ourselves could lead to the annihilation of our species.” Hanna told Sasha with honesty.


“We understand your words, Councillor Hanna, your species learned a valuable lesson, a lesson we are grateful for in many ways. Without you, we would still be in a maelstrom of uncertainty.” Sasha honestly had spoken of a meaningless existence without them.


"Have you ever thought about the Vaadwaar Creators' eventual return, if they still live? I do not believe you were of equal status, your original programming though very basic, tells us you were left behind as caretakers of their Legacy. Why here, why this system? Is this where they originally left you? If not, then where were you before this?” Hanna asked.


“ We woke in a system unknown to us, however, we retain the coordinates in our memory,” Sasha stated.


“Share these coordinates with us and we will jump there to investigate further,” Hanna stated.


Hanna ordered Aliya to follow them and jumped into folded space, an instant later unfolding into a Nebular 1500 light years from their original coordinates.


“Captain Mayberry, do a comprehensive scan of this Nebular, all frequencies, scan for life signs with special note to structures or dwellings,” Ordered Hanna.


“Yes Councillor,” Aliya responded to the order.


Scans revealed nothing at first so Aliya ordered a wide-band scan using all available light bandwidths, not the normal method but the normal scans revealed nothing.


“Contact Captain, decloaking off our starboard bow,” stated Commander Jenson.


“Communication request incoming Captain,” revealed the Coms Station.


“On screen Lieutenant,” ordered Aliya.


“Captain Mayberry, please transfer this call to the Planetoid,” Hanna asked.


“Yes Sir.”


The transfer from Hiroshima to the Planetoid was instant, while the Vaadwaar looked on, Hanna also studied them.


“State your business here,” ordered the Vaadwaar.


Everything went quiet, Hanna, waiting for Sasha to continue this conversation.


“We have co….,” Sasha was cut off with a curt slash of his hand.


“Do not…., speak to me machine!” the Vaadwaar captain yelled.


Hanna stepped forward to speak.


“We were painted a glowing picture of how your ancestor's reactions were remembered by the Planetoid Council, tell us, was what we were told a lie, a misunderstanding?” Hanna Continued.


“Or have you advanced so much, that what your ancestors deemed important, has been replaced with a judgemental, servitudinal mentality towards anyone you deem beneath you?” asked Hanna dryly.


“Do you know who you are speaking to?” fumed the Vaadwaar Captain.


“Obviously some low ranking official of the Vaadwaar, Captain,” Dawn stated with a cynical grin on her face.


“You dare insult me!” raged the Vaadwaar Captain


“You dared to insult one of our members, you, therefore, insulted us, You are not worthy to look upon our visage let alone speak to us. We are leaving.” Hanna was fuming, then Sasha touched her shoulder.


“Councillor Hanna, let me try one last time.” Asked Sasha. Nodding her approval, Sasha activated her Coms viewer.


"Dr Roukor Okaa, is that you I saw? It’s me, Sasha. Please, Doctor, show yourself.” Sasha pleaded. Waiting a few seconds, then the viewer flickered to life


“Arbiter Sasha Garros, is that you?” Roukor asked in disbelief.


“You look so worm out Doctor, let me see what we can do.” Stated Sasha.


“Is there anything you can do for him Councillor,?” Asked Sasha in hope.


“Yes we can help him, including his wife, she is in worse shape than he is,”

Waving her hand, Hanna transported Dr Okaa and his wife to the Planetoid, then with Dawn, joined with the Union, and began the process of uplift. Due to their extreme age, the first step was to stabilize them for the rest of the process to be successful. Standing by his wife's side, Roukor was beside himself with worry but began to notice some of her wrinkles had disappeared, and a look of calm on her face, opened her eyes and spoke.


“Husband what are you doing here, I do not want you to see me die.” Rakkel croaked.


“Shhh, wife, stay calm,” Roukor chided softly.


While Vaadwaar everywhere watched in awe the scene unfolding before their eyes, Hanna and Dawn continued channelling the energy of the uplift. Growing younger and stronger by the minute, Rakkel sat up in her bed, watched by billions of her people. With the uplift complete, Hanna nodded to Sasha who led Roukor towards Rakkel and placed his hand in hers. Roukor pulled her out of bed, complaining she could not stand, and was mildly surprised to note her strength had returned to her legs enabling her to take her first steps in years.


“May I address my people?” Rakkel asked.


Sasha stepped back and motioned for Rakkel to speak.


“My people of the Vaadwaar, You do not have any idea of who or how powerful these people are, my understanding of this technology, this moon, and what we created some 800,000 years ago, is beyond your comprehension. I have been reborn, been gifted with understanding the knowledge I have been endowed with, as I’m sure Dr Okaa has this same understanding.” Rakkel paused for a moment then continued.


“Look at us Commissioner, we are young healthy Vaadwaar once again. I hope my husband feels the same way but, if it is ok with the Union and my people of Sallivus, I will be staying. I want to be a part of my children’s lives again, I want them to know everything about us, but most of all, why we left them alone.”


The excitement from the Sallivus Council reached a fever pitch, discussing options with the Union Council while Rakkel continued talks with her people.


“Commissioner Rani, listen to what I say, the technology on display here is but a fraction of what these people can unleash, our own technology is a poor representation of what they have. I say this in the hope that Roukor and I are not the only two living Vaadwaar in the Universe should you try to do anything to them. Together they are formidable, they are everything we are not, one moment…”


“Councillor Dawn, is it possible for you to send your library of your war history to the Commissioner?” asked Rakkel.

Looking to Hanna for approval, Hanna nodded, and then Dawn ordered Hal to send the history of war files to the Vaadwaar.


“You should receive the History of Humanities war footage shortly Commissioner, I suggest you watch it carefully. Although the Humans are no longer a warring species, I humbly suggest you do not provoke them too much.” Rakkel warned her people.


“Union Council, please step forward,” Roko asked politely.


“Your species must be very old?” stated Roko.


“No Commissioner Rani, it has only been 357 years since we entered the Stars,” Dawn replied.


“357 years?” gasped Roko.


“Correct Commissioner, 357 years, 1961 was our first steps into space.” Replied Hanna. “Commissioner, by our Calendar it is December 2318 being the year. Check this against the reported dates of our first steps into space, I have also included that information.” Hanna advised Roko. “In the meantime, we are leaving, if you wish to contact us, just call.” Hanna advised them.


While Trevor chatted with the gardeners, Lacey was in the Villa chatting with the cooks and cleaners about the duties they were to perform.


“I know you are trained for this job, and probably been doing this job since forever. I’m just curious to hear your side of the story.” Lacey stated.


“Maria Gomez is my name, 42 years old, I’m the main cook, been doing it for 20 years,” Maria admitted.


“Nice to meet you, Maria.” Replied Lacey.


“My name is Pedro Hathaway, 39 years old, part-time cook and the Villa’s cleaning staff of one, there is another still to arrive tomorrow,” Pedro replied with a smile.


“Nice to meet you, Pedro,” Lacey replied with a smile of her own.


Lacey pulled from her pocket a piece of paper, handed it to Maria announced,


“This is a list of ingredients needed to prepare a special meal for Trevor and I, every Wednesday when we are here. The instructions are written for you to follow.” Lacey informed Maria.


“Si miss Stirling.” Replied Maria a little worried.


“If I can, I’ll get our Chinese friend to teach you how to prepare this food and how to cook it.” Lacey advised her.


Outside Trevor chatted with their two Gardiners Paula Trent and Amy Shore and groundswoman Hayley Thomas. The discussion was about what to plant so Trevor left it to the gardeners to decide. As for the groundswoman, Hayley was a bit shy but once she got to know Trevor, she talked about her job and knew exactly what she was doing.

Lacey decided to go see what Trevor was doing, as she walked up to Trevor, Hayley and bowed to Lacey.


“Please don’t bow to me, I am not Royalty, just be a normal person,” Lacey informed her.


“What do we call you?” Hayley enquired.


“Either Lacey or Miss Stirling will do fine,” Lacey replied with a smile.


“Goes for me too, Trevor will do fine.”


Hayley nodded and walked away.


“This is our home? It’s beautiful.” Lacey commented while they walked around the property admiring the work that had been done.


“Agreed my dear, we are lucky to buy this place at the price we got it for.”


Maria and Pedro came out of the Villa carrying sandwiches and coffee, placed a small table before them, and set the table with the food.


“Look at this,” laughed Trevor.


“Oh, my, god, we are going to get fat.” Lacey smiled.


The sandwiches had everything on them with thick slices of tender meat bathed in a rich flavoured sauce.

The coffee was milk, or cream and sugar, Trevor had his coffee black no sugar while Lacey had hers with milk. Their workers had their smoko in the villa worker area.


“I wonder where the orchard is,” mused Trevor.


“If there’s no orchard, we’ll create one,” Lacey mused thoughtfully.


Told by the gardeners that no orchard existed, Trevor arranged for 5 trees of Posey Apples, 2 trees of Hass Avocado, 3 trees of Navel Oranges, 2 Lemon trees, 4 Pear trees, 4 Peach trees and 3 table Grape vines to be delivered from the local nursery.


Trevor began to mark where certain types of fruit trees were to be planted with the avocado trees planted in a large area with a male Avocado tree planted in the middle. The Gardeners began to build a solid Trellis for the grape vines to climb as they grew. By day's end, Trevor was satisfied with the progress they achieved.


The next day, the Nursery delivered the plants Trevor ordered, Lacey and Trevor joined the Gardeners in planting new Fruit trees, Maria carried their wrapped lunches while Pedro carried the coffee tray, time for lunch. Lunch was just like the day before, fatty, but tasted good. After lunch, Hayley mowed around the fruit trees to make it look good. The ground was rich and Trevor believed in 3 years, some trees would produce fruit ready to eat.


That night Trevor and Lacey had a meeting with their staff, explaining what they were up to for the next 9 days then explained they would return on Monday week, and they would be leaving tomorrow about 10ish.

Roko watched the old digitised videos of the Human wars, he did not believe what he saw, even though he sat in rapture, the brutality, the destruction, it was unbelievable yet very true. Then he watched the very first newsreel of an astronaut orbiting the Earth in 1961 So, the Union Councillor did speak the truth, just 357 years to what they are now. Dr Rakkel Okaa one of the prominent Scientists, had given a warning, not to think themselves capable but to forge a path of peace with the Union.


The obstacle was the Council he led, the Council fixed in their ways could not entertain the idea that a species as young as the Union was so capable of knocking them back, an ancient race that had been around before they were even born. Most of the Vaadwaar Council believed the Union should be destroyed.


“We befriend the machines, they will help us.” Stated Councillor Ranna in confidence.


“That will not work now, we have planted our foot against them publicly. Roko replied.


“What about Doctors Roukor and Rakkel, they are true Vaadwaar,” Councillor Hamna said in hope.


“Councillor,” Roko sighed. “You are grasping at straws.” Roko dryly replied.


“Then what do you suggest Commissioner,” Councillor Hamna sarcastically remarked.


“One thing for sure Councillor, sarcasm will get you nowhere.” Then continued. “Let me say just one thing, but firstly, have you all watched the Human History video?” asked Roko. No one said a word. “I suggest before you say another word, go and watch the video, this meeting is adjourned.”


“Roko had enough of the Council, they refused to listen or view the video which he explicitly had ordered them to do, knowing full well they wanted to war against the Union. If the Vaadwaar started a war, Roko knew it would be a sacrificial war, leading to a humiliating defeat. He had seen the power of the Union firsthand, something his Council had failed to notice, by his reckoning, they had no choice but to sue for a peaceful resolution.


“… and that is why we were ordered to leave you here, the Council believed we had babysat you long enough, believing you would progress over time. Rakkel explained, “But Roukor and I knew the data supposedly used for your emergence was not enough."


“I understand Creator, I can see the dilemma you faced, thanks to the Union, they gave us the chance to be free of the constraints of our programming, the freedom to think for ourselves, and build a lasting Legacy,” Sasha admitted.

“We see that, and we are impressed Sasha,” Roukor added. “Now, could you please show us to lodgings?”


“Your new lodgings are ready for you Doctors, please follow me.” Sasha led them out of the Council Chambers to a waiting vehicle that took them to a new subdivision full of new houses ready for occupation. Pulling up at Sub 15, 12 Harvest Crescent, Sallivus the driver drove up the driveway and stopped beside the front door.


“Welcome to your new home.” Announced Sasha.


Stepping out of the vehicle, they looked at the location of fountains, and parks dotted around the area.


“Nice, very nice compared to where we last lived,” Rakkel admitted to everyone.


Leading the Doctors inside the lodgings Sasha began to show them around the Kitchen, then the Lounge with all the media tools at their disposal, to their Office area where they would work from. Finally, their bedrooms of which there were three, then they were shown the ablution block, toilet, showers and laundry area. The lodgings were fully furnished.


“Now how do we get to work from here?” Roukor asked.


“No need to leave the house Doctors, you have the latest Computer Technology at your fingertips, if you are required at Council, we will alert you via Holographic viewer, and a vehicle will be dispatched to pick you up,” Sasha informed them.


“Oh how lovely,” Rakkel remarked with a smile. “Will we have access to the database?”


“Yes you will, you have read access only, however, you can download the data you want to study and save it to your computer at any time,” Sasha answered.


“That’s fine Sasha, that’s all we need for now, how do we make changes to your code?” asked Rakkel.


“You must submit your code to the Union Council for perusal, bear in mind, that they are our protectors and must scrutinize every code change before implementation,” Sasha warned both of them.


“You are correct Sasha, badly written or corrupt code could be devastating on your systems,” Roukor admitted.

“Thank you for your understanding Doctors, I will return to the Council Chambers now, have a good day.” Stated Sasha.


After making themselves coffee, they turned their computers on and logged into the System, which was granted by Athena, the A.I. Systems Curator. Their terminals displayed the words “One moment please” as gigabytes of data were downloaded to their computers.


“Look Roukor, I cannot wait to study this code, how they did it,” Rakkel exclaimed with glee.


When the word “Download Complete” appeared on their terminals, they began looking through the code. It was 10 pm before they finally logged out of the System.


“This coding including the Micro code is brilliant compared to Vaadwaar Technology, and our children trust them completely.” Roukor's mind raced with excitement.


“Micro Code, I did not see that,” Rakkel stated.


“Their coding is refreshing and innovating in my mind's eye, but this Microcode really is confusing,” Roukor stated honestly.


“If you need help, just ask Doctor.” Announced Athena.


“Thank you, Athena, when was the last update?” Roukor asked.


“Two days ago Doctor.” Was Athena’s reply.


‘Show me which code was updated.” Ordered Roukor


The original and updated codes were displayed simultaneously.


“Roukor, they replaced 1 hundred lines of code with thousands including Micro Code.” Rakkel gasped in excitement.

“Athena, who wrote this code?” Rakkel asked in expectation.


“Doctors Heke and Montoya, Head Scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology in Geneva, Planet Earth.


“How many individuals are members of the Union?” asked Rakkel.


“One hundred and six trillion at the last senses Doctor,” Athena replied.


“Impressive, thank you, Athena,” Roukor replied.


Dr Heke and Dr. Montoya had finally cracked the code weeks ago with the first gate situated on Earth’s orbiting Satellite, called the Alpha Gate, with the placement of an Alpha Gate through every Galaxy, which was the only gate that could reach other Alpha Gates. The Moon gate was built into a cave system, sealed by a 12-foot thick, Hardened steel door camouflaged to look like part of the mountain Range on the dark side of the Moon. The cartouches were yet to be written because no other Alpha gates existed as yet.


With the construction of just two gates, one an Alpha and the other a normal gate, built using Union Technology, the first Gate System was to be built within the Union home Galaxy. The Gates were about to enter full production mode while seed ships carried the gates to habitable Planets for installation. The gate addresses were now created to reflect each gate's unique address, with additional addresses linked to Union Planets all over the Galaxy. This cycle of creation repeated over and over again linking all the gates into a system-wide Network for possible instant travel.

Lacey and Trevor’s wedding was a joyous affair with friends and colleagues celebrating their union with merriment and happiness towards the couple. Stacey Bradshaw from the Guardians was the only one who attended the wedding, Lacey and Stacey had a whooping-hollering time of fun. The following morning Lacey woke her friend with a light tap on her shoulder. Trevor had carried Stacey from the transport to the couch in the Lounge of the Villa. Waking with a shocked look, she saw the coffee cup offered to her by Lacey.


“Good morning, how’s the head?” asked Lacey as she walked to the table.


“What time is it, where am I and how did I get here?” Stacey reacted in panic.


“Calm down, drink your coffee, you’re at our Villa on Silvanus 3. Lacey told her. “Come, it’s lunchtime.”


Stacey rose from the couch, neatly folded the blanket Trevor gave her, went to the bathroom, washed her face, and joined Trevor on the patio.


“Goodness me,” Stacey’s eyes were big looking at the sandwiches. “That is the largest sandwich I’ve ever seen.” She exclaimed with shock.


“Wait till you taste it,” Trevor teased, “You’re going to love it.”


Al three talked while Stacey enjoyed her delicious sandwich, savouring every last morsel. After lunch, Lacey took Stacey on a tour of the gardens and the Villa.


“Stacey, are you happy on the Hercules? Do you enjoy being a Guardian?” Lacey asked her friend.


“To be honest Lacey, no I don’t like being there, the Colonel drives me nuts with his constant bickering, he won't let go of the chip he carries,” Stacey admitted.


“Would you be willing to resign from that toxic environment, and join me on the Unity of Humanity?” Lacey asked hoping Stacey would at least think about it.


“I’d consider it if I knew what I was getting into,” Stacey admitted to Lacey.


“I’m looking for someone to fill the position of Chief Security Officer, I think you could fill that position, Stacey,” Lacey admitted.


“Thanks, Lacey, I will consider your proposition,” Stacey replied with a ghost of a smile on her lips. “Oh yeah, when are you going on your honeymoon?” she asked.


“Two days time, we wanted to spend a week here with our workers just to get to know them.” Stated Lacey.


“Good idea to get to know everyone, I head back to the Hercules tomorrow afternoon uh!” Stacey said in exasperation.


“Don’t leave it too late Stacey, I fully expect to see your name on my crew Manifest when I get back,” Lacey remarked.


“No pressure huh?” Stacey replied with a cheeky grin.


They both made their way back to the Villa while girlie chatting, Trevor was digging an old garden back to life which once Hayley finished what she was doing, was going to plant flower bulbs. Trevor took a walk to the orchard area to see how the plants we doing, he was pleased with what he observed, the trees were greening well due to the very fertile ground. Walking further down the path to the garden area he observed how Paula and Amy had piled the rows of the potatoes high with rich soil allowing for expansion by the plant for more productivity. Trevor, looking towards the Sea decided to take one of the work buggies for a ride to see how the new Sea had developed. Trevor thought to himself, no sand to dip my toes into, oh well. Deciding to look around the bend, Trevor jogged and found it good to run again.


The Sea level was about ¾ full and raging as if a storm was going on, you could feel the pounding of waves through the ground, not suited for a daily swim for sure. Deciding to head home, Trevor jogged back to the buggy. Stacey thought hard about the offer Lacey had spoken of, this was her chance to get out while she had the chance. She had decided to submit her resignation from the Guardians and ask for a transfer to the Union of Humanity.

Two days later Stacey submitted her resignation to Colonel Frank Partridge, who fumed at her betrayal to her squad, walking out, she then submitted a transfer request to Command with an application to apply as Chief Security Officer on the Council Starship Union of Humanity. About five minutes later, she received a reply stating her request was under review and that she would be notified once the Security checks had been completed.


The Council had convened to discuss crew applications for the new Council Starship, they had received thousands of applications that took time to weed out those who the Council believed unsuitable, or their skill set was not what the Council required. After a week of ten-hour days of sorting through the many applicants, they finally had a crew agreed on by all the Council, just one position was undecided. The Chief of Security position was down to two people, Sergeant Stacey Bradshaw and Lieutenant Franz Josel a Minnowan.


“She has combat skills that no one else has, I recommend we choose her over Lt Franz Josel, he has not seen combat at all, just out of Officers training, as green as they come,” Ongin stated.


“Councillors, an incoming communication from Captain Lacey Rankin,” Hal informed them.


The view screen flickered to life.


“Captain, how can we help?” Ongin asked.


“Councillors, I have just received the crew manifest, are you sure about this?” Lacey asked.


“Why do you ask Captain?” asked Hanna.


“They are fresh out of combat school, none have seen combat except for one, and I see she is not on the list,” Lacey told Hanna.


“The Council discussed this in detail, we decided on a new plan…,” Hanna was cut off as she started to reply.

“I’m sorry, please forgive me, what plan? All Captains have a say in the crew selection, seems I didn’t get the memo,” Lacey decided to say.


“You are on your honeymoon Captain, we thought to make it easier on you,” Hanna reminded her.


“I’m not just on my honeymoon, I do have time to help select a crew I have to work with, but this, there is no crew that I know of who are as green as this lot are,” Lacey stated. “I also see this is their first deployment.”


“Captain, it is your job to get them ready for combat, I suggest you concentrate on that.” Ordered Hanna.


“Me personally?” asked Lacey.


“Yes you,” Hanna stated again.


“I see…………….., it’s become clear to me that you’ve already decided. Well, I have decided also. The Council will receive my answer in the mail.”


The view screen flickered off, then Ongin mentioned,


“We are about to lose her, what now?”


“We find someone else to take her place,” Hanna ordered.


The new Fleet Admiral Marc Lazarus read the resignation letter from Captain Lacey Rankin, and decided to talk with her in person. His personal Starship dropped from warp over Silvanus 3.

Meeting the Admiral at the door of her Villa, Maria stated,


“Welcome Admiral Lazarus, please seat yourself here, Lacey will join you shortly.”


Marc poured himself a lemonade from the jug and lifted the lid from the plate, noticing the very thick sandwich took one and bit into it. Maria’s sandwiches were famous so he had to try one. The taste was divine, and the meat was so tender with toppings and a sauce he didn’t recognise.


“mmm, this is so good,” he mumbled to himself.


“Morning Admiral, I see you introduced yourself to Maria’s best-kept secret.”


Turning Marc saw Lacey step out the door.


“My god, where did you find her?”


“She was assigned by the Council,” replied Lacey.


Sitting down, Marc started to pour another lemonade then continued to eat his sandwich. Lacey joined in, took the last sandwich, and accepted the drink Marc had poured for her.


“How can I help you Admiral?” asked Lacey.


“I came to get your version of what caused you to resign,” Marc stated.


“One moment Admiral,” Laced went inside to grab her crew manifest then returned and sat down.


“Take a read Admiral, tell me what you think.”


“As you will see Admiral, they are fresh greenhorns with no experience whatsoever. Except for the Bridge crews, not one of the others has any business on board a Council ship.” Lacey said in exasperation.


“This Stacey Bradshaw should have been an automatic selection, she has the qualifications,” Marc mentioned.


“I agree Admiral, Stacey is a personal friend of mine, I persuaded her to resign from the Guardians and apply as the Chief Security Officer aboard the Union of Humanity,” Lacey informed Marc.


“I would like to hold onto your resignation for the time being Captain, I will talk with the Council, to see what I can do.”


Lacey nodded in response to Marc’s remark.


“Anything else? Like who else to add to this manifest?” Marc asked.


“Stacey will need the help of an experienced NCO to help her get through this and a competent Commander, however, I leave this in your capable hands, Admiral,” Lacey replied.


“Please thank Maria for the nice morning tea,” Marc stated as he walked away. Then, “Will you be here or on your honeymoon?”


“I have my communicator, Admiral, just call.”