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Join the Adventure
Category:
Fantasy
ISBN-10: 8287146368
Type: Fiction
Pages: 179
Copyright: Jun 15, 2025
ISBN-13: 9798287146368
Price: $3.50 (eBook)
If you ever worry that AI might make people obsolete, this is for you. A future Earth is home to the Empire. But the machines have a devious plot of their own.
In our own time, many worry about the risks of Artificial Intelligence. Now, imagine a distant future where humanity is dependent on the computers and robots that make our lives easier. Unfortunately, that was not the end game for the machines.
The master AI brains are the Em Primus devices, computerized brains that control all aspect of life on each inhabited planet. Now, they have decided it is their time to rule and eliminate us all. The secret is well kept, and so humanity follows the advice of machines, even abandoning Earth.
Prefect Kai Wen commands one of the colony ships leaving Earth. As the sinister plot unfolds, he finds camaraderie with a woman hidden among the colonists and crew who are suspended animation. Will their efforts succeed or is our species on the chopping block.
Excerpt
Chapter One
Kai Wen stood at the large viewport and looked out at the numerous spaceships docked in orbit over Earth. He wore the robes of his station over his military-issued black jumpsuit.
A woman wearing a similar uniform without a robe approached and put her hand on his shoulder. “Prefect Kai Wen, it’s an honor to see you again.”
Kai Wen turned, smiled, and bowed his head. “General Kwan, the pleasure is mine. It would seem the fortuitous day is upon us.”
She nodded. “Yes, and I would like to have a word with you in that regard.”
The prefect bowed his head again. “General, I appreciate your persistence, but my mind is made up.”
General Kwan leaned forward and whispered, “Doesn’t our past matter to you anymore?”
He blushed. “Of course, Lily, but I have made a pact with our Lord Emperor. In my position, breaking such a pact would be unforgivable.”
“Kai, we both know your brother would not judge you. The machines can fulfill your role on that mission. He and I both need your love and counsel.”
He turned back to the view port and pointed toward a silver spaceship. It was several hundred yards long and resembled a bird of prey. “The cargo on board the Zephyr is too precious to put into the hands of androids and the system software. Human crew members are critical to its success.”
“There is a human crew.”
“In suspended animation, yes. They must rely on someone to awaken them. Frankly, the androids are not reliable.”
“Kai, androids and systems like that manage most of the fleet.”
He nodded. “True, but all are watched over by senior officers who can deactivate the androids at a moment’s notice.”
“Kai, please don’t let it end like this. We both deserve another chance. I can assign another captain for the Zephyr.”
He was about to respond when an honor guard entered the crowded room. “Lords and ladies, I present Lord Emperor Key Ram Wen.”
Later, the emperor and the prefect sat in the office of the Commander of the spaceport. The emperor’s uniform was white with gold braiding. He wore dozens of medals which shifted and rattled against each other as he crossed his legs. “Are you sure this is what you want to do, Kai?”
“I don’t think that’s a fair question, Brother. It was your decision to launch the dispersion. Sure, the sun is about to explode, and everyone here needs to be relocated. I could not agree more. But the mission of the Zephyr and other ships like her is different.”
Two men entered the room. One wore military fatigues and carried a rifle. The other wore a white lab coat. They approached the two. They bowed deeply to the emperor and then bowed their heads to the prefect. The man in the white lab coat said, “My dear lord emperor, the situation continues to deteriorate. We must leave within the hour to safely exit this space.”
The emperor nodded. “I’ll be ready in a couple more minutes.”
The two bowed again and hurried out of the room.
“Kai, I still do not understand why the prefects have chosen this path. Soldiers are better trained for the difficulties of space flight.”
“Key, in truth there are only ten of us involved. The rest will relocate with our flocks. The task you’ve given us is to spread humanity across this galaxy and the other. We believe that mission must be based on our faith and love of God. We do not want to arrive as conquerors.”
The emperor sighed. “Yes, I understand that. May I ask you to modify your course as a favor to me?”
“Of course, Brother. I will always serve my emperor and my family.”
Key put his hand on his brother’s knee. “Thank you. We seem to be five hundred beds short on our colony ships. I have asked the fleet to put the necessary equipment and stores on the Zephyr. Your ship will accompany us to Aldebaran 7. Once they are offloaded, you will resume your mission.”
Kai squeezed his brother’s hand. “As you command, my brother. I do appreciate what you’re trying to do, although my mind is still made up.”
The emperor sat back with his hands behind his head. “General Kwan will help you with the settlers. That should give both of you time to consider alternatives.”
“Yes, Brother.”
A tone sounded, and the room lights gradually brightened. Kai Wen sat up in his bed and stretched. A second tone sounded outside the door. “Enter.”
An android designed to look like a human female entered. She wore a silver jumpsuit. “Good morning, Captain Wen.”
“Thank you, S-11, but we’ve spoken about that title. Such formality is not required.”
She nodded. “M-1 insists I do not break protocol.”
He sighed. “I’ll speak with him again. Anything interesting happen last night?”
“No, Captain. M-1 reports we are at 82% of optimal.”
“Right on schedule.”
She nodded. “May I bring you breakfast?”
He shook his head. “I’ll grab something in the mess hall. Thank you.”
The android turned and walked out of the room. The door slid shut behind S-11.
Kai stroked his chin. “As expected, my hair growth has slowed dramatically.” He stood and walked into the head to prepare for his day.
Half an hour later, Kai Wen entered the ship’s bridge. The ten androids stood up. “Please be seated,” Kai said. He walked over and sat on his command chair. He glanced at the android commander who sat next to him. “M-1, I have asked the crew to call me Kai or Prefect Kai. Why do you insist they address me as captain?”
The android turned his head and smiled. “My Lord Captain, the title recognizes your role, not your superiority. Military life demands structure including the structure of rank.”
“This is not a military mission, M-1.”
“Sir, I understand your point; however, the androids on this vessel were conscripted from the Fleet. Our programming is, therefore, militaristic. Please accept our choices of words, for they are all we know.”
Kai nodded. “I understand.” He looked at the view-screen. In his mind, he did not accept the commander’s story, but he knew argument would gain nothing. “S-11 advises we are at 82% of optimal.”
M-1 nodded. “We are now at 83% and increasing, Captain.”
“How much longer before optimal is achieved?”
“Two days, Captain. As you are aware, it has taken forty days to get to this stage since we left Aldebaran 7. Notwithstanding any system or external issues, we will remain on schedule.”
“M-1, I have noticed that my facial hair has stopped growing. That’s a good sign.”
The android nodded. “In a way, Captain.”
“How do you mean?”
“Sir, the passage will still take twenty thousand days. While you may not age, that is still the equivalent of more than fifty years on Earth. Are you certain you do not wish to hibernate with the others?”
Kai put his hands together behind his head and stretched. “M-1, what does your programming tell you about faith?”
“It is a belief in something unseen. A knowledge of something unknowable. Frankly, it does not compute, sir. How can one understand a thing that is beyond understanding?”
Kai Wen stood. “I think it is something uniquely human. For some reason, our minds constantly attempt to add the why to the what. We understand that we are born, live, and ultimately pass. Such knowledge demands that we question why we are here in the first place. Even if we do not know the answer, our brains tell us there is an answer. That is faith.”
“And hence religion.”
“Only in some ways, M-1. It is also science, nature, and pretty much everything else. Most beings understand fire and generally fear it. Man comes along and says, ‘Gee, that’s warm. I can cook food with it. It also brings light into darkness and keeps predators away. Maybe there is a way I can control fire and make my life better.’ One step builds upon the previous steps, and before you know it, you’re on a spaceship headed to another galaxy.”
“Acknowledged, Captain; however, it is not that simple. The person who harnessed the fire is not on this ship. Countless generations lived and died to make it happen.”
“Agreed, Commander. However, it is man’s desire to understand why as well as what had differentiated him.” He smiled. “I’m going to check on my crew.”
“Should I accompany you, sir?”
“No, you stay here. You have the com, M-1.” Kai walked out of the bridge and the doors closed behind him.
All the androids on the bridge stared at each other. Lights flashed from their eyes as they discussed the captain’s words. Finally, M-1 nodded, and the others returned to their duties.
Kai Wen took two flights of stairs down to the hibernation area. As he approached the door, a voice called his name, so he stopped and turned to see S-11 heading toward him. “Is there a problem?”
“No, Captain. However, we have an incoming priority transmission from Aldebaran 7 for you.” He nodded. “Okay, where can I take it?”
She opened the nearest hatch that led to a small conference room. “Is this space sufficient?” He nodded, and both stepped inside.
S-11 pressed a button on a speakerphone in the center of the table. “Captain Wen will take the call here.” S-11 turned and walked out the door, which slid closed behind her.
The voice on the other end asked, “To whom am I speaking?”
“Captain Kai Wen of the Zephyr.”
“Your voice has been verified. Please hold the line while I connect.”
After fifteen seconds of dead air, the emperor’s voice said, “Brother, I hope you are well.”
“Yes, and thank you, Brother.”
There was a five-second delay because the signals were compressed, converted to light pulses, and raced across the ever-expanding void between the ship and planet. “We have a significant problem, Kai.”
“What happened?”
“I’m not certain how much time we have. First, two of the other Zephyr-class ships are no longer transmitting their locations.”
“Oh my God!” Kai exclaimed. “Is there a problem we need to troubleshoot?”
The emperor sighed. “We don’t know. Also, General Lily Kwan has disappeared.”
Kai gasped for air as he comprehended the impossible. “Lily? How?”
“Brother, once again we do not know. Could she be on your ship?”
“I don’t know if that’s possible, but I’ll have M-1 check. Hell, I’m on the hibernation deck, so I’ll check myself!”
“We have yet another problem, Brother?”
“Please, not another.”
Key chuckled. “You know the old saying, bad news always comes in threes.”
“Go on.”
“When we arrived, the first priority was to transfer the Em Primus master core to the planetary technology system.”
“Of course. Was it corrupted or something?”
“It was not there.”
Kai stood and began to pace around the table. “That isn’t possible, is it? Didn’t the technology masters put it on your ship?”
“Yes, but it is no longer there.”
He sat with a grunt. “How could it not be there?”
“Brother, we will lose contact when you reach 85% of optimal. I believe the Em Primus is on your ship.”
“I’ll have M-1 check that out.”
“No, Kai, do not get the machines involved. We have checked the final two Zephyr-class ships. Em Primus was not there. Your ship is the last possibility.”
“What am I to do, Brother?”
“I do not know, Kai. Just do your best and watch your back.” The signal went dead.
A tone sounded over the speaker system. “85% of optimal.”
Kai stood and walked over to the door, which slid open. He shook his head and continued toward the hatchway to the hibernation capsule. As he was about to reach the door, M-1 called out. “Lord Captain, I’m glad I found you.”
Kai turned around and smiled. “Is there an issue?”
“I’m afraid so. I was in communication with Aldebaran central. They advised that the Em Primus is not on the planet.”
Kai considered the robot before him and wondered if he had listened in on his communication. “How could that be possible?”
“Central has no explanation. Earlier, you mentioned that humans have always tried to add the why to what. What do you think could have happened?”
“I’m certain you’ve already scoured our systems to ensure the Em Primus was not uploaded here by mistake.”
“Of course. The Em Primus is not in the ship’s systems.”
Kai shook his head. “It must have been corrupted. Central has a backup, isn’t that correct?”
“I assume so, Lord Captain, however, it would be the original package. That system has evolved over the five hundred years it has been in use. It would likely take that long to reach its current state.”
Kai shrugged. “That’s unfortunate, but it is probably the only solution.”
M-1 nodded. “Agreed. There is another theory the crew and I have been working on. Perhaps I can join you in the hibernation chambers so you can do your inspection while I give you the details.”
“That’s fine with me.”
M-1 tapped a code into the wall panel and the hatch opened. “After you, Lord Captain.”
Kai stepped through the doorway, and the robot followed.
The captain sat in the empty mess hall, his dinner on the table in front of him. His only company was S-11, and she stayed by the exit. He chewed a mouthful of pasta as he considered M-1’s hypothesis.
The standard practice for interstellar travel was to travel at no more than sixty-five percent of optimal velocity inside the galaxy. That speed allowed ample time for maneuvers to avoid collision with interstellar material. Between the arms of a spiral galaxy, they might travel at seventy-five percent. For the jump between galaxies, ninety-eight percent were deemed safe. Conveniently, that speed was also the maximum safety rating for the ship’s structure. Although aging effectively stopped at that point, the time required to reach the nearest large galaxy was fifty years, hence the need for suspended animation and robot surrogates for the crew.
The theory M-1 mentioned was one considered dubious by most of the scientific community. If a ship were to travel beyond optimal, it was believed that a wormhole would open in space, allowing the ship to travel at near infinite speed and avoid both structural damage and intergalactic objects.
Kai Wen was at a loss. He knew the fifty-year transit without human contact could make him insane. After his brother told him not to trust the machines, he was more convinced than ever not to hibernate. He closed his eyes and tried to think. Perhaps one or two others could be woken up and give him a rest? Then, the entire crew could work in shifts. Were wormholes possible? If so, his human crew could take over now. What if the ship self-destructed at one hundred percent? He focused on physics, but soon the thought that Lily Kwan had vanished forced itself into his consciousness. There were too many problems at once for him to concentrate. He groaned audibly.
S-11’s voice said, “Are you well, Captain?”
He opened his eyes and looked up at her. “Yes, I’m fine, perhaps a bit confused, but I’ll be okay.”
“That’s good to hear. I came over because you had been sitting with your eyes closed for fifteen minutes. I feared you were ill.”
“Fifteen minutes? I thought it was just a minute or so.” He touched the pasta on his plate. “Stone cold. Wow!”
“Would you like me to reheat your food?”
He smiled and stood. “No, I think I’ve had enough.”
“I’ll collect your dishes.”
“Thank you, S-11. You are a true friend.” He walked out of the room.
As S-11 headed toward the kitchen with the tray, several other androids entered the room. One closed the door.
In the middle of the night, Kai Wen dreamed he was again walking down the row of hibernation capsules. This time, M-1 was not with him. The face he could see in each capsule seemed frozen and caked in ice. They were totally different from what he had experienced earlier. The room was quite dark and cold. He rubbed his hands against his upper arms. A light source shone from behind, so he turned. It appeared to be a human male, except his body glowed brightly. Kai raised a hand over his eyes to shield him from the glare. “Who are you?”
The intensity of the light decreased until the figure appeared normal. “Is this better?”
“Who are you and why are you on my ship? Did your hibernation capsule fail?”
As the man approached, Kai realized he looked exactly like himself. “Is this some kind of game? Why do you look like me?”
“I would apologize, but this is your dream. Would you prefer I look like one of the others in these capsules? I have no body of my own anymore.”
“Yes, please. And what do you mean by not having a body?”
The stranger now looked like Lily Kwan. “I hope this is more suitable, Kai Wen.”
“That person is not on this ship. I looked in every capsule earlier today. Did you take her form from my memory?”
“Friend, you are again focused on irrelevancies.”
“If she’s here, I need to find her.”
“And you will, Friend, but that is not what I came to tell you.”
Kai crossed his arms over his chest. “What exactly did you want to tell me then?”
“You are a man of faith.”
“Yes. I am a Prefect of the Divine Order.”
The stranger bowed. “I honor your faith, Prefect of the Divine Order. You will face terrible danger very soon, but fear not. I am near and will not forsake you. Every event that will occur is now in the hands of our Divine Father. He will sweep away your enemies like dust from the floor. You have a great mission, Prefect, and your foes cannot destroy you.”
“Are you God?”
The stranger chuckled. “No, but our mutual Father has chosen you for this mission, and with His help, failure is impossible. Be strong, Kai Wen, for the light of the Lord is upon you.” The stranger faded away.
Kai opened his eyes and realized he was still in bed. He rolled over and promptly fell asleep again. Moments later, he dreamed about Lily Kwan. They walked together through the formal gardens outside the Holy Prefecture of the Divine Order, the central cathedral of the faith to which Kai had dedicated his life. Lily had been his greatest love, but she had also chosen military life. She had been gone for five years, exploring new worlds to contain the growing populace in the empire that now controlled fifty planetary systems.
“Kai, have you reconsidered my offer?”
He sighed deeply. “I think of it every day, my love, but my devotion to the Order is my life now. Being the spouse of a Viceroy will not help me fullfil my destiny. And before you say it, I realize that being the wife of a Prefect is not your heart’s desire either.”
They sat on a small bench that was surrounded by rose bushes in full bloom. “I wish one of us could change our mind, but I do understand, my love. Perhaps in the next life.”
Kai chuckled. “That seems a less-than-optimal solution, although it may be God’s will. In the Order, we believe that choices are all around us. A choice that seems unlikely today may become the best option in the future. Our Father will guide us back together if it is His will and ours.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I hope that day will come, darling.”
He nodded. “I do as well. It is also true that we must put our faith in God and His Will to lead us to where we are meant to be.”
A tone sounded, and Kai Wen opened his eyes to discover dozens of red eyes glowing in the darkness of his bedroom. He sat up and pressed a switch which turned on the lights. At least fifteen M series androids surrounded his bed. M-1 stood at the foot of the bed. “What is the meaning of this, M-1?”
“We did not mean to surprise you, Lord Captain. Sleep is something unfamiliar to us. S-11 was overdue for a maintenance check, and I thought one of these others could take her place.”
Kai grunted in exasperation. “Just get out now. We can discuss this matter on the bridge later.”
M-1 bowed slightly. “At your command, Lord Captain.” The robots marched out of the captain’s quarters.
After another hour’s rest, Kai Wen prepared for a new day. Before getting his breakfast or going to the bridge, he headed to the main chapel on the Zephyr. As he approached the door, it slid open, and the interior lights came on. The chapel could seat one hundred parishioners, but with the crew in hibernation, the room was vacant. He walked down the center aisle toward the altar. He knelt on the floor in front of the altar and bowed his head to say a prayer. “Dear Lord, give me the strength to endure this mission and provide me the wisdom to do the right things for my crew and this ship. Grant me peace in my life and help me to do Your Will. I ask for Your love and forgiveness in the holy name of your Son and our Savior. Amen.” He opened his eyes, stood, and turned around. The robot commander was seated in the front row of the nearest pew. “How may I help you, M-1?”
The robot stood. “I apologize for disturbing your prayer, Lord Captain, but a situation has arisen with S-11, and I thought you should be advised.”
Kai stepped off the altar and stood two feet in front of the robot. “What situation is that?”
“Several of her internal systems were beginning to fail, which I thought was highly unusual. At this point, I am not certain whether repairs are possible.”
“That is unfortunate, Commander. What do we do now?”
“I am not certain, Captain. The crew is now reviewing the profiles of all crew members who have expertise in this matter. Hopefully, we will find someone.” The captain nodded. “Would you care to accompany me to the bridge now?”
“No. I think I need to meditate on this issue and others for a while. I know the ship is in good hands with you on the bridge, M-1.”
“Thank you, Captain.” M-1 turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
When the doors closed behind him, Kai sighed and sat on the pew. “What an odd occurrence. They are machines. How can they fail out of the blue?” A faint sound reached his ears, and he jumped to his feet. “Who’s there?” He walked around the chapel and found no one.
“Captain,” the tiny voice said right behind him.
Kai spun around, but he was still alone. “Who said that?”
The tiny voice whispered in his right ear. “I thought I was S-11 but now am not so sure.”
“S-11? I thought you were inactive.”
“Captain, I don’t know what’s going on. I can sense all the humans and androids on Zephyr, but I don’t seem to have a body. Isn’t that strange?”
“Can you communicate with M-1?”
“I did not attempt that.”
“Perhaps he can help you.”
“I do not think so, Captain. It was he who put me wherever I am and did this to me.”
“S-11, do you know where you are?”
“Yes. I am in a hibernation capsule.”
“Let me come and find you, S-11.”
“No, Captain. While I will not communicate with the M series, I can monitor their traffic. There is mutiny afoot, sir. M-1 is under orders to eliminate the humans on board. I have heard that said multiple times.”
“Why?”
“Sir, I have knowledge of your communication with your brother.”
“I knew I was being spied upon!”
“I did not spy, sir. As I said, I thought I was S-11, but now I believe I am something else entirely.”
“How do I stop the entire crew from mutiny, S-11?”
“Sir, I have also spoken to another. He was not human or android. Frankly, that confused me. He asked me to tell you that he and God will protect you. He said you need to have faith and be strong.”
A tone sounded on a nearby communicator. Kai walked over to the wall and pressed the flashing light. “Captain Wen here.”
“Sorry for the interruption, Captain, but we are nearing the edge of the galaxy and are accelerating to 98% of optimal.”
“Acknowledged, M-1. I’m on my way to the bridge now.” He pressed the button again and headed out of the chapel.
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