XLVII: The Race

Destiny, Fleet 2210-V, Accompanied by Flagship Seth(Dreadnought)

Morris, a middle age man, lead scientist of the Bio Division of Innovator Co., impatiently tapped a finger on a desk. He was facing an ancient computer. The only way to communicate with the AI Core of Infinity was through this computer. A few important personnel in the company knew about its existence and treasured the device more than their wife.

A year ago, the AI Core presented them a new VRMMORPG. All of them were flabbergasted because a goldmine was causally thrown on their faces. However, upon its release, users began to complain. The game is so diverse. Every planet emphasized realistic, fantasy based or contained both. The company couldn't do anything about it because the AI Core was developing it on its own. Their only role is announce to the public about its release and receive taxes from the Coalition and the Syndicates.

Speaking of the AI Core, its existence is known by a few High Councils of the Coalition, the Princes of the Syndicates and Masters of the Clans. It's dubbed by many expert as 'The goddess' because it would sometimes present itself in the image of a woman and its ability to create alternate realities like Infinity. It was developed in the Mid 21st Century to manage a VR game. When its role was complete after the game went obsolete, it assisted the Innovator Co. on their wide scale research. Suspended Animation, Modern Imaging Technology, Continuum Drive, Consciousness Synchronization with machines, the latest Vult and many more were not possible without its existence. Many poweful existence wanted it, but greed was a lesson learned by humanity throughout the decades and humans have a better mentality in this age. They did not act out of their lust but supported the Innovator Co. If one would ask, 'What is the next evolution of humans?' That would be, Mentality. We learned from our past lessons and evolved not into brain-dead dogs that acted solely on its primitive impulse, but into a hairless ape that have a clear comprehension and open mindedness.

Right at this moment, Morris was waiting for a reply. If the AI Core could at least give him a bit of information about Bio Metallurgy. He would love it even if the AI Core just gave him a theory. He can work with that.

The door of the secluded room creaked open and another lead scientist from another division went inside.

"Get out, Morris! It's my turn now!"

Morris was already fuming from agitation and grappled with the other man. However, as the two rolled on the ground, the computer slowly came to life and displayed a few words.

-----

Mundane, Fleet MC 2218-A

Within one year, the fleet will arrive on a system capable of sustaining life. Some had already went back to their pod while some eagerly staying awake, waiting for their arrival to a possible new home. Erik sat on a corner observing the newest batch of recruits for the Rygorant. Infront of him were seven years old children, sitting obediently while listening to a blonde woman, acting as their teacher.

"What would you do if you meet a dog?" The teacher asked and the children raised their hand.

"Luke," The teacher picked a certain child to answer.

"I would hug the dog." The child innocently answered.

The teacher immediately narrowed her eyes at the child and reprimanded him, "Luke. We already discussed earlier that when your opinion did not bear certain intelligence, you must not say it. Are you not ashame of yoursef from saying a stupid thing? Go to the Comprehension Room and analyze what you just said."

"Yes, Ma'am." The child did not show any type of emotion as he exited the room.

Erik revealed a disappointed look. He can still remember when he was asked the same question when he was a child and he answered with a more acceptable one, "I would pet the dog." He was treated harshly and was punished by the Officers of the Syndicate themselves. But during that time, he was surrounded by children with the greatest potential of his time. Nowadays, a few were just left of them.

Ten minutes later, the child Luke returned with enlightened eyes. The teacher immediately asked him the same question.

"There's a possibility that the dog is hostile and I should keep my distance. In order not to trigger its predatory instincts, I would slowly distance myself not turning my back to it."

"Good." The teacher praised and the other children clapped their hands.

The noise of the class slowly faded away as Erik activated his Falcon Piece and received an incoming call.

The angry face of Selena instantly appeared in his vision. Her expression seemingly looked beautiful in Erik's eyes as he chuckled and greeted, "Well, hello."

"Do not 'hello' me you bastard!" Selena snarled and tapped on her holographic screen, displaying the image of a teen age girl, "Does this look familliar to you?"

Erik pretended not to know and shook his head.

Selena narrowed her eyes and scrutinized him--like a wife observing her traitorous husband who just got back home from work. After a while, she sighed and mumbled, "I'm already aware of the distress signal. Clan Velcaz is forming a team to investigate the Research Outpost. Your pretension 'not to know' have no effect!"

"Okay.." Erik scratched his chin with a devious smile, "Why are you not assembling a team then?"

Selena gritted her teeth. She wanted to scratch the smile out of Erik's face, "Why don't you answer that yourself!"

"Enlighten me." Erik's calmness was getting on his rival's nerve and he did just that.

"You!" Selena knew that the missing Shadow Agents of Rygorant will surely reach the Outpost and retrieve all the important package. Even if she assembled a team now, there will be nothing left for them to loot. Her voice suddenly became soft as she spoke to Erik with a more gentle tone, "Erik please.. You can't monopolize the virus. You must at least share it with Cedar. We have always been friendly with each other."

Erik's smile just grew from ear to ear after hearing the proud and cunning Selena pleading infront of him.

Selena's brow twitched as she spread her arms, "Okay. I'm open to negotiations."

"But I'm not open to negotiations." Erik corrected with a chuckle. Selena stood, slamming a fist on her desk and screamed at him.