Internal Memo
Case #47-122-54467. Group of human inhabitants that are located in a region formerly known as the South Puget Sound.
Approximate boundaries are 47°12'41.28"N - 122°41'19.49"W By 47°15'0.14"N - 122°24'5.29"W By 47° 2'18.21"N - 122°15'18.26"W
By 46°57'44.38"N - 122°37'57.65"W. The area consists of farms, houses in small groups and what looks like factories. Little is know
about this group other than the area around the group is devoid of any improvements. Conjecture is that the group is militant and keeps all others away.
They have boats, ground vehicles, small primitive aircraft and some industrial logistic capacity. Population is in excess of five thousand.
No major towns visible. Strict light controls during even hours. Waters in Puget Sound are deep but near shore the waters are littered with both
small and large vessels that are partially or fully submerged. Observation from remote operated submersible is not recommended.
Orders: Insertion will be approximately 45° 54’N - 122° 45’ W. Travel North to recon and determine if first contact should be initiated and best
way to accomplish.
Resources: Standard Mule and support equipment. As per request Mule: AFM15369 is assigned.
Trade and / or barter materials; 2 Medical Tricorder. Seed. Specifications on Tools and agricultural implements. Medications
for; Flu, Bronchitis, Hepatitis and antibiotics.
At 13:40 hours Jordy and Buster are dropped just north of Centralia.
Log Entry. March 1st 2094, 16:47 45 °54’52.23”N - 122° 45’6.28”W
The OBY-21 set us down without incident. We have investigated the area and feel that we are secure
for the moment. InfraRed scans indicated the presence of ample wildlife ,but no humans. At first
light we will head North. The path should be easy as the remnants of the old Interstate is still
intact. Its covered with almost six inches of moss and topsoil, some bushes, but trees still can’t
penetrate the six to eight inches of concrete so it’s easy to follow. I’m not willing to travel
over this terrain at night as the mixture of moss and vegetation don’t show up well without the
full spectrum of light.
I will make sure that I contact SAT Comm Three on each pass. I estimate first contact in eight
days after at two days of surveillance. At present Buster is picking up on some radio transmission,
they are weak and garbled, but as we get closer it will improve.
JO147 Telemetry file: 453368991-12.sscl2
Log Entry. March 6rd 2094 05:33 47° 4'16.74"N - 122°42'19.07"W
The Interstate has proven to be very resilient to time. Despite the almost constant rain over
the decades, many of the concrete bridges are intact, however the exposed steel structures are
not. This has led to a particularly difficult problem in crossing the Nisqually Valley. The
engineers that built the roadway, elevated it and put in two bridges to cross the rivers that
ran down the valley. In the passage of time debris has blocked the openings and created a dam
that holds the water to the East. To make matters worse the tide has made the lands West of
the road a bog.
The only way across is to wait until low tide. At which point the back side of the semi
natural dam is exposed. It’s just a jumble of rusted steel girders and hundreds of moss covered
logs that have become entangled in them. This topography makes a perfect Southern border to this
colony.
We picked up more transmissions. They appear to be basic commerce and building activity. They
do have some sort of security system with watchtowers and electronic surveillance systems. My
approach may take more time than expected. As for today, I would be happy to get Buster and
myself across this dam.
Signing off early. Someone is coming.
JO147 Telemetry file: 453368991-14.sscl2
Log Entry March 7th 2094: 08:51 47° 4'16.64"N - 122°42'19.08"W
We were almost discovered yesterday. Apparently they have a gate just North of the Valley
and they detected movement. Which prompted them to send out a patrol. They are either paranoid
or very security conscious. The patrols was lightly armed and did not pose a threat to Buster
or myself, however we managed to keep our presence unknown.
Thanks to Buster we have detected capacitance sensor system all along the perimeter. These
types of sensors are prone to false alarms as animals can trip them, but they are effective.
We can not find a way through without tripping them.
From this vantage point, all we can do is listen to their transmissions. The lack of altitude
and dense foliage makes direct observations impossible. I may head inland to see if I can find
a way to observe them from the East side of their boundary.
JO147 Telemetry file: 453378991-18.sscl2
Log Entry March 11th 2094: 21:53 46°55'13.66"N - 122°35'10.02"W
They are a diligent people. After four days of probing their border, I have not found any gaps
in their grid. All transmissions have been benign and free of paranoia, so I am going back down
to the valley and establish first contact. I believe they will be cautious, but receptive.
I have discovered three small camps outside of their borders. The colony appear to be benevolent
to these groups. They have teaching centers for agriculture and basic educations which are manned
sporadically.
I believe that this colony is a prime candidate for assimilation. They seem to have a balance of
security and charity. Which is paramount in our search.
I am currently at the Easternmost point of their border and plan to start back to the valley in
the morning.
JO174 Telemetry file: 453398991-11.sscl2
Log Entry March 16th 2094: 03:23 47° 4'16.74"N - 122°42'19.07"W
Left Buster at the dam and low crawled to the gate. I was able to get within one hundred meters.
They knew something was out in the woods, but stayed behind the walls and shined lights in my direction.
I believe they will send out patrols at first light. Buster monitored transmissions and reported
that they have a means of transporting personnel at high speed. In less than eight minutes they had
doubled the guard at the gate and increase their ability to repel an attack. In this primitive day,
these tactics would prove fatal to any humans that attempted to cross their border. I will wait until
13:40 tomorrow to make contact. I want them to reduce their aggressive presence and then I will make
a bold approach. SAT Comm Three should be over my position and you can watch as the process unfolds.
I will get as close as I can and then reveal myself. I will have eight minutes to get to the gate
and establish my intentions.
Personal note. These people are well armed and if I should be attacked I may not be recovered
without serious loss of life on both sides. We must establish a dialog with this colony. It
has basic technology, economic structure and social system that shows benevolence to others less
fortunate. They obviously have an education system and some light industrial activity. I am
confident that things will go well, but if they don’t, please don’t give up on this group.
Mankind may depend on this contact.
I will leave the comm channel open on Buster as I approach. You will hear first hand what is going on.
JO147 Telemetry file: 453397991-16.sscl2
Log Entry March 17th 2094: 13:53 47° 4'35.50"N - 122°41'28.94"W
Com link established...Open mic.
“Who goes there!” Guard One commanded a response with his rifle pointed at Jordy.
“My designation is Jay-Oh-One-Four-Seven, but most humans call me Jordy.” Said Jordy.
“Okay, what are you?” Asked the guard a little confused by Jordy’s statement.
“I’m an android.” Replied Jordy with his hands up in a sign of resignation.
“What the hell is an android and where did you come from?” Asked the guard.
“I am an Artificially Intelligent life form and the other part is a very long story. However, I do come in peace.” Jordy responded.
“What the hell is that?” The guard became aware of Buster.
“That is my mule. It carries my communication systems, charging station and equipment.” Jordy was keeping his voice light and non threatening.
“Have it stay where it is. What is your business here?” Asked the guard.
“I’m here to bring you gifts of technology and if you would have it, an invitation.” Jordy said. He started putting his hands down.
The guard indicated with his rifle that he like Jordy’s arms in the air. “I’m no idiot, but I have no Idea what you are and where you came from.
So, I’m going to ask you nicely to stay put while I get my commander down here.”
“That sounds like a reasonable request.” Then Jordy just stopped. He did not move a single servo.
“That’s just so creepy.” Said a second guard standing on the wall with his rifle pointed at Buster. He put his left hand in the air and gave a hand
signal. Then returned his hand to the front of the rifle.
“This thing is definitely not human despite its looks.” Said the first guard. “Did you signal for backup.
“Yep.” Said the second guard.
“Hey you! Jordy.” Said the first guard.
“Yes.” Jordy said without moving his mouth.
“Okay, that’s just.., don’t do that.” Commanded the guard, “I get it, you’re not human.”
Jordy turned his head and eyes to engage the guard. “Sorry, but I want you to know that I am willing to comply with your orders.” He paused, “I want
to ensure that we have a positive first contact.”
“So you’re not human and that thing is definitely not a mule by our definition, so could we even do any damage with these guns?” The guard was fishing for information.
“Possible, but not probable.” Said Jordy.
“Well, Hell ain't this a pickle.” The guard said more to himself than Jordy.
“A whole peck of pickles.” responded Jordy.
The guard just looked confused.
“Never mind.” Jordy said without condemnation.
Within minutes the noise of a fast moving vehicle could be heard. It stopped abruptly on the other side of the wall and troops filled in the blank spots on the wall.
All of the newcomers had rifles and or large caliber guns with the exception of one.
Jordy’s hands were still in the air, “I come in peace with an offer of friendship.”
The man with no gun left his position. A few seconds later the gate creaked and a man door opened. The individual without a rifle appeared in the opening and
walked forward. He came within two meters of Jordy. “I’m commander Knorack.” He said with wonder in his voice.
“My designation is Jay-Oh-One-Four-Seven, but most humans call me Jordy.” Said Jordy.
“Humans?” Asked Knorack, “My Friends call me Jason.”
“Well, Jason, I hope to be a friend very soon.” Responded Jordy.
“Simulated human responses, Impressive.” Said Jason.
“I am programed for first contact and can simulate many human emotions.” Said Jordy.
“So...Jordy.” Jason said as he was trying to size up this machine. “Why are you here?”
“As I said, I’m here to extend an invitation to join our group of humans and artificial life forms.” Jordy let that sink in a moment. “I’m with a group of humans that have
preserved the technology of the old world. As well as made many new improvements”
“I’m assuming that you are one of these improvements.” Jason asked.
“I am.” Jordy said. “May I show you something.”
“Will it hurt?” Jason replied with a jovial note.
“No.” Jordy mimicked the tone.
“I have a medical tricorder. It will allow me to scan you and tell me what, if any, ailments you might have.” Jordy stated.
“That would be interesting, go for it.” Jason said with interest.
“I need to get it off of my Mule.” Jordy asked.
“Stand down.” Jason commanded. With his hands he signaled to keep their weapons at the ready, but allow this thing to move.
Jordy retrieved his tricorder and opened the lid. He removed what looked like a wand and placed it horizontal to Jason’s head. He then slowly lowered the
wand down to Jason’s knees. Looking at the Tricorder Jordy reported. “Your heart rate is 88, respiration 57, you have had two fractured ribs. Your right tibia
was broken twice. Indigestion, typical parasitic activity and your vision is slightly impaired in your left eye.”
“All that in one pass.” Jason was astounded.
Jordy put the wand away and handed Jason the Tricorder. “A gift.”
“You have my attention.” Jason said.
“My organization has been studying your colony for almost a decade.” Jordy explained, “your colony has steadily grown and yet those around you have not.”
“They don’t wish to learn.” Responded Jason.
“Which is the case in many other parts of the planet.” Jordy admitted.
“So, a decade.” Jason said.
“Yes.” Jordy knew there was a question.
“Why now?” Jason asked.
“It’s time.” Jordy responded.
“For?” Jason pressed.
“For us to find out what this group is made of, how it came to be and what it wants to accomplish.” Jordy said.
“Those are some big questions.” Jason understood where this conversation was going.
“I need to see your leadership, Elders right.” Jordy asked.
“Yes.” Jason said with some hesitation.
“Do you see that steel bar there.” Jordy pointed to a piece of rebar that was sticking out of a junk of concrete. “I’m going to walk over there and bend it with
my bear hands.”
“I'd like to see that.” Jason responded. He put up his hand to indicated that whatever Jordy was doing, it was okay.
Jordy walked over the the 1.5 centimeter steel bar and easily bent it 90 degrees from what it was. Looking back at Jason, “Honestly, I did not have to ask
permission to enter your colony.” Jordy said with little emotion.
“Point taken.” Jason said as he looked at the bar. “I need to call ahead.”
JO147 Telemetry file: 453399991-18.sscl2
"What are you reading?" Asked Tiffany.
"Jordy's logs." Harold responded without looking up.
“Why?” Tiffany asked with what sounded like indignation.
“I’m trying to figure out what my mother saw in him.” Harold stopped reading and looked up. Then continued, “That set us on this course.”
“I never actually met Jay-Oh-One-Four-Seven. And the backpack version was just a fraction of what he was.” Tiffany looked towards the back of their
little ship. “I would have liked to meet him.”
Harold found that statement odd and could not help to comment, “Tiffany. I do believe you have a crush on him.”
Tiffany stopped moving suddenly as the idea was processed. “That would not be possible.” she said with little emotion. After another second, “You are
toying with me again.”
“True.” Harold said then went back to reading, “But you did think about it.”
Tiffany was about to resume her course when she stopped again, “Have you thought about leaving this ship.”
“Not now.” Was all Harold said.
“We will have to abandon it soon.” Tiffany pushed the subject.
“I know. Not now.” Harold said with more resistance. He knew she was right. But they needed to do so much to exist on board without being noticed.
It was one thing to hide while the majority slept, but they were going to have to exist on this ship while it was fully functional. That was going to require a
whole new strategy.
Next Book : The Grey Abyss. Coming soon.
As you know this blog contains two books of the Remnant Series. Graham Heights is book 3 of the series. Below is more.
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R. A. Legg
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