Terminal Quotient - NanoTec

nanotec

a graphic Tableau

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT

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 • nanotec This story continues 4500 to 4516 – AD...Sixteen years have passed since Daxü, an alien entity from an alternate dimension narrowed his 5,000 year search for the single individual capable of and destined to fulfill the “Quest.”

As defined in the “Chronicles of Cane” this involved the singular person who could reunite the Stasis Judicant with the Universal Constant in the realm of Atlantis Prime.

Neither time nor distance are relative in the alternate dimension of Daxü and the Atlanteans. He, and members of his ethereal race are immortal. They exist as pure energy, possessing the ability to traverse our universe accessing any point, time or place. Atlanteans have provided guidance, education, knowledge of advanced mathematics, physics and navigation for countless civilizations throughout the vast expanse of space – our known universe.

It was on Ancient Earth, that one of them committed, through overzealous scientific research, a transgression against all life. Following the destruction of Atlantis by natural causes, the only known survivor, Daxü – committed himself to the eradication of the evil that was foretold to descend upon and desecrate sentient life.

Now, as the Prophecy nears culmination, Daxü must act with increasing determination and resolve. All of the pieces are in place as our universe approaches a dark age like none ever before – from which there will be no return, no salvation. Without Cane and a small contingent of intrepid, valiant, honorable souls – corruption, deceit, death and decay will gnaw at the underbelly of life. A well-intentioned stop gap measure, the last gasp and only hope for sentient life to delay encroaching evil, as well as physical and societal collapse...is faltering.

graphic tableau

characters A wondrous scientific accomplishment – Velü, a liquid, a consumable construct is rapidly falling prey to the immoral, greedy, vicissitudes of life so constantly degraded by consummate evil. Still, the fortunes amassed over a decade of Velü sales have been effectively stemming the influx of evil through the support of intellectual advancement and creative self-expression. In spite of the horrors effected by evil, this seemingly innocuous endeavor may portend a hopeful future. And, fantastic advances in the sciences led by the Kader Research and Development team have provided Broderic Cane with exceptional devices and weaponry with which to combat evil aggression.

Myriad conflicts and inhumanities over 50 centuries have been perpetrated by individual against individual, tribe against tribe, country against country and world against world. Hastings, Gallipoli, Verdun, the Holocaust on ancient Earth, Centares X, Ateros V and Mare Cebellium in the Traingulum galaxy and the Coronos cleansing, Overwatch and Decimus Primus across Andromeda are but drops in the bucket of bloody, brutal, insolent crimes against humanity and all sentient lifeforms. There was a time – where peaceful coexistence was the norm. Where sensitivity, love and peace were cherished, revered and uniformly, universally accepted. Until, the Universal Constant, that which defined all, was thrown into a state of imbalance.

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 - Brüell Tarkenton Jatai B’Kani: Alien from Atlantis Prime (Retardant Necrosis) – Starship: Thelos Talon/ScoutShips: ThülleCraft Låel Veillon: changeling AntiStatic: B’Kani’s CyBot CyanoSyndicate (CS3): tri-galactic military organization Tonya Waring: CS3 Agent

These mass atrocities have reached a scale, inflamed now by resident evil, that has achieved an utterly unfathomable tipping point. That a select handful of humans, aliens and non-corporeal beings still exist, who can alter the future and put a stop to evil, is a blessing and a burden. They collectively must act now. Unenviably, it’s all up to Cane – in the end.

q TERMINAL

QUOTIENT

Zetoyllin Yar Khrelan Sefir Trent Drayton Ron Hyden Carter Carrick

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

alone

radical static ksrd

Kader Scientific Research & Development

Radical Static • CyBot MI2 Industries

Wealthy intergalactic industrialist, Brüell Tarkenton, recruited by Daxü in the early part of 4500 A.D. offered virtually unlimited support on learning about the ancient Atlantean prophecy and the Quest.

Yet, it wasn’t quiet so easy – at first.

NanoTec

Cane exists...ALONE in space.

Support he receives is essential for his Quest.

4500 A.D. • Sol 95 • Andromeda galaxy • binary star system 5207_1 Spectral City • Planet: Enduros 5 • Office: Brüell Tarkenton, CEO Multiverse Industrial Investments (MI2) Daxü was led into the CEO’s lavishly appointed office by the most exquisitely detailed CyBot he’d ever encountered. Standing 6’ tall, she still had to look up to take in all of Daxü’s 7’ physique. Beyond that, the uniqueness and beauty of the CyBot’s physical engineering trumped his presence in the room. From an ornately engraved upper body armature to a pair of long, curvaceous legs, covered partially by crimson velvet skirting that angled upward to a titanium clasp at one hip, leaving a triangular opening from which glimpses of a leg could often be seen. Her highly stylized chromium arm bracelets and obsidian black shoulder pads made an indelible impression on Daxü.

This, he realized…was an integral part of her purpose.

“Daxü!” acknowledged the CEO confidently, easing behind his desk.

With a slight nod Tarkenton released the CyBot from further responsibility. Brüell had refrained from offering the alien an obligatory handclasp as his briefing notes had suggested, prior to the Atlantean’s appointment. “Ah, yes!” acknowledged Daxü smiling slightly. “Thank you sir for respecting my cultural differences.” “Please! It’s Brüell,” the CEO said returning the smile and adding, “Now…I need to know the nature of this visit.”

q

Deep-set iridium eyes riveted Daxü’s attention as her gaze pierced his – an iridium glow emanated from her eye sockets, pulsating slowly, rhythmically – as if scanning and appraising his reason for being. Her lithe and supple hands motioned deftly and expressively toward a beautifully padded seating center directly in front of Tarkenton’s desk.

“We concluded field tests on the latest generation CyBot – NG-2735 last week,” Kader explained. “I realize that,” answered Ron Hyden.

“But, that doesn’t explain why you had a prototype version created and sent to the Spectral City armory,” Hyden added quizzically.

“Dire circumstances required immediate action on our part,” she replied. “I see,” he murmured, adding “Circumstances dictate action eh?” “Exactly, she snapped. “Ron – you know me better than to take cheap shots!” “Sorry,” Hyden apologized. He offered in return, “It’s my job to ensure nothing goes wrong with anything we create here – CyBots are no exception.” “Hell,” exclaimed Kader, “Go wrong? Go right? Everything’s going wrong Ron, everywhere in the universe and it’s our obligation, our promise to change all that,” Vader chided.

“Nanobytye technology has come so far,” Kader explained. “And, the situation we face is declining so rapidly. I’m increasingly unsure if our efforts can continue to make a difference.” Hyden interjected, “But without our help, where would that leave Cane?“ “It’s obvious, beyond belief – and sadly true. We would be witnessing, and part of, a final extinction. Not just a mass extinction as has happened countless times and inumerable ways before.” said Kader.

A voice, soft and smooth as Emperian brandy (or so he’d heard), enveloped Daxü with genuine warmth and kindness. “Your presence here has been long anticipated Daxü,” suggested the mesmerizing Cybot. “Please, allow me to see to your every need,” she added, her words blending seamlessly with the understated opulence of the office. Motioning once again toward the seating, the CyBot’s arms spread seemingly to encompass the totality of his visit to Spectral City.

Intellectually intoxicated with the CyBot’s stature, presence, fluidity and apparent ease of being – Daxü understandably lost track of the true nature of this fabricated being. His allusions dissipated with the sound of a small “pong” as a wall section displayed a central circle with ever-increasing concentric rings of iridescent green which gave way to a circular opening – through which stepped the dynastically-driven human, Brüell Tarkenton. The wall portal disappeared and the green concentric circles retracted down to the central dot and evaporated with another simple “pong.”

NanoTec development in the 45th century is a significant specialty of Dr. Vi Kader, PhD/PhD CEO of Kader Scientific Research and Development.

“We provide a slight edge?” questioned Hyden.

“Yes, said Kader. “It takes money, blood, guts, weapons, resolve and the ability to drive fear into productive contributions, to do our jobs. No one would ever expect less of us. And, I have great faith – that anyone else would do the same,” she added.

NanoTec • Nanobytes KSRD & Vi Kader

“Consider Cane...” suggested Kader as she turned her head to prevent the welling tears from Hyden’s view.

q

5

Vi Kader and Trent Drayton work feverishly, in unison with Ron Hyden, Carter Carrick, Zetoyllin Yar and Khrelan Sefir to create a totally unique product, the perfect construct –

velü

Dr. Vi Kader, PhD/PhD A universally acclaimed scientific team accomplishes a nearly impossible project.

Yet, none can forsee the rapid decline in societal norms as evil affects so many.

A wondrous construct, Velü offers a means to an end...rapid accumulation of vast wealth due to Velü sales is used as a stop gap to support promising civilizations.

Trent Drayton, Nuclear Physicist

ksrd

Kader Scientific Research & Development

NanoTec/Velü

“Distinguished guests, scientific fellows and representatives of galactic academia – please allow my esteemed colleague, Khrelan Sefir and I to share with you our most recent scientific accomplishment,” began Zetoyllin Yar of Sigma Draconis, addressing the highest-ranking, most prestigious, scientific minds from the triangulargalactic consortium.

Again, she paused, “Sentient life will cease to exist.” The room blazed back to raucous life. Unbelieving stares met her gaze. “Disbelief is not an option,” Yar added saying, “And, that’s where we started. When we shouldered full responsibility for the continuation of all life and the universe itself.” Bedlam broke out amongst the scientific elite and highly educated attendees throughout the large lecture hall.

Continuing, Zetoyllin stated, “We appear before you here today, not as young scientists eager to boost our careers – but as respected colleagues bearing the results of what may be – the greatest achievement of all time.” Yar detected several smirks on the faces of those in rows closest to her lectern as well as numerous barely muffled growls of resentment and premature disbelief from much of the assembly acting as if she and Sefir were present to somehow disenfranchise them. “Hear her!” demanded Sefir loudly over the increasing din of collective dissent. His fierce countenance taking many by surprise – momentarily silencing the room.

Kefir took the opportunity during the ensuing chaos to step to the microphone, shielding Yar from harm and boldly asserting, “We will reconvene in 15 minutes. Disbelievers, naysayers and malcontents are hereby free to disperse…leave the room immediately...please.”

The added pleasantry was issued with a derisive sneer. None challenged the imposing alien from the Chandra system.

“Let me pose a question,” Zetoyllin began again softly. “If you were presented with a Moebius Strip and required to adapt it so as to effect a final, definitive endpoint – what would be your reaction? she asked the group. Laughter, along with calls of “Impossible!”

“Ridiculous!” “Elementary!” resounded from many in attendance.

Sefir glared at the assembly. Yar continued unabated, emphasizing loudly as well, “When confronted with a profoundly difficult situation, when all parameters suggest no viable option – what is your response?” Before the group had time to consider her question – she screamed, “It’s rhetorical!” “You have done, and always will do, exactly what we did!” she exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief.

“You all rose to the occasion. You applied your intellect and experience to find a solution – a workable solution to the challenge.

And, you offered proof!”

“Sefir Khrelan and I came here, representing a Vader Scientific Research and Development team – prepared to stand firm in reference to our efforts, and – WE bring proof!” Yar exclaimed again.

Mass confusion and uproar ensued.

Once conference security personnel had calmed lecture observers, Yar was permitted to continue. Yar began yet again, “I entreat you to listen dispassionately and consider the following assertions – “Our universe is doomed.” She hesitated, allowing her words to sink in…“Ultimate final destruction is imminent.”

Only 15 of the original 85 persons remained in the spacious room.

Sefir was next to address the few interested enough to stay. “There are great complexities within the nature of what we are about to share with you.

Though we will provide copius documentation...

Please, be patient and expand your minds.”

Yar stepped to his side.

Diminutive in comparative scale, the dignified and learned scientist began speaking quietly. Her subject – the creation of Velü.

Zetoyllin Yar of Sigma Draconis

xxx

7

Khrelan Sefir of the Chandra System

q

Cane must soon turn his attention to the prophecy, to the Stasis Judicant’s return to Atlantis Prime and the Quest – to re-establish balance to the Universal Constant and forever stop the permeation of consmmate evil throughout the universe.

Time grows short and the odds grow longer against his eventual success.

quest

stasis judicant

Does Broderic Cane successfully reach Atlantis Prime? Although Jatai B’Kani lost his ability to phase between dimensions, did an ominous craft follow Cane’s ship in a parallel trajectory around the black hole event horizon?

Is this a final event from which there will be no escape? What of the prophecy...and the “Chronicles of Cane?”

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

– Thomas Mills

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT Terminal Quotient © 2017 Thomas Mills • All Rights Reserved