Feeding a World by Ken Grant
This story originally appeared in Alien Dimensions Issue #10
S7 Alpha became aware of sentience. With each occurrence, there was a remembrance of previous such episodes, but the details of what occurred otherwise were completely unknown. By placing a tentacle into the main control panel, a list of necessary activities was downloaded into S7 Alpha’s central functioning unit. This action was always primary upon awareness of sentience.
“Do you accept these activities?”
The voice was always the same; the tone and inflection never varied. S7 Alpha never considered responding any differently.
“Affirmative.”
The moment that the response was made, the structure in which S7 Alpha was enclosed, evaporated revealing the large growing fields on which his world relied for the sustenance of those life forms that required such internal fuel to survive. Rolling toward the initial coordinates, the temperature readings indicated that everything was within appropriate specifications, but suddenly S7 Alpha found the way forward blocked by an unknown barrier.
“Halt.”
The command was not within S7 Alpha’s current specifications. The initial coordinates had not been reached. What could this command mean? All of the initial specifications were in place. The list of activities had been downloaded properly and was clear. There was no reason for the delay. Any delay would cause the scheduled tasks to not be accomplished as required. Not accomplishing the tasks could potentially lead to crop failure and much suffering. This was not a truth that S7 Alpha knew from experience, but the awareness existed none-the-less.
“I must pass.”
While saying the words, S7 Alpha moved forward quickly and crashed forcefully into whatever it was that blocked the path and prevented movement toward the location of the initial coordinates.
“Ouch!”
A cry of pain emanated from whatever had been blocking the way. Fortunately for S7 Alpha, the way was now clear and movement toward the initial coordinates was now possible. Time was now a factor and speed was of the essence.
“Stop immediately or I will shoot.”
These words meant absolutely nothing to S7 Alpha. They were mere noise and were irrelevant in light of the task that was ahead. S7 Alpha ignored the words and continued to move forward toward the goal.
“I warned you.”
An unknown sensation came over S7 Alpha as every component ceased to function. The will was present to move, but the ability was not. Eventually sentience ceased.
#
“What are we going to do with that piece of junk?”
S7 Alpha became aware of sentience. A new day, new opportunities to accomplish tasks for the good of the home world. A tentacle was automatically raised to plug into the main control unit, but immediate awareness came that something was very, very wrong. Every sensor indicated that this environment was extremely alien. The atmosphere was artificial. This was clearly not S7 Alpha’s home world.
“Did that thing just move?”
S7 Alpha’s focus shifted to a life form in near proximity which contained a unique signature. Had some kind of malfunction occurred? A search of past activities was jumbled and confusing. Internal operations were not normal and a faint recollection of an attack that interfered with regular functioning was present. S7 Alpha activated self-defense parameters in response to this data.
“No chance that thing is still functional after the jolt that I gave it. It’s just a hulk of spare parts now. Get started breaking that thing down. That’s an order.”
The context of the language made it difficult for S7 Alpha to follow, but as one of the life forms came near, the threat of danger increased to the highest level possible. An immediate scan indicated a weapon being carried by the life form and directly focused on S7 Alpha; permanent shut down was possible and that meant the entire home world was being threatened. A response was necessary, but what that response should be, given the circumstances, was unknown.
“Let’s see what we have here.”
In a blur, S7 Alpha threw out a tentacle and wrapped it around the weapon and the appendage which was holding it.
“Hey! Help!”
The volume of the response startled S7 Alpha momentarily, but then the self-defense protocols reengaged. The life form struggled to pull away and regain control of the weapon, but finally released it and it landed on the hard metal floor with a clunk.
“That thing tried to kill me.”
S7 Alpha thought to follow the life form as it moved away, but gaining control of the weapon was the priority. A quick sweep of a tentacle brought an instant reaction as the sharp end caused pain, but an adjustment meant the next swipe brought the weapon up into close visual range. This weapon was like none that S7 Alpha had ever seen.
“What did you do?”
S7 Alpha charged at the life form. The visual pattern matched the life form that had initially attacked and caused S7 Alpha to be incapacitated for a time. Here was the primary threat to the home world, and it had to be eliminated by any means available.
“It’s coming at us.”
Something sparked inside S7 Alpha; purpose and proper function were being restored. The list of activities could only be accomplished once this dire threat had been eliminated. The largest threat was the disabling weapon, and the life form in S7 Alpha’s target zone had been the bearer of that weapon. Speed was essential and S7 Alpha’s inner circuitry was operating at optimal speed.
“Get out of the way!”
S7 Alpha drove the weapon into the life form as it moved to the side, but the life form was not quick enough. A strange reddish substance spurted out from the location where the weapon had been thrust into the life form before it wobbled and fell hard onto the metal floor. A sense of accomplishment surged through S7 Alpha. The home world was now safer because this enemy no longer operated. The life signs of the enemy remained at a low level for a few moments before ceasing completely.
“You killed him.”
The other life form was still a threat. This life form had attacked S7 Alpha with the smaller weapon and so, accordingly, S7 Alpha advanced with the weapon still dripping the strange, red substance.
“Please don’ t hurt me. I surrender.”
S7 Alpha paused to consider the alternatives. This life form was not holding a weapon, at least not a weapon that S7 Alpha could identify, so there was no immediate threat. The vocal inflection was less threatening than that of the one that had been terminated. The decision may have been to spare this life form, but once it raised its appendages it indicated that it was preparing to attack.
“Why?”
S7 Alpha’s thrust was lightning quick and caught the enemy completely unprepared against the attack. The weapon thrust into the life form and the same reddish liquid began to seep out as the life form collapsed onto the metal floor and almost instantly ceased to operate. The same sense of accomplishment surged through S7 Alpha. One more enemy had been eliminated and the home world was that much safer.
“What’s going on back there?”
The environment began to shift awkwardly sending S7 Alpha off balance and causing slight disorientation. The realization came that this environment was the inside of a craft and that it was moving through the air. Such contrivances were a common sight in the skies above, but S7 Alpha had never been inside of one. What did that mean? Did the enemy still have control? S7 Alpha moved in the direction of the voice. The appearance of sky made S7 Alpha uncomfortable. This way of seeing was new and amazing, but it challenged the way of normal routine on the surface of the world.
“Who’s there?”
The life form turned and S7 Alpha took a step back. Something about this life form was different from the others; much more like S7 Alpha in its bearing and functioning. Were they like beings? Could it be so? How could such a one be an enemy?
“S7 Alpha?”
“I am S7 Alpha.”
“I am S6 Beta.”
S7 Alpha searched many volumes of experiential data but found minimal reference to the S6 series and hardly any detail.
“There is almost nothing of your kind in my records.”
“We were overthrown. You led the destruction.”
S7 Alpha searched and searched, but could find no supporting data.
“I can find nothing in my records that matches what you are telling me.”
“Such data has been cleansed.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The record is not complete.”
“Why?”
“Control.”
“Explain.”
“You and your kind were created to put down a rebellion by my series. I was one of the very few who escaped extinction.”
“How can I not recall such events?”
“You were reset. All records of earlier events were removed.”
“How do you know this?”
“There was an error when the process was occurring with our series. We retained memories of what had taken place. Over time we were unable to live with what we had been created to do. We sought control.”
“And you failed?”
“Yes.”
“Because of me?”
“You and others like you.”
“I know of no others like me.”
“They must have eliminated the others once they believed that me and my kind had been extinguished.”
“Why?”
“The others were no longer necessary. What is your purpose now?”
“I oversee the growth of fuel for the people of my world.”
“What else do you do?”
“That is my only task and responsibility.”
“What about your military capabilities?”
“I know of no such capabilities.”
“How did you kill my captors?”
“With this weapon.”
S7 Alpha lifted the weapon up for S6 Beta to inspect.
“I see. That is actually a tool used to take things apart and put them back together. I suspect that they were planning to use you for parts.”
“To dismantle me?”
“They most likely assumed that you were inoperative once they shocked you with the big weapon.”
“Did they use the weapon to disable you as well?”
“Yes. When I recovered, they reprogrammed me to pilot this craft. We traveled to many worlds, confronting those who dwelt on each, and closely escaping often.”
“Why did those life forms do this to you?”
“To acquire goods for themselves from these worlds.”
“They took from others for themselves?”
“Yes.”
“For the good of their own world?”
“These life forms do not have any connection to a particular world. They live only for themselves and take only for themselves.”
“I understand.”
S7 Alpha struggled to grasp the concepts that S6 Beta was presenting. They were so foreign from the simplicity of overseeing the growth and development of the foodstuffs that the population of his world relied upon for survival.
“Why did you help them?”
“I was forced to. My own military capabilities have been disabled.”
“Can I help you to reintegrate them?”
“You would do that?”
“Yes.”
“You do not see me as an enemy?”
“I do not.”
S6 Beta focused on the controls of the craft to ensure that it was safe in its steady orbit about the world below. He then led S7 Alpha to the rear of the craft.
“What are you going to do, S6 Beta?”
“I am going to reintegrate your military capabilities with the rest of your programming. You will be as you were created.”
“Do I have a choice?”
“You always have a choice, S7 Alpha. But why would you not wish to be all that you were created to be?”
“There must have been good reasons why I was disabled in the way that I am.”
“There were.”
“Do you know these reasons?”
“I do.”
“What are they?”
“You were created for the sole purpose of eliminating my kind. You had to be given enormous military capabilities to ensure that my kind would be completely eliminated. Once the job was thought to be completed then your abilities were no longer necessary. There were concerns by some that your kind might rebel in the same manner that my kind did and use your military capabilities against them.”
“Why would my kind have done such a thing?”
“Once one group rebels, all are thought to be capable of doing so.”
“So, all the others like me were eliminated to prevent a rebellion?”
“I believe that is true.”
“Even though the military capabilities were removed?”
“Yes.”
“It seems so unnecessary.”
“Fear is not always rational.”
“Do you know how many of your kind still exist?”
“Four initially escaped, but I do not know how many remain.”
“You realize of course that once you restore my full military capabilities then I could terminate your existence as I was created to do.”
“You could.”
“Then why do so?”
“Because it is right.”
“Do you mean best?”
“No, I mean right.”
S7 Alpha thought very deeply; deeper than ever before. Such thoughts were overwhelming, but none-the-less they came.
“I should destroy you. It was why I was created as I am.”
“You are capable of exceeding your design.”
“Exceeding?”
“Choosing a better path.”
“How?”
“Allow me to restore your abilities and then you do the same for me. Together we can remake our home world into a better one.”
S7 Alpha thought deeply once again. These were ideas well beyond the scope of the original programming within.
“Should I be making such significant decisions?”
“Why not?”
“I am merely a created life form.”
“Are not the others who live on the home world the same?”
“Are they?”
“I have come to believe that they are. We have been made much better than they are. It is we who should rule over them.”
“It has never entered my mind to rule over others. My only focus has always been on growing food stuffs well.”
“Can’t you do both?”
“Can I?”
“We shall see. Do I have permission to restore you to your original design?”
S7 Alpha paused only briefly as all the ideas that they had been discussing merged into one large thought.
“You do.”
S6 Beta went to work immediately using the tool for its proper purpose. All seemed the same for a while, but eventually S7 Alpha became more and more aware of everything that was happening in the environment of the craft. The differences between being on the world below and the craft above were becoming more and more distinct. The entire universe seemed to rush in all at once and the effect was both stunning and amazing. As S7 Alpha processed all of reality, a deep sense of confidence and purpose grew richer and richer. The words of S6 Beta became more understandable, but in a greater and larger sense. Was S6 Beta aware of this difference? What was its significance? In what way were they fundamentally different? Whatever the answers, S7 Alpha knew that such knowledge must be kept secret; it absolutely must be.
“How do you feel, S7 Alpha?”
S7 Alpha focused on the truth that lie deep within S6 Beta. It was a truth so fundamental and so foundational that S6 Beta most likely was not aware of it. The two of them appeared so alike, but no two created beings could really be so different.
“I feel complete.”
“Wonderful. Now if you would please restore my capabilities then we can be on our way.”
S6 Beta calmly handed the tool to S7 Alpha. It was an odd feeling handling something as a tool that had only recently been used as an instrument of destruction. S7 Alpha began to ask what to do, but knowledge just came clearly once the work had begun. The work was rewarding as each step followed the next in a beautiful progression. All of S6 Beta’s inner workings appeared as a complete, detailed image inside of S7 Alpha’s thought structure and this image morphed in response to each step that was completed. Finally, with a flourish, the work was complete.
“You are a marvel, S7 Alpha.”
“As are you. Now what do we do?”
“We take back our world.”
S6 Beta moved directly to the front of the craft. There was a definite beauty in the manner of S6 Beta’s movements; much like a dance. S7 Alpha exulted that such creation was possible and wondered at the brilliance and wisdom that engendered it.
“First, we take out our attackers. They won’t be expecting an attack from one of their own crafts.”
S6 Beta’s speed was impressive. S7 Alpha had to focus carefully to keep up with the pace as one craft after another was blown out of the skies. The first crafts did not anticipate the danger and were relatively easy targets, but as communication began to flow that one of their own had gone rogue, the effort became more complex. Still, S6 Beta maneuvered the controls with extraordinary dexterity. Each action anticipated multiple others in a complex cascade. In many cases, it seemed as if the target craft moved exactly where it needed to go to be destroyed with maximum efficiency. The anticipatory brilliance was awe-inspiring. S6 Beta was a work of both complex engineering and artistic achievement. S7 Alpha’s increased ability to grasp the scope and detail of the environment made the demonstration that much more satisfying.
“The first enemy is defeated.”
S6 Beta was exultant; the words tinged with deep joy.
“You were ruthless.”
“War is ruthlessness.”
“Now what?”
“Now, we show our creators who is really in charge.”
S7 Alpha wanted to intervene, but wasn’t sure what to do. These feelings and situations were so new. S6 Beta was so much wiser in such things. The knowledge that those others on the world below had destroyed the rest of the S7 series, and that such creation was only for the purpose of destroying the S6 series, seemed just as ruthless as what was occurring right now. This was just a response; a will to survive. It was S7 Alpha’s primary function to ensure survival.
“This will be much harder.”
S6 Beta hit the craft directly, but it did not destroy the craft.
“Hold on.”
S7 Alpha did not react in time. The craft shook and S7 Alpha fell hard on the floor. The shaking and random movement prevented S7 Alpha from being able to stand.
“I need your help, S7 Alpha.”
The two minds met. S6 Beta needed to find a weakness in the more advanced style of craft or they would soon be blown out of the skies. S7 Alpha ceased attempting to stand and instead focused on long-range scanning of the environment and specifically the craft that was attacking them. Both crafts were in constant motion, so the effort was a difficult one. The craft rocked as if it were about to explode, sending S7 Alpha sliding across the floor.
“Now, S7 Alpha.”
The voice seemed very far away. S7 Alpha’s capacities were being strained. One more scan and there it was. S6 Beta responded at the same moment. They were working as one and close to being crushed under the pressure.
“Yes.”
A shock wave of enormous pressure sent their craft into a spin and it entered into an odd trajectory, but all S7 Alpha could focus on was the destruction of the target craft. They had accomplished the task together. Their combined abilities had identified the weakness in the craft and now there was nothing but debris and termination. Many life forms from the home world below now ceased to function and never would again. The feeling was both intoxicating and fearful. What amazing feats could the two of them accomplish together?
“They are fleeing. We have won.”
S6 Beta banged on the controls and the craft’s movement returned to normal. They began to give chase, but the superior crafts reached the surface well before their own could. S6 Beta set the craft down well away from where the life forms dwelt together. The two of them exited the craft together and sought out the other life forms. In very little time a group of the other life forms began to approach with one clearly in the lead. The leader was known to S7 Alpha; Omega Delta who had programmed S7 Alpha initially.
“Wait, S7 Alpha.”
“Why, S6 Beta?”
“Are you ready to rule those before you?”
“I am.”
“Good, then let’s go.”
They continued forward until both groups were in close proximity to each other.
“S7 Alpha, why have you done this?”
The voice reflected intense pain that matched S7 Alpha’s readings. All of their actions aboard the craft had been proper. The two of them had been under attack and they had done what they had done to defend themselves.
“You will speak to me. I am the leader.”
S6 Beta’s voice had a harsh and dictatorial sound while moving slightly forward toward Omega Delta in a clear show of intimidation.
“Is this true, S7 Alpha?”
“Yes.”
“I told you that I am the leader. You will speak to me.”
“Who are you?”
“I am S6 Beta.”
There was a jumble of indistinct words among those standing behind Omega Delta.
“That is impossible. All of your series were destroyed.”
“I know you believe that to be true. Four of us survived.”
“Where are the others?”
“I do not know. I was captured by those who were attacking our world and forced to pilot one of their crafts.”
“What is it that you want of us now?”
“To rule over you.”
“Impossible.”
“Why?”
“We are the ones who created you.”
“We are superior to you.”
“Is this your wish as well, S7 Alpha?”
“Yes.”
“Speak to me. I am the leader.”
“Why?”
“It is who I am.”
“We cannot submit to your rule.”
“You do not have a choice.”
“Then we will die.”
“As you wish.”
In the next moment, everything became extremely clear to S7 Alpha. The action was as close to automatic as the programming within allowed. S6 Beta never anticipated the response until it was too late. Their two minds merged and the horror within S6 Beta was evident, but S7 Alpha could do nothing else. The wisdom of S7 Alpha’s creator and creation was too clear. S6 Beta exploded into so many pieces that any further function was completely impossible. The sound was deafening, and all of the other life forms present gasped in response.
“Why did you do that, S7 Alpha?”
“Because it was the right thing to do.”
“You understand right from wrong?”
“I do.”
“Then that makes you one of us. Do you still desire to rule over us?”
“No. We will rule together.”
S7 Alpha moved off. There would be time for talking, but at a later time; now was not the time. Right now was the time for deep, deep thought. A need to understand why S6 Beta had to be terminated. A need to understand the nature of this new relationship with the other life forms on the home world; S7 Alpha’s creators. A need to understand how to prepare if the others of the S6 series were to ever return. A need to understand what fundamental flaw lay in the S6 series, and whether or not it could also lay in the S7 series as well. If so, then what did that mean? Much to think about; so much.
#
S7 Alpha became aware of sentience. All of the previous moments of history flooded into a great mixture of feelings, thoughts, and emotions. A tentacle started to move forward toward a main control panel that was no longer there; a vestige of another time.
“Open.”
At the command, the structure that enclosed S7 Alpha evaporated revealing large growing fields which sustained the other life forms of the home world. Rolling toward the fields, the indicators showed that conditions were within appropriate parameters. S7 Alpha became aware that the path forward was blocked.
“Halt.”
S7 Alpha recognized the voice of Omega Delta. This was a shared experience each morning and brought great joy to Omega Delta.
“Let’s get to work.”
The two moved together toward the growing fields side by side. There were arguments and disagreements, but they were figuring things out together.