Chapter 11

F R E E    on    the    S E A 

ARKON  CH-11  New Assignment

 Sunday,  2100,  Joy Luck 8

"Please help yourself to coffee from the sideboard and take a seat," said Captain Kuznet, "This will be informal."

"Last night I received a coded message from Captain Jenkins on the Arkon Star. He requested I contact you and bring you aboard for a confidential briefing on a potential world-changing problem. Beginning with the cult classic film Blade Runner in 1982, people have been fascinated by the idea of human clones. In this movie the Clones had a built-in lifespan of maybe 7 years. Following this film were others fantasizing about super soldiers and sex slaves and low-cost industrial workers. Dolly the Sheep was the first mammal cloned in 1996. Since then universities and private Labs have been working on human clones for spare parts, like in The Island, and other reasons. Pet clones were attempted starting in 1999 with the Missiplicity project, and the dog Snuppy was cloned in 2005. The ethical guidelines prevent them from allowing any cloned fetuses to live beyond two weeks.

Now about 8 weeks ago Commodore Kaiser was startled by an Arkon One film student's private message advising him he believed he had witnessed 3 snuff films of clones as part of his internet studies. He said except for hair color, they look exactly alike. An agent was sent to make inquiries in back- alley genetek shops in Tokyo and Shanghai. The agent reported that 5 years ago there were rumors of 15 year old male or female clones available from a lab hidden in the mountains of Kazakhstan. The price at that time was 1.5 million dollars. The lab techs only knew of pet clone Labs that were licensed; however, they believed it was possible that human clones were available.

"Looking at a map of Kazakhstan and trying to think like someone making illegal clones, the commodore staff suggested sending the agent to the two biggest cities on the Chinese Kazakhstan border. He visited several low life tourist bars and asked a few leading questions, but mostly just listened to the talk going on. In the second smaller City he did hear one drunk customer say he had sex at  brothels with twin sisters at opposite ends of the town. He asked them where they were from but they gave vague answers and didn't know each other even though they had identical birthmarks on their right butt. Expensive high-resolution custom satellite photos of surrounding mountains revealed nothing. However, it would be easy to smuggle the Clones into China and out via several exits.

The online brochures for the floating cities of Shangri-La and Babylon talk about custom exotic fantasy scenarios available to high rollers, better than Fantasy Island, and very private.

"So, your assignment would be to apply as staff workers at the Babylon recruitment office in Monterey Bay. You would be accompanied by two locals who are Street Savvy and have worked with us before. I briefed them earlier so you would not see each other in case you decline. Stakka could work as electrician, mechanic, or fast food cook. Renka could work as a small appliance repair tech, fast food cook, or laundry cleaning staff. You would get double your hazard pay and not have to do anything dangerous except look and listen, don't ask any questions that would get you in trouble. They have a rotation of 4 weeks on, one week off so in a period of three months you should have some information. Tomorrow starts their quarterly hiring cycle so we don't have much time. I'll leave you two alone for an hour so you can discuss it in private."

When they were alone Renka asked, "Do you have any Red Zinger?" "Yes," said Stakka, "Let's share one while we consider our options." "I think Nobi and Loki can take care of the weather watch station," said Renka, "With the help of Jake and Karen." "I think so too," agreed Stakka. "I've always had a big curiosity about Babylon," said Renka, "And this way we get paid to explore." "What's not to like?" said Stakka, "Lets refill our coffee, and see if the captain can help us restock our Zingers."

When Captain Kuznet returned, Stakka informed him, "We're ready to go, Sir." Captain Kuznet said, "Excellent, I will invite Dingo and Tango to join us for the last part of the briefing so you can get acquainted." he buzzed the door open and two people entered. The taller one a male with long black hair streaked with gray said, "Hi, I'm Dingo and this is my partner Tango." She had short red hair with a little bun in the back. "I'm Stakka, and this is my partner Renka. Nice to meet you."

"To continue our briefing," said the Captain, "We paid for a hack on high wealth individual emails in a secret database for the last 3 years with special keyword searches and came up with some additional information: 1) the Clones muscles are 15% stronger without being bulky or losing fine motor control. 2) the bones in the wrist, hand, and fingers are 20% stronger. 3) the other skeletal bones are 10% stronger. 4) their blood carries 5% more oxygen and clots immediately on contact with nitrogen in regular air. 5) their reflexes and thought processes are 10% faster. 6) they can have babies and interbreed with regular humans. 7) their aggression has been modified. They are not likely to attack but will defend themselves.

"In conclusion," said the Captain, "If they could program in wisdom, they would take over the world; as it is, they might anyway due to our lack of wisdom. This is not a conspiracy theory, it is just a logical extension of the evidence. They are a much bigger risk to humanity than Skynet or advanced AI, which were just Silicon Valley red herrings."

"So on the Babylon we're likely to just meet them as bodyguards or sex workers? " asked Dingo. "That's right," replied the Captain, "The other application we see is to replace an expensive robot performing a technical assembly task." "What if they ask for our help to escape," asked Renka, "Should we get involved?" "Stall at first," said the Captain, "Try to find out why and what they plan to do next. Explain that you have to check with your family at the next shore leave." "Now that their cloning process has been refined, with fewer rejects," said Stakka, "They could produce a superior Navy SEAL for less than $1,000,000; a SEAL cost the government about $700,000. There would probably be a market for those in every country. Like nuclear weapons, if you didn't have one and your neighbor did, watch out." "So, we're doing the basic research to make a Blade Runner," said Tango.

"That's right," said the Captain. "Oh, and before I forget, here are two mechanical alarm clocks. Outside is an old beat-up van with a well-tuned motor and new tires for your ride to Monterey tonight. There are four comfortable reclining seats inside and the drivers will take you to a safe house on the outskirts of Monterey. In the morning they will take you to the recruiting station where you have an interview scheduled for 1000. Here are some letters of reference from your previous employers; however, do not volunteer them, wait until they ask; they may not. When your first shore leave comes up the van will pick you up at the pier and take you to the safe house for debriefing. Good Luck!" "Thank you Captain. One last thing," said Stakka, "Could you request that Arkon One send 6 cartons of Red Zinger and 4 cartons of Blu Zinger and 5 tubes each of the seeds to the safe house before our first shore leave? They make excellent ice breakers and we might use them for bribes, heh."

Outside they met their drivers Rico and Lola. Once on their way Rico said, "This ride takes 5 hours so you may want to recline and sleep."

Monterey,  0530,  Safe House

The potholes in the driveway to the safe house woke them up at 0530. Inside they had bacon egg sandwiches and coffee then set the alarm for zero nine hundred and went back to sleep.

When they woke Rico informed them they should leave their capes and handguns here. He then spread four different size metal link t-shirts on the couch. "Here's the latest in high-tech underwear, he said, "A chainmail t-shirt made out of titanium and guaranteed not to rip, wear, tear, unravel, or rust, heh." As they tried on their armor he put their guns and capes in a hidden safe. He said, "Lola and I will be living here and pick you up when you come back on your first leave." "We're ready for the interview," said Stakka, "Let's go"

Monterey,  1010,  Babylon Recruiting

"I see you've worked as an electrician," said the recruiter, reading his application, "Could you hold out your hands palm up please?" Stakka held out his hands and the recruiter passed his thumbs over both of them and said, "Very good, you have some callus pads." "Now please lift that 6 liter water bottle onto the table with your right hand. Very good, now lift it with your left hand and place it back on the floor. Very good, now raise both hands above your head and touch them together. Very good. Do you take any prescribed medications?" "No," replied Stakka. "The use of marijuana and alcohol is allowed," said the recruiter, "Provided it does not interfere with your work. Any other habit forming drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines, will be cause for immediate dismissal." "I understand," said Stakka. "We work on 6 hour shifts," said the recruiter, "And you will start 0600 to 1200 Monday. As for personal defense weapons, you are allowed an 8 inch belt knife and 7 watt laser outside your work area. You will have a locker assigned for changing into your work uniform." "That works for me," said Stakka.

"Congratulations and welcome aboard," said the recruiter. "Take this receipt down the hall to the security office where they will issue a debit card for your wages, an electronic ID badge, a como pod that only works on Babylon, and a ticket for the ferry, which leaves Thursday morning. You will arrive early on Sunday morning and have Sunday for orientation, and start work Monday morning."

After he finished the security processing, Stakka went out to the van and waited for the others with Rico and Lola. Tango came out 10 minutes later. She got hired as a fast-food cook. Five minutes later Renka came out. She got hired as a laundry Tech. 10 minutes later Dingo came out. He got hired as an appliance repair Tech.

They picked up some Chinese takeout food on their way back to the safe house for lunch.

During lunch Stakka asked, "Is there any way to get a message to Sergei?" "We have a shortwave transceiver but it's not secure," said Rico. "That's okay," said Stakka, "We just want to ask them to be here when we have our first shore leave. And if they have a secure link to Arkon One or Joy Luck 8, can they bring it to set up." "I'll give them a call after lunch said Rico. "Oh, just in case they have a plane, could you check the local airport around 1000 on our first day of leave? If we caught a plane at 0600 on Babylon we should be at the airport by 0900."

"I was thinking," said Renka, "With the backyard having a high fence, we could put up a small grow for Red Zinger and another one for Blu Zinger." "We'd be happy to take care of it," said Lola, "For some free smoke." "We could go into town tomorrow," said Dingo, "And pick up the supplies and have it running before we left for Babylon."

With all hands working together they had a ten bucket grow on the left and right side of the back yard, both enclosed in clear plastic. Keeping them separated a little bit should cut down on cross pollination.

Thursday morning they left early for the pier hoping to get a good seat on the ferry.

Sunday,  0530,  Babylon

As they debarked from the ferry they saw a line of young ladies on the Quay, in the same uniform, holding up signs with people's names on them. Halfway down they saw one with a 'Stakka and Renka' sign.

As they got closer, she stepped forward and extended her hand, saying "Hi, I'm Anna. I will be your guide for the next 5 days." Stakka shook her hand and said, "I'm Stakka and this is Renka. Lead on."

They followed her into a hallway and down two levels to the second deck. As they walked they noticed it was very quiet. This steel deck was covered with a thin layer of neoprene. Anna handed them each a triple folded thin plastic brochure saying, "This is a general map layout of Babylon. There are six sections almost identical for most passageways. We are headed towards City Center in module 3 right now. All sections have an emergency clinic near City Center. Modules 1, 3, and 5 are on the second deck, and modules 2, 4, and 6 are on the third deck. They came to a big wide opening on the left and right and Anna explained, "This is like a ring road that goes all the way around the city. We'll take this left around to module 5 where your cabin is." When they reached module 5 they turned right for 50 meters and went down a stair to the fourth deck. Here they turned left and went back a hundred meters to cabin 487. Anna open the door with a key which she gave to Stakka and a copy to Renka. She said, "These cabins are 3 by 3 meters and I will leave you here to relax and unpack for an hour, then I will be back to show you to your work location and a cafeteria."

Babylon,  0700,  Sunday

Anna came back an hour later and said, "Let's go to the cafeteria first, I'm starving." They headed back towards City Centre and went up one level. Very soon they heard the clank and clatter of cafeteria trays and the chatter of a large group.

With full trays they followed Anna to an empty table and sat down. "The prices are very reasonable," said Renka, "I expected they might be higher." "We do make a small profit to cover costs," said Anna, "But save money by having you carry your own empty trays back for cleaning." "So Anna, I am curious," said Stakka, "Where did you grow up? I can't place your accent." "I'm not surprised," said Anna, "I grew up in an orphanage in Kazakhstan but have traveled widely since then. You both sound like you grew up in Los Angeles." "You're right," said Renka, "Is it far from here to our workplace?" "Not at all," said Anna, "Let's take our trays to the return window and I'll show you."

Back in their cabin after work and lunch on Wednesday, Renka said, "I want to call Anna and ask her to come visit us this afternoon, and answer some questions." "Okay," said Stakka,"I have some also." So she called Anna who was available to visit at 1500.

When Anna arrived, Renka said, "Would you like some coffee or a Red Zinger to share?" Anna laughed and said, "Yes for both. How can I help you?" "Well," said Renka, "Two of my co-workers in the laundry room said I should keep an eye out for 'Borgs'. She said they might not be human. She said when she was chatting with them in a bar, after 20 minutes of talking she felt nervous and closed the conversation. They were usually sex workers or bodyguards and she said she never felt threatened or endangered,  just that they were 'different'." Anna laughed and said, "I've heard this story before. What is causing the problem is those two classes of workers have spent two months prior to being hired in a special training program. They use advanced neuro-linguistic carrot-and-stick training methods to unlearn bad habits and pick up good ones, and this is apparently a benign side effect." "Thanks for clearing that up," said Renka, "One more item. Can staff play the slot machines and blackjack tables?" "Yes, that's perfectly alright," said Anna, "Just remember to wear your dress uniforms when you're off work in public spaces." "Don't think I'm unhappy with my job," said Stakka, "But when it's time for a break, is there a faster option to get to shore?" "Yes," said Anna, "You can pay an extra hundred creds and take a small seaplane, which gets there in 3 hours."

That night after dinner Stakka and Renka went to a small bar far away from the Tourist venue, called Two-Toed-Turtle. It was crowded with staff in public uniforms so they spotted a table with a couple and asked if they could join them. After 20 minutes of conversation Stakka asked, "Would you guys like to share a red Zinger?" "Yes," said Robin. "Me too," said Karl. After more conversation Robin said, "That was the best Zinger I've ever smoked, where did you get them?" "They are from special seeds a friend brought from Arkon One," said Renka, "I believe they are genetic hybrids. Plus, our climate in Monterey is very good for them also." Their new friends glanced at each other and Karl said, "It is amazing the improvements you can make with genetic tinkering." "You're right," said Stakka, "A guy I know in Monterey has a little Gibbon ape that has been gifted with speech. He is really funny sometimes." As their conversation slowed down Renka said, "We have an early start tomorrow, why don't we meet here again next Wednesday, the same time?" "That's a great idea," said Robin, "We'll see you then."

On the way back to their cabin Stakka took out his Como pod and called Dingo. "Would you guys like to share a Zinger back in our cabin in 15 minutes?" "Sure," said Dingo, "See you there."

As they all went inside Renka said, "I'm heating water for coffee if anybody wants some, help yourself." She also turned up the volume on their random noise surf sound generator to cover conversation. "I think we hit paydirt," said Stakka, "At a small employee bar we met Robin and Karl, who may be the mysterious 'Borgs'." "Fantastic!" said Tango, "What tipped you off?" "They had a micro hesitation when replying to a question about childhood or early youth," said Renka, "But they responded enthusiastically to a comment about genetic hybrid zingers. Which reminds me, where's our Zinger, Stakka?" "Here you go," said Stakka, "We are going to meet them again next Wednesday night. So that might be a plan for you guys on Thursday, is go to a small employee bar near your cabin and snoop around, see what you catch." "We realize this exceeds our mandate," said Renka, "But I believe the reward outweighs the risk." "I agree," said Tango, "What do you think Dingo?" "I'm ready," said Dingo, "Could you write down two or three questions we could try out on. them?" "No problem," said Stakka, "Just be sure and not steer the conversation too strongly. When they mention a keyword topic, you pop up with a childhood or youth question about that, allowing them to give an easy 'yes no' answer, or expand a little bit if they choose." "One more thing I noticed," said Renka, "They drink very slowly." "Oh, before you go out tomorrow night, take the question list and cut it into little tiny pieces and flush it." said Stakka, "We don't want any evidence that looks like this is a planned thing."

And with that warning, Dingo and Tango returned to their cabin.

(expect posts Sat 8 am EST)

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