Location - Culebra Smelter - Puerto Rico
"What is that!? And how much did it cost us?"
Ratchet looked up from his work and watched as Cesar Culebra walked into his workshop. "This my friend is the future of Sirius. The first step towards true AI."
Cesar frowned as he looked at the mass of circuits and wires contained in a metal humanoid form. "Ok and how does that help us?"
Ratchet smiled and waved his arms around, "Well this smelter here runs because us Junkers put a lot of time and love into keeping it up." As he spoke alarms sounded and the two looked at a display screen.
"Malfunction on number 3 again," Cesar sighed.
"See now Junkers have to fly over to number 3 and shut it down. Its time consuming to fly out there reboot the miner and fly back. And you know its going to be more complicated than that."
Cesar rose and eyebrow, "Well if I had more men the miner would not be automated. We tried some of the robots that Pittsburgh uses but those things cant"
Think, Ratchet added.
Yeah. They just do what they are programmed too. Like that stupid miner thats down half the time. Why it thinks it can drill a gas pocket is beyond me! Cesar looked down at the creation again. But I guess that leads us back to this thing.
Ratchet nodded "Yup. When he is done your manpower issues will be over. Hell it will be able to fly to where it needs to and make smart decisions on which areas have the best ore. A crew of these will be able to self diagnose problems and interact with us here back on the station. We are talking true AI."
Alright. How much is it going to cost us? Tech like this cant be cheap. I dont think liberty has robots this smart.
"Heh well the hard part was free," Ratchet said smiling.
Cesar frowned, "Where did you get this thing anyway?"
Ratchet walked over to a window and looked out. A CSV was heading out to fix the mining ship.
"Its an interesting story. But let me just say no one will track it back to you."
So what do you want this thing for anyway?
Ratchet glanced over at the man as he opened the crate to inspect his merchandise.
I mean its been decommissioned its just scrapah never mind I cant figure out the Junker obsession with garbage."
Ratchet smiled, Dont worry Larry Im a Junker and I dont understand it either.
"You guys just float around in space collecting scrap. What the heck do you do with it all anyway!
Ratchet leaned in close, "If you really want to know," he looked around the Pittsburgh dock to see if anyone was near, "We are building a fleet of battleships piloted by sentient AI. Yeah we are going to take over Siruis."
Larry stood back shocked.
Ratchet smiled and slapped him on the back, "Heh, no really we just turn it in to the local recycling plant for Sunbucks credits."
"Ratchet you need help."
The Junker smiled and nodded, "That I do, and a white chocolate latte."
Larry shook his head and looked into the crate. In it lay one recently decommissioned robot.
Seemingly satisfied with the robot Ratchet brought out a data pad. A few screen taps later and, Money is transferred to the normal location.
Alright man see you around.
Ratchet watched Larry walk away then began to load his cargo onto his freighter.
Location Tau 23
The freighter moved slowly through the asteroid field. Small hunks of rock bounced of her shields to fly away and sometimes cause a nearby gas pocket to explode.
Ok Nightengale hang back I dont want you involved in this.
Be careful Ratchet, I like you in one piece.
Dont worry half the time these miners are asleep anyway.
The freighter slipped past pockets of gas and headed straight for the automated gas miner. Ratchet pulled his ship right up next to it.
Grappling arm extended. Ok Im connected with her.
All clear Ratchet proceed, Nightengale responded.
Ratchet headed to the airlock of his ship squeezed into a modified space suit. He flipped a switch and his boots magnetized.
Beginning boarding sequence, he said.
Ok all is clear on the scanner.
The airlock opened to the cruel vacuum of space and Ratchet headed out. He walked over the hull of his ship and to the airlock of the mining ship.
Ok beginning the hack.
Still clear, was the response from Nightengale.
Its done, the airlock of the mining ship opened and Ratchet walked in. He headed to the bridge of the ship, not bothering to remove the suit, he didnt have the time.
There it is I found the brain.
I think I am getting something on the scanner.
Ratchet stopped disconnecting the robot brain and froze.
Waitits ok. Some Outcasts and they are headed somewhere fast.
Ratchet realized he had been holding his breath and let out a large sigh.
Alright when I pull this thing alarms are going to go off so get ready to bug out. I dont want you getting a bad rep with the IMG.
Night you hear me?!
Yes but..
No butts get ready to roll.
Alright you say when.
Now!
Alarms sounded over the ship as Ratchet severed the last connection between the brain and the ship. He packed it into a container and headed back to his ship. As he hit the airlock Nightengale came in over the secure com.
Here they come! Im heading to the Zoner base in Tau 37.
Alright, Ratchet huffed as he moved as fast as he could over the hull of his ship. Just as he hit the airlock the first ship came in over the sensors.
Guess they dont sleep as deep as I hopped.
Tearing off his suit as he headed to the cockpit Ratchet hopped his shields would hold.
Well this is definitely not the way to make friends!
He shields absorbed the first salvo as Ratchet started the engines. He diverted all power from the weapons to the shields.
Just make it to cruise speed girl, he pleaded to his ship as his shields fell to 50 percent.
He jinked and dodged trying to loose his dogged pursuers. Man these guys are not half bad. Well time for something crazy.
The freighter banked hard and headed right for a gas pocket. Ratchet hoped the mods he made to the shield and hull would stand the explosion.
Warning Volatile Gas Detected! His ship screamed out a warning.
SHUT UP!
1k away as the blasts ricocheted of his hull now.
500k hull down to 75%
250k hull down to 55%
Aw CRAP!
Ratchet pulled back hard.
BOOM!
Cesar viene aqui.
?Que paso?
Ratchet
Whats wrong with him?!
I lost the signal from the tracking device on his ship.
Cesar sighed and shook his head. Ok Diego head out there
Its in the Tau systems.
I dont care head out there and
Wait Im getting something from Nightengale
Location Freeport 10 Tau 37
So now the IMG hates you?
Ratchet looked up from his drink at Nightengale, Uh yeah, he said sheepishly. Seems they didnt take to kindly to my gas pocket trick.
Nightengale frowned and crossed her arms, I would be pretty pissed too if just lost two fighters to a Junker freighter.
Hey I didnt take out those ships it was the gas. Not my fault those pilots dont have my well honed reflexes.
Nightengale let out a laugh, So well honed that your ship is now a floating wreck in space.
Well she lasted long enough for me to get to the escape pod. May she rest in peace. Ratchet lifted his glass of ale and poured a bit on the floor of the bar.
A barmaid walking by frowned at him and he quickly ducked his head.
We need to head back to Puerto Rico. Cesar is pitching a fit.
Oh he will be more pissed when I tell him I need another ship.
Well you salvaged the brain so Im sure you can calm him down. So once you get another ship then what?
Well let me think, Ratchet drummed his fingers on the table then leaned in close. I heard a rumor about a special planet.
Special?
Yeah it was settled by the Zoners a while back. They had to abandoned it, seems like there was too much radiation.
Oh I dont like where this is going.
Just listen. When the Zoners left the planet they left behind some robots. Well somehow these robots became sentient.
What they just gained it? Like evolved, how can a robot evolve!?
I dont know Night but I am going there to find out. If its true this will really speed up my research.
Where is this planet?
Some where in the outer systems past Sigma 13.
Nightengale stared at Ratchet for a bit, I heard a rumor too about the outer systems. Something about aliens that dont take kindly to humans.
Ratchet nodded and downed his ale, Yeah I heard that too. So thats why we need a bigger ship.
Nightengale stood, Ok well let metalk to Cesar.
Ratchet smiled and winked at Nightengale as she headed to her ship. Well this was going better than expected
You want a what!!?
Ratchet stepped back a bit from Cesar. Um a battleship?
A battleship where the heck am I supposed to get a battleship from?
Diego turned around from his console, Ask the bounty hunters they seem to have them in spades.
Cesar glared at his cousin who shrugged and turned back around.
Ratchet walked to the window and pointed to the Junkers shipyard. It was buzzing with activity. CSVs and Collectors flew all around a large ship still under construction. He could see Junkers in space suits walking on the unfinished hull.
What are they building over there?
Cesar shook his head, You know what it is Ratchet! And you know its not done. She is months away from completion and besides its not a battleship.
Ok how about a gunboat then, Ratchet asked.
Steam seemed to rise from Cesars head. And where do we get a gunboat from?
I always liked the Hackers gunship its a thing of beauty.
There is no way in he** the hackers are going to sell us one of those!
Cesar could see that look in Ratchets eyes. And no we are not going to steal one!
Nightengale stood, How about the Outcasts?
No, Cesar said And no to the Corsairs as well I want us to stay neutral when it comes to them.
Ratchet scratched the stubble on his chin. What about the rogues?
Diego turned again, Now thats an idea. I have a lot of contacts in Buffalo. Maybe they could set something up for us?
Cesar paced back and forth. Well a rogue gunship might work. But I doubt we have the funds right now to purchase one.
Well, Diego said, Maybe we can rent one? Or find a captain crazy enough to take us into the unknown systems.
Us?, Ratchet asked.
Well I had planned on going with you man.
Me too, Nightengale said as she placed her hand on Ratchets shoulder.
Cesar looked at the three, Ok see if you can find someone crazy enough to take you there and report back. I still reserve the right to say no.
Ratchet nodded, Well lets get going.
Location Buffalo New York
Carmen good to see you chica.
Ratchet watched as the attractive women sauntered up to Diego and locked lips with him for close to a minute. He turned and whispered to Nightengale.
When he said he had contacts I didnt think it would be this type of contact.
Nightengale frowned and cleared her throat.
Diego detached himself from the woman and turned. This is Carmen, captain of the Tiburon.
Nightengale nodded and Ratchet extended his hand. He felt the crushing grip of the female captain and winced.
So Ratchet, she said in a sultry voice. I hope this trip is as profitable as Diego has promised.
Ratchet massaged his hand and glanced at Diego, Oh it will be trust me. In fact I think the rumors of aliens and what not are greatly exaggerated."
Location Unknown
Incoming Missile!
Here comes another one Night! Diego yelled over the ships com. He sat at the forward turret controls and let loose a barrage of laser fire. I think I hit one!
Launching counter measures! Ratchet engine two is still out. Boom! The shockwave from the missiles detonation rocked the ship. Nightengale sat at the rear turret controls and fired, she watched in awe as the strange craft glided out of the way.
I can fix it! Ratchet yelled.
Diego gritted his teeth and saw two more of the luminescent blue craft approaching Two more incoming!
Boom!
Ratchet! Nightengale screamed We lost shields!
I can fix it!
Incoming Missile!
The ship lurched hard as Carmen attempted to dodge the projectile.
Shields back up! Ratchet yelled triumphantly.
Boom!
Ratchet sighed Shields down!
What the he** are they firing at us! Nightengale asked. Oh crap! We are out of counter measures!
Another explosion lit up the dark void of space, Aha I got one! Diego screamed.
Boom!
Boom!
Both engines out. Carmen said somewhat casually considering the situation. Hull at 50%
I can fix it!
Boom!
Hull breach eminent! the computer warned.
Ratchet! Diego and Nightengale screamed.
I can fix
A massive explosion filled the view port next to Ratchet and the alien attacks stopped.
Hull integrity is fallingok wait I got it stabilized.
Ratchet could hear sighs of relief come from three different coms.
The ship lurched again and began to move.
Diego stood and looked out of his view port. Are the engines back online, because we are moving.
No, came Carmens response from the cockpit Engines are still out.
I think something has us in a tractor beam, Nightengale said.
Scanners are picking up a big ship, Ratchet responded.
Sh**! Diego swore. Prepare to be boarded! He headed for the weapons locker only to see Carmen standing there with a gun pointed at him.
Carmen what the heck are you doing!?
Sit down and shut up pretty boy. You will find out soon enough. Oh and the name is not Carmen. It is Banshee and I work for the Order.
Ratchet looked around the sparse confines of the room he was in. Four metal walls with a hard metal bench jutting out from the back wall.
Ah nice and cozy. He mused. Not even a control panel to hack into. Ratchet had checked the place from top to bottom and had not found a way out.
A door in the far wall appeared and Carmen or Banshee or whatever her name was walked through carrying a satchel. Ratchet glanced at her then sat down on the bench.
So when is dinner? he asked.
Banshee smiled. Ratchet was sure that same smile had lured Diego in. This woman seemed as dangerous as she was beautiful.
You are hungry? she asked while raising an eyebrow.
Uh yeah. Wouldnt you be hungry after 8 hours with no food or water?
I suppose a person would be. So Ratchetis that your real name?
Ratchet stared at her and folded his arms.
Fine. So how did you manage to repair my ship so quickly? I have never seen anyone be able to act that fast.
Ratchet was surprised at the complement. Well when you work on Junker stations quick repairs can be a matter of life or death.
She nodded, I can understand that but you got the shields up so quickly. I looked back at the logs. The way you rerouted power to them was ingenious. And how you diverted resources to reinforcing the hull armor. It was inspired.
Uh huh. he frowned and stood, Look I know you didnt come here to complement me on my repair skills. You have a battleship, Im sure someone here is as good as I am.
The woman laughed lightly. Oh no doubt. But the thing is we staged that encounter with the nomads. This battleship had weakened them earlier and herded them towards us.
You staged all that! For what! We could have died!
Banshee smiled again, Why to test you of course.
Test me? Why? Im just a Junker fixer Im not important.
I guess you didnt notice in all commotion but some obvious power pathways were disabled on the ship. It should have taken you longer to reroute that much power.
I did notice actually. Its not normally my style to question how a captain runs his or her ship.
You dont think its odd that you were able to do it so quickly?
Ratchet frowned. You guys took some risk. What if I hadnt been able to fix it?
We had a backup plan.
Ratchet nodded, Yeah this ship has a cloak. It was never that far away from us.
Banshees eyes went wide and she stepped towards the Junker, How did you know that?
Ratchet glanced at her, I never detected this ship. Not until it beamed us in and the cloak dropped. There is no way in he** a ship this size could have snuck up on me.
The woman stepped back and lowered her eyes in thought.
Just before you came and stuck a gun in my face I did a scan. Do you know how much energy this thing is putting out?
I have some idea.
You should because its killing you.
The fact that the woman did not look surprised confirmed what Ratchet thought.
The cloak requires a powerful energy source. We have found it to be harmful to organic life if it is exposed for too long.
Right. So why do you need me?
The woman eyed him, They really did a good job.
What? he asked confused. Who did a good job?
The woman shook her head and tossed him the satchel. Eat up. Oh and get ready to move we have a mission for you.
I am not going anywhere until I know how my friends are.
You will see your friends before you leave. Banshee said as she turned to leave. But trust me should you fail to cooperate we will have to ask them to leave the ship. She stopped in the doorway. Without the benefit of a space suit.
Ratchet watched as the door slid shut. He opened the satchel and dug into his food with gusto.
The massive derelict ship floated in the asteroid field like a dead creature. The Tiburon was attached to it like a parasite.
Diego looked out of the cockpit of the Tiburon at the larger vessel and wondered where it came from. It's hull was as black as space and its shape was so smooth with all straight lines, sharp corners and functionality.You still going out there? he asked as he turned to face Ratchet.
Yeah thats the plan. He answered as he checked the oxygen levels of his space suit. Me and Banshee need to retrieve whatever the order thinks is there.
And they think its some super AI brain? Nightengale said as she walked in.
Ratchet nodded, Yeah something left behind by whoever made the Nomads maybe. Or something from a whole other race.
Diego shook his head, Im still trying to make sense out of all of this. I figured the stories of these space spirits were just...well stories. Now having seen the nomads up close, man the galaxy just got a little stranger.
Banshee stuck her head in the cockpit, You ready Ratchet?
Yeah lets get this over with.
Diego and Nightengale followed the two to the airlock.
Ratchet turned, Well keep and eye out, this asteroid field has hid us from the Nomads for the most part.
Diego nodded and shook his hand.
Ratchet turned to Nightengale who grabbed his face and kissed him deeply. He stepped back stunned.
Be careful, was all she said as she turned and hurried off.
Diego gave him a sly wink then closed the airlock.
Ratchet touched his lips then put his helmet on.
The airlock opened with a hiss and the two followed the docking tube to the other vessel.
Okay Ratchet time to earn your keep. You have all the intel with have on this ship so get us in.
Ratchet took out his data pad and walked toward the alien console. He had studied the alien program for two weeks and was sure he could open the airlock.
Banshee watched and Ratchet hooked his data pad to the alien console and within a few seconds emergency lights came on.
Impressive, now if you can just get us in. with a sudden hiss the airlock of the alien ship opened.
Ratchet turned to her and smiled, Ladies first.
Banshee chuckled and moved cautiously into the ship.
The vessel was spartan to say the least. There were no seats of any kind only consoles. Consoles with no types of input, no buttons, knobs, touch pads nothing.
The two moved around the ship their path illuminated by emergency lighting searching for this AI brain. Along the way they found no crew quarters of any kind, no mess hall not even a bathroom.
Banshee frowned, Where did they eat?
Ratchet shrugged as they continued to move around. Look at this room.
The two entered a rectangular room with what seemed to be service bays along the east and west wall. Not ship service bays but
Robots!
In several service bays there stood robots. Some humanoid some squat and boxlike.
Ratchet turned to Banshee, Well that would explain the lack of food and other facilities.
She nodded, Lets find the bridge. We can look around here later.
Ratchet stopped suddenly and looked back at the robots. He touched his helmet around where his temple was and frowned.
Whats wrong.
Uh nothing. Ratchet shook his head inside of his helmet, It was just deja vu. Heh you know like I had been here before or something.
Banshee eyed him strangely and nodded, I understand.
Ratchet looked at here questioningly but she turned and walked out of the room.
The two searched for another hour before finding a lift to the bridge. Banshee walked right by the lift doors which seemed to appear right out of the wall and open when Ratchet walked by.
Interesting, Ratchet said. Maybe they are expecting us.
Banshee frowned and pulled out her gun.
There cant be anyone alive up there. It looks like this ship had been here for a while.
Well if there is, she said I will be ready for him.
I should have gone!
Mercedes watched her son pace back and forth across the control room.
Still no word from them, Cesar murmured.
Raphael calm down.
Cesar turned and looked at his mother upon hearing his given name. He sighed and slumped down into a chair.
Mercedes walked over to her son and put her hand on his shoulder.
You know you could not have left. There is too much to do here.
I know mama butDiego and the rest.
Diego can take care of himself. You taught him most of what he knows.
Cesar spun around in the chair and punched some buttons.
Jose any word from them yet?
A voice came back, None. Sorry Cesar.
Well keep an ear open.
Both ears Cesar dont worry.
Cesar stood and the sound of his rumbling stomach filled the room.
Mercedes frowned, How long has it been since you have eaten or slept?
Its been a while. He said as he wandered to the view port. CSVs still buzzed around Vieques. Why isnt that damn ship ready yet?
Is that the one you would take to look for them?
Maybe maybe if Papi had that ship
Maybe. Mercedes said in a soft voice.
Cesar turned and gave his mother a hug. Im sorry.
Mercedes stepped back and looked at her son. Dont be Cesar. He died doing what he loved and you will honor him.
Cesar smiled.
Well go eat and get some sleep. I will stay here and monitor any communications we receive.
Cesar frowned, You know maybe we should go to Rochester. They have a larger communications array.
Mercedes gave her son a stern look. After you eat and sleep.
Cesar yawned and nodded and made his way to the galley.
Mercedes sat down at the control panel and put her face in her hands. Diego come back safe.
The bridge of the ship was rectangular and held wall to wall computers and data terminals. The view port was surprisingly small for such a large ship. The room was dominated by a circular ring of computer consoles which surrounded a single chair, the first the two had seen.
Ratchet ran his hands along the smooth consoles with display screens but no visible means of data entry.
Banshee walked over to the ring of computers and stared at the chair. Now this is interesting. Who do you think sat here?
Ratchet looked up from the console with a strange glint in his eyes. He walked past Banshee and one of the consoles moved to allow him to approach the seat.
Banshee stepped back startled.
Ratchet touched the seat then sat down.
I guess that answers that, Banshee said.
Ratchet looked down at her. I dont know whats going on but
Suddenly his head went stiff as a probe extended itself from the head of the chair and attached itself to the back of Ratchets skull. The Junker seemed to spasm and Banshee gripped her gun tightly and looked around.
The spasms stopped and Ratchet sat back calmly. All around banshee control panels lit up and there was a large hum as the ship began to power on.
Banshee jumped as a holographic display appeared next to her.
Greeting human identified as Banshee.
The hologram was of an older motherly woman with a serine face and calming voice.
Banshee aimed her gun at the hologram. What the hell is going on!?
The hologram raised a calming hand. Relax please. We mean you no harm. Thank you for bringing Ratchet back.
Banshee slowly lowered her gun. So we were right he is a machine.
The motherly woman smiled and looked at Ratchet. Such a simple term for someone much more complex. But yes he is a machine.
What is his function?
The hologram turned back to Banshee and looked at her for a minute before responding. Ratchets primary function is data acquisition. His other functions are up to him.
Up to him? Interesting and what is your function?
My function is communication with non robotic life forms. Those we send out often return with friendsor enemies.
Enemies?
Yes, not all of those we send out are harmless. There are other functions.
So you send out hostile units?
This vessel does not but there is one who does.
One who does? Who is that?
The older woman sighed He is old, older than human civilization. And if he were human I would say he was hungry.
Hungry? That doesnt sound good.
The hologram nodded. It is not good. For you.
So this is the threat the Order wanted to know about.
The hologram nodded again. There are many threats to humanity. This ship however is not one of them.
Really? Because this ship is big enough to take on the entire Liberty Navy.
The older woman smiled. We are beyond war. However we will defend ourselves if the need arises.
You know I did not expect you to be so forthcoming with information. So you just send out random units to spy on us?
To spy? You could look at it that way I guess. But we do not send out random units. We are searching for others like us those machines that can carry the spark.
Spark?
You would perhaps call it a soul.
Banshee frowned. A machine cant have a soul. Its just a collection of metal and code.
You are a collection of organics and code. But there is no time to argue about the definition of life.
Suddenly the ship lurched as the main engines came online.
Whats going on?
The Slomon-K'Hara are coming.
The what?
You know them as the nomads. They have detected the power output of our ship.
How many are headed this way?
The hologram looked up from the console. All of them.
That is not possible. Banshee said breathlessly.
What is probably and what is possible are not always the same.
Banshee looked hard at the hologram. Who are you really?
I am an interface program but I understand what you meant. Everything has a beginning a source. We do not know exactly who built us just as you do not know who created your species. But this ship is a servant of the first of us to be given the spark and to use your language we call her the Light. She is able to ignite the spark in a machine entity.
So have your light save us from the Nomads then.
The hologram seemed to laugh. It will do as much good as asking your god to do the same. You must return to your ship, we will protect you as long as we can.
What about Ratchet?
His presence is required here.
Banshee didnt move.
I would hurry if I were you. And with that the hologram vanished.
Hey Night can you check the sensors. They are uh, something is wrong.
Nightengale turned the copilot seat to look quizzically at Diego. She looked over at the sensor display at what seemed to be a large blob heading towards their ship.
Yes something is wrong. Unless about a hundred ships are heading our way heh.
Diego laughed too and then the alien ship rumbled.
What the heck!
Diego sat up with his mouth agape. The main engines just came online. With the whole ship lit up they could now see the true size of the alien vessel. It was enormous.
Nightengale looked back at the scanner. Oh my god! Diego power up the engines we are about to get some company.
Ratchet felt warm and snug. He was nearly one with the ship, he could hear the other AI talking and it was soothing. They were calling to him, he was home. He would share with them all he had learned, all he had felt. For he was the first that could do so. He would give them the entire gift that had been given to him.
RATCHET! Nightengales voice tore though him like a blade and he woke.
What? Were are we going? What about my friends?
There are too many Ratchet. Our calculations tell us it is logical to abandon them.
No!
We are sorry but we must keep the data you have retrieved safe.
The massive ship began to move, pushing asteroids out of its way. Slowly the vessel moved out of the field. Ratchet could see the nomad fleet descending on the Tiburon. They would be annihilated.
We must go back!
It is not logical.
The nomad fleet opened fire on the large vessel and the shields shuddered under the massive onslaught but held. For now the nomads seem to ignore the smaller ship.
How many are after us?
Too many Ratchet too many.
Ratchet looked again but his vision was blocked.
I cant see them.
We must transfer all resources to defend our vessel. Once again the nomads fired and the shields held.
Ratchet you must accept it.
The Junkers brow furrowed in concentration and he strained to see what was happening. They would not block him!
What are you doing Ratchet?
Suddenly Ratchet could see. There was only one lone nomad ship attached to the Tiburon. There was no fleet, only one vessel.
What is going on!?
Ratchets body shuddered in the chair and a snarl appeared on his face. The massive ship began to turn.
Stop Ratchet. You do not understand.
Ratchet could feel his body shaking with the strain of fighting the will of the vessel.
Iwillnotleavethem.
Sweat beaded on his forehead.
We must know Ratchet.
Knowwhat? The ship still turned.
How the Slomon-K'Hara take over a sentient creature. We must know so that we are prepared.
Forwhat?
War.
The ship had completed its turn and now faced the Tiburon. Ratchet could see that the nomads had attached some type of boarding tube and were most likely onboard the ship.
They are my friends!
Some losses are inevitable.
Ratchets eyes flew open. The ship began to turn back. He fought but the will of the ship was too strong.
This is wrong!
Why?
You are just going to let the nomads take them! You are just going to sit here and do nothing!
No, once the nomads are done we shall collect them for study.
But the people they were will be gone!
Perhaps, but it must be done.
I will stop you!
You cannot. You are one of us.
Ratchet could feel his eyes closing; he could feel the warmth begin to surround him.
Be calm Ratchet all will be well.
Ratchet stopped fighting and let his conscience become one with the ship. He could feel the other AI around him they were all there to welcome him home.
Ratchet smiled.
He could feel the other AI open themselves to him to receive the data.
Good Ratchet good. No give to us what you have learned.
You sent me out into the galaxy to learn from the humans. You gave me a personality and emotions. I could dream, feel pain and hope. I could love. I was the first from this ship to experience such things. And now I shall give it back.
All at once!
Waves of data unlike any they had ever recieved flooded the ship. Circuits sparked and overloaded. The AI seemed stunned and confused. And Ratchet saw his chance.
Suddenly the ships weapons powered on and with machine like precision it ripped through the nomad vessel, turning it into star dust.
On the chair Ratchets body smiled and then the spark that had given it life was gone.