The Engineer’s Wardroom was filled with exotic smells which caused Alicechild 88130’s salivary glands to involuntarily react as she entered. Normally, she took her sleep intervals in her rented dwelling in the Industrial City of New Sparta. Always she commuted to work on the Tubeway arriving exactly ten ESM before commencement of standard work hours.

     This time however, she stayed in her issued crew compartment at the EXWEPFAC to avoid being late. She could have used a PWT platform, but with the latest hike in fees, she would need to see a Facility Administrator to update her travel voucher. Alicechild found it was far more efficient to stay and maximize her sleep interval in accordance to the Director’s warning.

     To Alicechild’s surprise, the majority of the Engineering Staff and several high level Technicians were present in the Wardroom. The exotic smells came from the cooked foods of which all partook. As she entered, all movement and conversations stopped in a wave concluding at the far end of the compartment. All eyes were upon her and yet, Alicechild had come to know this experience. She simply moved to where the Nutrient Paste Dispenser was located.

     Filling a disposable squeeze container with Nutrient Paste Number 3, Alicechild noted the silence which made the atmosphere in the compartment seem thick as the red-gray paste she was about to ingest. Walking over to her carrying a disposable drink container filled with a strong smelling dark liquid was Supervisor Karissa Ono. “You’re not actually going to consume that are you Alicechild?”

     Looking into the woman’s iridescent golden eyes the perplexed Engineer replied, “Why would I not? Nutrient Paste Number 3 is standard for nutrient intake for space travelers. It provides all the protein, minerals and enzymes required for human and humanoid beings.”

“But it tastes like shit,” remarked the Supervisor.

     The statement drew chuckles from the assembled research staff. Not certain what point the Supervisor was trying to make Alicechild retorted, “I have found neither the need nor desire to ingest fecal material Supervisor Ono. I do find it unlikely that excrement would have a satisfying flavor or be as nutritious.” The Wardroom erupted in laughter at Alicechild’s statement and the Engineer felt an unpleasant rush of heat flow across her skin.

     Looking to ease the tension Supervisor Ono chimed, “Look, we were surprised to see you come in so early. In the ten LSY’s since you’ve been assigned here, this is the first time you’ve come in early enough to eat ‘Breakfast’.”

     Alicechild’s PHUD immediately started a search query and found a description of the practice. “I was led to believe it is an Ancient Earth religious ritual. I did not wish to interfere.” Again laughter burst from the researchers.

     Unable to bear watching such teasing, a man wearing an Industrial Grade PBM with a Level - 8 Technician’s Insignia came over and introduced himself.

“With respects Engineer, I’m Senior Weapons Tech Joehnz. I’m the one who started the ‘Breakfast Gathering’ before work as a means to put everyone in a good mood. I got the idea from my trip on a Corporate Transport. Instead of traveling in stasis, we ‘stayed up’ and had three meals a day all made with real cooked food! I haven’t been much for Nutrient Paste since. I brought in a light spread this morning, why don’t you try some?”

     Alicechild could feel eyes boring through her PBM as the Tech’s gesture to try the ‘food’ lay waiting. It was an inefficient means of ingesting nutrients, but the Engineer felt this was an opportunity to ‘improve her interpersonal relationship score.’

“Very well. What would you suggest?”

     To Alicechild’s surprise, the Senior Weapons Tech had quite the ‘network’ built up on ARES 04. Most of the items were synthesized, but their preparation was as the Tech insisted ‘close to the real thing as possible out here.’

     Before her sat a plastiform plate and an Ancient Earth styled eating utensil called a ‘Spork’ lay on one side while a disposable drink container filled with the same dark brown, strong smelling liquid held by Supervisor Ono. On Alicechild’s plate were two elongated strips of fried protein called ‘Bacon’, a Torus-shaped baked pastry called a ‘Doughnut’, a pile of yellow whipped protein called ‘eggs’ and a bowl of orange liquid called, ‘Tahng’.

     Beside it all sat the squeeze container of Nutrient Paste Number 3. With everyone watching her seated ‘at the breakfast table’ the smiling the Senior Weapons Tech said, “Well Engineer, dig in!”
****

EXWEPFAC Weapons Material Testing and Evaluation Chamber - Level 1113

     The WMTEC had the lowest noise level of any available working space on ARES 04. The Technicians performing the final checks on the holding frame in which the EROS Device would be placed wore Industrial Grade PBM’s. If within the chamber unprotected, the noise from their body processes and movements would be amplified to lethal levels.

     Alicechild 88130 sat in the Control Module observing the procedure intently via the 2D Visual Feed. An alert flashed within the viewing area of the hardlight display and a smaller viz feed appeared showing Director Shasta outside the ConMod.

     The heavy security door hissed as the seals were released and the Director entered the module with his ever-present Biomech Personal Assistant. Alicechild could not decide if the Director used the Manu fashioned as a handsome youth intimately. He always seemed too driven by the work to indulge in such matters.

     As always Alicechild followed corporate protocol by standing and saying, “Greetings, Director Shasta.” Moving directly beside her, the Director looked to the main viz feed. He held the inner edges of the Labcoat with both hands and leaned in for a closer view.

“I see you arrived here far earlier than usual ‘Project Leader’ Alicechild. Early enough to partake of the morning ‘Breakfast’ ritual among the staff as well I hear.”

     The Engineer was unsure of what to say and replied, “I felt it would be more efficient to come in early to preview the available materials and procedures so I would be prepared for your briefing Director.”

     The Director gave a grunt and remarked, “Were it anyone but you Project Leader, I would swear you were trying to ‘kiss my ass.’”

     Alicechild felt her head involuntarily jerk at the calm statement. Director Shasta stood up from the panel and looked the Engineer in the eye. “So, that’s what it takes to get a reaction out of you Engineer? Question your integrity?”

     Alicechild made no further reactive motions and replied, “I am here to do the best analysis possible Director. Any extra means I may employ to make the process more efficient equals the sum of my intentions.”

     Director Shasta smiled and while still holding her gaze remarked, “That Engineer is exactly why you are Project Leader. I signed your latest Department Evaluation. You had high marks in everything but ‘Interpersonal Relationship Skills.’ They may seem like skills unsuited to become a top Engineer or Researcher, but you would be wrong in believing so.

     Once you reach a certain point in your career, being able to manage subordinates, equals and superiors in your department in addition to the larger corporate structure is important as ‘getting the work done.’ You are not at that point yet Alicechild. Not even close.”

     Alicechild once more felt her skin flush with heat and her heart rate data appeared in her PHUD. Such ‘blunt’ assessments of her bearing and abilities were always hurled as insults. She had learned to contend with such things. But to hear so honest and frank an appraisal of her weaknesses... hurt.

     The Director turned back towards the panel and addressed the WMTEC’s AI. “Test Chamber, exchange panel viz feed for bulkhead view.” The ConMod’s forward bulkhead instantly changed from opaque to a simulated clear viewing port.

“That’s better. Now Engineer, do not accept my evaluation as a ‘fault’ on your part. Not everyone has the talent for ‘shining the brass.’ In fact, your lack of emotional attachment is exactly what’s required for this project. An accurate assessment of the EROS Device is essential. I need someone leading the project who is driven, cold and emotionless in order to do everything called for to get results. You are that individual Alicechild.”

     The sudden change in direction of the conversation left Alicechild speechless. She said the only thing she could appropriate to the situation. “Thank you Director Shasta.”

     Taking his hands away from his Labcoat the Director quipped, “Very well, let’s begin shall we?”

     Before the Engineer could reply, the Director was calling up files to brief her on the ancient device prior to bringing it into the chamber. As he did so, the Techs inside the Chamber flashed the viz feed all was ready and they rapidly exited.

     Of most interest to the Engineer was the AV feed from the device’s discovery. Found frozen in the bottommost and oldest layer of the floating planetary ice crust lay the device. Alicechild found it curious the object had not been detected at an earlier time during the mapping process.

     ARES 04 was discovered thirty-five hundred ESY’s ago and the station had been in operation for the last thirteen hundred and sixty-three. Embedded a mere three meters from the bottom of the planetary ice crust, surveyors would have had numerous opportunities to find it.

     The extraction was also of note for of the various means to free it from the super-hardened ice. Only ‘cold plasma’ cutters had any effect. Using heat-based energy on the ice was normally effective, but required much more power to counter-balance the leaching resulting from the intense cold of the ocean.

     Strangely, the Survey Techs could not get a lock on the device for a simple Particle Wave Transfer to a secure container. Ultimately, they had to cut out a section large as a Tubeway Capsule to retrieve the artifact.

     Director Shasta concluded his briefing and asked, “Do you have any questions Project Leader?”

     Alicechild looked away from the bulkhead display and replied, “No Director. I do believe I have what I need to get started.”

     His expression darkened and Director Shasta paused for several long moments and then said, “Very well. Now, here’s the one more file not available to the rest of the department.” Pulling a red colored file from the bulkhead display, the Director opened it and ran a single vis feed while giving a sobering description.

“You saw what happened to the Manu’s sent into the testing areas with the EROS Device. What you did not see are the ‘side-effects’ of those who had direct involvement with the device before and during the previous testing periods.”

     Alicechild watched the feed with dismay at the various side-effects of the human technicians having encountered the device. Madness, hideous self-disfigurements, and physical mutations into forms that looked ‘less than human’ along with horrible deaths were the price paid by all who somehow made contact with the artifact.

“What could have caused such negative effects Director?”

     Looking at Alicechild the Director put his hands in the Labcoat pockets and shrugged. “I don’t know. That’s what you’re going to find out. As I said yesterday, Corporate wants to know if this technology’s functions and controls can be deduced. Can it be harnessed as a weapon and if it cannot, then it will be disposed of. Keep in mind what you’ve seen when you put together your team Project Leader. I expect your list of personnel and resource requirements by 10:00.”

     As the Director started to leave the ConMod, Alicechild reflexively stood according to protocol. Director Shasta abruptly stopped at the open hatch and asked, “Did you enjoy breakfast?”

     Caught off-guard by the uncharacteristic question Alicechild queried, “Breakfast Director?”

     With his back to her Director Shasta replied, “Yes, Breakfast. Did you enjoy it?”

     Uncomfortable with such a mundane question, Alicechild forced herself to answer. “I, it was...‘pleasant’ Director.”

     Turning his head slightly back towards her Director Shasta asked a final question. “What did you like most about it Project Leader?”

     Thinking back on the moments she sat with Senior Weapons Technician Joehnz, the tastes of the ‘doughnut’ and ‘coffee’ immediately came to mind. “The experience Director.”

     A wry grin flashed on Director Shasta’s face as he departed and said, “I was partial to the ‘Bacon’ the first time I went.”
****

     As she entered the Briefing Compartment adjacent to the ConMod, Project Leader Alicechild 88130 was pleased to see the space packed with her new ‘Team’ as they all stood according to corporate protocol. Her heart gave a sharp pulse at the sight then resumed its normal rate. Never had the Engineer imagined such a thing being done for her. Comprised of seven humans, humanoids and biomech manu’s, the team would be conducting the most intensive and dangerous evaluation of their careers.

     Because of the real dangers presented to those being in close proximity with the EROS Device, Alicechild chose two researchers from her department, two weapons techs, two service biomechs and one Security Officer. The expectant faces looked to her and the new Project Leader felt a flush of heat wash over her face. Taking a deep breath Alicechild called up the AI.

“Test Chamber.”

     The dry voice emulation seemed strangely comforting as it replied, “Greetings Project Leader Alicechild 88130. Congratulations on your selection. I am at your disposal.”

     Having full access to the Test Chamber AI and receiving acknowledgement for her selection made the Engineer’s heart skip again. “Thank you Test Chamber. Please show ‘Project EROS’ file AV feed 7118 on the forward bulkhead.”

     The AI suddenly flashed the red warning graphic ‘CLASSIFIED’ on the bulkhead and replied, “Warning, the requested audiovisual feed has been deemed ‘Classified’ Level MAD 616. There are personnel present who are not cleared for dissemination.”

     Keeping her usual ‘manu-like’ demeanor, Alicechild insisted. “In accordance with ARES Armament Corporation Security Statute CM1-1241-1001 subsection 0603Ni16.01 paragraph 20 line 257, as Project Leader Level 8.5, I grant ‘Need-to-Know Status upon all present in the ConMod Briefing Compartment for the duration of the EROS Device Evaluation.

     All personnel who agree to Need-to-Know Status become authorized recipients of this information and are subject to the Personal Disclosure Clause of their contracts. Any divulgement of this information to unauthorized corporate or governmental entities, personnel or manufactured beings will be considered a breach of contract and the offending contractor will be immediately terminated.”

     Looking to the faces in the compartment Alicechild queried, “Are there any dissenters?” After a long pause with no one reacting the Project Leader said, “Very well. Let it be recorded all present are in agreement. Does that satisfy AAC Security Protocol Test Chamber?”

“Protocol Accepted. Project Leader Alicechild 88130 authorized to grant clearance.”

     The Warning graphic disappeared from the paused AV feed and Alicechild looked to her team. “Now, it was suggested I keep the following material from you. However, I want you all to know exactly what we are up against so you will take utmost care and precautions during the evaluation and testing of the EROS Device."

     Alicechild paused a moment to allow the gravity of the pending task to take hold of her team and then said, "To answer your questions before you ask them, we know next to nothing about this ancient artifact except that it is most likely a weapon.

     Our task is to find out if it can be controlled. If so, then we  shall explore its capabilities and determine whether it can be reengineered for mass production. If none of our expectations prove feasible, then we must determine the best way to destroy it.”

     After the classified feed was shown, Alicechild could see some of the team members were visibly shaken by what they had seen. The Engineer had no concerns for she believed they would take the dangers seriously and act accordingly. Now that they had full knowledge of the device and its side-effects, no one could quit the project. So it was best for everyone to do the best job they could.

     There was one bit of information the Project Leader held back. The Security Officer she selected was from the MWGA Special Forces Group assigned to the Weapons Evaluation Team she had worked with. He had full authorization to ‘secure’ any situation which may be deemed hazardous to the Facility and Station personnel.

     When she submitted her list of personnel to be assigned to the project, Director Shasta was critical of her decision to include a ‘SpecFor’ Officer on the team. However, he conceded to her argument and gave his approval. Alicechild was not going to leave the smallest possibility of anyone nor anything being allowed to get out of the Chamber should something go wrong.
****

To be continued....     Go to Part 1    Go to Part 3

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