database and matched the protocol
on the keyword search with the one in the database. The protocols database
match showed that the target of the keyword had a priority cancellation order.
It also showed that this particular protocol couldn’t be enacted without verbal
confirmation from the general.
The captain contacted the general through
a secure video link. “Good morning, sir. I hope you’re not busy.”
The general was eating his breakfast. “Not
at all, Joe. How are things in your section?”
“Good, sir, thank you for asking.” The captain
tapped a few keys on his console. “I’m sending you a flash comm I just received
a few moments ago. The protocols database lists the subject for cancellation
but it also requires a verbal confirmation from you, sir. In fact, it looks
like you authored this specific protocol yourself.”
The general pushed his breakfast aside
so he could use both hands on the computer. “Indeed I did, Joe, indeed I did.”
He read further down the message. “Well, that’s a very unexpected turn, but for
the better, I’d say. It looks like Seth has dropped his quest for the truth in
order to serve the greater good and join the Marine Corps.”
“Yes, sir.” The captain had no idea what
this was about and most likely never would. He would just do his part and that
part was dependent on whatever the general told him to do next. “When he signed
up for Officer Candidate School, his name hit the keyword database and was
flagged as an ‘important event.’ I’m guessing it was because he signed up for
the service. Had he laid low and got a job with your average tech company, I
don’t think he would’ve been flagged.”
“You’re probably right, Joe.” The general
made a few entries on his console and Seth’s file disappeared from both his
screen and the captain’s. “I’m having lunch next week near your office. My
assistant will give you the details. It would be great to see you in person.
Keep up the good work, son.” The general ended the call without waiting for a
response.
With the file vanishing from the keyword
database, the captain had his answer: do nothing. The captain took a quick look
at his schedule for the following week. It looked pretty clear; that would make
things easier.
Another flash traffic message came
through to his desk. Not related to the first one, this one had a cancellation
notice that didn’t require secondary confirmations. Who was next on the list?
Ralph was up in the rotation; time to put him to work.
The audio-only line went green,
showing a connection. “Hey Ralph! Thanks for the theatre tickets. My wife and
daughter loved the show. I hope you don’t have plans for the weekend. I have a
job for you. Ready for the info?”
Chapter 4
Coalition Vessel Vanguard – Good Morning Sunshine
A hint of light began
to invade the edges of Seth’s consciousness. He gradually began to open his
eyes, which he found to be an amazingly difficult task. When Seth was finally
able to focus his vision, he realized he was in a stark white room, with only a
bed and no visible doors or entryways.
He began to call for someone, anyone,
but that was even harder than opening his eyes. He noticed a small stainless-steel
pitcher next to the bed and a plastic cup. He poured some of the clear liquid
into the cup and after a few moments of sniffing and small tastes, decided that
it was probably just water. Besides, he thought, if whoever had brought him
here wanted him dead, they could have done it by now. Why take the time to
poison him?
A quiet and soothing voice entered the room.
“Lieutenant Seth Fields, we will not hurt you in any way.”
“Tell that to my broken nose,” he
retorted. Strangely though, Seth realized his nose wasn’t hurting or seemingly
broken at all. Odd, he had broken his nose before and knew without a doubt that
during the attack it had been broken again. There’s no mistaking that feeling.
“That was an unfortunate
on the keyword search with the one in the database. The protocols database
match showed that the target of the keyword had a priority cancellation order.
It also showed that this particular protocol couldn’t be enacted without verbal
confirmation from the general.
The captain contacted the general through
a secure video link. “Good morning, sir. I hope you’re not busy.”
The general was eating his breakfast. “Not
at all, Joe. How are things in your section?”
“Good, sir, thank you for asking.” The captain
tapped a few keys on his console. “I’m sending you a flash comm I just received
a few moments ago. The protocols database lists the subject for cancellation
but it also requires a verbal confirmation from you, sir. In fact, it looks
like you authored this specific protocol yourself.”
The general pushed his breakfast aside
so he could use both hands on the computer. “Indeed I did, Joe, indeed I did.”
He read further down the message. “Well, that’s a very unexpected turn, but for
the better, I’d say. It looks like Seth has dropped his quest for the truth in
order to serve the greater good and join the Marine Corps.”
“Yes, sir.” The captain had no idea what
this was about and most likely never would. He would just do his part and that
part was dependent on whatever the general told him to do next. “When he signed
up for Officer Candidate School, his name hit the keyword database and was
flagged as an ‘important event.’ I’m guessing it was because he signed up for
the service. Had he laid low and got a job with your average tech company, I
don’t think he would’ve been flagged.”
“You’re probably right, Joe.” The general
made a few entries on his console and Seth’s file disappeared from both his
screen and the captain’s. “I’m having lunch next week near your office. My
assistant will give you the details. It would be great to see you in person.
Keep up the good work, son.” The general ended the call without waiting for a
response.
With the file vanishing from the keyword
database, the captain had his answer: do nothing. The captain took a quick look
at his schedule for the following week. It looked pretty clear; that would make
things easier.
Another flash traffic message came
through to his desk. Not related to the first one, this one had a cancellation
notice that didn’t require secondary confirmations. Who was next on the list?
Ralph was up in the rotation; time to put him to work.
The audio-only line went green,
showing a connection. “Hey Ralph! Thanks for the theatre tickets. My wife and
daughter loved the show. I hope you don’t have plans for the weekend. I have a
job for you. Ready for the info?”
Chapter 4
Coalition Vessel Vanguard – Good Morning Sunshine
A hint of light began
to invade the edges of Seth’s consciousness. He gradually began to open his
eyes, which he found to be an amazingly difficult task. When Seth was finally
able to focus his vision, he realized he was in a stark white room, with only a
bed and no visible doors or entryways.
He began to call for someone, anyone,
but that was even harder than opening his eyes. He noticed a small stainless-steel
pitcher next to the bed and a plastic cup. He poured some of the clear liquid
into the cup and after a few moments of sniffing and small tastes, decided that
it was probably just water. Besides, he thought, if whoever had brought him
here wanted him dead, they could have done it by now. Why take the time to
poison him?
A quiet and soothing voice entered the room.
“Lieutenant Seth Fields, we will not hurt you in any way.”
“Tell that to my broken nose,” he
retorted. Strangely though, Seth realized his nose wasn’t hurting or seemingly
broken at all. Odd, he had broken his nose before and knew without a doubt that
during the attack it had been broken again. There’s no mistaking that feeling.
“That was an unfortunate
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