Incoming: Chapter Thirteen (standard:science fiction, 1785 words) [4/6] show all parts
Author: James J Martin	Added: Jan 17 2005	Views/Reads: 2515/1851	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
The continuation of the Incoming saga. A startling discovery, more covert plots and more characters.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN 

Deakins walked into the large chamber and looked around.  It was
immense. The overhead went up into darkness and the edges of the room 
were in shadow.  A circle of light in the center illuminated a single 
high back chair.  He stopped just short of the light circle. 

"Come, come  Eric.  Don't be shy.  Take a seat.  I assure you it's
safe."  The voice echoed in the chamber.  Deakins moved forward and 
settled into the chair.  He felt it adjust to him as the voice spoke. 

"There. That wasn't so bad now was it?"  The voice said almost
condescending.  Deakins looked around for the source, but it seemed to 
come from everywhere.  "I apologize for the dramatics Eric, or do you 
prefer Sergeant?  It's  been quite some time since I entertained 
guests."  Deakins glanced to one side as he thought that he saw 
movement. 

"Hey Sarge, how's it going?" Wood said suddenly from his side.  Deakins
almost leapt out of his seat.  Wood retreated into the shadows and 
disappeared. 

"Oh Eric, I do wish you'd relax." A soft feminine voice said from his
right as he turned and looked into the soft features of his ex-fiancé, 
Cammie. She to retreated into shadows as well.  Deakins closed his eyes 
tightly and whispered to himself 

"This can't be happening." He said over and over. 

"Come now Sergeant, I was just trying to make you feel comfortable." The
voice said again. "Would you prefer this instead?"  He heard footsteps 
coming closer and a small, kindly faced older gentleman appeared out of 
the shadows as well as a second chair, which the old man sat in. 

"Is this better?" The old man asked.  Deakins just nodded.  "So Sergeant
or Eric or whatever." The old man said as he waved his hand in a 
dismissive gesture. "I'm going to address you as Eric. It sounds better 
than using your title.  Eric it shall be.  You can call me Norman."  
Deakins nodded again. "Can't speak? Oh, yes that's right. Side effect 
of your visit." He waved into the darkness and a small table appeared 
next to Deakins with a carafe and glass.  Deakins poured himself some 
of the liquid and drank a glassful before returning it to the table. 

"Thank you, Norman." He said finally as his throat didn't feel so dry. 
He looked around the darkened chamber. 

"So what is this place?" he asked as returned his gaze to the old man
who had been studying him the entire time. 

"This place, is just one of many antechambers built by the original
founders of this planet.  They used it for a place of solace and 
respite."  The old man accentuated his statement by waving his hand 
around.  "Toward the end, they used it for safety and habitation." 

"Toward the end?" Deakins asked. 

"Oh, yes. Towards the end, thousands migrated down here to escape the
war.  Thousands more fled the planet.  Oh yes, thousands once lived 
down here." 

"So what happened to them?" 

The old man put his head down and stared at his hands. 

"I killed them." He said with finality as he looked back up and stared
hard at Deakins. 

"But, you're just one man, or appear to be." Deakins responded. 

"Actually Eric, I am an advanced AI that once controlled the entire
planet.  From the mundane garbage service to the most advanced weapons 
systems for the military.  I controlled everything. Heating, air 
conditioning, births, marriages, you name it I ran the systems that 
made the decisions." 



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