Escape Vector - Prologue

White robes in the light wind, the two figures stare up upon a great night sky at the very top of the Centarius Corporation Building. Stars shining down, light even more intense with the City State of Alphaeus-Central’s altitude of seven thousand meters.

A cigarette is burned, the older figure sighing as the smoke is blown away. His raspy voice speaks. “We’re close Sentinel. So very close.”

The young man remains silent, his straight frame staring into the distance.

“I hope you understand how critical this expedition is.” He continues. “If you fail, we lose everything the Order has worked towards. Four hundred years, all gone.”

“The Expedition won’t fail.” The young man assures.

“Oh it will fail, despite your protests” He takes another drag from the lit cigarette. “That is why we need Consortium support for this matter.”

“Involving the Consortium…” The young man stops. “All due respect Elder, but involving them… it could be disastrous.”

“Would you rather we ask the Syndicate?” The Elder asks.

“I would rather not ask any other force for assistance at all.” He replies. “I do not understand why they would…”

A raised hand stops the lower ranking man, the last bite of the cigarette evaporating into thin air. “Understand this Initiate: the Elders have made their choice. Do not question their decision.”

The young man grunts as he stares at the moonlit face of the old man. “I am only seeking the success of…”

“Success of what?” The Elder cuts him off coldly. “This matter is much more personal isn’t it?”

“It is.” The young man admits. “I can’t work with the selected Consortium crew. It’s…”

“You will have to work with them. As is expected of you.”

The Sentinel growls under his voice. “Elder, I must protest this. There can be no…”

“Sentinel Daniel Perez.” The Elder cuts. “You swore an oath to humanity itself. Do your duty to the best of your ability. The Order demands that of you.”

For a moment the brown eyes of the young man stare at a broken moon, the ring of debris from the Old Wars struck like a match from a distant sun.

“I understand.”

“Good.” The Elder smiles. “The expedition will be allotted three A.I. cores. One of them will be an Alpha Level Personality.”

Eyes wide, the young man turns. “An Alpha Level A.I.?”

“It is necessary.” He assures. “We are dedicating as many resources as we can into this expedition.”

“Is it not appropriate then to send the entire fleet?” The young man asks. “It wouldn’t be wise to just…”

The Elder snaps. “The cover story will have the Consortium escort a corporate salvage team in hostile airspace. Do you understand now, Sentinel?”

The young man sighs. “I understand.”

“Good.” He smiles. “We are done here Sentinel, you may leave.”

“Yes Elder.” The young man bows, turning back towards the roof access door.

“Oh.” The man speaks up suddenly. “And one more thing.”

Daniel Perez stops in his tracks.

“Do not allow personal matters to complicate this. If it does, the Order will have to resort to… certain solutions.”

“Do not worry Elder.” The young man answers. “My father’s presence will not affect my performance.”

“Good.” The Elder smiles. “Very good.”