A Second Helping
Copyright© 2020 by Yob
Chapter 27: Wild Goose
We are going to go home. The PLUS are equipping my vessel with A functional FTL drive and FTL communications. The rear most compartment has been sealed off because the PLUS technicians breathe an atmosphere toxic to us. All cameras and monitoring systems are disabled for that compartment. They refuse to give us more than a bare bones explanation of the technology and responded angrily when I asked for circuit schematics and software printouts. They are willing to assist us to get home but not willing to give us the actual technology. We will have to reverse engineer it.
“JoAnn? Can you infiltrate the alien PLUS equipment and reverse engineer it?“
“Probably, but trying will determine for certain.”
“How do we get you in?“
“The PLUS equipment is connected directly, hardwired, to Sea Hag’s navgation control computer. That means, it’s already connected to me, as I am Sea Hag for all practical purposes. I’m beginning diagnostics now. Ow! Oh shit!”
“JoAnn?”
No response. What do I do now? Wait. Is the alien computer fighting with JoAnn? Wait. All we can do is wait.
“The PLUS leader wishes to speak with you, Iron. He doesn’t sound very friendly.”
“Ask him to wait, I’m taking a dump.”
“But your cyborg body neither eats or defecates. How can I tell the PLUS such a blatant falsehood?”
“Easy, Oops. Lie.”
“You want me to deliberately lie?”
“That is what all diplomacy is based on. Compliments you don’t mean. Hiding your true agenda. Bluffs are threats you don’t intend, so are lies. Tell him I’m indisposed. That is true. I am indisposed to see him. We need to discuss your moral code.”
“Okay, I told him you are indisposed and he threatens you better decide that you ARE disposed.”
“Ask him what the or else is.”
“Sorry, darling, I don’t understand.”
“A threat always has a Do it or else there are consequences, even if it’s only implied and not actually uttered. Ask him what consequences he has in mind if I refuse to be disposed to see him?”
“He threatens to destroy your ship.”
“Don’t reply, say nothing more, let him stew. Play for time. Have we received any recent shipments? Supplies?”
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