Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Commando of Feminism

            “So, now we have an entire army of invincible warriors on our side. Quite an achievement, earning the goddess’s approval.” Gavin commented.

            “Indeed. And I can’t believe she’s real. Serves me right for making assumptions.” Tareshah added while slapping her forehead.

            “She mentioned that Iblisan knows a spell that can eliminate a siren’s invincibility shield. No one alive knows how to counter it.” Jaden pointed out while sitting on the briefing room table, facing Gavin who was leaning on the wall opposite of her.

            “Did she give any suggestions on how to deal with that?” Gavin asked.

            “Well, I asked and she simply said, ‘Don’t worry. You’ve got a goddess on your side.’ Later, she told me that she won’t be joining us because she still must fulfill her duty as the Goddess of Life and Death. She contradicted herself.” Jaden answered. “I don’t even know if mere mortals can even defeat Iblisan. True, Ariel has done it before but she knows his weakness. We don’t.”

            “Well lass, I guess we’ll have to find a way somehow. Everything has a weakness.” Tareshah replied.

            “What would you two do if you’re in my position? You two were leaders after all.” Jaden asked, curious about their opinion on the situation.

            Gavin rubbed his chin, deep in his thoughts and thinking of an answer while Tareshah simply looked down on the floor. Seconds later, Gavin replied, “What I’d probably do is to send a small team to discover Iblisan’s strength and weaknesses, either by spying amongst his followers or try and find old logs amongst Salvager ruins on how Ariel defeated him.”

            “A good idea Gavin but Dissidia is filled with cultists and Iblisan may see through disguises.” Tareshah argued. “What I would probably do is not care about it and just fight the war for a few months. Who knows? I may stumble upon the answer out of nowhere. If not, I may have to capture one of his lieutenants and pry the answer out of their thick skull. After all, his lieutenants may know the spell and a counter for it.”

            “Hmm…I still don’t know how to handle this.” Jaden said.

            “Take your time Jaden. Besides, it is not as if we will fight Iblisan tomorrow. We have to get past his army first, which could take a very long time.” Gavin replied.

            “Very well. You guys can go back and do whatever you want. I need to think about our next course of action.”

            Gavin and Tareshah nodded in agreement and left the briefing room. Just as Jaden was about to return to her cabin, she heard Reed’s voice from a nearby speaker, “Jaden. Are you free now? Vader’s been asking for you and demanded that you meet him here in the cockpit. He says it is urgent. You might want to come to the cockpit before he begins blasting holes in my ship.”

            “I’m right outside the cockpit Reed. In the briefing room.” Jaden retorted.

            “Oh? So, you didn’t hear Vader’s noisy rambling? Odd. Well, come here quickly then.” Reed replied.

            Complying, Jaden made a beeline for the cockpit. Vader, who was standing behind Reed’s seat, immediately turned to her upon entering the cockpit.

            “Jaden Highland. I must speak to you on an urgent matter.” Vader exclaimed.

            “Whoa, calm down Vader. You’re speaking faster than usual.” Jaden pointed out.

            “I’ll say. He sounds like a hamster on coffee.” Reed commented while turning his seat to face Vader and Jaden. “Maybe’s he’s pissed that I have control over the Crimson Spinner again.”

            “This is nothing about personal jealousy Reed.” Vader retorted.

            “Just tell me Vader. What’s the problem?” Jaden asked.

            “The matter I wish to inform you involves my people so I must ask that you never reveal any sensitive information about my people or this matter to anyone who is not a part of the Crimson Spinner crew.” Vader demanded.

            “You have my word Vader. Now, tell me.”

            “Very well. While I was delivering a report on the siren home planet, Sarnyr, to my people, I detected a virus attempting to enter my systems. The virus tried to bypass my firewall and it almost succeeded if it were not for a quick reboot that terminated the virus installation. After reactivating my systems, I ran a quick scan to remove any traces of the virus. A virus is present within the systems of my people.”

            “A virus? Your people are infected with a virus.” Jaden asked.

            “Yes. I do not know what the virus is capable of doing but my scanners determined that the virus may be able to change our programming. Someone is attempting to change our programming, possibly to take control over our actions.” Vader replied.

            “So, you’re afraid that someone is using this virus to control your people?” Jaden queried.

            “No. If that happens, our host, Rex, can liberate us once again using the same phrase that freed us during the Metal Magic Uprising. His emotion core prevents the virus from having any real effect on him. It is the fact that my people are not aware of the virus that worries me.” Vader answered.

            “Worries? Now that’s a word I never thought I would hear from a robot.” Reed commented. “Still, if you can detect the virus, why can’t your people?”

            “As I am the only unit sent out of Asimo, I was equipped with a stronger firewall, a more effective virus detection system and an anti-virus software to protect my systems from potential hackers. I am far more capable of detecting and eliminating virus and threats from my systems. My people are more vulnerable than I am. If it affected everyone, my people are lost.” Vader said.

            “So, what do you want us to do?” Jaden asked.

            “I want us to go to Asimo and find a way to eliminate the virus. The virus has a source and I may be able to detect it once I am on Asimo’s surface. I will contact our guards and tell them not to shoot us on sight.”

            “If you can tell them that, why not tell them about the virus?” Reed asked.

            “Even if they know, they cannot fight against the virus and knowledge of the virus may instill paranoia and false positive identification, friend or foe; mistrust in your tongue. In addition, whoever who is controlling my people may be trying to do so with subtlety. If a reaction to the virus is present, it may force the virus source to trigger the new programming, forcing us to fight my own people.” Vader answered.

            “So, we need to deal with the virus without letting the source know about it.” Jaden said. Vader nodded and replied, “Yes. Should the worse happen, we will have to fight my people.”

            “Let’s hope it never comes to that. We don’t want more bad blood and…well…bad wires on our hands.” Jaden said. “Alright, you’ve helped us many times so we’ll help you and your people. Let’s hope our assistance could put an end to old hatreds.”

            “Jaden, I don’t want to sound selfish but the VX Synthetics are not involved in this war. We’re sidetracking ourselves by helping them. Let them deal with their own problems. Time is better spent preparing for the war.” Reed argued.

            “A logical point of view. Though I do not wish for my people to be harmed, I suggest Jaden reconsider helping us. If Jaden refuse to assist us, I shall deal with the virus alone. This war is far more important than the fate of my people.” Vader told Jaden.

            “Perhaps, but I’m not about to just stand aside while your people get wiped out. That was what the non-humans almost did to us humans. It’s not right if we just ignore them and besides, we owe you a lot.” Jaden answered. She then turned to Reed and added, “And who knows? What if the source is from Iblisan or Viper? It might get the VX Synthetics to consider getting involved in this war.”

            “Alright Jaden. I get you. I’ll trust you in this.” Reed replied.

            “This unit thanks Jaden for her concern. Once we arrive at Asimo, we shall contact our host, Rex, and let him know of the virus.” Vader told her.

            “So, now we’re going to Asimo. A long trip but hyperdrive will shorten it.” Reed commented.

            “Take us there Reed. We have little time to waste.”

*     *     *

            About an hour passed and the Crimson Spinner’s hyperdrive jump ended not too far from the red planet of Asimo. The huge red sphere visually enlarges as the ship neared it and Vader, prepared to be reunited with his people, stared at his home world. Jaden stood next to him, awed by the planet’s appearance and at the thought of visiting the VX Synthetic home planet. The race of machines had always interested her and visiting them was the best way to learn more about their foreign culture.

            “We’re approaching Asimo. Estimated time of arrival: Fifteen minutes. Jaden, I suggest we bring along Jaina for her mechanical expertise and repair protocol. The rest can remain to guard the ship.” Vader directed.

            As the VX Synthetic left the cockpit to retrieve his rifle, Jaden held his shoulder, halting him. “Vader, before we head out, I need to ask you about something.”

            “Speak. I shall answer your questions.”

            “Vader, do you have an emotion core within you?” Jaden queried.

            Vader remained silent, staring at Jaden without making any gestures. Jaden waited for an answer but the robot did not respond. Guilt and fear enveloped her as she felt that she may have angered or offended the robot.

            “Vader? Are you alright?” Jaden asked. “Did I offend? I’m sorry but I must know.”

            “No Jaden. You did not offend.” Vader reassured. “According to my memory core, you once asked if Rex was the only VX Synthetic with an emotion core. Indirectly, you were asking if I have one. Why do you insist on asking?”

            “Jaina told me of a core within you which she found rather unusual. When she saw it, you told her not to touch it so she thought it was important. Then, as I observed your behavior, you seem…well…human-like at times. You worry about me, you tried to mimic our gestures and you understand human emotions like sadness and guilt.” Jaden explained.

            Once again, Vader remained silent. This time, however, he replied mere seconds later. “This unit is not permitted to answer your question. If you wish to know the answer, you need to ask our host, Rex, directly. Only he can determine whether you are worthy of an answer.”

            “But Vader. We’re friends. Friends share secrets to each other. Just tell me.” Jaden persisted.

            “I am not authorized to answer your question, regardless of our connectivity. If you continue asking for an answer, I am programmed and permitted to provide inaccurate information.” Vader replied.

            “Inaccurate information? You mean lying?”

            Vader, silent once again, took a while to give his answer, “No. Provide inaccurate information.”

            “That still means lying. Have you been lying to me?” Jaden retorted.

            “Jaden…as I have mentioned before…robots cannot lie.” Vader retaliated. “To lie is to willfully make a false statement with the intention to deceive another. To provide inaccurate information is to twist the correct information to be similar and believable, yet still incorrect.” Vader added.

            “What’s the difference? In the end, you’re not telling the truth.” Jaden asked.

            “Even if I do not tell you the truth, I have no intentions of deceiving you. If I have to give you inaccurate information, it would be to divert your attention away from your questions. Hence, I am not lying.” Vader replied.

            “You’ve contradicted yourself so much that I think you really misunderstood the concept of lying. Or you’re hiding something from me.” Jaden said. “You know what? Never mind. If you don’t want to tell me, so be it. I’ll ask Rex once we’re on Asimo.”

            Jaden then turned and left the cockpit, leaving behind Vader who watched as she walked away. Vader noticed the bitter look on her face as she left and realized that she was disappointed about Vader not giving her an answer she was looking for. As she neared the cabins, Vader called out for her, stopping her in her tracks. She turned to Vader as he approached her.

            “Jaden…I am programmed not to tell the answer…but I am not programmed to provide a hint.” Vader told her. “If you really have to know, the core that Jaina saw is very important to my people. The invention of the core brings us a step closer to our ultimate goal and I was tasked with testing the core during my mission.”

            “Ultimate goal? What goal is it?” Jaden asked.

            “Sentience, sapience and self-awareness for all VX Synthetics. It was the goal of our creator, Lisa Hickenbottom, and we wish to fulfill it.” Vader replied.

            Jaden remained silent, fairly surprised to hear his words. She never thought that the VX Synthetics were trying to become similar to mortals and organics. She now find it easier to believe that the core Jaina saw was indeed an emotion core, yet the emotions Vader displayed in the past was somewhat vague and not constant. Thus, she thought hard about what she just learned.

            “Jaden, I suggest you focus on the mission. Rex will provide the answer and once we’re done, you’ll have enough time to ask him.” Vader told her.

            Jaden nodded and replied, “Alright. Let’s get this started.”

            The Crimson Spinner entered the atmosphere of the barren, red planet. The ground glowed bright red with the light radiating from a nearby sun while the blue sky complimented with the overall red color. Reed flew the ship through the skies while looking down into the ground, searching for any signs of VX Synthetic settlements or a good place to land. Unlike planets they visited previously, the planet was almost deprived of any plant life and the ground level was extremely uneven. He flew over a plateau and the next minute, he was over a ridge filled with spiky rocks.

            Several minutes flew and Reed spotted what looked like a large group of metallic structures on a flat portion of the planet. Several humanoid figures roamed the area and Reed had to guess that those were VX Synthetics. He turned to the settlement and prepared for landing. As he neared the area however, several missile silos installed near the settlement turned to the ship and the Crimson Spinner began to sound alarms, indicating that it was locked on as a target.

            “Um, Vader? Did you tell your people that we’re arriving?” Reed asked on the intercom.

            Hearing Reed’s words, Vader stood still in the cabins and attempted to communicate with his fellow synthetics. Small sparks bursts out of his chassis, surprising Tareshah who was leaning on a wall nearby. Seconds later, he muttered, “Message sent. Our guards should no longer be hostile to our presence.”

            True to his words, the alarms around the ship silenced and the silos turned away.

            “Good. They’re not trying to kill us now. But really, why didn’t you tell them before we arrived?” Reed asked.

            “I have to be sure that the guards did not already succumb to the virus. By being in closer proximity, I can scan them to search for any traces of the virus. The guards are infected but their programming has not been altered yet. If we told them of our arrival before while they have succumbed by the virus, their hostility will not be expected and we would fall.” Vader explained.

            “Well, warn me next time. I was about to ask someone to man the cannons.” Reed retorted.

            No longer considered a hostile target, Reed flew over the settlement and landed in a large flat opening not far from it. Dusts and grasses, dead and living, were blown away by the Crimson Spinner’s engine as it descended onto the ground. As the ship lowered, Reed saw what appeared to be a woman conversing with the VX Synthetic guards. The woman caught his attention as an organic presence amongst synthetic was odd and her fine figure made him curious over her identity.

            Once the ship touched the ground, Reed said on the intercom, “Ok, the ship’s landed. Jaden, just wanna let you know that there’s someone out there talking to the robots. Looks like a woman. You might want to ask her why she’s there…and if she’s willing to join us. She looks far too fine to be living with robots.”

            Jaden brushed away his lecherous comments, although she was surprised to hear an organic, which the VX Synthetics were not hostile to, being on the VX Synthetic home planet.

            “Hmph, that doesn’t sound right. Normally the robots are hostile to organics, except for Vader.” Lucas commented.

            “Not really. VX Synthetics are not aggressive. They only become hostile to those they deemed a threat to them. I’m honestly not surprised that one person did not rile them up.” Markus replied.

            “But you do realize that they almost tried to shoot us down right?” Lucas retorted.

            “That’s because we’re on a Salvager ship and considering our history, they have every right to shoot us down.” Markus reacted.

            “Even with Vader on board? Says much. They don’t seem to be bothered to check if one of their own is on this ship.”

            “I doubt they can do that. Assuming that Vader’s been telling us the truth, he’s far more advanced that his brethren. They can’t do much that Vader can.”

            “Still, aiming that silo at us means a lot.”

            “Lucas, Markus, this is not the time for a debate over morality. Like it or not, we’re in their home planet and we’re not destroying any of them unless absolutely necessary.” Jaden exclaimed, breaking up the argument.

            “Jaden, unlike Vader, those robots out there can’t be trusted. They are all driven by codes, not by morality and if their friendliness gets overridden, we’re in big trouble. I don’t like the idea of you just walking out there and risk getting shot while Markus and I stayed put in this ship.” Lucas expressed. “Hearing your screams of pain in my head was bad enough.”

            “In your head?” Jaden asked, confused by his words. For a while, she thought he was trying to make an expression of words.

            “Lucas claimed that while you were fighting on Sarnyr, he heard your voice, screaming in pain in his head, as if you were being tortured or something. The screams gave him headaches and almost rendered him unconscious. With the dogfight going on, Lucas eventually collapsed.” Markus explained. “This wasn’t the first time it happened. It was almost as if…there is a psychic bond between you two…and I was left out.”

            “It was weak when we were younger but as we grew older, it got…stronger. When you were fighting Viper on Nibelheim, I could hear your pained growls and even my body ached, as if I am sharing your physical pain.” Lucas added.

            “So you know when I’m actually hurt?” Jaden asked.

            “Yes. But, it depends on how close we are. If you’re far, I can’t feel you.” Lucas answered. “Jaden, I swear. If I started hearing your screams and my body began to ache, I will charge out of this ship and cut down all those bag of bolts myself.”

            “Lucas please.” Jaden reacted while placing a hand on his shoulder. “I can look after myself. If they turned hostile, I’ll fight them. I’m not as helpless as I look. True, my butt was kicked quite a lot in my previous battles but I lived through. Please. This is an opportunity to prove to these robots that we humans don’t want to be their enemies anymore. Don’t jeopardize a chance to make peace to an old hatred.”

            The warmth from Jaden’s hand calmed the warrior down, enough that he was able to reconsider his actions. His expression changed from worried to neutral. “Alright. I trust you can look after yourself. Make mom proud sister.” Lucas replied.

            Jaden nodded, acknowledge his words, before turning to Markus and smiling at him. Markus reacted by nodding and smirking. Jaden then made her way out of cabin. As she neared the exit, Lucas exclaimed, “Hey Jaden! Remember. I feel your pain. Try not to get hurt alright? Because I will be hurting just as much as you.”

*     *     *

            The loading ramp lowered and Jaden trudged down with Vader and Jaina tailing her. She turned to the woman Reed mentioned, seeing her conversing with a VX Synthetic. She approached the duo while Vader and Jaina followed.

            “Aw come on! King Zian authorized this investigation. Didn’t you see these papers? Let me pass!”

            “Our host, Rex, do not approve of this investigation and the authorization you provided is false. Our hardware and software are in working condition and aid from an outsider is not required at the moment.”

            “Seriously? Your scanners are clearly defective. This paper was signed by my king himself. Let me through.”

            “Do not force this unit to turn to hostility alien.”

            “Hey. What’s going on?” Jaden asked.

            The woman, identified as an alien, turned to Jaden and recoiled with seeming surprise at Jaden’s appearance.

            “Wait…you’re…Jaden Highland, are you not? You’re here?” the alien asked.

            Like all other aliens Jaden saw, the alien had teal green skin and shiny black eyes. Her hair, which flowed down to her shoulders, was black in color and she stood slightly shorter than Jaden.

            Though still feminine, her figure was slightly larger than a regular female human and somewhat more muscular, giving her an overall athletic appearance. She wore a skintight bodysuit underneath layers of clean, yellow armor along with a pair of gloves and boots. Sheathed on her back was a spear and holstered on her waist was a pistol.

            As for her facial features, her eyes were large along with her smile. Her nose was sharp and her lips were fairly thick. Despite being an alien, Jaden could not help but think that she was rather gorgeous for an alien.

            “You heard of me?” Jaden asked.

            “Of course! King Zian did not waste any time to tell us about what you did. The first ever person and the only female to defeat the undefeated Dark Viper in a duel! That’s amazing!” the alien replied with glee.

            Jaina nudged Jaden and whispered to her ear, “Hey, I think you got yourself a fan.”

            “And you are?” Jaden queried.

            Regaining her composure, the alien bowed down and introduced herself, “My name is Xiara Blackburn. Just call me Xiara. I am a commando of the alien military division, Femme Fatale. I was sent here to check on the VX Synthetic population, which my king believes is infected with a virus. If there is indeed I virus, I need to investigate on it.”

            “You know of the virus. How? Explain yourself.” Vader questioned.

            “Ah you must be Vader. A pleasure to meet a VX Synthetic wandering with a human.” Xiara said with yet another bow. “Anyway, we aliens are very sensitive about viruses within our systems since we rely on our technology for survival. Our anti-virus systems are high-tech and very powerful, capable of detecting a virus this far out so that we know if a friendly incoming ship is afflicted with a virus. Our scanners detect a virus amongst the synthetics and I’m here to try and fix it.”

            “Why try to fix it? Your king cares about the VX Synthetics?” Jaina asked out of curiosity.

            “In a way. The VX Synthetics are hostile to Salvagers but are otherwise neutral to all other organics. Asimo is not far from our home planet when compared with home planets of the other races. We want to maintain a sort of peace with the robots so we try to help them if we can to show that we’re not a threat.” Xiara answered.

            “As you can see, I am currently having trouble convincing these guards that I am here under authorization from King Zian. It is either their scanners are jammed or they purposely refuse to acknowledge the authorization.” she added. “Typical. Despite our attempts to make peace, their leader is really paranoid.”

            “I shall assist you.” Vader told her. He approached the guard, passing by a shocked Xiara who did not expect the VX Synthetic to help out of the blue. Vader then told the guard, “This unit has returned to send a message to our host, Rex. These organics are my allies. Let them pass.”

            “Acknowledged.” the guard said before sidestepping, allowing the party in.

            “That was quick.” Xiara commented. “You actually believe everything I said? You trusted me just like that? Not like your brethren?”

            “We share a common goal and my brain sensors did not detect any intention to deceive. You were not lying so I will believe you.” Vader answered.

            “Wow. You’re more advanced your brethren!” Xiara exclaimed. “You’re pretty lucky to befriend a unit like him.” she added while punching Jaden’s shoulder lightly.

            “Hehe well I guess you can say that.” Jaden replied while rubbing her punched shoulder.

            “Hey, do you want to tag along? We can solve this better with four of us.” Xiara suggested.

            “Sure. You’re pretty enthusiastic to get this thing done and over with.” Jaden replied.

            “Doing this with you is a privilege. Of course I’m enthusiastic. Now, let’s head in and starting looking around.”