TTO Episode 11.1

Episode 11

The Book of Daniel

11.1       

“The long-range TnR LR missile replacement for the oler FoP Model III missile last produced fifty years ago by Distrom. The TnR LR is an autonomous marked and deployed missile, unlike the medium range version in which the targeting beam has to be directed onto the target until impact. The long-range TnR LR can be ground launched or air launched. The system uses thermal sensors in the mast-mounted sight and in the missile.” The Technician stooped over the console was explaining to me the specification of the missile. “Multi target identification is used. The gunner selects the target on a display screen and the target is locked-on before launch using highly automated fire control. The system’s infrared electro-optic sight also provides thermal capability and all conditions.”

The TnR LR use thrust vector control for high agility in flight and precision targeting. The operating range is given as five miles, but the range is extendible to 7 miles. Salvo firing provides a firing rate of up to four missiles in eight seconds. The system is equipped with a tandem shaped charge warhead for high lethality against modern reactive armour. A proximity charge detonates at an optimum distance from the target.” The technician proceeded to carry the missile to attach it on the rack. “The dimensions of the missile are approximately length five feet by a body diameter of eight inches. The missile weighs 29 lbs.”

“She is a bitch to carry on.” The technician heaved the unit with the hoist and then fastened it there on the rack. “I called her the Terror. She can rip apart any Stinger.” 

I was to ask if the part that ripped the Stinger included the fins. They looked ‘thorny’ for the push.

I pushed on towards the tank with the long cannon barrel. They modified the cannon into a tanker turret before mounting it onto the vehicle with the double tracks. I saw the extra mounting to absorb the repercussion of the blast of the cannon. I leaned over to see how they construct the mechanism there. I was always intrigued by the designs that man could create. Doctor Shiong had once said; that man could only reached higher than their own perceived limits.

“May I speak to you in private?” I turned to look at Grecio. “You found the notes. The one with the image of the small hand scale. On the right side of the scale was the same eye and ……”

“Grecio, you made your point. We will talk.” I let him pull me to the side cavern. I found the others were there.

“I invited them to hear this out for all three of you have a task to perform for the ten years.” Grecio looked towards me. “First we explore the reason for the Grand Master’s notes.”

“Grand Master Seldon did not foresee the Thousand Years or the Hundred Years. He worked out the figures using the new thinking concept of mind awareness and predictive analysis based on historical events. He was after all the master and inventor of the Grand Unity Theory that gave us the concept of the Thousand Years. He did not foreseen the period of peace among the galaxies but a period of reconciliations. They have been at war for over the last thousand years, with some having been annihilated in those conflicts. The Cresian have been wiped out and so were a dozen others. The conflicts were taking its toll on the others. Even the Grecian who had sworn off fighting had resorted to stealth activities. There were occasions when the Grecian invited others to fight their colonists. It was disturbing then for there was a missing balance in the Order.”

“The Order that once reign in the galaxies before it went missing. The masters of the Order were not seen for some time then and then imbalance of the Order appeared. The Light and Dark Side surfaced and the conflicts spread. There was no right or wrong, only the Light and Dark. Grand Master then sounded out the words of the Thousand Years, and his influence sway them all. They saw the fatalities among them and concurred that peace shall prevail for then. It was a thousand years of peace but beneath the surface, the conflicts had not ended.”

“They were not reported in the communications, but the events were all true. The High Council Lords of Quetron that went missing during their flight to Quety III. The cause was blamed on the rogue pirates of the Frontier Planets. The unexplained disaster on Monscrats when the island of Mons sank with the death of thousands. The Grecian uprising against the migrant of Turin. And many more.”

“It was the works of the Light or the Dark but the Lords hid the truth from the others. For the sake of a thousand years, we prevailed. And then the Hundred Years began. It was planned by the Dark Order when they killed Lord Xilnex a hundred and five years before then. The Dark Order saw the dwindling number in the Light and moved in with their assassinations. Lord Xilex was executed by then the Lord Illium.”

“The Dark Order led by the Monscrat Lord then challenged the others at the end of the Thousand Years. The Monscrats held the largest contingent of troopers and fleet. No one was to challenge them …No, there were the Mountries which were executed among the few who had resisted.”

“Grand Master Seldon predicted the Hundred Years of Dark Order. He knew that for the galaxies to recognize the horror of the Dark, they must live it. He had planned that in that period, the independence of the galaxies will grow. It was from there the Resistance was formed by the most unlikely group; us.”

“I am the student of Grand Master Seldon. I formed the first Resistance group. Our first task was to hide the notes.” Grecio looked at me. “The last notes on the Ten Years were stored away. The one you held was doctored to mislead.”

“The last One is however true.” Grecio sid. “But there may be a few of the One. Not One can be the balance of the Order.”

“We are confused, Grecio.” Edo voiced out. “And why are you looking at Daniel?”

“Daniel found the notes and read it. He kept the last notes to himself for he thought he was the One.” Grecio told them. “He killed Grecia.”

Grecio opened his right palm to reveal the small holographic unit. The unit then projected the image of me striking at Grecia. I stumbled back on the surge in my circuitry and my arms strung up to strike at the oppressive Grecian. 

“The three of you have your own to prove.” Grecio sounded out. “You will be tasked to seek the truth on yourself. It was tasked by the Grand Master that only three will turn the events of the Ten Years. How the event will turn out depends on the three.”

“Grecio, you mentioned the third notes.” I removed the notes from my coat. “You have this switched.”

“I had foreseen the need to do so when the notes may sway the mind.” Grecio replied. “Even for a construct like you. We hold not much time. You will leave this planet and then continue on your own tasks. Your learning will determine the next events.”

“Edo Harashi, you will take the Sweeping Eagle to a destination to be disclosed on flight. You will be escorted by Kuzuka. There will be Federation interventions on your escape. Once you are cleared of the threat then only do you opened your hidden message.”

“Kuzuka Mitoushi, you will take the Sweeping Eagle another destination after you have dropped Edo. Again your message will be shown when you are cleared. Michaly and Tonta will be your companions from there.”

“DN-501, you will be delivered by these constructs to the other side of Grecia IV.” Grecio pointed to the two constructs what were earlier loading the transporter. They were of the crude design with the four limbs and tracks for movement. “There your transport will await you and so will there be a set of instructions.”

On those last words, I heard the noise of the explosions that resonated through the tunnels. I saw then Kuzuka had rushed to the Sweeping Craft. The technicians were still loading the craft. I looked for Edo but she was not there. I scanned the cavern which by then were flurries of activities with the battle ongoing above. The noise level in the confined cavern was loud but my concern then again was Edo. I saw her leaving with the missile launcher. Trust her not to follow orders. I was to chase after her when the Grecian stood there intervening my move.

“DN-501, you are to leave now.” With that, he placed his right hand on my right hip and depressed the hidden switch to shut me down.