“Despicable one-dimensional thinkers. It’s a questionable honour for me to endure your presence.”

***Outer Rim***

***Antioch***

“So, how bad is it?” I sit down on my throne and look at Martin, Jenny and Jill. The three of them are arranged in front our society's seat of power, apparently uncertain of who should speak first.

In the end, Martin steps forward and waves a hand, commanding the hologram projector to display a strange scene. “This ring-like superstructure was observed in a border-system between G.S. controlled space and the Cyber. We didn't know that it was some kind of portal until the G.S. attacked the system and forced the Cyber to reveal this ability.”

I glance at Jill, who obviously knows something about this technology.

It's impossible to recount how often I tried to coax some kind of insane super-weapon out of her, but I was always rebuffed. The Blue may be on our side when it comes to upholding the rules of G.O.D., but she clearly isn't willing to give us a technological boost.

“It's a wormhole,” my pyjama-clad daughter reports ominously.

I look at Martin, who is wearing his best uniform, flaunting a motley collection of insignias and signs of rank. He shrugs, showing me that our stealth-probe didn't manage to gather anything else of much interest.

“The G.S. bombarded the planets in the system with kinetic projectiles. Nasty business, but nothing too surprising. They have to be commended for their willingness to commit atrocities. Otherwise, both sides employed pretty much standard battle tactics. Though, it has to be mentioned that their ships are good, better than our current ones. The only thing that was extraordinary about the attack, was that the G.S. produced a huge amount of electromagnetic noise and interferences. They have specialized ships for that. Which means that we will have to update our systems before we engage them head-on. Otherwise we will have to accept that they have the information advantage.”

Jenny doesn't have anything to add. Judging by her blue, skin-tight evening gown, and the flamboyant jewellery, I think it's safe to assume that they interrupted an outing to bring me this information personally.

I return my attention to Jill. “And now, you will finally explain why you are so upset about this wormhole?”

Jill presses her lips together. “Isn't it obvious? They have a strategic advantage.”

I shrug. “A strategic advantage which should be obvious. The question is why you came running as soon as you came across the information. How did you even get access to it? No, forget the last question. I know whose account data you used.” I probably should have assumed that anything I give to Veronica will sooner or later land in Jill's hands.

Her expression turns guilty, but at least she tries to offer some information. “Wormhole technology is a direct result of quantum computing. In the early days of the V.C., we Blue reached an agreement.” She pulls at her lower lip, clearly lost for words. “How do I explain this in an understandable way...? We agreed that none of us would do anything to harm the continued existence and function of G.O.D and the V.C. We would keep the balance of n-space intact, guaranteeing that the servers run at maximum efficiency.”

Jill's revelations sounds a little cryptic, but after giving it a few moments of thoughts and some assumptions, I think I get the implications. Raising an eyebrow, I adress the Blue, “So, a wormhole is a threat to the V.C.? How is it possible that the Cyber have one?”

She kneads her fingers, not comfortable with the situation. “Well, as you know, in reality nothing can move faster than light. The warp-drive, quantum computing, and other technologies which seemingly betray that fact, are cheating the physical laws of reality. They revolve around influencing n-space, and by extension, affect the V.C.”

“Are we talking about an existential threat to the V.C.?” Martin asks, intrigued.

“N… No?” Jill answers, suddenly not so sure of herself.

My General and good friend of many years nods in understanding. “So it’s a matter of principle. You are just defending your resources. I didn't know that the Blue regard n-space technologies as theirs.”

Leaning forward, I stare Jill down. “If I understand this correctly, then the whole reason for the ban on wormhole technology and similar techs, is that it slows down the V.C.’s servers. Because these technologies affect n-space?”

“Yes.” Jill hides her hands behind her back and straightens, trying to project confidence. “And what’s wrong about that? We were the first to utilize the higher dimensions to our benefit! They are ours and we preserve them for the benefit of everyone. Who says that chopping down a forest for fuel is okay, when someone else is already utilizing the area to much greater effect.”

I close my eyes and rub the bridge of my nose. When it comes down to it, the Blue are no different from the G.S. Well, maybe they are a little bit better. As far as I heard, they don't randomly wipe out civilisations. “Okay. Whether or not it is okay to restrict these technologies is for a later discussion. Right now, we have to deal with it. Jill, why are you so sure that a Blue helped the Cyber?”

She purses her lips, her eyes wandering from me to Jenny and then to Martin. “Well, sorry to say it so bluntly, but unaugmented minds are too stupid to understand n-space. One would need to be a Blue to make the necessary calculations.” Jill turns to study the hologram of the alien superstructure. “Even though this version is a crude patchwork of warp-tech, without profound understanding of the underlying principles, it should be impossible to warp space into a stable gateway. A Blue did it for them! Which should be impossible! All of us agreed to preserve n-space when we created the V.C.”

“Stop.” Martin raises a hand. “Who says that it’s an old Blue, one of the creators? What if one of the Cyber decided to upgrade himself and didn’t blue-out?”

Jenny’s look tells everyone that the mere idea horrifies her. “Everyone knows the success rate for that! No sane personality would ever want to become a Blue after interacting with one. All the people who still live in the V.C. are smart enough not to play with their minds! Hell, the Blue even have their own servers, so that they don’t bother the normal people!” She quickly glances at my daughter. “Excluding present individuals. As far as Blues go, you are actually quite sociable, Jill.”

Jill dismisses the offense with a wave of her hand. “Don’t worry. I know that most of the others are less than sociable. My advantage is that I am very patient.”

“Patient?” I ask.

“Yeah. You of all people should understand, Dad. Can’t you remember the first time you yourself played with mind-augmentations? You upped your perception to a point at which one second felt like hours to you. So let’s assume that you managed to augment your mind and are a successful post-human intellect.”

She stops for the dramatic effect. “And then some poor mongrel comes by and ssstttaaarrrttttsss tttaaaalllkkkiiinnnggg tttooo yyyooouuu vvveeerrryyy ssslllooowwwlllyyy. How long do you think you would keep paying attention?”

“Probably not very long,” I admit. “Back to the point. Jenny, why do you think that it’s impossible for a Cyber to have taken the augmentations we speak of?”

“Because it’s insane!” Jenny waves her hands through the air.

Martin shakes his head. “Jenny, you are right. I don’t disagree that most personalities in the V.C. are thinking about mind augmentations very much like you do, but there are individuals who have taken it not quite as far as the Blue and who are still fine, like the Aquatics. Although, they are pretty strange in the head. Anyone who has dealt with them can tell a tale or two.” He gives me a meaningful look.

“The Cyber are a bunch of idealistic psychos who are willing, no, who have this idea of going beyond what it is called being human. But even they shouldn’t be stupid enough to go all out with mental augmentations, having the Blue as an example of what can go wrong. After all, they want to stick to their ideology. But I can totally imagine that their machine cult found a slower way to achieve something similar.”

He looks at Jill. “I agree that it’s unlikely for a Blue to betray the others, especially since the V.C. never had problems of that kind. The Blues follow a path of pacifism and inaction.” He chuckles. “It’s not like the Cyber are much better than anyone else without actual mind augmentations. Their machine bodies mostly affect their psyche, the average Cyber isn’t any smarter than the average Demon.”

Jill nods slowly, thinking about Martin’s contribution to the issue. “I still have to visit the V.C. and talk to the others. They have to know what’s going on.”

She turns to leave, but I stop her.

“Is there any way you can loosen the tech-restriction a bit and give us some hints? No matter how I look at this portal, it’s a little problematic if we really have to go up against something like that. Even if such portals aren’t common place, they are still a huge advantage. All they have to do, is to set one up every few hundred lightyears and they would have major advantage above anyone else.”

My daughter looks reluctant, but she stops to give it a thought. “Maybe, but I would need you with me. If the Blue are willing to allow you technology that disrupts n-space, then they will surely require some form of agreement with the party in question. Like disarmament as soon as the tech isn’t needed any longer. I should probably warn you that they will use G.O.D. to hold you accountable to your promises.”

Her expression turns grave. “It's not like we protect n-space just for our sake. If the interferences in a given area become too strong, it could result in problems with reviving personalities who died in reality. Lost memories, all sorts of personality changes, everything that comes with a mind-image that wasn't properly copied upon death.”

Okay! I might actually be on the Blue's side when it comes to n-space tech.

I get to my feet. “Let’s first talk to them before you make any ominous declarations, Jill. How about meeting in ten minutes in one of the V.R.-chambers? Also inform your mothers. I have a feeling that neither of them would want to miss this.”

She nods and leaves the throne room, which allows me to give some instructions to my general. “I think this revelation forces our hands. Get all the facilities up and running, unlock the newest ship-types for the yards and pull all the dirty tricks our research divisions thought of in the last decade. I want everyone on high alert. Also, contemplate the possibility that we might have to make a run for it. I have a bad feeling about the fact that the Cyber simply gave up that border-system. I also don’t like it that they placed such a seemingly important installation in a vulnerable spot! It could mean that they have a lot of them, or that there is something we can’t see. Get the strategy geeks to think about it.”

Martin nods and heads out, but I stop Jenny before she can follow him.

“Jenny, is it possible that the two of you were on a date?” I ask, scratching my chest.

The blonde demoness smirks and twirls around, allowing me to inspect her scandalous dress and the curves of her body. Then she slides the tip of her tail along her leg and up to her waist, pointing out her advantages. “Is it that obvious?”

I clear my throat. It’s not like I am unused to her flirtatious behaviour, but the question I am about to ask is a little delicate. “Is there any way you could point out a nice place for me to take my wives? Without telling anyone?”

A red light appears in her eyes and she smirks. “Oh, my. It’s a first for you to ask such a question. Over two decades, and you never took your wives out on a nice evening. Could it be that you did something really bad, and now you are trying to find ways to appease them? Or, is it rather to appease Silith? That scene in the living room was naughty. You are such a well-behaved guy, so it really surprised me to see you with that Belt!”

“Yes!” I stop her with a raised hand, palm out. “Do you have a suggestion?”

She pouts, sad that I am not willing to waste time listening to her teasing. “The space-promenade on the colony’s fourth astrodome. It allows free sight on the stars and the ion-engines produce a nice halo. A smart enterpriser chose the location for a classy restaurant. It’s new and it is pricey. In other words, it’s intended to cater to the upper class. And with music and a private booth it’s really romantic. Normally, the thing is booked out for weeks to come, but I am sure that they can make some space for the Demon King and his Queens. No way an enterprise like that would give up on the chance to gather a reputation by serving the top of our cultural pyramid.”

Unable not to give me a final tease, she waves her fingers at me and blows a kiss in my direction, then she leaves the throne room. Once she is around the corner, she throws me a final quip, “Remember to order an extra plushy seat for Silith. That perfect butt seemed like it would hurt for days to come.”

Accessing the network, I slowly set out to meet up with Jill and anyone who may decide to join us.