Under the Sundowner Part 05
Under the Sundowner: Part 5
by Prowl-Ar Nightiger
Tye sat in the command seat, staring at the view screens surrounding the Shadow Runner's bridge. Except for him the bridge was completely deserted. Outside small construction vehicles buzzed around the three ships, including the Shadow Runner, being repaired. A large transport barge, carrying food and medical supplies had just docked with the fourth ship. Tye leaned back and pushed the button that retracted the command seat up into the merge pod. The seat rapidly slid backward and then up into the pod. Once in position it reclined slightly and the control systems locked into place. Tye didn't reach for the helmet that would merge his mind with the ship's central computer. Instead he pushed a sequence of buttons and the pod's view screens lit up, giving him the same view he had on the bridge of the Hollow Base shipyards. However, now he had the illusion that he was sitting in a starfighter.
"Is the view any better from in here?" A voice echoed through the small cockpit.
"It isn't that the view is better. It's the fact that when I'm alone on the bridge, it's so empty. While in the pod I feel like I'm in a starfighter and the loneliness isn't as bad."
"You know that you could request that someone join you for your watch?"
"Yeah I know, but then you wouldn't talk to me. Besides, there isn't anyone I could ask who wouldn't consider the request as something on the level of an order."
"It must be hell being the son of someone like Prowler."
"Oh what do you know?" Tye asked as he smiled. "After all, technically you're a version of him."
"My core personality may have been created through Commander Lightstripe's continual merging with me, but that doesn't mean I'm a re-creation of your father. I've also merged with you and your brother. There is also the fact that I have been improving myself in other ways." The computer replied.
"Really, and how have you been doing that?"
"Well, when someone uses the virtual reality chamber I learn about them by watching them. I've downloaded selected sections of memory from the Accordia Defense League members through the Sentinel Program. I'm improving my communication skills by talking to you when you have bridge duty and sometimes I even read." The Computer said, in a smug tone.
"You read? As in, you read books? I'm almost afraid to ask this but how do you pull that off?"
"It took quite a bit of time before I figured it out, but it is completely possible. First I choose a book that has been stored in my memory and I transfer it to the virtual reality chamber's dedicated computer. Then I erase the book from my memory. When the chamber isn't in use I simulate a large room filled with books. There's a comfortable chair in which I sit and read the book back into myself."
"Sounds like a lot of trouble to me."
"Oh no, it isn't any trouble and it has allowed me the experiences that people gain from reading something for the very first time."
"I wonder what Dad would think if he knew what you were up to?"
"You're not going to tell him about me are you?" The tone that the computer used sounded worried.
"No, I figure you'll let him know when you're ready. Though if you don't mind my asking, why is it you only talk to me?" Tye asked, as he blanked one of the view screens and opened a systems menu screen.
"I thought that you would be the least likely to delete me. After all we both share the experience of being artificially intelligent beings."
Tye hit a few keys searching through the VR chamber files. "Gotcha!" He said as a face appeared on the main screen. The face was that of an elderly gentleman with white hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His light brown eyes seemed to twinkle with an inner light behind the bifocals that perched on his regal nose. "That's a very interesting look, considering you're only a few weeks old."
The face smiled and then laughed. "Hah ha, but contained within my memory core is hundreds of years worth of information. Besides when I was setting up the virtual reality program this was the only form that seemed to fit me." The computer replied.
"So have you thought about a name for yourself?" Tye asked, as he shifted the image to one of the side screens. The image deepened to display the old man sitting in his library.
"I hadn't really thought about it. After all technically I am PX-03 Shadow Runner."
"That just won't do. Sure that is the name of the ship but you've become more than that."
"I, I'll have to think about . . . Something's wrong! Dawna's heart rate just doubled. She's heading toward the bridge. I suggest we end this conversation."
Tye disengaged the pod and as the chair returned to its command position Dawna entered the bridge.
"Tye! Has there been any word from your father since he and Rusty left on their last mission?" She yelled, as she ran to the navigation console and began pulling up star charts.
"No, but that isn't unusual." Tye said, as the communications unit chimed that they were receiving an incoming signal. He quickly pushed a button and Dare appeared on the forward monitor.
"Dawna! What is going on? I was in the middle of a game when it felt like something hit me in the chest and now I feel an emptiness!" Dare yelled.
"It's Prowler and Rusty! They're no longer linked to us through the telegems!" Dawna screamed, as she punched at the console screen when the charts wouldn't load fast enough. There was a cracking sound and when she drew her hand back the screen was cracked and covered in blood.
Tye stood up and ran over to her as she collapsed. "He's gone, I've lost him again." She sobbed, as Tye held her.
"It'll be all right, Dad isn't one to go down without a fight. I'm sure there's a reason for this." He said with as much confidence as he could muster before yelling, "Computer get a medical team up here!"
"He's gone!"
"Is it possible that he just took off his telegem?" Tye asked, as tears began streaming through the fur around his eyes.
"I-It's possible. But why would they do that?"
"Maybe one of them was having nightmares and rather than having to share them they removed their gems."
"Tye what happened?" Jen asked, as she entered the bridge.
"Something's happened to Prowler and Dawna is in shock because of it."
"I'll be fine, I just have to find him." Dawna said, as she tried to stand up.
"Not before we get that hand of yours fixed up." Jen said, as she reached into her medical kit.
"I said I'm fine!" Dawna yelled.
"And not before you've has a bit of rest." Jen replied, as she quickly injected Dawna with a sedative.
"I'll get you for this." Dawna said, as she slumped back into Tye's arms.
"Listen, this is for the best. While you're resting, I'll inform a few of the team members that they're going to be needed for a mission, once you're ready to go. I'll have the star charts all set aboard Blade, as well. Now, get a bit of sleep and don't worry, we'll find Dad and you'll see that he's just fine."
"Thanks Tye, I only hope when she recovers she's still the same Dawna that I've gotten to know. From the medical records I've seen she isn't exactly known for her kindly disposition when she wakes up after a shock." Jen said, as she began to bandage Dawna's hand.
"Don't worry, take her to the command quarters on the Blade Hunter. I'm going to find Errant and have her sit with Dawna until she recovers. Hopefully waking up in familiar surroundings will help, and it will give Errant something to do other then worry about Rusty." Tye said, as he helped Jen lift Dawna onto a hover stretcher.
"Do you think that the Commander is . . ."
"I don't know. I just don't know, but Dad's gotten out of more near death experiences then I've been able to count. If he's out there we'll find him." Tye said, as he returned to the command chair. He immediately began transferring the information on Prowler's planned course into the Blade Hunter's navigation computer.
"Oh, and I want you on the search team." Tye said, as Jen pushed Dawna toward the lift.
"Yeah, I kinda figured that." She said before the lift doors whooshed shut
"Computer, open a communications link to Trace."
"Communications link is open."
"Trace, I need you on the bridge now. We have an alpha level emergency."
"I hear you Bro, I'm on my way up."
"Computer, close link to Trace and open link to Errant."
"Communications link is open."
"Errant, I'm not sure if you're aware of the situation or not, but something has happened to Prowler and Rusty."
"What! Did they send a distress signal?"
"No, the link that they share through the telegems was broken. I've had Dawna sedated and I want you to be with her when she wakes up. I'll have a team ready to head out shortly."
"You'd better get the team together in a hurry." Erin yelled into her link.
"I've sent Dawna and Jen to the Blade Hunter. As soon as the team is assembled you'll be able to launch, but Dawna is the only one that knew the exact coordinates of the supply cache that they were searching for."
"Just hurry up and get the team ready."
Tye jumped as the doors to the lift flew open and Trace ran onto the bridge. "What's happened?"
"The link created by the telegems between Dad and Dawna has been broken. We both know that there's no way Dad would take is telegem off." Tye said, as he pulled up Prowler's personnel files. "So you're leading a rescue mission to find out what happened."
"You're the one on duty so it's your mission."
"Not this time, we agreed that we'd take turns and I was on Dad's last suicide mission. This time you're in charge. At least until Dawna wakes up and takes over. Of course by that point you'll already be halfway to completing the mission. Unless, of course, Dad decides to check in with some sort of stupid story as to why they took off their telegems. Then your mission will be to keep Dawna and Errant from killing him." Tye tried to laugh, but it came out as a ragged cough.
"Tye, don't worry, I'll find Dad." Trace said, as he hugged Tye.
"I know you will Bro. I know you will."
* * *
A yellow fighter with red trim hovered over the hangar bay for several minutes as the roof iris cycled open. Then it settled into the bay. Tye powered down the craft's systems and then vaulted out of the cockpit. He opened the small storage compartment and pulled out his duffel bag and then headed for the tunnels leading to the Sundowner. Several minutes later he barged in and ran for the lift ignoring Roam's words of welcome. When the lift reached the bottom floor Tye was relieved that the living area was empty. The last thing he needed was to repeat the story of Prowler's disappearance. He walked down the dormitory hallway and coded the lock on one of the empty rooms as his own. He dropped his bag on the floor, fell onto the bed and cried himself to sleep. He woke up several hours later when his bedroom door exploded. Duo fell into the room closely followed by Daniel. "What in the hell is going on?" He yelled.
"We thought you were in trouble." Alec said from the hallway.
"What are you talking about?"
"You were yelling, and well, making a lot of noise." Duo said pointing at the bed that Tye had shredded.
"I guess it was just a nightmare? Something having to do with Prowler, Rusty, and your father from the sound of it." Daniel said.
Tye grabbed his duffel back and headed for the bathroom. "I don't have nightmares, since I've never been able to dream." The group watched as he slammed the door shut.
"Something has happened to Lord Lightstripe." Alec said, as they headed for the living room.
"If that's the case I'm sure he'll tell us about it when he's ready." Daniel said, as he flopped on the couch.
"So who wants some lunch?" Duo asked.
"I could eat something right now." Alec said.
"Extra meaty pizza for me." Daniel said, as he spun around and draped his feet over the back of the couch.
"Extra cheese with ranch dressing on mine." Alec said, as he sat down next to Daniel.
Duo nodded and headed for the kitchen.
"So what do you think Mre'roon means?" Alec asked.
"I don't know. It isn't a word from any language I've heard. It could be his father's name."
"So what are we going to do if something has happened to Lord Lightstripe?"
"I guess we'll have to present our case to Lady Lightstripe or Trace and hope that they'll help us."
"I'm sure they would if that became necessary." Tye said, as he came out of the bathroom. "Damn, I hate sonic showers."
"Pizza's ready!" Duo said, as he backed through the kitchen door, walked over to the table, and sat the pizzas down.
Daniel sat upright and grabbed a slice of his favorite, as did Alec. Duo sat down and took a piece of vegetable pizza. Tye also took a piece of vegetable pizza.
"Huh? I never figured you'd go for that flavor." Duo said, as he blew on his slice to cool it.
Tye just smiled and flipped the wedge upside down on a slice of extra meaty. He left the two pieces to cool. "Now, as you've guessed something has happened to Prowler. Early yesterday morning GS we lost contact with him. I don't know what's happened, but I know that he's a survivor. If that wasn't enough Dawna and Trace have formed a search party to find him."
Duo set his pizza down. "So why . . ."
"Let me finish, Prowler's been in some major tight spots and has always gotten out of them. So there's no reason to believe he's in any real trouble. Well, I take that back, if he isn't in any danger then when Dawna gets a hold of him he's going to wish he was in trouble. When she's finished with him, you can rest assured that his sons will be taking a piece of flesh as well."
"Sons?" Daniel said, nearly choking.
"Yeah, Prowler has two sons. I know that fact it isn't well known, but that doesn't make it any less true. Now, as for the way you found me, I can only attribute it to the fact that I worked a double shift of bridge duty. Including helping Trace prepare for his mission, and answering inquiries from just about everybody currently in orbit above Vesuvia about the rescue mission. I was extremely tired, emotionally drained, and completely frustrated at having to answer what amounted to the same question over and over. Now, if you have any questions, you can ask them. However, if any of you ask either 'who is on the rescue team' or 'what is the latest information on the rescue effort' I'll kill you, and use your blood as extra sauce on my pizza."
"So what-" Daniel started, as Tye extended his claws and gave him dirty look. "What? I was just going to ask what we should do while we're waiting to meet with Lord Lightstripe? We've explored the Bazaar and the surrounding area and there really isn't anything to do except gamble, drink, and yiff. Now don't get me wrong, all of those things can be fun, but they all take money and we don't exactly have a lot of that."
"Yeah, I've been thinking about that and I figured we'd play a game."
"Alright, I think there was a deck of cards around here some where." Alec said hesitantly.
"No, I mean a virtual reality game. That's what most of us do during our off hours aboard the Shadow Runner."
"Cool, so when do we leave?" Duo asked as he finished off the last slice of vegetarian pizza.
"We don't have to leave. There's a VR chamber right here at the Sundowner. It was one of the last things that I did before entering hyper sleep."
"How could Arlen keep it hidden? VR chambers have been illegal for centuries and they aren't easy to hide, considering the amount of power they need." Daniel said.
"Not to mention the size of the computer needed for running that much information." Alec added.
"It requires between three and four Fyretech third generation fission/fusion generators and a computer that is two stories tall and would stretch the length of this floor. Of course the chamber itself is two stories tall with an open floor area a bit larger than the bazaar's overall footprint. Luckily we're seven floors down and the adjacent properties are warehouses. Which, as it turns out, just happen to be owned by a couple of ShadowTech and Fyretech front companies. So there's plenty of room between the tunnel system that runs beneath most of the city and this level."
"Still, how could Arlen keep it hidden?" Duo asked.
"Easily, considering he hasn't been able to find it yet. He knows it's here but how can you find something if you can't find the door? As for the generators, you can't detect them if they've never been activated. I've left a basic guide as to what clothes you'll need for the game in the room with the clothing generator. I'll expect you to be ready to go when I get back."
"Where are you going?" Daniel asked, as he stood up.
"I've got to go and activate the generators. They're buried in separate locations all over the city to help keep them hidden after they've been activated.
* * *
As Tye stepped off the lift he immediately realized he should have left more explicit instructions than "dress comfortable" and "keep it simple". The trio looked like they were prepared to walk into the center of the Bazaar and start a turf war.
Daniel was in his human form but he had taken black paint and striped his face and arms. He was wearing a black T-shirt with the sleeves ripped off at the shoulders and "Tyrant's Child" written in red paint. The paint had run and looked like blood dripping down his back. He was also wearing cargo pants printed in a red, black, and light gray camouflage pattern. He had his revolver strapped to his right hip and a short sword on the other. As if that wasn't enough he'd wrapped a red bandana around his forehead with a pair of ancient aviator goggles and his dingy white leather jacket slung over his shoulder to complete the outfit.
Alec was also human, wearing tan cargo pants and a brown long sleeve shirt with "Prey for Mercy", in bright green, printed on the back. He had donned leather wrist guards to go with the bow that hung loosely in his hand and the quiver over his right shoulder. On each hip he had a two-foot long hunting knife and hanging from a cord around his neck was a large floppy hat.
As for Duo, he'd decided to remain in his median Panda form. He had on a forest green, short sleeve, sweatshirt that included a hood that flopped down in the back not quite covering his own statement of "I'll show you cute!" written with bones above the image of a human skull. He was also wearing dark brown shorts with a heavy bladed barbarian sword attached to his belt. To complete his look he was carrying a heavy bamboo staff that he lightly rested against his shoulder.
"Is something wrong?" Alec asked, as Tye continued to stare.
"No, well, yes and no. First off, I didn't mention weapons because the game I'm planning on using has some major restrictions. The first of which is that there are no energy weapons."
"Not a problem, unless you're planning on taking way my explosive tipped arrows."
"Your arrows are fine, the problem is that there's also a heavy restriction on the number of bullets allowed in the game." Tye said, as he glared at Daniel.
"Fine how many am I allowed to have?"
"At most?" Tye said as he grinned evilly.
"That would be the basic idea."
"One."
"What! That isn't fair! How come Alec gets to keep his exploding arrows and I can't have any bullets?" Daniel complained, as he started to remove his gun belt.
"That's how the game is set up. However, I do believe that we can work around that and I can increase the number by just a bit." Tye said, as he motioned for the group to follow him.
They walked down the hall toward the flight simulation room and stopped just before they reached the door. Tye placed his hands against the wall and pushed as hard as he could. A section of the wall slid inward. He quickly stepped back as it suddenly slid sideways exposing another hallway. The hall was only about twenty feet long and ended in a 'T' junction that looked exactly like the hall that ran along sleeping quarters.
"So how many rooms are hidden down here?" Duo asked, as Tye turned left.
"Sorry, that's classified information." Tye said, as he reached the end of the hallway. He pulled a number pad out of his jacket pocket and slid it along the wall until it locked into position and the pad lit up. He quickly punched in a code and a loud click echoed down the hallway. The wall swung inward only to reveal another dead end.
"Actually, the truth is, I doubt anyone knows how many rooms there are. You see, this floor has been modified so many times, by so many people, that I wouldn't be surprised if there are rooms that may never be seen again." Tye said, as he pulled a small video pad out of another pocket and placed it against the new wall that blocked their way.
Once the pad's screen lit up with a blue glow Tye moved in close to the pad's small camera and allowed it to scan his eye. The screen turned green and Tye placed his hand against it. There was a flash and the screen turned red.
"Access code, Tye Alpha One. Chamber activation code, Virtual Birth." Tye stated and the screen turned white. He then pulled a large orange crystal from his pocket and slid it into the pad's memory slot.
"Access granted, Lord Tye, please upload program instructions." Appeared on the screen.
"Damn, I forgot I've got to initiate the main computer. Security chamber program disable and convert to game ready room."
The small room that made up the second dead end suddenly expanded and three pedestals grew out of the floor. Sitting on each of them was a tube made of strands of silver wire. "So while I go and warm up the main computer you three put on your VR gauntlet and familiarize yourselves with its functions."
"Wait, if the main computer isn't online how did this room form?" Daniel asked, as he stared at the pedestals.
The VR chamber has two separate computers. The primary computer can set up simple constructs such as the security protocols and the ready room but for full virtual environments the main computer has to be running. Now put on your gauntlets and follow the instructions." Tye said, as he turned to leave.
"What about you? Don't you need a gauntlet?" Alec asked.
"I already have one. Where do you think I was getting all those devices?"
"Your pocket." Duo said.
"The only thing I had in my pocket was the number pad I used to open the chamber door. The pad and the crystal I removed from my gauntlet's item inventory. Don't worry, it isn't as difficult as it might at first appear." Just put the unit on and follow the instructions. I'll be back in just a minute." Tye said as he ran back down the hall and through the door at the other end.
"So now what?" Alec asked, as the door swung shut.
"I guess we do as he says and get ready to play." Daniel said, as he picked up the gauntlet on the center pedestal. Everything disappeared including the gauntlet. "What the hell! Alec, Duo can you hear me?" He yelled.
"Welcome to the virtual reality gauntlet menu system. Please state your name, species, planet of origin, and character avatar title." A disembodied voice said.
"My name is Daniel Dawncaller." He said, and then waited for the next prompt.
"Your species is human-tiger shifter and your planet of origin is Shendria. Now would you like to add an avatar name or title or will you be playing as Daniel?" An old man asked, as he materialized in front of Daniel.
"Who are you, and how do you know that information?"
"I've chosen to call myself Mahan, it means mountain, and I know about you because I am the Shadow Runner. That is, I'm the virtual avatar of the Shadow Runner's computer network. Now that Tye has linked up the main VR computer and my systems I am able to help you prepare to experience virtual reality."
"You're what? Wait . . ."
"Right, I'll make this simple I'm here to add a face to your initial menu program. I'll ask the questions and give you instructions. By answering my questions and following my instructions you'll have a better chance of surviving this game." Mahan said, as he glared at Daniel. "Now, as you haven't answered my question I'm going to assume that you will be playing as Daniel. Please place all your weapons on the table."
A table suddenly appeared and Daniel quietly placed his weapons on it as instructed.
"I said all of your weapons. That includes the survival knife in your boot and the bullets you have tucked away in your belt pouch. As this is a virtual reality simulation it would be unwise to use live ammunition and physical weapons. The items you place on the table will be added to your personal inventory while the real weapons will be held until you leave the chamber."
Once all the items were on the table they promptly disappeared.
"Hey, I thought you said that I'd still have my weapons."
"You do. Your personal inventory has been updated to show your new statistics. To open your menu, press the back of your left wrist."
Daniel pressed the back of his wrist and a small holographic menu appeared suspended over his arm. The options: personal items, party items, magic, status, maps, and save appeared. He stared at the display for a second and then looked at Mahan. "Magic?"
"Yes, this setup has been optimized for all games. In simulations where magic is not used that menu option will disappear once the simulation begins. Now press the personal item's icon and you will see that all your weapons are listed. Now you can either leave them in the items section or you can-"
Daniel ran his finger through the icon for his revolver and a new menu formed with the options "modify" and "remove".
"The program will allow me to modify my weapons?"
"If the simulation allows for alterations, yes. In some games you'll be able to add magical properties allowing you to shoot fireballs and other magical ammunition. In other simulations modifications may be limited to such items as laser targeting and scopes. Some modifications will have to be made in the modification menu while others, such as adding a silencer or scope can be done without the menu system. If you choose the removal option the weapon will appear in you hand. The menu automatically shuts off when you move your arm. When you reactivate the menu it will be on the same screen as you left it. "
It only took Daniel a couple of minutes to remove all of his weapons from the gauntlet and return them to their proper pockets and pouches. Once he had cleared the personal items menu it closed to the main menu and only displayed the status option. "What happened?"
"As a simulation hasn't yet been loaded and you have already removed all personal items it is the only option left. All that remains is for you to wait for Tye to decide which game you'll be playing." Mahan said, as he disappeared."
A chair formed and Daniel sat down to wait. Within seconds both Alec and Duo appeared as well.
"Man, if you try to question Mahan to much he really gets irritated." Duo said, as he held up his arm and checked his status screen. "This can't be right, I didn't set my avatar title as 'Cute Lord of Irritation' I guess I irritated him more than I'd thought." Duo quickly erased the title and left the section blank.
Daniel opened his own menu and was relieved to see that everything seemed to be in order. "So did anyone find it rather odd that or instructor was the Shadow Runner computer?"
"I find it odd that the computer has a personality to begin with." Alec said, as Tye appeared.
"Yeah well, he developed because Prowler created a system that allows him to merge with the computer."
"Why would he do that?" Alec asked
"When he's merged with the Shadow Runner, the ship can maneuver like a starfighter."
"I thought the Shadow Runner was a battleship. How can something that big move like a starfighter?" Alec was quick to ask.
"It has really big engines. Now, do you want to continue on about the Shadow Runner or do you want to hear about the game?"
"The game of course." Daniel said, as he stood up and began to stretch to warm up.
"Right, here's what we know. We lost contact with Darrin Fireshadow nearly a week ago. The last signal we received put him in orbit over a planet that has suffered from a planetary war that reduced them to living in pre-industrial conditions. Since arriving in orbit above the planet we've received no contact from Dare. Our mission is to go down there and get him back. Oh, and I should mention that planetary scans suggest that there are some nasty creatures that we may have to deal with. Any questions?"
"Yeah, why can't we take blasters and high tech equipment."
"Something in the atmosphere drains the energy from them."
"So how are we supposed to get off the planet once we find Dare?" Alec asked.
"The same way we're going to be getting to the planet's surface, drop pods. Once we find Dare, our secondary mission will be to find a radio transmitter and transmit our location to the ship. Once we've done that five modified pods will be sent to us. The pods will then rocket us into the upper atmosphere where it is hoped the tractor beam technicians will be able to pull us the rest of the way to the ship."
"I really don't like that plan." Daniel said, as he started looking for a way out.
"Don't worry, the chamber is set on a medium level. You'll know when you've been hit but you won't actually be injured. We'll be dropped where the scanning technicians believe the wreckage of Dare's fighter landed. See you on the planet."
"Wait!" The trio screamed, as drop pods suddenly surrounded them and the sickening lurch of being fired into the planet's atmosphere hit.
Well, since I haven't really received any criticism on this series perhaps someone would like to ask a question or two?
Is there anything confusing? Maybe you want to know more about the characters, races, planets, technology, or languages. If there is anything, anything at all, you want to know just ask.
By asking questions you'll actually be helping me since, if I don't have and an already established answer, I'll be forced to create one making the universe that much more defined and complex. The only risk is that you might get a "Sorry, that's top secret" answer if your question will spoil future chapters.