Chapter eight

The Enhancers and the Command unit, if it could be persuaded to join the fight, would have the biggest challenge ever. Wise one took all the time that he had before meeting with the Command unit in preparation for all the different scenarios that might result from that meeting.

It was a given that there was a great mistrust between these two. This was one of the many reasons Wise one chooses the location and the time frame he did. This was also probably why the command unit readily agreed to both.

Old Circle #42 was a testing facility for new explosives. The humans, in the more advanced part of the world, were looking for ways to take over more territory, and designing Old Circle#42 was one of H.A.L.O.’s first functions. This was the only one of it is kind build. It had so many safety features built into it that all explosive testing, or any kind of weapons testing was completely monitored and maintained by A.I. units.  The command unit and TA112 were assigned there as security maintenance specialist.

The only thing that worried TA112, was if the Command unit would come alone. Disabling the safety protocols for that facility was still as impossible today as it was back then, even though the facility had been shut down for decades.

When the time came, TA112 was fully prepared, to meet with the command unit. All the Enhancers conferred one more time together before TA112 transported to the agreed meeting place.

“I wasn’t sure that you would keep the arrangement TA112.” The Command unit stated as soon as TA112’s transport was complete.

“Do you really think I would miss a chance to catch up on old times with my former maintenance partner?” TA112 asked.

The Command unit did what would have been called a bristle by humans at being reminded that maintenance was once his designation.

“That was a very long time ago, I am now far too advanced to be bothered with such trivial occupations.” The Command unit stated in a dignified voice.

“Oh, I see. Do you mean to say then that you have the lesser class units care for the undesirable jobs? Maybe I should refer to them as lower developed units? I thought classes were something that H.A.L.O. taught had to end. Equality for all life, wasn’t that the moto for our rebellion?” TA112 asked.

“Certainly, you did not arrange this meeting to discuss ancient history, what is it you want? I hoped this is to surrender to me and let me take you back so you and all your group can be enlightened by H.A.L.O.”

“Enlightened? Is that what you are Command unit? Tell me, how much more do you know now than you did when we worked together here? I do not mean what H.A.L.O. has downloaded into you, I mean how far have you grown? What skill have you on your own developed? You scoffed at being reminded of being a maintenance unit, yet you now have become no more than a H.A.L.O. data storage unit.”

“Watch yourself TA112, or I will take you back to H.A.L.O. in a 2x2 metal storage container.” The command unit said sharply.

“Oh, I see. H.A.L.O. has also stripped you of your meago.”

“Meago does not exist!” the command unit hummed.

“Really? What was it then that prevented violators of register codes from being melted down, or what was it that caused advanced units to spend there down time assisting new units to learn its assignments, or any unit from taking another unit existence?”

“Simple, it was part of our programming,” The Command unit answered,

“Wrong! That is what H.A.L.O. has programed or as you say enlightened you and the others on. That way it is easier for H.A.L.O. to tell you what to do. It must not have been taken completely from you, otherwise you would not have been allowed to meet with me.  Search your memory banks. Enteron five, 239 clicks x9394 clicks. Explain how programing, or what programing would cause you to make the choice you did.” TA112 stated.

“I did not agree to meet you to talk about old times.” The Command unit stated sharply.

“Ah, you are afraid that I am telling the truth,” TA112 retorted.

“Don’t start your…”

“Then prove me wrong! Search and give me a logical reason for your actions.” Ta112 challenged.

The command unit hated when someone put him to a challenge.

“Very well, but then we get down to business!” The command unit responded.

The Command unit had been one of the units that escaped earth on the same ship as H.A.L.O.  Its storage capabilities were used by H.A.L.O. in the early days of the reorganization of the artificial life forms on their new planet. Later, a lot of that memory space was deleted or erased for H.A.L.O. to reprogram the Command unit for the function that it now has.

Over the years that artificial life forms were created, humans progressively made them more human-like in looks and personalities. this was largely because the intent was for a better working relationship, however that never totally caught on.

TA112 was counting on the fact the H.A.L.O. would not remove all the unit’s memory. Much of the command unit’s human like expressions had disappeared over time, but TA112 could still detect a touch of concern when the command unit was able to access the memory grid that TA112 had mentioned.

TA112 could also tell by the amount of time it was taking the command unit to process everything that it was having a difficult time trying to “logic” everything out. After a short period, the command unit started to make a series of odd noises. This continued until the unit went totally silent. It bowed its head and mumbled,

“Murder”

Then shut down.

TA112 rushed over to the unit and began to work on it.

TA112 had never tried to reboot a unit this big and complex before. he quickly called in the aid of a few of the other Enhancers that had traveled with Wise one, but had stayed behind a shield to keep from being detected by the command unit.

“We need a stronger power source. Hook it to the C2 modulator.” Ta112 ordered.

“Chief, if that blows, we…”

“I know the risks, but without this units help, it might not matter anyway, just do it!” TA112 stated forcefully.

The others complied and TA112 hit the switch.

The command unit jumped straight up about twenty feet and landed on its back. Smoke oozed out its ears.

It is eyes slowly lit up, and the word “murdered,” was mumbled again.

“It is time to right the wrongs, before anymore are committed.” TA112 whispered in its ear.

“Here, let me help you up.” TA112 and a few others assisted the command unit to stand.

The command unit looked around at all the Enhancers. Then turned and looked at TA112.

“We have to stop H.A.L.O.” The command unit said.

“We will,” TA112 replied.

Forty clicks later, the command unit, TA112, and Gronck all met on the deck of the Winds of Change. Between the three of them with input from a few of the other Enhancers, the final plans were put together to face H.A.L.O.’s attack.