Marines Never Die (Sentenced to War Book 11) by J.N. Chaney & Jonathan P. Brazee

Author:J.N. Chaney & Jonathan P. Brazee [Chaney, J.N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Variant Publications
Published: 2022-11-05T16:00:00+00:00

20

“The GTC reading’s a little low,” the tech said as she looked at the readouts. We’re over by about thirty-six picoseconds.”

Rev frowned and said, “That doesn’t seem like much.”

“Well, to you and me, no. But to a crystal AI, it could be an indication of degradation. And that could increase exponentially, leading to a total failure.” She paused, then asked, “And you haven’t noticed any issues? Maybe with visuals? That’s where they usually appear first.”

“No. Punch is the same that he’s always been.”

He tried to look innocent, sure that the tech could see through his lies.

“I’m going back to the visual interface. Hold on.” She entered a code into her control. “OK, if you can close your eyes now, please? You’re going to see the same pattern as before. Watch closely.”

The test pattern—a series of shapes, one on top of the other, and of various colors—filled his vision as Punch inputted it directly into his visual cortex. With his eyes closed, this became his only source of “sight.”

“I’m going to start the progression. Please pay attention.”

The shapes started to move in a slow but intricate pattern. The colors shifted, and the brightness went up and down. This wasn’t the first time Rev had seen this test. It had been part of his initial synching to Punch. Ten minutes ago had been the second time, and this was the third.

The entire test was supposed to be a smooth function, but now, there were flickers, and for a brief instant, the entire scene froze.

Rev tried not to gulp. He didn’t know just what the tech could see with her instruments, and he couldn’t very well ask Punch. They knew Omega Division spied on them. Rev didn’t know if the tech could actually eavesdrop, but she’d almost assuredly be able to see if Punch was being active. And that was why they’d decided earlier that even their table talk would be avoided during the testing. He didn’t want to have to answer to what Punch was doing.

The test ended, and the tech asked, “How was that? Any issues?”

“Everything was fine. Just like before.”

She frowned, and Rev half-expected her to accuse him of lying. Instead, she leaned over, removed the connector from Rev’s jack, then snapped it back into place. “Let’s try again.”

Same test, same results. If anything, the glitches might have been slightly worse. Rev tried to act nonchalant, but he couldn’t help picking at his fingernails.

“That’s strange. I guess it could be the connector interfering. Jacks can get compromised for you infantry Marines.”

“Yeah, maybe that’s it. I’ve been out in some pretty dirty places.”

“You need to get them cleaned after every deployment.”

“I’ll do it tomorrow,” he said as he grasped at the lifeline.

“Still, this is an odd reading, especially with your T-belt running cold. I think we’ll be safer to replace the crystals.”

“No!” Rev shouted.

The tech jumped back, collected herself, and then warily said, “It’s not a big deal. You’ll be in and out in a day, and you’ll be back to full duty in another two or three days.

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