Who killed Jonas Harper? The Under Arcology has a thousand different theories on who killed him.
It was the Great Tree Spirit, a New Dreamtime Elder would say Who was angered by the representative of the men of steel.
It was the Comrade of Steam! an enthusiastic Steam Unionist would exclaim The ghost of the first Unionist, his body transformed into Steam! He came out of the pipes and destroyed the oppressor of the people!
I dont know, a more rational person would say It was probably another Undergangster, under orders from their corporate overlords.
All that was certain was that Jonas was dead, that the influence of the Unlimited Horizons Corporation on the Under Arcology was severely diminished and that the vultures were already swarming around his corpse.
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Charles Robertson, CEO of the United Horizons Corporation, angrily stared at Archer Helmore, the CEO of Southern Cross Industries, who was laughing at him over video conference.
Oh how the mighty have fallen! Archer said, parroting off a phrase that had been used by a popular newspaper reporting the demise of the United Horizons Corporation. Lower-than-expected earnings my arse, you are practically bankrupt! For the first time in forever youve had to sell off your precious 51% share in your company! Youre more vulnerable than ever before! Archer continued to laugh. Charles rubbed his temples. The CEOs of the Big Five maintained an air of civility in meetings and in video calls on the rare occasion they met. Even if they hated each other, they acted like civilized human beings in these occasions. Well, all of them except Archer. The United Horizons CEOs have always been a bit unusual.
I have better things to do than listen to your drunken ramblings Helmore, Charles said as he moved to end the call.
Im not drunk! Archer responded indignantly, Im merely high on the vapours of victory. Because, what is it that my kids say all the time, oh yeah YOU HAVE MADE A FATEFUL ERROR!!! Archer said the last part of his rant in a screeching voice, impersonating a villain from a popular childrens cartoon show.
What error? Charles asked cautiously.
We at Southern Cross Industries, Archer began, suddenly taking a more serious tone Have been undermining your corporation for years. Well, for anyone who is tapping into this conversation let me assure you that I was only using perfectly legal methods. But thats beside the point. The point is that soon that you and everyone who stands with you will come crumbling back down to where you belong.
Are you crazy?! Charles responded, starting to raise his voice Do you think that the other three will stand for this? They will block your efforts, doing something like this will break the fragile balance that keeps this city in harmony!
Balance shmalnce. Archer responded in a mocking tone A war has been on the cards for almost a decade now. And besides, who says I am doing this without help? Charles struggled not to react to his sudden realisation of what was going on. It all made sense now, why the Southern Cross Industries was so willing to cooperate in a partnership with the Australis Corporation that would see their corporation gain very little. This must have been the payment that Archer demanded in response: the complete destruction of the Unlimited Horizons Industries.
Thats what I wanted to see! Archer said enthusiastically The look on your face when you realised what was going on! Hah, to think that I would be honoured with the privilege of taking down the corporation that represents everything wrong with this country. Ever since your great-grandfather-
Patriarch. Charles instinctively responded. Charles was the great-grandson of Harold Robertson, the single most influential man in 21st Century Australia. His brilliance brought the Unlimited Horizons Corporation and Australia to the greatest heights, but his illness brought both the country and the corporation to its knees. It was not because of his familys influence that he had got the position, he started at the bottom of the company and worked all the way to the top as was traditional. The Patriarch is a reminder of the failures of entrusting power in one man without proper safeguards ensuring that he was competent.
Whatever, Archer dismissed The point is, your corporation destroyed everything that was good about this country and left it how it is now. It is a stain on our country and it is one I plan to remove forever. And there is nothing you can do about it. Enjoy your new life of squalor you- Whatever remark that Archer was going to finish with was cut off by Charles disconnecting the call. He was in a bad situation, but it was salvageable thanks to that idiots blubbering. He made preparations to call his senior advisors into the room, he had to prepare.
****************
Archer Helmore had a short chuckle and then closed the communication program. He reached under his desk and pulled out the good stuff this was cause for celebration. He was about to pour a glass, but then Elizabeth, his assistant, burst into the room.
M-Mr Helmore, what on Earth do you think you are doing? Elizabeth said in an extremely shocked and mildly angry tone.
Ah, Elizabeth! said Archer What perfect timing, I was just about to pour out some of the good stuff!
Sir, its not even midday. Elizabeth replied, in a calmer tone Besides, you have a meeting with the military committee in an hour.
Rats. Archer said disappointedly as he put his flask away.
But thats beside the point, Elizabeth said, raising her voice slightly What were you doing talking to our major competitor?!
Its alright, Archer replied I didnt tell him anything he couldnt have worked out on his own. And he cant do anything about it anyway, worst case scenario hell enact some hare-brained scheme that will blow up in face.
Still, sir, Elizabeth replied Please take more care in the future. These next few days are of extreme importance. Although she might just seem like a simple assistant to most, Archer considered her the most valuable asset that he had in his arsenal. She was descended from a group of English expats who migrated to Australia just before the wars started, it obviously influenced her accent. She was young, but she was extremely organized. She focused Archers energy in a way that made him infinitely more productive, at least thats how Archer felt anyway.
On an equally important topic sir, Elizabeth continued We need to prepare for the meeting. Archer made a dismissive sound.
Its Eddys meeting, Archer replied Hell be answering most of the questions. A couple of years ago Edward Blackburn, the CEO of the Australis Corporation, approached him to cooperate on a new military contract. Apparently Southern Cross Industries had acquired key patents that the Australis Corporation would need to create their Tankdrones. Archer agreed to the partnership on the proviso that they work together to bring down the Unlimited Horizons Corporation, he accepted and they have been working together ever since.
Yes, Elizabeth countered But it would be extremely detrimental if you were asked a basic question that you didnt know the answer to. Archer sighed.
Alright, alright, youve convinced me. Archer conceded. Hit me.
What are the D-503s? Elizabeth asked, taking the role of the bureaucrats that would be questioning him.
The D-503s, Archer answered Known to the public as the Tankdrones are semi-automated tanks designed to mitigate the disadvantages of the Australian military.
Elaborate. Elizabeth responded.
Well, Archer began Usually a normal tank would require a crew of about a half-dozen men to operate, not including maintenance staff. However, Australia has limited manpower unlike many other nations. Our Tankdrones share a similar philosophy to the pre-war United States drone program, one person will be operating one D-503 from a safe distance. The operating range covers most of the planned expansion routes this year, so most of the time your soldiers can simply stay inside the Arcology. Although our field tests have been very promising, they will not completely replace the need for conventional military forces, but it will reduce the amount needed and hence reduce casualties.
Very good. Elizabeth said encouragingly. Will there be any artificial intelligence in the D-503s?
Very little, Archer answered Although these tanks are based on designs of Autotanks most of the artificial intelligence has been removed due to security concerns. No one wants our weapons to suddenly defect to the other side. On that note, our engineers have put the D-503s through a series of security tests and they have withstood hacking attempts much more advanced than the average machine on the outside.
You have talked about the combat abilities against mechanical foes, Elizabeth continued How about against hostile human inhabitants? Archer pondered for a moment. Those who lived outside the walls were known as the Sandmen, they were an extremely violent group of people. Their society was similar to the one portrayed in that film that his college roommate always went on about Insane Ivan or something? Although Archer couldnt remember if that film had giant death robots in it or not. Regardless, they had a well-earned reputation for being violent and many immigrants from beyond the wall often had trouble assimilating into the Arcology.
It should be effective, Archer answered after thinking it over As far as our current understanding goes they mainly use modified automobiles in combat, the D-503s should be able to easily to overwhelm them. To properly integrate them into society and to protect our colonies we will probably need a dedicated infantry presence, but as I said earlier D-503s cannot completely replace conventional military forces.
Excellent, Elizabeth responded cheerfully Thats all we needed to cover, Im sure for the more technical questions can be redirected to Mr Blackburn. Archer smiled.
By my watch we still have half-an-hour before we have to leave, Archer said. Elizabeth perked up.
W-would you like a back massage, Mr Helmore? Elizabeth asked excitedly.
That would be marvellous. He said while smiling. Elizabeth locked his door and closed the blinds. As they prepared for his back massage, Archer thought of Elizabeth she truly was something.
****************
Charles rang the doorbell on the large mansion, unlike almost all houses in the Upper Arcology it was an actual bell. Like almost all everything that Xingjiang "George" Guang owned, it had a lot of traditional Chinese (or at least Asian) influences. Charles was reluctant to approach the Xingjiang group, but they were quickly running out of options. With the dissolution of the Harper Family, organizing Undergang based sabotage of Australis and Southern Cross assets was impossible. With limited resources and influence, they were left with very little options outside of the Athaliah Protocol, which was truly a last resort, and seeking support from another one of the Big Five. Poly-Blanche was too paranoid to be useful after the incident, which left the Xingjiang group.
Two young maids opened the door and curtsied. They were both of Asian descent, but they had red hair and amber eyes. Not red as in orange, red as in fire truck. Surprisingly, they had probably not dyed their hair, nor would they be wearing lenses. The Xingjiang Group was rumoured to perform illegal genetic experiments; Charles would not be surprised if these twins were a result of that.
Mr Xingjiang is in the tea room, one of the maids said He is expecting you. This way please. Charles continued to ponder the situation as he walked down the corridor, doing business at this high a level requires intense planning. The Xingjiang Group is potentially the most influential of the Big Five, but they are amongst the most passive and the most factional. George had managed to unite the factions in the group together, but still they have remained passive. It is like they are waiting or preparing for something, although nobody knew what.
Charles entered the tea room and the maids introduced him to the two men in the room, George and his translator. George can speak perfectly fluent English (he even has an English nickname for goodness sake), but he always insists on having a translator speak for him. Charles doesnt pretend to understand why pretty much all of the important people in this city are so damned eccentric, he has just learned to deal with it.
Greetings Mr Robertson, Georges translator translated Please, have some tea. Charles thanked George and drank some tea. After pleasantries were exchanged for a few minutes, Charles felt confident enough to begin the real conversation.
As you are no doubt aware, Charles began The Unlimited Horizons Corporation is in trouble. I have recently discovered that this was a move made by Southern Cross Industries and the Australis Corporation. I know our two groups dont see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but I know that you favour stronger leadership than what we have. Furthermore, the dismantling of my group will destroy the balance of power that has maintained this city. I ask, no, I beg for an alliance with you so we may combat their schemes. The translator began to translate the message, but George stopped him. George looked Charles straight in the eyes and responded to him in fluent English.
Mr Robertson, George began You have a misunderstanding of my ideals. While we agree that we need strong leadership, you seem to believe that any form of strong leadership is desirable. That is false, the strong leadership needs to be legitimate. In my country, we have a principal called the mandate of heaven. God determines who has the right to rule and he can take away that right to rule. Your grandfather held the mandate at one time, but it was taken away by God. You claim that your machine has a mandate, but how can a machine have a mandate to rule over humans? Although one does not usually object to someone as important as this, Charles could not let that slide.
The SORCER is not WINDSOR, Charles replied It merely dispenses advi- George made a loud ah sound, interrupting Charles.
One day a man with the mandate will appear, George replied I am sure of this. But I do not think you believe this, so unfortunately I must decline your offer for an alliance. George abruptly ended his speech and a stony silence descended. Charles got up without saying proper farewells and started to walk out.
I could be wrong. George said, just as Charles was about to walk out of earshot. Perhaps the Mandate could have transferred back to you and your machine. If you can prove that, then
then I will support you. Charles paused momentarily and resumed his walk out of the room without responding. As soon as he was outside, he pulled out his mobile and rang his assistant.
2 Kings 11:12 Charles said lifelessly into the phone.
Commander, his assistant on the other end responded I cannot recommend this course of action. A coup with our current resources could-
Follow your orders. Charles said, cutting off her objection.
Yes commander. the assistant responded. Charles terminated the call and prepared himself for battle.
****************
Maria Blanche drank coffee as she watched her children play from the comfort of her favourite chair. Of course they were created outside of the womb, she had no time to get pregnant after all, but they were still her children. Personally, she didnt understand the point of children, but she had done it because it is what her father would have wanted. Something about carrying on the family name or some such. Maria thought that all of that would be irrelevant once their vision came to fruition, it was probably just something about being French.
I saw something interesting as I was coming here, Leon Vasquez said. He was sitting on the other end of the coffee table, Maria didnt have any time to prepare he had bothered her on her afternoon off, so they were forced into having a casual meeting. Charles Robertson was walking outside of Xingjiangs house and he didnt look too happy.
Oh? Maria replied as she quickly processed the information. I doubt it will be a problem. He probably went to Xingjiang for help and was refused. Best thing that would happen is that they waste a bunch resources helping him out at some point in the future. But thats not why you contacted me, isnt it?
There are two things, Leon replied One good, one bad.
Lets start with the bad. Maria said bitterly.
Although we couldnt find the leak, we traced the website, Leon replied. Maria didnt need to ask which website, as soon as the website with some scarily accurate information about the Cyber Vampires went up Maria knew. Someone was sending her a message and she needed to know who. And according to all our equipment, it appears to be hosted in Manila. Maria was obviously surprised at this revelation.
Our information networks have found that the Authority had created a new Cyberwarefare division, Maria replied But something like that
no, that should be impossible. Ill have to contact someone in the government about this. Well, what is the good news?
Our agents believe they have located the Xingjiang compound. Leon replied. Marias frown quickly turned into a grin that would have put the Cheshire Cat to shame.
Excellent, Maria responded, unable to remove the glee from her voice Make the preparations for the strike.
****************
Lien Huan, a.k.a Xingjiang "George" Guangs translator, looked upon his Regents handiwork. Almost a hundred people in vats lined the walls, each of them completely naked and covered in a green fluid. Each one of them was unconscious, a large tube connected to their mouth and dozens of needles sticking into their skin being the only things connecting them to the outside world.
I can see that the Three Yakuza have acquired a new specimen, Guang said in Mandarin Tell me about her. Of course Huans duties were not just limited to pretending to be his boss translator. One of his more important duties was to meet with the Undergangs which was something that would be extremely unwise for the old Xingjiang to do.
Her name is Elizabeth ONeil, Huan explained, also in Mandarin She was an Under Arcology crew manager, she was well liked and was considered a good leader. As for the reason why she was not brought to us sooner
well, as you can see she is not attractive in the slightest. Guang looked at the unconscious woman to understand. Elizabeth was almost 200cms tall and was built like a lumberjack, only her proportionately large breasts gave away the fact that she was female. Guang gave out a healthy laugh at hearing this, not because he found her appearance funny but simply as the constant misunderstanding that they had with the Three Yakuza.
How many times do we need to tell them to focus on the mind? Guang asked, a rhetorical question Physical characteristics are simple to alter, but traits such as leadership, fairness and ambition are as hard to engineer as they are to understand. But it matters not, with this specimen we will be one step closer to the realization of the future. Praise be unto the unborn Emperor.
Praise be. Huan replied. He looked upon the hundreds of scientists, working tirelessly around the clock to give birth to the perfect human, the prefect ruler. The ruler of us all.
