Terminal Quotient - Gunhand

gunhand

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT

a graphic Tableau

TM

a broderic cane novel

Terminal Quotient Copyright © 2017 Thomas Mills • All Rights Reserved

Mills Publishing Forum Thomas Mills, CEO Portage, MI 49024 thomasmills_MPF@gmail.com mpf.com

prologue

QUOTIENT Broderic Cane Privateer

Hunter Markell • Reid Greaves • Stanton Toten • Bennett Tyrell • Elden Ryant

TERMINAL

Terminal Quotient © 2017 Thomas Mills • All Rights Reserved

TM

4516 – 2,500 years in the future. The known universe is well-settled, well-explored and mired in political and economic corruption – enabling a robust Black Market for goods and services to thrive. Free enterprise has run horribly amok.

Black Market privateers answer to no one, run from everyone and reap huge profits on the excesses of human and alien existence.

One man exists at the top of this vast galactic enterprise...Broderic Cane.

Daxü

Cane must avoid the CyanoSyndicate (CS3), a tri-galactic military organization responsible for controlling devisive forces that threaten stability within the Local Cluster (of galaxies). It’s agents relentlessly pursue him in an effort to wrestle away his Black Market enterprise and the massive profits it generates. Cane manages to stay a step ahead of CS3 due to clandestine efforts on his behalf by CS3 operative Tonya Waring.

Unknown to Cane, a far greater threat is attempting the total eradication of life in a chain of nearby galaxies. Jatai B’Kani, a violently evil entity, has initiated his maniacal plan using self-devised nano-constructs, the Cyrokkin, and “Retardent Necrosis” – the Black Flame.

Tonya Waring

Vi Kader Nano Scientist

But, Cane has powerful friends and unlimited resources: Former Omega Team members Markell, Greaves, Toten, Tyrell and Ryant provide Cane with logistics, operational support and para-military muscle for his Black Market operation.

A small intergalactic scientific group led by Vi Kader offers Cane unlimited access to nanotechnology and Velü – a product/construct that generates insatiable demand and unlimited profit.

A highly secretive, extremely wealthy industrialist supplies Cane with starships, weaponry and state-of-the-art technology from his vast galactic holdings.

B’Kani, and changling Låel Veillon, are involved in an even darker event – originating on Ancient Earth – that will propel Cane toward a series of events from which there may be no escape.

For him, for anyone.

omega

CyanoSyndicate Black Ops

Jatai B’Kani & Låel Veillon

Vx = g* (RS) + ∑ ei ai

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Images are licensed through Adobe Stock Images.

TERMINAL QUOTIENT Copyright © 2017 by Thomas Mills All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

Radical Static - CyBot

This story is depicted in a series of large images (graphic tableaus) paired with descriptive graphic panels that pull from the central story, and chapters of text. Absorb the imagery, imagine what’s happening in the story. Then, explore dialogue, quotations, keywords and facts in the graphic panels. Enjoy.

Story • gunhand This story continues...4516 AD – Broderic Cane has been selling a scientific construct called Velü throughout a tri-galactic market for a number of years.

Enormous profits are continuously generated with the help of Cane’s former Omega team members and secretly transferred with Daxü’s assistance to numerous civilizations that show significant potential for intellectual development and creative self expression. This altruistic undertaking is considered a last measure of defense against the overwhelming spread of moral decay, corruption and subsumption by consummate evil.

Jatai B’Kani has turned his evil intentions upon galaxy after galaxy spreading Retardant Necrosis (aka the Black Death) destroying every planet and all life in his path. His efforts are increasing exponentially through the dispersion of billions of Cyrokkin (nano constructs) – both increasing the speed and reach of his destructive fervor.

Greed, violence, betrayal and unrelenting pursuit by CyanoSyndicate, (CS3) agents, the evil Jatai B’Kani and mysterious changeling Låel Veillon – are pushing Broderic Cane to the limits of endurance, underscoring his increasing dependence on and support from a small group of friends and allies. State-of-the-art ships and weaponry supplied by a highly secretive industrialist barely provide Cane an edge in his attempts to retain control of the Velü construct.

Cane runs his vast Black Market operation from the top of a tri-galactic pyramid of planets and spaceports scattered among thousands and thousands of stars. He spends the majority of his time alone, in deep space avoiding contact with humans and aliens alike. Leaving his ships to go planet-side or ship to ship simply to conduct trade agreements for Velü is fraught with increasing danger.

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT

graphic tableau

characters Cane’s Omega comrades offer logistical support and the military muscle needed on an increasing basis to deal with widespread intergalactic Velü sales and distribution. But, deals often go wrong. The wealth and power incumbent in managing insatiable demand and virtually unlimited profit does not go unnoticed. Deceit, treachery and wanton violence occur more frequently and with savage intent as many seek to control Velü.

Vi Kader’s small galactic team of top scientific minds were responsible for the development of both Velü – and the nano technology created to enhance Cane’s chances for surviving assaults on his enterprise and his life.

Offering Velü exclusively to Broderic Cane was a willful effort by Kader Scientific Research & Development (KSRD) to limit the distribution of Velü – keeping it as far from corruptive bureaucratic forces so prevalent throughout the vast expanse of the Local Cluster.

Cane teeters on the edge of potential capture, injury and incessant life-ending altercations – all to forestall encroaching evil. In spite of this tenuous existence, he remains the one human with ancestral ties to Ancient Earth – who, with assistance from an ancient alien life-form from an alternate dimension, may be the only hope for the salvation of the entire universe.

Broderic Cane: Main Character: Black market profiteer – Starship: Flame of Yarren/ScoutShips: Falcon-class Shrike Daxü: Alien from Atlantis Prime (Stasis Judicant) Former Omega team members Hunter Markell: team leader Reid Greaves: mathematician Stanton Toten: “Psycho” Bennet Tyrell: “Daredevil” Elden Ryant: physicist Vi Kader: nano scientist/Velü construct Radical Static: Cane’s CyBot

ksrd

Kader Scientific Research & Development

Wealthy Industrialist CyanoSyndicate (CS3): tri-galactic military organization Tonya Waring: CS3 Agent Jatai B’Kani: Alien from Atlantis Prime (Retardant Necrosis) - Evil – Starship: Thelos Talon/ScoutShips: ThülleCraft Låel Veillon: changeling (?)

AntiStatic: B’Kani’s CyBot

q

Terminal Quotient is a science fiction story crafted from images into an outline of a much broader narrative.

It’s essentially pictures supported by words. I’ve purposely left things out – inviting you to imagine plot twists, alternate endings and hopefully, inspiring you to craft your own stories in this manner.

– Thomas Mills, Author-Artist /Entrepreneur

3

concussive slugs

velĂź 3xsynth

gunhand

CryoGrenades

GunHand

Facing another adversarial buyer – Cane experiences increasing threats for control of Velü.

“Tellurian?” asked Cane into his electronic translator as he approached the alien quietly from behind. The alien turned his head to view Cane from the corner of his helmet visor. “You suggested – no, you demanded we meet...here, on this desolate rock,” Cane commented with a slight nod and simple wave of his hand.

The Tellurian slowly turned in the light gravity, fully facing Cane, his shuffling feet raising small clouds of dust into the airless void above the asteroid’s surface.

Before the alien could speak again Cane added rhetorically, “You must realize that meetings like this with me rarely ever happen.

It’s simply not good business. “It was necessary,” mumbled the alien.

Not good business was an understatement. Cane realized the senseless waste of time it would be – entertaining any issues this alien might have with the Velü system, suggesting firmly, “Let’s get to the point.”

Fully covered in an armored combo-suit, the Tellurian gave no indication of his intent...though he’d removed his battle helm and laid it inconspicuously against his leg. The dark visor of his secondary helmet offered no clue as to his disposition. His simple response to Cane – suggested a less than amicable confrontation. “You fool yourself Cane!” the Tellurian grunted through clenched teeth. Though the alien’s facial expressions were not visible, the snarling forcefulness of his response was unmistakable.

“Don’t play games with me Tellurian,” Cane warned, intentionally referring to the alien by race rather than name – in light of his threatening, masked, armored appearance. “I’ve done business with Traxxü for many years and we’ve had no issues regarding Velü product quality, delivery and pricing.” Cane continued, “If I’m actually speaking with Traxxü now, and I doubt that to be the case, then your aggressively concealed features and the tactical advantage gained by the armor you wear leaves me no reason to believe you seek to deal with me in a respectable,reputable manner.” Cane quickly added, “If you are not Traxxü as I strongly suspect... then however you came to be here – confronting me is the heart of the matter.” Cane warned, “I am fully prepared to either negotiate or, if necessary, demonstrate my disrespect for anyone who’s

“We’ve dealt with your type before Cane!

You offer a partial product.

Useless without all three components.”

“We offer you death!”

overcome with and motivated by greed. “Too many words Cane!” spewed the agitated alien, as if spitting directly into the face of the Velü dealer, waving his massive arms across his chest, downward toward his sides apparently signaling immediate dismissal of Cane’s warnings.

“Then there’s no point...” Cane began. Before he could finish, the large alien planted both feet, turned his torso slightly forward and raised a gloved hand pointing directly at Cane’s helmet. “There has been no change in the Velü system...” Cane went on “...since the introduction of this synth construct. It’s a multi-component product, fully activated with the addition of the Velü extract. Every aspect of the system is designed for ease of use and maximum safety for all parties involved in its exchange and distribution.”

“Enough!” roared the suited alien. “We’ve dealt with your type before Cane. You offer a partial product that’s useless without all three components. We offer you death!” the Tellurian bellowed. The alien had uttered only a few words framing his final threat before Cane activated a nano shield protecting himself from every angle.

Two heavily armed Tellurians phased onto the asteroid from an undisclosed location with plasma weapons firing directly at Cane. The large alien confronting Cane lurched forward. Not used to minimal gravity, the Tellurian just rose slightly from the asteroid’s surface, losing all forward momentum toward Cane’s position. Cane’s nano shield absorbed the twin plasma blasts as two Omega ScoutShips rose silently from opposing angles just slightly above the asteroid’s horizon – their principal weapons targeting the face of the asteroid and the three alien attackers.

Piloted by Toten and Tyrell, twin Shrikes laced the diminutive asteroid with searing beams of ionized energy, vaporizing the belligerent Tellurians. “These deaths are no compensation for the obvious loss of our friend and ally Traxxü,” stated Cane grimly. “Good to hear your voice Cane,” snapped Toten. “Ditto that,” added Tyrell, suggesting that Cane board his ship. And a cryptic, “We need to leave NOW!” emphasized Toten as the trio phased away from the asteroid.

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5

Cane’s Black Market network is formed, in part, by thousands of technically sophisticated Spaceports scattered throughout the Andromeda, Milky Way and Triangulum galaxies.

The initial few, started by former Omega team members were named Andromeda One through Seven. Each massive orbiting structure is each manned by tens of thousands – human and alien species...all enlisted to support the logistics involved in the manufacture and distribution of Velü components. These Spaceports hold a contingent of para-military personnel who exist on constant alert – immediate response teams fully prepared to stop any interference in the Velü project.

Bad Deals

“The Velü construct has existed on the Black Market, controlled

by Broderic Cane for several productive and enormously profitable years,” stated Reid Greaves, addressing prestigious astro-scientists Trent Drayton, Ron Hyden and Carter Carrick, as well as Kader Scientific Research and Development group leader, Vi Kader and members in absentia, Zetoyllin Yar of Sigma Draconis and Khrelan Sefir of the Chandra system.

“But that’s not what brings us together today, continued Greaves.

“I’d like to thank all of you for taking time from your scheduled projects to briefly discuss a rapidly deteriorating situation.”

“Sorry I cannot be with you in person,” offered Krehlan Sefir, his consummate etiquette duplicated verbatim by Ms. Zetoyllin Yar, both of whom were attending conferences in the Triangulum galaxy deemed only for the highest echelon of tri-galaxy scientific research leaders.

“As we speak, Broderic Cane and Bennett Tyrell are headed for Andromeda Seven under the tightest security we have, to marshall additional resources for the protection of an eroding Velü system.

You’re all well aware of the growing encroachment of Jatai B’Kani on planetary systems throughout our dominion.” “Encroachment seems sadly lacking in forcefulness considering his efforts result in the utter dessication of now myriad planets and the lives of innocent millions,” interjected Yar savagely.

“Please forgive me everyone,” she added quickly. While our efforts to create vast wealth through the development of Velü have succeeded, who among us could have realized that the rapid decay sewn by B’Kani would have such a deteriorating parallel effect on star systems still far beyond his pathetic, malevolent reach!”

“The facts almost bear not repeating,” stated Hyden. “If only to keep us centered on the goal outlined so succinctly by Daxü, suggested Carrick. “I agree,” said Khrelan. “Trent, Greaves and I have been in constant communication since Cane’s reports have increasingly detailed problems inherently linked to moral decay, corruption and greed. Though obvious in the prophecy he shared,” Krehlan added, “We all thought our efforts to delay the onset of evil, if you will, would be farther reaching and an effective last bastion against encroachment.” “Our collective efforts are irreproachable!” insisted Kader. “We have done our utmost, our very best to support Daxü and Cane.

And, we simply cannot stop. We must do everything possible to avert B’Kani’s evil crusade,” she added.

“It’s clear...we stand together,” summarized Greaves. “It’s still up to us,” reminded Kader. “Yes,” said a long silent Drayton, “We must delay the inevitable long enough for Cane to return the Stasis Judicant.” There was no dissent.

ksrd

Kader Scientific Research & Development V. Kader º CEO

Quietly Zetoyllin cemented the entire group’s attention with an eloquent diatribe bitterly identifying Jatai B’Kani as the single most destructive, heartless, depraved obscenity ever spawned in a universe so deserving of unfettered life.

“Does anyone feel compelled to add anything more?” asked Khrelan, “I know we all share Zetoyllin’s anger and frustration.”

7

Cane and Tyrell en route andromeda seven.

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seven andromeda

Can Broderic Cane continually escape the deals gone bad – linked to the sales of Velü?

Is altruistic support for civilizations of promise doomed to failure? What of the prophecy...and the “Chronicles of Cane?”

Cane’s future appears grim...at best.

GunHand – A Terminal Quotient Episode – “To be continued.”

– Thomas Mills

Stanton Toten (psycho) and Bennett Tyrell (daredevil) travel frequently between these tri-galactic stations overseeing every aspect of Cane’s Velü oversight and protection program...from gathering intelligence to rapid interdiction when necessary. Falcon-class Shrike ScoutShips form the backbone of this intragalactic space Navy.

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT Terminal Quotient © 2017 Thomas Mills • All Rights Reserved