Interlude 7: The Tinder Box (An interlude in the space opera serial ‘Androids’ Dream: of Heaven, He

a misdirection

The Tinder Box

(An interlude in the space opera serial ‘Androids’ Dream: of Heaven, Hell, Dragons and other things’)

Zurester Mavenworth was the Federation Governor of the Topaz System. It consisted of twelve planets and thirty-three moons; all colonized. He was one of the few governors who belonged to the order of Neo-Mages; a powerful warrior society of sorcerer of mystics who enforced the law and kept order amongst the Solaris Federation’s Jeweled Worlds. He just received news from his personal bodyguard and trusted confidante that there was an android spy in his inner circle. The Governor needed to root out this spy at all costs. If the spy gained access to the secrets contained in the ‘Hera Project’, it could prove catastrophic. He summoned his counsel to report to him immediately.

“I’ve gathered you all here to discuss a matter of utmost importance. All systems are ready for operation. The Hera project is a success. All of you know many of the details concerning this project but you don’t know it’s real purpose. I’ve led you all to believe that it was a weapon that would decimate planetary infostructures. This was a top, top secret project and only a few know it’s real purpose. I can now reveal that the Hera Light scrambles the neural conductors of the androids’ brain receptors. We can then reprogram them once again to do our will. Our first target is Earth Prime. In two days, those machines will be groveling at our feet.” The Governor surveyed the room looking for any signs of alarm or distress on the faces of his supposed inner circle.

Most of the council members pounded on the table to show their approval. One of the members, Lenwood Briarwood, actually got out of his chair and did a jig. But Patema Pinkerton, the governor’s chief ambassador remained silent, she even looked distressed.

“So, it’s you!” screamed the governor.

“How could you turn on your own people.” The governor turned towards his bodyguard and said, “Seize the traitor.”

The Ambassador couldn’t believe what she just heard, she said,

“Are you mad, Zurester. I’m as loyal to the federation as you. I’m just against robbing a whole race of free will. They’re more than just machines, they're people. My replicant brother is one of them. You’ve known me for most of my life, how can you make such an accusation?"

“The governor came over to her, grabbed her by the chin and said, “The most trusted and renowned make the best spies, such a waste, send her to the interrogation room.”

“How can you do this, what evidence to you have?” wailed the ambassador.

“My gut feeling is all the evidence I need, get her out of my sight.”

…………….

Patema was stripped naked and strapped on a gurney. A man and woman loomed over her with twisted smiles. The one nearest placed a device between her breasts and said:

“You will feel intense pain every time you give an answer that we find to be untruthful. Let me demonstrate.”

She screamed. Her insides were on fire. “Now, tell us…. You’re not authorized… WAIT! DON’T SHOOT….” Patema fainted dead away.

Governor we are placing you under arrest for the attempted neural rape of the Android Nation. Don’t attempt to use your sorcery as those powers have been nullified, said Lenwood Briarwood, Vice Governor, and an old friend of Magus Mavenworth. At least when he was totally human but his brain was replaced with an artificial one years ago.

The governor said, “It was a ruse, we have no such weapon, I just wanted to weed out the spy.”

“One hell of a miscalculation, Zurester, it made us move up our timetable.” said a grinning Lenwood.

When Patema woke from her faint, Pinkerton Linkhorn, her replicant brother, smiled, and said, “We have no intention of ruling this system. Your council has appointed you acting governor. It’s time to talk about: trade, treaties, and future alliances…