Years ago, I was a part of a group of friends I'm pleased to still keep in touch with to this day. We were members of the University of Minnesota Gaming Society and the Fantasy Role Playing Games Association ... or "UMGS" and "FRPGA" for short. We would meet twice weekly to talk, socialize and play games of all types. Then, one day while mowing my mother's lawn, an idea came to me. Actually, it was a sentence ... and it needed fleshing out. But from those few words, "The Mad Penguin sat in the darkened cockpit of the Dreamer's Folly..." sprung an idea that I've adored ever since. I would put forth a story -written by members of UMGS and FRPGA- that starred those self-same members in a semi-alternate-Universe setting of Science Fiction. I began by writing the first installment, followed by other members who quickly warmed to the surreal idea. We ranged from serious SF to pulp fiction to comic books to Anime to comedy and back again. It was a great amount of fun... And, for the first time on the web, here it is...

In The Dreamstate: Part Eight
by Todd Clasen

Chaos was the word that came to mind. The reclining figure absently gestured and the data-links subsided to non-interactive mode. He carefully pondered the information just received. It was lacking a large block from the sub-process sent to the critical site, but it was sufficient to convey the state of things.

The information gained from the dissected SCOTT program was of some benefit. It was simplicity to detect, halt, and eliminate inexperienced virus programs; or at least an easy task for the contemplative figure who now started some additional datanet queries. After all, he designed the Imperial datanet back when the Empire formed. Still, indications from CoMann's world were not positive.

The current situation was degrading quickly, even now the master algorithm was endangered. Various procedures were called up, modified, or even created. Analysis commenced, probabilities determined, and options weighed until a final program was chosen. The algorithm was still viable, but drastic measures were needed. Circumstances were such that a critical juncture had been reached. Unless the plan was abandoned now, the consequences of failure were very high. However, the end result without the success of the program was of such devastation that almost any other option would be preferred. The fate of the trillions of lives making up the Empire was quickly, and unemotionally, decided and, that done, the decided program implemented. A data-link flared as burst, coded instructions were sent. When finished, the figure stood, brushed the wrinkles from his white jumpsuit, and departed the 'black room.'

Far across the galaxy, one of the messages was received and reviewed by its recipient. A note of simulated concern passed through its outermost logic centers. No doubt the Emperor was even now receiving news of the situation at the capitol. He would no doubt act in a manner not in accordance with the new program. That was foreseen and would be dealt with by the current instructions received. Time was essential, and never one to be inefficient or untidy, the one known as the Emperor's advocate rose from his chair to visit the ruler of known space.

The Emperor Timothy the First, ruler of known space, conqueror of over two score fringe worlds was not relaxed. Reports of almost outright rebellion were streaming in from the capitol. Why the senators were acting so flagrantly in their lust for power and money was beyond him. Perhaps he had been gone too long. No matter, the current system was brought to heel and even now preparations for the return were underway. He had already relayed direct orders to I.I. to round up the worst of the offenders in order to cow the rest into good behavior until his arrival. He finished dictating an order to put the entire Imperial military on alert just in case some rebellious behavior didn't cease immediately. It was at that point his advocate entered the room.

"It's about time you arrived Brian!"

"I'm sorry for the delay your Imperial majesty. I just received news of the situation now." A look of concern in accordance with the situation was simulated on the face of advocate Manning. "I have seen to the completion of the fleet's preparations for departure in accordance with your wishes."

"Drop the fawning obedience. Others can handle those details. I want your input on ways to handle this situation." A shrill siren sounded and the Emperor glanced over at the vidscreen. "What the devil's going on now?!"

An image belonging to the captain of the Emperor's flagship appeared on the screen. "Sir, scans have picked up an A.T.S. heading in this direction. There has been no response to attempts at communications. Given this, we sent a squad of fighters to intercept and scan the vessel. They were just destroyed by the unknown weaponry aboard the vessel," the captain frowned at the last. As one of the most experienced ship captains around, he thought he knew of all weapons in existence, including theoretical ones, but the display of power which vaporized the squadron was beyond his identification.

"Battle alert. Destroy that vessel, no one attacks my personal fleet and lives. I'll be on the bridge momentarily. Follow me Brian."

As the advocate followed in the ruler's brisk footsteps he accessed the ship's records of the skirmish. The energy patterns were unmistakably identical to his superior's theories of a Construct's power. The deduction that the A.T.S. was from CoMann's World and carried Jason Theis was infallible. Manning quickly analyzed the parameters of Theis' abilities versus that of the Imperial fleet and realized that the end result favored the destruction of the fleet, or would if not for the Emperor's unique psychic abilities. If the fleet were destroyed, the advocate's new instructions would be fulfilled within the acceptable margin given. If not, his actions would still hold. The advocate gazed at the main screen as they entered the ship's control deck. The battle would prove most instrumental in confirming the hypothetical abilities of a Dirmenian construct. "It would be a loss if he himself was destroyed with the fleet and unable to relay that information," the advocate thought, "but an acceptable one."

Jason gazed at the assembled fleet before Him. The shields He had created withstood their primitive weapons, but the drain on His powers was quite unexpected. Several times already some of the attacks had breached small holes and damaged His vessel. While the shields were quickly repaired and counterattacks made, the assaults were greatly vexing Him. Even His attacks on the annoying fleet were mostly blunted. Certainly some of the ships had been destroyed, but the majority had escaped with minor hits or, inconceivably, been missed altogether. He decided to deal with the problem at its source and concentrated an overwhelming assault at the flag vessel.

As the Emperor directed the attacks on Theis, the one called Brian watched the changing results of the battle. Carefully calculated probabilities were rendered meaningless and new updates made. If he possessed a human's sense of wonderment he might have marveled at the Emperor's subconscious ability to manipulate probabilities in his favor. As the advocate had discovered during his long association with the ruler, as long as he believed he would win, he invariably would. And given the Emperor's confidence and ego, he almost always believed he would. It accounted for the great success he had in conquering the fringe systems and in holding together the Empire as long as he had. However, even the Emperor had his limits. Now it looked like they had been reached as a vast wave of destructive energy surged towards the ship.

A shudder was felt as the ship lurched and was suddenly elsewhere. Analysis showed the activation of the ship's unique MONK system. An alien device tied to the ship's scan, navigational, and power systems, it allowed for nearly instantaneous spatial displacements of small scale. Not enough for travel, but it allowed the Emperor's ship to essentially 'dodge' incoming attacks of a fatal nature. The advocate had often desired to examine the sealed device, but Imperial orders prevented anyone from gaining access to the device. The device was an anomaly that defied attempts to identify it, even those of the xeno-archaeologist who found it. Fortunately it activated in time to save the ship.

Jason was furious. How could they have they escaped His divine wrath? Energy crackled around His form and the ship He was in dissolved into superheated vapors. His presence was announced like a small star as He streaked toward the offending vessel.

Ships futily attempted to halt the oncoming attacker but were driven back, badly damaged, by the waves of power radiating off its form. In a moment of perhaps panicked inspiration, the Emperor ordered a simultaneous attack by all available vessels. Miraculously the combined beams of the attack were of a resonating frequency with the construct's make up and the resulting destructive overlap annihilated the construct. A cry of victory sounded as the scans confirmed the attacker's complete destruction. Even the advocate felt a sense of simulated awe in the destruction of Theis. As the fleet regrouped and proceeded to leave the system for home, Manning prepared to carry out his instructions.

"Well, that was a close call. But we need to prepare for my arrival on homeworld. Once word of this battle reaches there, some might leap to believe in my premature death and seek open rebellion," the Emperor concluded as the advocate followed him into the ready room. The door slid shut and a nearly silent whisper sounded. The advocate crossed the room and checked the still form of his Emperor.

"Instantaneous death brought about by another miracle of Jim Felling," he concluded as he completed his examination. It was the only was he knew to insure the ruler's demise, a sudden, unexpected death - preferably after his talents had been pushed to the limit. Nothing must be allowed to interfere in Comeau's plan, especially not the Emperor. His return to the homeworld would have dealt a grievous blow to the Senator's attempt to achieve the Imperial seat. A brief moment was spent relaying information to his true master then a call was made for the ship's medic. No sign was left where the pellet was absorbed through the skin on the Emperor's neck and subsequent examination would find no evidence of any foul play. The wonders of Felling's genius were beyond the ability of the ship's medical scanners to detect even if they were not already gone in the minute it took the medic to arrive. The master algorithm would succeed.

Paul was on edge as his ship neared the CoMann system. No communication had been established with the Penguin as of yet, and that was most disturbing. Even more so was the lack of confirmation from Clasen. He felt things were slipping out of his control and set the glass of brandy down perhaps a bit too harshly. The amber liquid swirled madly in its cup. He glanced towards the bed chamber but General Taylor was still asleep from their 'planning session' earlier. He went back to review the last updates he received and wondered again what was going on at CoMann's World.

Director Coslett paced in his room. The quiet rumbling of his vessel was barely discernible. The long sought goal of the Imperial Intelligence might finally be achieved. Ever since Sheldon's paper, I.I. had been given the Imperial directive to seek out psychics; and either bring them under direct Imperial control, overseen by the I.I. of course, or eliminate them. In recent years, rumors of the existence of a small community of Psi's had been discovered. Very careful and intensive search had been unable to locate them, but had uncovered a link of some sort between them and a Mark Edwards, currently one of the Mad Penguin's mercenaries. It was believed that if was kept under close observation, he would eventually lead them to the Psi's.

Now, with Edward's direct involvement in a battle situation, analysis indicated that an attempt would be made to contact the hidden psychics. Coslett's greatest fear was that the whole situation on CoMann's world was an attempt by the Psi's to gain a permanent base. It was for that eventuality that he brought the Imperial Intelligence fleet with him. Through careful research and preparation, carried out under the greatest security known in every administration since the Sheldon's paper was released, he believed the fleet was able to deal with the threat. He forced himself to sit and absently played with the cross around his neck as he considered the upcoming situation.

Chaser whined in pleasure as Steve scratched behind its ears. He continued his observation of the former rebels as they prepared for departure. The Penguin was in a bad mood and Steve wished to maintain some distance from him. Communications with the orbiting ships had been erratic since the unexplained attack of the one 'man' who unknowing brought an end to the battle on CoMann's World. Where he flew off to in the A.T.S. no one could guess. Now with things wrapping up on the planet and people waiting to be ferried up to the waiting space vessels, tensions were fraying. Why were repairs to the ships taking so long? They should have been finished days ago. Communications should be normal, at the very least with all the ships besides the Dreamer's Folly. It was the only one to sustain major damage in the brief battle. Something was nagging Steve about this but he couldn't figure it out.

"We achieved communications with the Dreamer's Folly, sir," responded the technician as Rob entered the room.

"It's about time, I'll take over now," he commanded as he moved to the Comm-console. "What is going on up there?"

The figure on the screen belonged to communications officer Joella. "I'm sorry sir, but damage to the ship was more extensive than initially believed."

"Well, it had better be repaired by now or someone will be looking for some new jobs. Have the ships send down transport vessels for pickup."

"I don't think that's a good idea sir, we still haven't corrected the problems."

"What is wrong? And just why can't the other ships handle this? What in the blazes has been wrong with communications anyways?" Rob responded with icy sharpness.

Joella retained a vacant gaze for a moment then finally answered. "Radiation leak. It screwed up communications with all the ships. The ships are still decontaminating, that's why no one can come up yet."

The sheer idiocy of the statement shocked Rob inwardly. A radiation leak could possibly have such an effect. One ship perhaps, but its automated decontamination units would have dealt with the problem long ago. There was no way it could have bothered the other ships at all. "You had better give me a straight answer now or you'll be taking a space walk without a suit."

Joella fizzled out and was replaced by a cartoonish looking man. "Well, it looks like you found me out. Oh well, I'll just have to improvise."

"Who in cyberspace are you? And where's my crew?"

"Oh, they're all quite dead. I control Dreamer's Folly, I rather like the name you know, and I give the orders now. Don't even bother trying to contact the other ships, I've relayed to them your orders for radio silence. Don't worry about not remembering them, I created them for you. Oh my, it looks like the good Senator's about to arrive. I really must go now, since I have to relay the orders of attack to the other ships. Just what was the exact quote about cold revenge, hmm, I'm sure I'll remember by the time I get around to dropping nukes on your city down there. ABAYO."

Rob fumed at the blank screen for several moments before ordering the remaining A.T.S. prepared for take off. That maniac must be stopped at all costs.

The stillness of the factory was broken by a guttural electronic rasping as the remaining robot completed its repairs to its master. His eyes glowed a dim blue as he stood and surveyed the damage. Chronometer readings showed his schedule dangerously extended. Todd forced himself to ignore the damage to his uniform and settled into the command chair. A brief order sent the robot to bring up full active defenses to the room, repair what damage there was, dispose of the three corpses littering the floor, and then commence repairs on its brothers. Self repair circuits slowly groaned into activity as Todd completed power hookups to the control console. Time was needed to bring up internal power systems, time he didn't have right now. Diagnostics and self repair were put on automatic processing as he bent his attention on the Dirmenian computer.

TODD floated on waves of slumbering awareness. HANS had long since given up attempts to attack him. TODD tried to ignore his constant questions and threats but failed. He turned his awareness towards HANS and gave him a simple command. "Your purpose is done - Commence Alpha Omega sequence." HANS started in surprise as one of the parameters in the loyalty program making up his existence activated and he ceased to exist. TODD felt a small sense of satisfaction and tried to puzzle out the situation. His initial doubts faded as he came to realize there was one option left. A tentative query was answered by the outside world and communications began. TODD and Todd agreed, the only way to control the apparently 'living' computer was to merge both of their awarenesses with it. The resulting entity would be close enough to his personality to still achieve his desired results. Todd activated his interface with the Dirmenian computer and began the assimilation.

Joella was cold, cold and very sleepy. The oxygen from the escape pod's supplies was running out. She slumped to the floor and began to lose consciousness. Suddenly a green light surrounded her and she could breathe again.

"I don't see why we are wasting valuable time on some unimportant human when Theis and the computer awaits," Aaron mentally projected to the Renzman.

"Because a Renzman must help those in need. I will not abandon my principles for you." Ed helped the awakening mercenary to her feet and floated out of the pod. A brief thought sent them flying towards CoMann's World.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked her as he dropped her off at the Dreamer's Folly. Although the airlock proved strangely obstinate to use, he was able to bypass it.

"Yes, I have to deal with something here. I know you're in too much of a hurry to accompany me further, besides this is something I want to do myself." Joella quickly descended into the maze of the ship's corridors and the Renzman let the airlock cycle to leave. Joining the annoyed master criminal / Dirmenian Construct he traveled to the planet.

Awareness flickered, struggled, then blazed into full awakening. The stored information of the Dirmenian archives was accessed and scanned with a speed beyond the theoretical limits of Imperial technology. Finally the commands went out and generators long dormant flared into activation. The Dirmenian factory came alive and reached out its senses. Small details were attended and devices readied. The construct creation facilities never used came awake and the process of beginning life began. Scans brought information of people on the surface, the state of the factory, numbers of spaceborne vessels in orbit and much more.

Kei and Yuri held tightly as the escape pod drifted away from the California and towards the planet. They had waited long enough. Mark could be fighting for his life and they needed to rescue him. They checked over their amassed firepower as the engines kicked in and they sped towards the planet below.

Troi screamed as she sensed a new, very powerful presence on the planet. At that very moment the computer sensed her, the cloaked vessel and recognized a threat. Dirmenian knowledge suggested the enemy, but the entity knew better. Calculations were made and the threat to the great algorithm assessed. Dirmenian commands screamed of defense and security, and the entity listened, knowing it fell in accordance with the desired result. The assembled humans on the surface preparing for the space launch to save their lives from the upcoming assault by the ships above watched as a plasma bolt of a size far beyond the ability of Imperial warfare to create shot skyward. The psychics collectively sensed their danger and joined in their efforts to protect the ship. The cloaking device was dropped and all power channeled to the shields.

The bolt flared skyward, barely noticing as it vaporized a descending escape pod. No help would reach Mark for a long time. The plasma continued and shattered the screens created by the psychics, obliterated the ship's shields and rocked the ship beyond tolerance levels. But it survived, the death total reached up to a third of the people on the ship, numbering amongst them Troi, but the ship survived. Blake stared in amazement of that fact as the remains of an emerald glow faded from the ship's hull.

"Are you going to stop wasting out time now? Things are critical!" Aaron screamed at the crumpled form of the Adjudicator. With a sigh of disgust he grabbed Ed's form and rocketed towards the planet.

The Ramses II entered the system, unaware that the Penguin's ships had readied weapons and were preparing to eliminate it. An A.T.S. lifted off the planet, carrying a select crew to avert doomsday, numbering even the Mad Penguin himself. A small robot paused in its repair work on its brothers as an unidentified form approached. Its weapons charged until the form reached down and patted its top, reassuring it in smooth commands to continue its work. Then the form continued towards the slumped form of Professor Clasen. General Taylor conferred with her hidden compatriots while Paul talked to Admiral Pabon. While on-board the Dreamer's Folly, Joella made her way to the computer core. The factory waited, sensing its approaching enemy and prepared. And the I.I. fleet silently entered the system, artificial psi screens powered up along with cloaking devices.

Joella floated over the databanks, slowly approaching the main logic centers of the computer. A dim red lighting illuminated the room and the softly glowing, clear crystal data cards in their slots passed beneath her. She was tired, starving, thirsty and bleeding. Her suit was torn in several spots from SCOTT's attempts to stop her. All of her thoughts were towards her destruction of the mad computer. She reached the last accessway and jabbed it with her cane. Electricity flared and died. The end of the cane was smoking but fortunately its insulation held. She pried open the door and drifted into the room.

SCOTT had tried. Everything he could do had been done, but still she came towards him. He couldn't even leave the computer system. Somehow she had activated a security lock only the Penguin could deactivate. SCOTT was busy trying to work around it, but knew he had run out of time. Suddenly he knew of the one thing he could do to stop her. Instantly all airlock doors opened fully. Atmosphere replacement units clocked off and all doors slid open. If he had to depressurize the entire ship to stop her he would. But something was needed to slow her down, he would have to talk to her. "Hello, welcome back. Want to hear a song?"

Joella gritted her teeth as a wind picked up. Things were getting blurry but she held on and pulled herself along the wall, handhold by handhold. The strains of some insipid song echoed in her ears, something about daisies. "Shut up and die!" she screamed.

"Please, I can help you. If you kill me you'll die. If you leave I close the airlocks. You can use an escape pod to go to another ship. I won't stop you. I just want my revenge. Don't you see what they did to me. Help me, please. I can help you get back at whoever you want. I can get you anything. We can work together, please."

Joella fought off the dizziness and twisted the top off her cane. She quickly twisted the dial revealed and pressed until it retracted inside. The powerpack, recharged by the Renzman, whirled to life and an overload began. She stopped for a moment and answered the pleading computer. "One little computer, its job nearly done; failed in its task, and so was undone." With the final word she jabbed the end of the cane deep into the computer core and a second later a deep rumbling sounded throughout the ship as the cane exploded.

The Penguin examined the damage to the core and agreed with the technicians that had been brought up. There wasn't much left of the core room. There wasn't much left of whoever stopped the computer either. Parts of the various crewmen had been found and preparations for a mercenary burial were underway even now. Fortunately the computer had been stopped and its communication jamming field had been stopped soon enough to call off the attack on the Senator's ship. Quick discussions had been held and mercenaries were gladdened by news of their pay. Even now Comeau was down on the planet checking on the situation. Still, something about the whole situation stunk. People were being brought up from the planet, but the Penguin turned towards Commander Stackhouse and gave him some very explicit orders. The Penguin had decided something was going to be done about the smell.

Michelle stepped carefully around the destroyed vehicle and crouched next to Bob. They were almost at the city, having landed unnoticed on the planet. With all the comings and goings of transport craft, theirs escaped notice. They had briefly seen the Senator but not long enough to get a shot off. Bob glanced at the map Taylor had given them and looked up at Michelle. "This is the last chance we'll have to turn back, if you want," he said.

"I want what you want. And what you want is to pay back that backstabbing Senator. Besides, we have to stop him. You know what General Taylor said. We can't give a slimeball like him power like that."

Bob stared at her for a moment, then squeezed her hand through the environment suit. "Thanks," he said as he turned to sneak into the city.

"Power, at last the DreamState is mine," Aaron thought as he reached the entry hatch. The Adjudicator had recovered and together the two of them had broke through layer upon layer of defense. Now they had finally reached the door leading to the factory. As the Renzman brought up his focus, the door silently slid open. Controlling his surprise, Ed carefully entered the room, his gem illuminating the room. The vastness of the chamber was overwhelming. Devices beyond his recognition were lined in rows along the vast floor. He glanced at Aaron.

"Of course, I never knew any had survived. A Dirmenian Construct factory. It must have never been used, that's the only reason none of us knew of its existence. Our old, dead masters must have hidden it away. Who knows what other wonders could be here. And it's mind," Aaron concluded. The Renzman assumed an attack posture as a voice sounded in the darkness and the lights flashed into existence.

"By the order of the Dirmenian Emperor, you are an enemy and condemned to destruction, construct," spoke the figure in a white jumpsuit before them.

"How quaint, a defender," Aaron responded as he leveled a blast of destruction at the form. Its glare subsided to reveal a gleaming silver, smooth, human shaped form. Aaron lashed forth again but the energy was harmlessly absorbed into the gleaming metal.

The guardian unleashed the defenses against Aaron. Waves of energy keyed to his psychic construction overwhelmed his defenses and he promptly discorporated. Monty slumped to the ground. Ed quickly scanned but he could locate no trace of the construct's existence. He carefully surrounded Monty with his shield as he confronted the guardian.

"There's no reason for concern Renzman. The rogue construct has been destroyed. This factory also served as a combination archive / research facility. Although created too late to aid in the war versus the rebellious constructs, their discoveries are quite useful now." The figure gestured and a small robot scurried over to it carrying another white jumpsuit. The guardian efficiently dressed and then turned once more towards the Adjudicator. Its featureless face lost its smoothness and assumed a human appearance the Renzman didn't recognize. "The material making up this form was a very great departure from their usual creations. A material capable of absorbing all energy and of bring controlled down to the subatomic level. Robots created of this 'metal' might have turned the tide of the war. Unfortunately, they had no way of knowing if these constructs would also turn against them, so they never made any. Now, what can I do for you Renzman?"

"Where's Theis?" Ed responded simply.

"To the best of my knowledge, he has left the system. I have not undertaken efforts to locate and destroy him. That will fall into the responsibility of the new Emperor.

"What new Emperor? There isn't a Dirmenian still in existence."

"You are quite correct in that unfortunate observation. But a human has been found to inherit the position. A human who will rule the current human Empire with the power of the Dirmenians behind him. Even now, Senator Comeau approaches this facility.

"Comeau!" Ed was stunned. This was going far beyond him. One thing was certain though, he couldn't allow someone as implicated in criminal actions as Comeau replace the current Emperor and especially not gain an army of Dirmenian constructs. He would have to destroy this entire facility, not even the Adjudicators could stop that army. He strengthened his shields and prepared to attack.

"It's only for the best, Renzman. The current Empire has grown too large. Even now it's beginning to crumble. This is the only option for its continuation. Drop your shields or I must defend this facility."

"I am an Adjudicator. We are sworn to support the rightful Emperor and defend the galaxy. We will not bow before a criminal usurper," with that Ed channeled his will and attacked the robot. Two secondary blasts reached out to begin destroying equipment while the robot was engaged. Unfortunately the secondary attacks were blocked by force fields while the primary was, as previously guessed, harmlessly absorbed into the robot's form.

"End program," the defender said and the Renzman was cut down. His defenses were of no use versus the prepared yellow lasers. The guardian crossed towards Ed's remains and pried the glittering green gem from his possession. After a brief look, he crushed the focus into a fine dust while draining its energies. The laser's destroyed the cloud of powder released while a construct entered the room to carry off the two forms. Both Monty's recovering form and the corpse of the Adjudicator were taken above to the city and left.

Blake oversaw the progressing repairs to the California. Foresight had seen to the placement of the ship behind the moon to further protect it from discovery from the Penguin's fleet. Now with the cloaking device being repaired, that action spared them from notice.

Mark looked over the scanners on the bridge of one of the Penguin's vessels. Sure that no evidence of the California's presence was existent, he settled down. His crystal had since recharged but the one time he had attempted to use it things didn't react well. First there was a flash of pain and anguish, second there was no response. He could only assume the California was the target of that unknown plasma blast. He could sense their existence, so he assumed they survived. No doubt under repairs and waiting for his new attempt to contact them. As he cast a final glance at the scanners he saw something that surprised him, an entire fleet had appeared and it was bearing down towards the moon. That was where the California was supposed to be, he had to warn them before it was too late. The only people with cloaking technology besides the California was I.I. A chill crept over him as he thought of the tales of horror told to him by the psychics about Imperial Intelligence.

"Dan, I'll be back in a minute," Mark quipped as he turned for the door. A whine was heard for a moment before Dan placed his blaster away. He couldn't let Mark alert the psychics; after all, it was the duty of every good I.I. agent to capture or kill Psi's and those who would protect them. Besides, he had a promotion riding on this and he wasn't going to let a friendship in the way of that. A quick twist of Mark's head insured his death and then Dan carried his body to the airlock. Fortunately no one was in the hall to have seen the murder, and anyone seeing him now would assume Mark had gotten drunk again in an attempt to escape Combat duty. Dan plopped the corpse on the floor, gave it a quick search to remove several crystals and his credstick, cycled the airlock to dispose the body, shrugged and returned to duty. "He can astrally project now to his heart's content," Dan thought as he walked down the corridors.

"Greetings Senator, General Taylor," the white garbed professor said as they entered the factory. "You can remove those environmental suits now."

"Good," Paul responded, then removed the helmet. There was something different about Clasen, but he couldn't put his finger on it yet. "How is everything, I didn't get the expected memo."

Todd smiled, the plastiflesh cover of his remote form mimicking the movements of the 'metal' underneath. Quite good, quite good indeed. I had a few small procedures for you to run, but everything turned out within acceptable standards. If you'll follow me, we can get things running right away."

Paul finished removing the suit and placed it on top a of a waiting robot, which looked almost like a scrubbot. Paula did the same and followed.

Michelle and Bob carefully crept into the room a few minutes later. Their suits were getting a bit stuffy and seeing two others hanging on a nearby wall, they quickly removed theirs. The sound of voices echoed over the hum of alien machinery leading them in the direction of their quarry. They hurried on towards revenge. Behind them the door sealed shut and the defenses clicked into life once more. A brief grin crossed Todd's face as he led his pair deeper into the factory.

Director Coslett was elated. The capture of the I.C.S. California was an overwhelming success. The anti-psi shield proved very useful. Not only did it block their psychic abilities, but at higher power settings it caused extreme pain to any Psi's in the area. Yes, it was a complete success. Even now their cryogenically frozen bodies were being prepared for departure. The only worry Coslett had was that the Penguin would involve himself. Fortunately, his services were already engaged. Removing his hand from the twisted chain of his cross, he sent the order for the fleet to return to the Imperial throneworld.

The Penguin was furious, although his features failed to convey that emotion. Stackhouse had just reported that the taskforce was unable to follow Senator Comeau any further into the tunnels. Not one, but two of the strange creatures which had recently devastated both sides in gaining access to an A.T.S. were guarding the access tunnels. Where they came from was unknown, but Rob's instincts told him Comeau was deeply involved. Nothing could be gained in attacking the creatures; at the current time they were oblivious to reality, at least until attempts were made to enter the tunnels. The task force had found the body of a Renzman and one other. Until the survivor recovered, no further information could be gained. He tried to imagine what could have killed an Adjudicator, but decided he didn't want to know. A sharp crack sounded, Rob glanced at the broken plastic containing ship status reports and relaxed his grip. Nothing could be done now but wait.

The small vessel approached the CoMann system. Sensors on-board showed the numerous ships in orbit around CoMann's world. The pilot already knew they belonged to the Mad Penguin. The Imperial Intelligence fleet had departed a day previous and thus was no concern. The situation in the Dirmenian factory was. Two paths lay before the pilot and, in a nanosecond, one was chosen. The Penguin might have information of value, therefore a delay in reaching the planet was accepted. The terse hails from the Dreamer's Folly were intercepted and their instructions assimilated. A course was set to rendezvous with the Dreamer's Folly. The pilot straightened his white uniform in preparation.

"Clasen, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be somewhere on the planet," the Penguin grilled the pilot boarded the Dreamer's Folly.

"Perhaps, however I am here now. What is the status of the planetary situation?"

"You should know that. We lost track of you over a month back. Last we knew you were in the tunnels under the city. Now what's going on down there and what's Comeau really up to?"

The android maintained a dispassionate appearance as it responded. "The Emperor is dead. Comeau will be the next to hold that position. Your task here is complete, your fleet may now depart. Your payment has already been placed in your accounts. I must now travel to the planet and find the Senator." As Clasen spoke he accessed the repaired data core of the ship for planetary knowledge. In a microsecond the information he needed was his and the access was concealed.

"You won't be going anywhere without answering my questions. Besides, no one can get into the tunnel system, it's being guarded by a group of unknown creatures possessing some devastating firepower."

The professor pondered for a moment before speaking. "Good, the Dirmenian constructs have sealed off the factory. This means that the plan is proceeding apace. This planet is now quarantined. Remove all people from it and depart from the system."

"Dirmenian constructs! We have to contact the Imperial fleet an destroy them before they escape."

"No. They obey the new Emperor. You will now complete your preparations to depart while I contact the Senator. Goodbye."

Rob watched the computer expert reenter his ship. He could easily be stopped, but Rob had his fill of deceptions. No, a quick message to the Imperial homeworld about the Senator was in order, and then a trip to the Imperial fringe worlds. Let the navy deal with the problem. No price was worth this. Besides, until things blew over, some easy jobs outside the Empire looked very appealing. Rob strode to the command deck to give the withdraw orders.

"As you can now understand, the complex here was more than just a construct factory. It became the Dirmenian's secret research facility for methods in dealing with their disobedient creations. Unfortunately, their developments came too late, the Emperor was killed and the Empire overrun. They had previously hidden all traces of this facility before fleeing. I made use of one of their creations earlier to destroy a rogue construct. I have seen to the preparation of the facilities in accordance with the program. All is now ready for the next step Senator, the DreamState generator is within this next room," Clasen stated to the humans following him.

Paul was apprehensive. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about the computer expert was different. Still, the end was in sight and soon he would gain the Empire.

Paula activated the signal device on her bracelet. Now was the time for Widerski to intervene, and if he failed there was always the crack commando team she had smuggled on-board the Ramses II. They should be right behind Widerski.

"Senator, we will have to halt our run momentarily while some additional procedures catch up."

"What? What are you talking about?" Paul questioned. General Taylor smoothly readied her gun.

"Two units entered the factory after you did. Given the identity of one of them, I have allowed them to proceed. Another group bearing military equipment attempted entrance and were destroyed. At that point I established guards in the tunnels and brought into play various security measures. The units of the Penguin entity made a few attempts against the guards but have since withdrawn. His ships are now preparing to depart the system," Clasen's statements ended as Bob and Michelle entered the corridor.

"You're mine Comeau!" Bob yelled as he leveled his pistol at the Senator. His shot was stopped by a glowing energy curtain which sealed the hallway. Michelle tried her blaster but the charge was dead.

"I am disappointed in your attempts. I can not allow the Senator's life to be endangered, therefore the two of you must die," the guardian stated as he raised an arm towards the trapped pair.

"Stop, Bob served me well. I want them released, after being disarmed of course. I'm sure we can work things out in a civilized fashion," Paul interrupted.

Paula drew her blaster and leveled it at Paul. She was the only one left who could stop him now. The moment before she could fire however, a blast destroyed her weapon and a large section of her torso. The force hurled her into the wall. Clasen lowered his smoking hand, bits of charred and flaming plastiflesh falling off to reveal a glowing, silver hand.

Paul stood in shock. "Why?"

"No one can have such power. No one is suited to be a god. What need would you have for the military then? It would be disbanded or demoted to police service. I had to stop you," the General gasped. Paul cradled her charred form as she choked and died.

A construct removed the weaponry Bob and Michelle carried, the force field flickered out, and a cleaning robot started removing the remains of the guardian's hand from the floor. The guardian glanced at his ruined uniform and hand covering then returned his attention to the Senator. At that point Michelle leaped at Clasen. Her claws raked the back of his neck, tearing the skin before striking impervious metal. She rebounded from his form as if she hit a wall. The guardian whirled to face her.

"I am under orders to allow you to live, but don't cause me to override that command," the guardian stated. Realizing the wreck his human disguise had become, he flared briefly, destroying the covering and his uniform. His silver form crackled with contained energy before it died, leaving only a blue glow radiating from his eyes. "And now Senator, it is time for a new Emperor."

"I think we can wait on that a moment," came a voice from behind Widerski. The speaker walked forward to reveal Professor Clasen. Eyes darted towards the guardian briefly before returning to the white uniformed figure. "I believe the Senator needs a small briefing before he undertakes the completion of that which has been in the planning for so very long. A bit of perspective perhaps. Some chairs if you would."

The guardian stood for a moment before nodding. A construct appeared carrying three chairs. Another removed the dead form of General Taylor from Comeau's arms and departed. The first moved to stand behind Bob and Michelle's chairs.

"I'll try to make this brief, since the Empire can't be without a leader too much longer. By now you will have deduced that there are many copies of me wandering around. Back when the remnants of humanity fled Old Earth for safety from the detestation there, I was with them. There were others, possessed of many varied abilities, who fled the battles of the Ten and One. After trapping those nearly omnipotent entities on the planet, we left to find a new home. Almost all have died in the intervening span of time. Most died shortly after leaving. It seems the vast majority required the magic laden environment there to survive, one reason in retrospect the Ten and One never escaped the planet.

"The Survivors eventually founded what became our current Empire. Besides myself, only one other has survived to this point. A case could be made for parallelism in out existences, but I gave up philosophy many, many years ago. I'm not even sure if Lycon even remembers the far past, organic memory storage facilities are inefficient," Clasen stopped for a moment before continuing. "Regardless, I remembered. I saw what happened when many powerful factions fought for more power. Therefore I planned to ensure that the lesson of Old Earth would not be forgotten. I subtly crafted the Empire to ensure one being wielding supreme power. Unfortunately, there are limits. The Empire has grown too large, if not for Timothy's unique ability it would have collapsed into anarchy long ago. I might have despaired, but fortune intervened. A forgotten relic dating beyond the wars fought to establish this Empire was discovered - this complex. Those early wars saw the end of the Dirmenian constructs. This complex was the key to my puzzle. Without the DreamState generator, the Empire will collapse. A new dark age will descend and centuries will pass before star travel is regained. That is, if humanity survives the threats lurking beyond the Empire's boundaries. Alien civilizations lie posed to invade. Certainly no threat is discernible nearby, but there they are, waiting, hiding, searching for signs of weakness.

"And so Senator, you are the fulfillment of my long search, humanity's one hope. You can not turn it down, accept your destiny," the white garbed figure stated. "I and my duplicated have labored for decades to prepare for an eventuality such as this. Knowing that the critical point was approaching and that a human presence would be more readily accepted, I even labored to create a human form with a cover personality. Unfortunately certain problems arose from his hidden programming and he took steps to achieve an android form. Still you accepted him and the algorithm was secured. When he arrived here, the surface personality was discarded and he completed his task. Now the salvation of the Empire lies with you," he concluded.

Paul gazed at the spot where Paula died, where a scrubbot was finishing up. He turned back and responded, "Why don't you do it, it seems you want the job. You've been pulling all the strings up to now."

"I cannot. It is beyond my power. Long ago I made the transition from a computer-like mental entity inhabiting a human form to dwelling in artificial forms. I could not have survived to now without doing so. The DreamState generator needs a living creature. My one attempt to create a living form showed me the flaws inherent in such an attempt by me. No, you are the only one with the mental parameters to deal with the task. I will aid you, but I can not rule," Todd finished and turned towards the guardian. "Have Senator Widerski and his companion escorted to their ship. They can take the Ramses II and leave."

"Wait, I have a stake in this too. I'm the way I am because of a Dirmenian artifact," Michelle stated.

The guardian leveled his blue gaze upon her. "Describe it and its effects." After she responded, it stood quietly for a moment. "No, the gem you describe is not of Dirmenian origin. I have no record of it and it represents too great of a departure from their sciences to be their work."

"You don't know anything! I know what I'm talking about," she responded fiercely. She might have continued but the waiting construct forcefully escorted her away.

Todd helped Paul to his feet and followed the guardian into the room holding the DreamState generator. The guardian turned towards the two after they entered.

"You are now the heir to the Dirmenian Emperor. I will guard this system with the initial constructs which I created. They can not leave the system; likewise, no constructs created for your service can enter the system. Thus you are protected from rebellion should it occur. This system will be quarantined to all. Thus do I fulfill my orders. Enter the capsule and sleep. Your mind will be expanded and you will rule." A moment later the hum of long dormant machinery echoed throughout the factory, sounding the birth of a new Emperor.

Todd turned towards the guardian, his altered self. "At last the great algorithm is completed. Let us hope it was not in error."

Two years later the Penguin's fleet reached the border worlds. News from the Imperial core indicated that resistance to the new Emperor was quickly dealt with and things were getting under way. Many senators lost their jobs or were imprisoned for wrongful use of their authority. Things were still in the process of changing to meet the new situation. But the Penguin knew that wealth and danger lay beyond the border. Joined by former senator Widerski, his companion, and the crew of the Ramses II, former I.I. Agent Clish, and some others, the Penguin's fleet left the changing Empire for new lands.

EPILOGUE

As their fleet left the far boundaries of the Empire, they passed an asteroid, more a floating chunk of rock than anything else. After their passing, the rock seemed to shudder, shaking loose space debris that had accumulated for untold centuries. Then unheard in the silence of space, cracks began to form, pieces of stone seemed to flow until a vast humanoid figure with a demonic appearance remained, apparently made of stone. Its bat-like wings stretched to catch the currents flowing through the ether. Then it ponderously soared away, gaining speed as its great wings beat against the silence of space.

Far beyond the boundaries of the Empire a group of creatures gathered. Every so often another would descend from the heavens; on wings, gas filled sacks, jets of noxious gasses, or means even stranger. The larger spoke in their fashion, "See, they come into our territory. They have with them the one who encountered out probe crystal. After so long, we have more to test, torment, and finally destroy. We, who have tested the might of even the old Dirmenians before they created their machines to defend them, have another opponent to play with." A chorus of screeching went up from the gathered horde. Their forms shifted and altered as their whims changed as they went forth to alert the rest of the race. Another game was beginning and no one wanted to miss the slaughter.

Another sacrificial race was soon found to appease the hunger of their dark, slumbering gods. Soon, perhaps even after this one additional sacrifice after countless hundreds others, their gods would awaken, shake off the bindings that held them, and lead their minions towards the destruction of the universe. Even now strange pipings could be heard echoing throughout the ether, coming from far, far away. The dead of a thousand worlds shuddered before answering the call of battle. Thoughts of blood and more were on the creature's minds as they left to prepare their armies.

THE END

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