10.10
10.10 - Halloween
October 31, 2039 - Monday 5:00PM
President Sanchez: I’m glad to finally be here in Strangetown. It’s such a small place but it’s been a major contributor to the moon colonization. You all should feel incredibly proud.
Buzz: Thank you Madam President. We’ve all put in a lot of hard work trying to pull this off.
President Sanchez: Mission accomplished. The Unkians have begun their preliminary work so you’ll notice a few climate changes but everyone will be on the moon by the end of November, so the planet restoration can begin full swing.
Now, on to the reason I’m here. The tragedy of Death Valley and the virus that Mr. Beaker claims to have cured. I’ve read your report General Grunt and I’m ready to get the full story.
Loki: Before we hear from the General, Madam President, I want to acknowledge my role in this heinous crime, but I only acted according to orders.
Donna: The charges against my client should be dropped. He did warn the government about the terrorist actions of General Grunt and should be commended.
President Sanchez: We are not here to determine the guilt or innocence of your client. I’ve made arrangements in Mr. Beaker’s favor, but he must still face murder charges, cure or no cure.
As for his role in Death Valley, I can’t put complete blame on General Grunt. In 2015, we didn’t know if the aliens were friendly or hostile. I commend General Grunt for taking steps to increase national security.
Donna: Madam President, Death Valley was no minor casualty. People died for the sake of developing this virus, which by the way didn’t work in killing aliens or creating some type of human superiority. And now he’s tried to do it again and you’re just slapping him on the hand.
President Sanchez: Ms. Murphy, contain yourself or I will ask you to leave. Frankly it’s against my better judgment allowing you to be in here, but for your client’s sake I’ve allowed you to stay. However if you have one more outburst that stops this meeting, I will have my security usher you out. General, please fill in the blanks.
Buzz: Death Valley was a major tragedy that I have to live with that everyday. My goal was to give humans an upper hand. Our initial tests were positive but shortly into the project, the volunteers began to die or become zombies that later died. However, their children developed positive side effects from their exposure, immunity to disease.
Recent recent tests did focus on killing aliens while giving humans increased abilities. We have yet to discover any enhanced abilities in humans but none of them have become zombies, which I’m thankful for. Working with Lt. Col. Galoxx these past few months has really opened my eyes. I put out an order to stop using the virus but Mr. Beaker proceeded on his own.
When I learned of his deceptions, I reached out to Mr. Curious to focus on my original goal in creating humans that were superior and we’ve had tremendous success. My intention was not to go to war with aliens, but given we are about to explore the unknown in space, we need to offer humans protection that is far more advanced then soldiers currently enrolled in the service. You will see, Madam President, they are the future of the military.
Vidcund: Considering the mess Mr. Beaker left, I am highly pleased with the outcome. I realized that Loki’s version of the virus altered human DNA but in doing so, it destroyed all vital systems either killing humans or creating zombies.
To be successful, they needed injections at the right stages to make sure the DNA modifications stayed in place. These soldiers were mere embryos months ago and now they are full adults that are disease resistant, highly intelligent, and physically stronger than the average weight lifter.
President Sanchez: I must say that I am anxious to see the soldiers! I am also curious to see the zombies that you have. There must be some practical application for them. You said in your report that one of them is the mother of Ophelia Nigmos, is that correct?
Buzz: Yes.
President Sanchez: Does she know?
Buzz: She believes her mother died of the same disease that killed all the others of Death Valley. Somehow Willow outlived all the others.
President Sanchez: Interesting. Have you given any thought to the proposal?
Buzz: Well, so much has happened in the last few weeks that I haven’t explored it any farther.
The others around the table looked around confused. The President smiled.
President Sanchez: Days ago, I called the General with an idea. As you’ve all heard there was a major breakdown at Sim Cybernetics and all the robots Ms. Nigmos was creating were destroyed. With the Unkians already starting preliminary work, there is no turning back.
If you recall your first meeting with Ms. Nigmos, she introduced a robot she calls Adam. They were attempting to graft skin to his robotic shell. With this in mind, I proposed to General Buzz a rather radical project and Mr. Curious, you might be able to tell us if this is possible. I would like to see about meshing the soldiers you’ve created with robotic implants. What better way to begin a new phase of life than the marriage of genetically superior beings with mechanically superior programming? With the rate of reproduction of your soldiers, we could have a small army of truly super warriors in no time.
Nebleb thought she would choke. She made eye contact with Buzz and noted that he didn’t seem happy at all.
Nebleb: I thought the purpose of the General’s soldiers was to offer protection. You speak as if we are going to war.
President Sanchez: No, but being prepared is always a plus. With so many people crammed on an unknown planet, so much could go wrong. These soldiers could maintain order. Especially once we return to the planet. I do see that some of you have to digest the idea. I’m meeting with Ms. Nigmos before I leave town to discuss this idea and several others I have. Can we begin our tour of the labs and I can fill you all in.
Ten minutes later, they stood inside the secret facility on the base.
Buzz: We have over 40 soldiers but these are the top 5 that I wanted you to see. Each one has special skills. Vidcund was able to give them some alien powers while maintaining humanoid bodies.
President Sanchez: Impressive.
Buzz took the President around the room to meet each of the soldiers as they worked out. Vidcund explained their special skills while Loki stood to the side, angry that he wasn’t able to have any input. The President congratulated them all for their work. She pulled Buzz to the side.
President Sanchez: General, have you field-tested your team as of yet?
Buzz: No, they are still receiving training.
President Sanchez: I wonder if I may borrow them for a mission. I have a thorn in my side that really needs to be taken care of. I think they would be able to handle the problem discretely and effectively.
Buzz: I don’t know.
President Sanchez: It’s a matter of national security. I don’t ask this lightly, but the person directed to handle the situation has gone to the other side. General, I will make sure you get whatever you need to continue your project.
Buzz took his time answering, he knew the President would get her way whether he supported it or not.
Buzz: Yes, you may use them.
President Sanchez: Good. Have them meet me at the local FBI headquarters in thirty minutes.
Buzz and the President continued downstairs to the zombie holding area. As the President pressed her nose against the glass like a child, he pulled Nebleb aside.
Buzz: The President asked to use the team tonight. I don’t know what’s going on but I’m worried.
Nebleb: I think this has something to do with Jill.
Buzz: Why would you say that?
Nebleb: Just a hunch.
Buzz: Can you find out for sure? If they are after Jill, we have to stop them!
Nebleb: Don’t worry Buzz, I can handle it.
Part 10.11
October 31, 2039 - Monday 5:00PM
President Sanchez: I’m glad to finally be here in Strangetown. It’s such a small place but it’s been a major contributor to the moon colonization. You all should feel incredibly proud.
Buzz: Thank you Madam President. We’ve all put in a lot of hard work trying to pull this off.
President Sanchez: Mission accomplished. The Unkians have begun their preliminary work so you’ll notice a few climate changes but everyone will be on the moon by the end of November, so the planet restoration can begin full swing.
Now, on to the reason I’m here. The tragedy of Death Valley and the virus that Mr. Beaker claims to have cured. I’ve read your report General Grunt and I’m ready to get the full story.
Loki: Before we hear from the General, Madam President, I want to acknowledge my role in this heinous crime, but I only acted according to orders.
Donna: The charges against my client should be dropped. He did warn the government about the terrorist actions of General Grunt and should be commended.
President Sanchez: We are not here to determine the guilt or innocence of your client. I’ve made arrangements in Mr. Beaker’s favor, but he must still face murder charges, cure or no cure.
As for his role in Death Valley, I can’t put complete blame on General Grunt. In 2015, we didn’t know if the aliens were friendly or hostile. I commend General Grunt for taking steps to increase national security.
Donna: Madam President, Death Valley was no minor casualty. People died for the sake of developing this virus, which by the way didn’t work in killing aliens or creating some type of human superiority. And now he’s tried to do it again and you’re just slapping him on the hand.
President Sanchez: Ms. Murphy, contain yourself or I will ask you to leave. Frankly it’s against my better judgment allowing you to be in here, but for your client’s sake I’ve allowed you to stay. However if you have one more outburst that stops this meeting, I will have my security usher you out. General, please fill in the blanks.
Buzz: Death Valley was a major tragedy that I have to live with that everyday. My goal was to give humans an upper hand. Our initial tests were positive but shortly into the project, the volunteers began to die or become zombies that later died. However, their children developed positive side effects from their exposure, immunity to disease.
Recent recent tests did focus on killing aliens while giving humans increased abilities. We have yet to discover any enhanced abilities in humans but none of them have become zombies, which I’m thankful for. Working with Lt. Col. Galoxx these past few months has really opened my eyes. I put out an order to stop using the virus but Mr. Beaker proceeded on his own.
When I learned of his deceptions, I reached out to Mr. Curious to focus on my original goal in creating humans that were superior and we’ve had tremendous success. My intention was not to go to war with aliens, but given we are about to explore the unknown in space, we need to offer humans protection that is far more advanced then soldiers currently enrolled in the service. You will see, Madam President, they are the future of the military.
Vidcund: Considering the mess Mr. Beaker left, I am highly pleased with the outcome. I realized that Loki’s version of the virus altered human DNA but in doing so, it destroyed all vital systems either killing humans or creating zombies.
To be successful, they needed injections at the right stages to make sure the DNA modifications stayed in place. These soldiers were mere embryos months ago and now they are full adults that are disease resistant, highly intelligent, and physically stronger than the average weight lifter.
President Sanchez: I must say that I am anxious to see the soldiers! I am also curious to see the zombies that you have. There must be some practical application for them. You said in your report that one of them is the mother of Ophelia Nigmos, is that correct?
Buzz: Yes.
President Sanchez: Does she know?
Buzz: She believes her mother died of the same disease that killed all the others of Death Valley. Somehow Willow outlived all the others.
President Sanchez: Interesting. Have you given any thought to the proposal?
Buzz: Well, so much has happened in the last few weeks that I haven’t explored it any farther.
The others around the table looked around confused. The President smiled.
President Sanchez: Days ago, I called the General with an idea. As you’ve all heard there was a major breakdown at Sim Cybernetics and all the robots Ms. Nigmos was creating were destroyed. With the Unkians already starting preliminary work, there is no turning back.
If you recall your first meeting with Ms. Nigmos, she introduced a robot she calls Adam. They were attempting to graft skin to his robotic shell. With this in mind, I proposed to General Buzz a rather radical project and Mr. Curious, you might be able to tell us if this is possible. I would like to see about meshing the soldiers you’ve created with robotic implants. What better way to begin a new phase of life than the marriage of genetically superior beings with mechanically superior programming? With the rate of reproduction of your soldiers, we could have a small army of truly super warriors in no time.
Nebleb thought she would choke. She made eye contact with Buzz and noted that he didn’t seem happy at all.
Nebleb: I thought the purpose of the General’s soldiers was to offer protection. You speak as if we are going to war.
President Sanchez: No, but being prepared is always a plus. With so many people crammed on an unknown planet, so much could go wrong. These soldiers could maintain order. Especially once we return to the planet. I do see that some of you have to digest the idea. I’m meeting with Ms. Nigmos before I leave town to discuss this idea and several others I have. Can we begin our tour of the labs and I can fill you all in.
Ten minutes later, they stood inside the secret facility on the base.
Buzz: We have over 40 soldiers but these are the top 5 that I wanted you to see. Each one has special skills. Vidcund was able to give them some alien powers while maintaining humanoid bodies.
President Sanchez: Impressive.
Buzz took the President around the room to meet each of the soldiers as they worked out. Vidcund explained their special skills while Loki stood to the side, angry that he wasn’t able to have any input. The President congratulated them all for their work. She pulled Buzz to the side.
President Sanchez: General, have you field-tested your team as of yet?
Buzz: No, they are still receiving training.
President Sanchez: I wonder if I may borrow them for a mission. I have a thorn in my side that really needs to be taken care of. I think they would be able to handle the problem discretely and effectively.
Buzz: I don’t know.
President Sanchez: It’s a matter of national security. I don’t ask this lightly, but the person directed to handle the situation has gone to the other side. General, I will make sure you get whatever you need to continue your project.
Buzz took his time answering, he knew the President would get her way whether he supported it or not.
Buzz: Yes, you may use them.
President Sanchez: Good. Have them meet me at the local FBI headquarters in thirty minutes.
Buzz and the President continued downstairs to the zombie holding area. As the President pressed her nose against the glass like a child, he pulled Nebleb aside.
Buzz: The President asked to use the team tonight. I don’t know what’s going on but I’m worried.
Nebleb: I think this has something to do with Jill.
Buzz: Why would you say that?
Nebleb: Just a hunch.
Buzz: Can you find out for sure? If they are after Jill, we have to stop them!
Nebleb: Don’t worry Buzz, I can handle it.
Part 10.11