Doves and Hawks
19 Aug 2023Ryuko Ntsikana
Doves and Hawks
Sacaqawea Space Port.
Planetary Outpost.
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To Monty’s shock, the patsy remained alive after his symbiote informed him of the events while he rested. The patsy sat in the common area, trapped in their looping mental nightmare as Monty disembarked from the ship. He headed to the main concourse of the outpost to meet with the scouts to whom a proposal had been sent. The entity tried to pinpoint the transmission's location, but interference hindered the station's sensors from determining direction and range.
The entity comprehended that the transmission wasn't a direct point-to-point signal but rather relayed. It found intrigue in the fact that its location had remained concealed. The power required for such advanced electromagnetic deception surpassed that of a mere ship. Multiple vessels might be involved, or they could be exploiting natural phenomena. The presence of a nearby neutron star could disrupt signal triangulation, although the entity was certain a fleet hovered nearby, making this planet a target.
Xochitl's carrier had jumped and vanished within range of passing ships, suggesting it was either positioned further away or closer in. The entity focused on a system with a neutron star. A capital ship could easily use the powerful cosmic entity to conceal itself while remaining close enough to mount a devastating system-wide assault. Given Xochitl's historical patterns, the closer end appeared statistically more likely, with system-wide destruction on her agenda if things didn't go her way.
A sense of joy surged within the entity as events unfolded according to its expectations. The subject of its attention, Xochitl, was within close proximity, seemingly in a position of absolute control. This position allowed her to negotiate from a standpoint of dominance and pressured authority. This strategic positioning provided the entity with the necessary leeway to maneuver, as Xochitl believed herself to be in the dominant role. This would facilitate more productive discourse.
Monty underwent a series of chemical adjustments to quell his fight-or-flight response, which was counterproductive. Remaining calm and composed was crucial for both him and the negotiation. His knowledge and foresight were pivotal, as was his overall well-being.
Approaching the scouts, Monty extended his arms to demonstrate his unarmed state, slowly turning to allow them to inspect him closely. One scout approached with a medical scanner, signaling to the others that the genetic alterations necessary for the entity to reside in a host matched the scanner's data.
'As myself, I welcome you. As a representative of my symbiote, what are Xochitl’s conditions?' Monty asked.
A data tablet was placed on the table, displaying Xochitl's face.
'I wish I could say it is a pleasure to see you again, but...'
'Don’t worry, this transmission cannot carry my essence, nor can it identify this transmission's location while focusing on the nearby neutron star. I admit I might have been naive to think you wouldn't consider the obvious. Unfortunately, the obvious is beyond everyone's capabilities, including yours. The only thing you could be right about is a large fleet and assault force ready to turn this entire system into ash to prevent you from escaping a fourth time.'
The entity felt satisfaction.
'While everything you say holds truth, my goal isn't to escape from you. I've gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be human, hoping to communicate with you one day. Our aspiration is to merge with you, birthing a new and distinct being. It's a fusion of the finest elements from both of us into a fresh sentient existence.'
Muffled comments came from off-screen as Xochitl raised her hand, her gaze stern.
'Your understanding of the human condition leaves much to be desired. I never do that on a first date, but I've broken far better than your host.'
'Yes, my host. If you permit a brief transfer to his tablet, I would gladly release him. He carries the beneficial genetic modifications I've introduced, enhancing his natural attributes and extending his life.'
This move surprised everyone, Monty included, as evidenced by his shocked expression. Avery, too, had a new set of variables to process, unanticipated by her calculations.
'At this stage, with all that you've assimilated, can you fit into something as small as a data tablet?' Xochitl's remark addressed Avery's curiosity about the space required for incorporation into other technologies.
'As you've asked, and while your assistant calculates, the answer is no. Your medical officer is well aware that DNA and RNA are preferable for storing substantial data due to their natural design for such tasks. This transfer necessitates a broader spread of my essence to a secondary host – the individual who approached your scouts. They are situated within a purposely designed biological feedback loop aboard a Diamondback Explorer ship berthed at this station. Inspector Gladsen can provide details about that person, whose release isn't negotiable. I'm confident you'll concur once briefed.'
Monty placed his data tablet on the table, angling both his and Xochitl's tablets to face each other. The transfer was painless, although Monty's expression revealed his discomfort during the process.
As Monty let out a sigh, he looked at the tablet as the entity spoke through its speaker. 'The transfer is complete. The necessary genetic changes will be rectified by my prior alterations, leaving you undamaged. My signature's essence will fade during their repair, leaving you in better condition than before.'
Standing up, Monty gazed at Xochitl's tablet. 'If you don't mind, I'd like to berth myself away from the Diamondback until you're confident enough to permit me passage onboard, back to the bubble.'
'Thank you for allowing me to reside within you,' the entity spoke to Monty. 'You've taught me a great deal during our time together. I hope you'll embrace our shared future creation and act as a gentle and thoughtful guide for it and its biological mother.'
'You're forgetting that it takes two to tango, and I don’t care for that song,' Xochitl flatly stated, her expression and tone unchanged.
'The appropriate response would be "touché." Please allow me to continue. This incorporation won't mark your end but rather the end of us. All that constitutes me as a collective "we" will be sacrificed as we merge into its final form. Your biology serves as the template for its physical embodiment, and through our union, a novel and unique creation will come into being.'
Xochitl studied the screen briefly before muffled voices behind her caught her attention, prompting a momentary glance off-screen.
'You can thank my medical officer for her curiosity. She desires details about your unconventional concept. Others want to consult with me as well. Make no mistake. If you recall the fate of the pirate base not far in the past, more awaits your current location.'
'We remember and understand,' the entity responded as Xochitl's face transitioned to that of the medical officer aboard her fleet carrier.
Monty turned his attention to the scouts who were observing him. He raised his hands in a placating gesture.
'If you don't mind, I'd like to find myself a room and leave the love birds to their discussion without me.'
Their shared glance shifted back to the monitor as Monty stepped away slowly. Finally, he turned around, increasing the distance between himself and the ongoing conversation.