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Fathom's Phantoms Running Short on Time

Jennifer was working with the Personnel Director's communication equipment when Captain Nida emerged from her quarters accompanied by the Tiger who had made quite a commotion entering the Bridge scarcely an hour earlier. The Overseer was further surprised to see that they were both accompanied by an enormous shire horse who she hadn't recalled seeing enter. She didn't bother having to speak up because Security Commander Vanessa did first. "The Tiger I'm aware of Captain... but when did the Horse step onto the Bridge?"

Rather than answer the Security Commander's question the Captain went in a different direction and introduced him instead. "Major Ian McGilvoy, Commander. And, if I am not mistaken, he does technically outrank you... is it not customary to salute?"

The other security personnel on the deck immediately did so, but the Commander paused, pulling up the interface on her PCD before she spoke again. "There is a mistake somewhere, Captain... the only Ian McGilvoy I see on record aboard Sigma-Echo is a Private."

The Tiger beside the Voljoi shrugged casually. "It probably also denotes him as a 2nd Generation... there've been some personnel file issues lately, but I can vouch for the Major... he is indeed who he says he is."

Commander Vanessa was quick to address the Tiger. "Unless I'm far off of my mark you were pressed into service from the VAC... shouldn't I be WORRIED that you know him?"

Rather than the Tiger answering the Captain did. "No, Commander; you should not. Dr. Surresh is a valuable consultant and his input does not need to be second-guessed."

The Tiger smiled smoothly, his Indian accent exotic enough to make the comment sound endearing. "It's quite alright, Captain... she's your security Commander-- it only makes sense that she should be mindful."

The Overseer sighed, finally standing up. "Is everything alright, Captain?"

The Voljoi woman took the question in a different light than in which it was meant to be addressed. "Yes, Overseer... there's no reason to site the Commander for insubordination."

Jennifer managed to stifle an exasperated sigh. "In general, Captain Nida. You've been in your quarters for almost forty hours and the bridge crew is working under the Overseer's direction instead of its Captain's."

Nida offered up what could have been a smile. "Perfectly acceptable, Overseer. I trust in your ability to continue maintaining the status quo while I tend to some important tasks that require my attention."

The Overseer remained where she was, motioning to the side. "Come with me please, Captain."

Nida stood where she was. "I must respectfully decline, Overseer... I am in the middle of something pressing."

Jennifer did not bother hiding her frown. "And I must respectfully insist."

The Captain offered a simple shrug. "I am sorry, but my time line is far too exact... but if you wish to speak with me then I would invite you to come with."

It was a battle of power she knew but Jennifer was far more interested in results than in playing some infantile game of who's-the-boss. She stepped to line beside Captain Nida and walked with her and her two companions to the Bridge Lift. Once the doors closed Jennifer decided that being direct was the best way to proceed. "What is so important that you would override an order from the station's Overseer?"

Captain Nida maintained a strangely serene expression. "The station is in danger... by now we've likely lost half of our crew."

It was an outrageous statement but something about the eerie calm the Voljoi exhibited and the casual nods of her other two companions worried Jennifer. "What? Because of a collision with the comm tower? If we were leaking atmosphere there'd be an alarm, communications or not. Why would you think that--"

She was interrupted as Dr. Makowi spoke over her. "ALVIN? You're there, aren't you? I know you are."

A calming, smooth voice responded from the lift's speaker system. "Dr. Surresh Makowi... although I am familiar with you I am unaware as to how it is you know me."

Jennifer glanced at the Tiger. "Who's Alvin?"

The voice responded. "I am ALVIN, Overseer Thurstenburger. I did not know when we would finally have a chance to meet as I am currently unable to access the Bridge. Please let me say that it is a joy to finally have the opportunity to speak with you."

The woman was used to flattery and ingratiating introductions but there was something so straight forward and open about the words that made her almost believe that they were genuine. She remained aloof. "I'm surprised that I'm so well known... I was only added to the station roster a few weeks ago."

Dr. Makowi smiled at the Human woman. "ALVIN has been aboard Sigma Echo for just about the same amount of time."

Something about the comment didn't add up but Jennifer couldn't put her finger on it. "Alvin... what shuttle service did you come in on? I don't remember any transfer requests any time near my arrival."

Major McIlvoy spoke up for the first time Jen could recall, his deep, accented voice practically causing her bones to shake. "ALVIN? As in, the experiment from Farlight?"

Jennifer was taken aback. "Experiment?"

Dr. Makowi accessed his PCD. "Yes, and no, Major. Just like you had your equivalent here ALVIN does also..."

The Overseer pressed her question. "WHO is Alvin exactly?"

The Tiger continued typing away. "Artificial Life-form Virtual Intelligence Network. A-L-V-I-N. ALVIN. He's a program I helped create with the assistance of some colleagues of mine when I was stationed at the Farlight outpost."

Jennifer shook her head. "There isn't any tech research going on at Farlight... I should know-- LHI helped fund that center."

Major McGilvoy raised a large hand to stall further objection. "We be from a different Farlight, Miss."

The Overseer was growing increasingly agitated, especially due to the smug, silent expression on the Captain's face. She stared back at the stallion, having to crane her head up to do so. "There's only ONE Farlight and it deals with biological study."

Dr. Makowi interrupted the argument by holding up a finger, causing Major McGilvoy to silence whatever he was about to say. The Tiger spoke up instead, "Alvin... can you pick the four 'Y-list" files up off of my PCD, please?"

The voice from the speaker responded casually, "I have already done so, Surresh-- I am naturally curious and have to admit that I was interested in what it was you were doing. While I do not recall having generated these files, they do hold my electronic fingerprint. Would you be able to clarify this mystery for me, please?"

The Tiger smiled, "Run the programs and it should explain everything."

Captain Nida glanced from the Tiger to the Overseer, her self-assured smile still firmly in place. "If only it was that easy with everyone."

The Lift suddenly came to a stop and its comm screen turned on, revealing a handsome-looking, well kept Gen-2 Collie staring out at them. "I had a body?"

Dr. Makowi nodded. "Yes, ALVIN. Unfortunately in this Echo you do not."

Things were making even less sense to Jennifer. "Echoes? What are you talking about? How did an AI get on board Sigma-Echo? What is so important that--?"

Alvin glanced toward her from the monitor. "Overseer, I am sorry if this does not make a lot of sense but you will have to limit your questions if you are expecting any sensical response. To put things plainly Sigma-Echo is in incredible danger the likes of which few have ever experienced before. Suffice to say, you are in a Lift with four of us who have."

The Human woman paused, and started again. "I don't understand."

Nida reached out and laid a hand on Jennifer's forearm in an almost comforting gesture. "That's alright, Overseer... you don't have to."

She pulled back. "It's my JOB to."

Alvin suddenly piped up, apparently so surprised that his (now obviously) synthetic voice cracked and wavered with an electronic synthesization, "THAT would explain why I couldn't access the Central Column! Yggdrasil!"

Nida nodded. "That's correct, ALVIN."

Jennifer stopped her mental breakdown with a sudden familiarity with the word. "Yggdrasil? As in, PROJECT Yggdrasil?"

Everyone else in the Lift (and Alvin's image on the monitor) glanced to one another. Nida took a step forward, her eyes narrowing in the first sign of genuine expression from her in as long as the Overseer could remember. "How do you know about Project Yggdrasil?"

Truly taken aback by the Voljoi woman's sudden venom, Jennifer offered up the answer simply. "Theo... he's... he's my Vice President. He mumbled something about it in his sleep a week and a half ago."

Once again everyone in the lift glanced to one another and Surresh pressed the 'go' button. "What level is your apartment?"

"Why?"

Major McGilvoy glanced down at Jennifer. "Apparently we need'ta go see a VP an' ask 'im some questions."

* * * * * *

Out of everyone in the group of survivors Kyle was one of the few who knew the upper decks well. Even though they were barely through the Central Hub it seemed that nobody had a problem with him leading. Gunner kept pace with him, the large Rhino pointing out repeatedly that, as the sole remaining member of the security team it was his job to keep everyone safe.

Tirzsark apparently didn't much like that line of thinking. The large Cytkus remained just a step behind the Sgt. "I'm technically a combat officer, you know... you're not the only 'soldier boy' here."

Without even bothering to turn around Gunner announced, "Knowing how to fire a ship-mounted cannon doesn't make you combat capable... it just means you're good at aiming a turret. If you really want to help then watch the back."

The rebuttal was the most Kyle had recalled ever hearing the Rhino say at any given time. Not wanting to become involved with the conflict the Technician simply continued onward glancing down each hall they came to looking for-- he really wasn't sure what. Perhaps it was like looking at a car accident, but every time he saw a collection of bodies with char marks in their chest he was just a little more concerned but, at the same time, relieved that there were signs of the creatures rather than the creatures themselves.

Alton stayed near the back of the group directly ahead of Tirzsark. His fur was disheveled and his tail flicked at the end with every step; he was obviously nervous. Every time Kyle glanced back to get a read on the party the Donkey looked just as frantic as he did the time before but he did an excellent job of keeping it together-- while everyone else's nerves continued to fray Alton always seemed to be at the same level of neurosis. Eventually, the Donkey even spoke. "So... we're heading toward the Executive Decks?"

Kyle provided as calm a response as he could manage. "It seems like the best idea. There's the most security there."

Sherman, who was just a step behind Kyle and Gunner also added "And escape pods."

The Rhino grunted an affirmative, not even slowing as he spoke. "Security and pods... and further from those things."

Kyle came to a stop when he recognized the 14-7 sign on the wall; they were getting close to the lift that would take them out of the Central-Hub. Things would have been a lot easier with the Trams but they were all red-lighted... no help there if they weren't running. "Just another few halls over to the lift."

Tirzsark called from the back of the party. "I've been up to the E-Decks once... couldn't do a repeat performance because the lifts have security codes. How do we plan on getting up there this time?"

Gunner grunted. "Security team override."

The Cytkus snickered. "Unless you have command access those security codes are worthless. I have overrides too-- remember?"

The Rhino frowned. "You tried yours?"

The First Class Gunner leaned against the wall. "No... that would have been irresponsible-- besides, only senior security officer overrides work on the executive and bridge lifts... they made that VERY clear when I got assigned to Sigma-Echo."

Kyle interrupted their discussion. "I have security codes for the Executive Deck."

Sherman crossed his arms with a self-satisfied grin on his thick muzzle. "Boone has an apartment there."

All eyes were suddenly on the Technician who nodded affirmatively. "I was hired on as a supervisor... I've been working down in the sub-levels for a little while but the apartment is still there and the access codes should still be valid."

Gunner gave a curt nod of his head and motioned him forward. "Good. Go."

No further direction was required and Kyle took a right and then the first left. The relief of seeing the doors to the lift washed over him and he pointed them out. "Those'll take us straight up to the lower Executive Deck."

The Human moved forward with renewed vigor but came to a stop when Gunner's large hand clamped down on his shoulder. "Wait."

Kyle stopped-- as much from compliance as from inability to escape the enormous Gen's grasp. "What's wrong?"

The Rhino pulled out a very heavy-looking revolver from its holster at his side and handed it to the Human. "Here."

The Technician looked down at it. "A gun?"

Gunner nodded. "All other security's dead. We need more people armed."

Tirzark moved through the group and came to stand beside the Rhino, pulling out his own side arm. "Right. That means we have three people with-- HEY!"

Gunner relieved the Cytkus of the weapon and handed it to Sherman. The Bull accepted it gingerly as the Rhino looked at him. "You fired one?"

Sherman shrugged, then turned to Kyle. Without even needing to be told the Human knew what was being suggested and he readily exchanged the heavy revolver for the much lighter pistol. The Bull looked back to Gunner. "Yea... a little."

The Sergeant shrugged. "Better'n nothing."

Tirzark wasn't done objecting. "That's MY gun!"

Gunner glanced at the Cytkus then at the weapon then down at the indent in his security armor. Clearing his throat, the Rhino stared at the suddenly very self-conscious reptile before simply stating. "It WAS."

With no further objections Kyle inputted his security clearance into the keypad to the side of the double-doors. "It's not like guns are going to help much anyway... we already know that bullets don't do anything to them."

Gunner grunted an affirmative. "They slow down when they're shot. It's SOMETHING."

Alton stood off to the side, eyes going back and forth between the lift doors and the hallway back in the direction from which they'd come, "How long does it take for it to get here? Do you think we're still being chased?"

Kyle shrugged. "It depends on whether someone else is in it or not... and--"

Tirzark interrupted him flatly, "We woulda been there already if we coulda used the Observation Bridge..."

The Human shrugged. "The lights on the access hall said it wasn't open."

The Cytkus continued to grumble. "A BRIDGE being CLOSED... just makes no sense... I mean, a cafeteria or a store, sure, but unless it was MISSING or something I just can't see a BRIDGE being closed."

Any further discussion was cut short as the attention bell from the lift identified that it had arrived. When the doors opened, however, everyone froze: it was already occupied by a good sized party. More surprising was the fact that Kyle recognized some of them. His eyes focused on the large Gorumn closest to the door and Gunner did likewise, even calling out the big green man's name. "Kamrn?"

The Gorumn saluted officially as he stepped out. "Sergeant."

Kyle also recognized the Cat hanging toward the back of the lift but neither acknowledged one another with more than a head nod. There were also two Humans wearing Programming ID cards and a Pointer with a Foreman ID badge standing beside-- "OVERSEER SCHULTZ!"

Jocelyn seemed just as surprised. "Boone? Sherman?!?"

There were a few moments as introductions were done but it became rapidly evident that nobody wanted to linger very long. Kamrn eventually brought attention back to the task at hand when he motioned to the programmers sharing the lift with them. "We're trying to help get people to safety."

Tirzsark questioned inquiringly. "So... the Executive Deck IS safe?"

Kamrn nodded. "Safer than here... none of those things. We were coming back down to help. Where's Lieutenant Hayward?"

Gunner shook his head. "They got him... and 4523."

The Gorumn paused for a moment then glanced back toward the lift. "Anyone that wants to go back, now's your chance. I'm heading back into the Central Hub to--"

The Rhino stared right at him. "No. We need you with us."

Kamrn stood his ground. "The people still out there need--"

Gunner was about as blunt as ever. "There aren't any left."

Kyle glanced past the Gorumn at two other Humans still in the lift; they were talking quietly with one another, but the woman fell silent as she gazed past everyone and back down the hall. Alton did another one of his glances at the same time and he was the first to speak up. "They're coming!"

The Technician looked back that direction and saw that there were five creatures wriggling their way through the air toward them. When he looked back to the lift he saw Dr. Cortez with a paw on the control panel, repeatedly pressing a button. The two Human programmers moved toward the back wall, further from the doors but Overseer Schultz reached out an arm to keep the doors from closing, "Come on!"

The Cat continued pressing the button panel. "If they want to stay, let em-- no sense in ALL of us dying."

Gunner readied his assault rifle and began firing short bursts at the creatures; Kyle saw that the Rhino's earlier statement about bullets slowing them down was true enough, but it didn't really seem to make much difference. The Sergeant roared over the sound of his gunshots, "Into the lift. Move! NOW!"

Kamrn stepped past Kyle, grabbing the pistol he'd been holding, and drew his own. The Gorumn fired single shots from either hand with incredible accuracy, helping to slow the approach of the creatures, "Get to the Bridge!"

A number of voices rose in chorus, objecting, but one voice did not: a very self-assured, take-control tone from the Canine Foreman, "Into the lift... if we delay then we'll all die."

Kyle lingered, but he was 'encouraged' into the lift by Sherman. Tirzsark paused, then, cursing under his breath, climbed in after everyone else. Through it all, Dr. Cortez had never stopped pressing the button. Finally, once everyone was in, Overseer Schultz removed her arm from the door to let it close... and, in the moment the doors were closing, a dapper looking Fox that had been traveling with the group stepped out through them, nimbly grabbing the pistol right out of Kyle's hand.

"Henry?"

The Fox didn't look back at the call from Kamrn; he simply spoke over his shoulder as he moved to join Gunner. "We'll buy ya some time, mate... make it count."

Nobody had a chance to object as the doors shut right behind him. Kyle heard the female programmer snort derisively. "The damn fool."

Nobody seemed interested in elaborating.