Chapter six
“Damage report!” the command unit demanded.
The ships computer ran an analysis on all four destroyer ships and informed the command unit of the results. The damage was significantly higher than the command unit expected.
“Explain with having our shields at maximum, how a simple debris could have caused this much damage!”
The ships computer again gave the command unit a long list of possibilities, then narrowed them down to the top five.
The command then did the next three things in this order. First, he moved the ship far enough ahead to safely order the destruction of the moon Fargo and scattered the debris field in a similar manner that the Enhances had done. The command unit knew that if H.A.L.O. sent more ships to “follow up” on its mission, they would have to come the same way. It also had the rock debris coated with docksider. This ingredient was the most likely reason for the damage they suffered. He also knew that whoever would oversee the pursuing ships would not be aware of this trap. This was because he was the most advanced command unit, and he missed it. Next, he ordered that the minimum number of repairs necessary to have the ship able to travel at maximum speed be cared for immediately, then all other repairs that could be done while in transit be done next. Last he wanted 66.6% of the energy devoted to the weapons diverted to the shields until they were in weapons range of the enhancer’s ships.
“If those useless piles of circuitry coat debris with docksider, there is no telling what other cross wired tricks they might pull," the command unit hummed to itself.
While repairs were being completed on the ship, the command unit was occupied in finding the location of the enhancers. One of the side effects of docksider is that it can distort the ships sensors, especially when it comes to trying to pick up faint signals. The command unit was already taking a big chance on the course it was taking. Evidence such as the debris field gave it confidence that he was on the right trail, but the concern was in all the most likely courses from this point were illogical to say the least for a group that was on the run.
When all its calculations were complete, and the signal was given that the repairs were finished, the command unit related to the ships navigation the course to take. All these delays had put the command unit way behind schedule. It knew that H.A.L.O. would not wait the full amount of time before acting, and this assumption was proven true when only a few clicks into the resumed pursuit, all the destroyer ships received a recall signal.
The command unit was now faced with a choice that it never thought it would have to make. The first decision was easy. It quickly released control of the three other destroyer ships. This put those ships directly under H.A.L.O.’s control. After running an analysis of the recall signal, the command unit noticed it was sent in search mode.
“If no direct response is given there is a 12% chance that this ships location may not be detected. Given the locations of the other ships, and the residue of explosive damage for the debris field this increases the chances to 21% H.A.L.O. might conclude that this lead ship was destroyed.”
The command unit continued to do a few more calculations, including the likelihood of it being reduced to scrap metal for its failure to bring in its objective. It only took one mini-click for the command unit to exercise emergency control procedures which basically sealed its fate. The command unit now knew he would be part of those being hunted, instead of being part of the hunters. It also knew that it’s only hope of being somewhat restored into H.A.L.O.’s good graces, was to capture the outlawed Enhancers.
The rest of the trip, the command unit was kept busy avoiding the other various traps and snares the enhancers had left. The command unit was quite pleased with itself as it avoided these. It recalled the practice rounds that all the artificial life forms used to preform before the time that H.A.L.O. band activities with “the outcast units.” This circuit pathway was interrupted by an unexpected event, the fact that the ship dropped out of slip stream. The command unit checked the ships location. “6071.009. that is correct.” The command unit ran a multitude of scans and sensor sweeps. All of them turned up negative.
“This is most illogical!” Its circuits hummed at a high rate of speed as it ran more scans and sweeps. It was on this second sweep that a very faint signal was detected. Once it was analyzed, the command unit discovered that it was a communication signal. It took several micro-clicks to decipher, but the “message” read as follows:
“The lone blossom bends in the winds of time. Never broken, never uprooted. It waits for the change to come.”
The command unit almost stopped all functions. It and TA112 (wise one) were on the same transport when they left the earth. The message it received was a type of slogan or banner that the command unit and TA112 had made up to look to better days. The message puzzled the command unit.
“After all the traps and deception that TA112 has put in this trail, why would it now send a message that only I would understand?”
The Command unit figuratively scratched his head. It then ran the message again, and a further embedded message came through. This one was clear and to the point.
“If you wish to put an end to this chase, I will speak to you alone. Meet me at old circle #42 @ 75 clicks on Neon Signa.”
“Neon Signa? That’s 3 signas from now…old circle #42?” The command unit mumbled.
The command unit searched its memory banks. It then did a narrow band scan of the area of the earth that TA112 was referring to. The command unit understood TA112 was way too clever to be anywhere around that area right now, but it had been such a long time since it had been on earth, that it wanted to make sure that area still existed. The scans showed that it indeed still did exist, but the whole area was abandoned, and desolate.
“Very well, old former recharging partner of mine, if H.A.L.O. has not destroyed, me or Earth by then, the arrangement will be kept.”
The command unit ran several more scans and tests on “old circle #42 before it plotted a slip steam course to an area away from earth that it felt should be safe…at least for a while.
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