Excession Read online

  4.1 We hereby open the discussion on the Taussig Matter.

  ∞

  x Anticipation Of A New Lover’s Arrival, The (GSV, Plate class):

  Right. First, this should not be kept secret, even for a limited time. I object

  in the strongest possible terms to the fact that the instant we stumble over

  possibly the most important thing anybody’s ever found anywhere ever,

  the first thing SC does is snap into Full-Scale Raving Paranoia mode and

  apply this M32 total-secrecy-or-we’ll-pull-your-plugs-out-baby shit. I’ve

  given my word and I’m not going to leak this, but for the record, I believe

  we should be telling everybody. (Let’s face it, we’ll probably have to well

  before this unrealistic time-limit of 128 days, anyway.)

  That said, if we are going to keep this to ourselves for the time being, might I anticipate SC’s all-too-predictable reaction and draw everyone’s attention to a study by the Added Value [text and details attached] which basically says if you surround something like this with a mega-fleet and it isn’t quite omnipotent, just staggeringly powerful and fully invasive, you’re basically giving it an immense, ready-made war-fleet to play with, if it is hostile. Just a thought.

  ∞

  x Tactical Grace (GCU, Escarpment Class):

  I agree absolutely with the above and endorse the Added Value study.

  Let us not thoughtlessly get cannoned up on this one.

  ∞

  x Woetra (Orbital Hub, Schiparse-Oevyli system, [solo]):

  Some sadness reigns. We may approach the end of our knowing Naïvety. Draw round (the fire, growing dim, draws too, drawing in its breath for one fine final burst of flame). Potentially an end of innocence, we face this, glancing backwards. Within the horizon of our mutual import, an end and start to Meaning (finally beginning). Ancients (knowing so little) would have half expected, partly welcomed what we all fear this might be. We (knowing all too much) would rather deny its untold implications. Ephemera, they were half happy with and wholly used to the possibility of an End. By their knowing Immortal, we tremble before the same. My friends, if we have ever worshipped anything, it has been the great god Chaos. (What else shields Intelligence from the awful implications of utter Omniscience?) Might we be looking at our god’s Deiclast?

  ∞

  x Steely Glint (GCV, Plains Class):

  Remarkable. One hears nothing for years then suddenly . . . well, anyway. Pace the Added Value study mentioned above, I propose the immediate and complete remilitarisation of all viable units to within - say - sixty-four days’ rush-in distance. Not so much because we might need to fight the Taussig Matter itself but because this Event will undoubtedly not stay secret for very long and will - with equal certitude - attract an entire cast of terminological Civiliseds of the distinctly Undesirable persuasion. Serious up-cannoning on our part, for all its intrinsic vulgarity and first-principle undesirability, may be the only way to prevent scalar inter-civilisation conflicts which, at worst, might overshadow the entail of the Matter itself.

  ∞

  x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

  Here, in the bare dark face of night

  A calm unhurried eye draws sight

  - We see in what we think we fear

  The cloudings of our thought made clear.

  ∞

  x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

  A most interesting contribution, we’re sure, but can we keep this just a

  little more focused?

  ∞

  x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency

  [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

  Illuminating. Unhappy as I am to agree with the Steely Glint, I suspect

  it might be right. There, I said it.

  ∞

  x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

  I was not aware that the Shoot Them Later was part of this Core Group!

  No entity with an IF of less than 100% is supposed even to be considered

  for inclusion in this Group! No Eccentric or Ulterior craft are eligible!

  LSV Serious Callers Only; said message was relayed through you; provide

  an explanation immediately!

  ∞

  x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

  No.

  ∞

  {x Ethics Gradient (GSV, Range Class):

  With the Group’s permission: Hint of warp wake - inadvertent soliton

  resonation signature - Kraszille system (62 std years xTM), curved V

  towards TM region. DGs attached. Probably nothing . . .}

  ∞

  x Limivorous (GSV, Ocean Class):

  This TM, this latest E, this I, this strange new object of concern: telic?

  ∞

  x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

  With immense respect to our highly esteemed colleague Limivorous and with full cognizance of its most illustrious career and near-legendary reputation, we have to say we were also not aware that our humble group was graced with its exalted regard! GSV Anticipation Of A New Lover’s Arrival, The; as relayer, you should have informed us you were in contact with the Limivorous!

  ∞

  x Not Invented Here (MSV, Desert Class):

  Read. Also henotic?

  ∞

  x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

  But the Not Invented Here was reported destroyed in 2.31! Identify

  yourself, you liar! Security breach! What is going on here?

  ∞

  x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency

  [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

  Tee hee.

  ∞

  x Full Refund (Homomdan ‘Empire’ Class Main Battle Unit [original

  name MBU 604] Convertcraft [vessel rated Integration Factor 80% {nb;

  self-assessed}]):

  Add delitescent.

  ∞

  x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

  What! We can’t have a self-assessed ex-enemy craft privy to M32-level

  matters! What is going on here? Security breach! I invoke my authority as

  convener of this Group to suspend all M32 level discussion immediately

  and until further notice while a full security review is carried out.

  ∞

  x Different Tan (GCU, Mountain Class):

  Indeed so, perhaps. Even - whisper it - an outrance?

  ∞

  x Wisdom Like Silence (GSV, Continent class):

  The Different Tan is also not an accredited member of this Core Group!

  This has gone far enough! We hereby--

  ∞

  Switching document/comments track.]

  [New M32-level Core Group formed.

  Name: Interesting Times Gang (Act IV).

  Group initially comprises all previously mentioned craft except Wisdom

  Like Silence (GSV, Continent class).]

  ∞

  x Star Turn (Rock, First Era):

  Filing name change.

  From: Star Turn

  To: End In Tears.

  ∞

  x No Fixed Abode (GSV, Sabbaticaler, ex Equator Class):

  I suggest firstly that we rid ourselves of this ridiculous ‘Taussig’ nonsense and call the matter after Esperi, the nearest star; I also propose that between eight and sixteen days from now - depending on the availability of more noteworthy news from elsewhere - we move to an information release at M16-level, simply saying that we have discovered an excession of an ambiguous nature, which we are investigating and which we are asking others to stay away from. Assuming that they will not, we should request the Steely Glint to instigate a measured and localised military mobilisation, immediately. Beyond that, the normal democratic processes will doubtless apply.

  ∞

&n
bsp; x Tactical Grace (GCU, Escarpment Class):

  A subtle cannon up, then.

  ∞

  x Steely Glint (GCV, Plains Class):

  Indeed. An honour; I accept.

  ∞

  x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

  And let the Wisdom Like Silence be the agent of information release?

  ∞

  x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency

  [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

  Oh, witty. Well, if it isn’t in the huff . . .

  ∞

  x Anticipation Of A New Lover’s Arrival, The (GSV, Plate class):

  I think we ought to release immediately.

  ∞

  x No Fixed Abode (GSV, Sabbaticaler, ex Equator Class):

  Abhorrent as I’m sure we all find such ploys, I suspect that the extra

  week or two’s additional start on everybody else this delay ought to give

  us will prove significant in preparing for the fray which may result from

  this becoming public.

  ∞

  x Different Tan (GCU, Mountain Class):

  As the Not Invented Here is the closest major unit to the matter I suggest

  it makes all speed for the location of the Excession and acts as incident

  coordinator. I myself am not too far away from the Esperi system; I shall

  make my way there and rendezvous with the Not Invented Here.

  ∞

  x Not Invented Here (MSV, Desert Class):

  My pleasure.

  ∞

  x Different Tan (GCU, Mountain Class):

  I also submit that the GSV Ethics Gradient and the GCU Fate Amenable

  To Change ought to be invited into the Interesting Times Gang (Act IV)

  for the duration of the crisis, and both craft instructed to hold back from

  full investigation of the Excession until further notice. Relayed character

  assessments of the two craft attached; they look reliable.

  ∞

  x Woetra (Orbital Hub, Schiparse-Oevyli system, [solo]):

  And call our mutual friend.

  ∞

  x No Fixed Abode (GSV, Sabbaticaler, ex Equator Class):

  Of course. So, are we all agreed on all the above?

  ∞

  x Anticipation Of A New Lover’s Arrival, The (GSV, Plate class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Tactical Grace (GCU, Escarpment Class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Woetra (Orbital Hub, Schiparse-Oevyli system, [solo]):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Steely Glint (GCV, Plains Class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

  Objection!

  ... Na, just kidding:

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Shoot Them Later (Eccentric, Culture Ulterior, AhForgetIt tendency

  [t. rated Integration Factor 73%, vessel rated 99%]):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Limivorous (GSV, Ocean Class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Not Invented Here (MSV, Desert Class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Full Refund (Homomdan ‘Empire’ Class Main Battle Unit [original

  name MBU 604] Convertcraft vessel rated Integration Factor 80% {nb;

  self-assessed}):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Different Tan (GCU, Mountain Class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x End In Tears (Rock, First Era, previously Star Turn):

  Agreed. Doing my bit. Done.

  ∞

  x No Fixed Abode (GSV, Sabbaticaler, ex Equator Class):

  Agreed.

  ∞

  x Limivorous (GSV, Ocean Class):

  Good talking to you all again, by the way. So; now we wait.

  ∞

  x Serious Callers Only (LSV, Tundra Class):

  And see...

  (End of comments.)

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  The holo screen disappeared. ‘So what does all that mean?’ she asked.

  ‘. . . Good grief, Ulver,’ the drone said, giving a fair impression of spluttering. ‘It’s the Heavy Crew! It’s the Ghosts!’

  ‘What? The who?’ She swivelled in the seat to face the drone.

  ‘Child, there were names appearing there I hadn’t seen for five centuries. Some of those Minds are legends!’

  ‘This is the Interesting Times Gang we’re talking about, I take it?’

  ‘That’s obviously what they call themselves.’

  ‘Well, good for them, but I still want to know what all that was about.’

  ‘Well, a normal enough but pretty high-power Mind Incident Group gets together to discuss what’s going on, then - allowing for signal travel duration - within real-time seconds it’s taken over by probably the most respected not to mention enigmatic group of Minds ever assembled together in the same signal sequence since the end of the Idiran War.’

  ‘You don’t say,’ Ulver said, yawning a little and putting one black-gloved hand over her mouth.

  ‘Yes; in the case of the Not Invented Here, everybody I know thought the thing had been lost half a millennium ago! Then they dump the boring, pedantic GSV that happened to be on the Incident Coordinating Rota, agree to wait-and-see with the Excession itself while sending investigatory reinforcements, start a localised mobilisation - mobilisation! - and release a half-truth about the Excession when there’s some more exciting news breaking.’

  Ulver frowned. ‘When did all this happen?’

  ‘Well, if you hadn’t turned off the date/time function . . .’ muttered the drone, colouring frosty blue. Ulver rolled her eyes again. ‘The Excession was discovered and that signal sequence plus comments dates from twelve days ago. The Excession’s discovery was announced through the standard channels the day before yesterday.’

  The human shrugged. ‘I missed it.’

  ‘The headlines concerned the resolution of the Blitteringueh situation.’

  ‘Ah-hah. That would do it, I suppose.’

  Most of the developed galaxy had been following that story for the past hundred days, as the aftermath of the short but bitter Blitteringueh-Deluger War played itself out on the CAM-bomb-mined Blitteringueh home planets and the Deluger fleets fleeing with their precious holy relics and Grand House captives. It had ended with relatively little loss of life, but in high drama, and with continuing, developing repercussions; little wonder anything else announced that day had slipped by almost unnoticed and stayed that way.

  ‘And what was that thing towards the end there, about “Calling our mutual friend”?’

  ‘That’ll probably turn out to be something to do with inviting some other Mind onto the group.’ The drone was silent for a moment. ‘Though of course it could be some pre-agreed form of words, a secret signal amongst the group.’

  Seich stared at the drone. ‘A secret signal?’ she said. ‘In an M32-level transmission?’

  ‘It’s possible; no more.’

  Seich continued to stare at the machine for a moment. ‘You’re saying that t
hese Minds are discussing something . . . agreeing to something that’s so sensitive, so secret they won’t even talk about it in Special Circumstances’ top-end code, the fucking holy of holies, the unbreakable, inviolable, totally secure M32?’

  ‘No I’m not. I’m just saying it’s . . . semi-possible.’ The drone’s aura field flickered grey with frustration. ‘In that event, though, I don’t think it would be breakability they’d be worried about.’

  ‘What then?’ Seich’s eyes narrowed. ‘Deniability?’

  ‘If we’re thinking in such paranoid terms in the first place, yes, that’d be my guess,’ the drone said, dipping its front once in a nod and making a noise like a sigh.

  ‘So they’re up to something.’

  ‘Well, they’re up to a lot, by the sound of it. But it’s just possible that some part of what they’re up to might be, well, risky.’

  Ulver Seich sat back, staring at the empty square of the projected screen, hanging in the air in front of her and the drone Churt Lyne like a pane of slightly opaque smoked glass. ‘Risky,’ she said. She shook her head and felt a strange urge to shiver, which she suppressed. ‘Shit, don’t you hate it when the Gods come out to play?’

  ‘In a word,’ said the drone, ‘yes.’

  ‘So what am I supposed to do? And why?’

  ‘You’re supposed to look like this woman,’ the drone said, as a bright, still picture flashed on to the smoky screen in front of her.

  Ulver studied the face, chin in her hand again. ‘Hmm,’ she said. ‘She’s older than me.’

  ‘True.’

  ‘And not as pretty.’

  ‘Fair enough.’

  ‘Why do I have to look like her?’

  ‘To draw the attention of a certain man.’

  She narrowed her eyes. ‘Wait a minute; I’m not expected to fuck this guy, am I?’

  ‘Oh good grief, no,’ the drone said, its aura field briefly grey again. ‘All you have to do is look like an old flame of his.’

  She laughed. ‘I bet I am expected to fuck him!’ She rocked back in the little metal seat. ‘How quaint! Is this really what SC gets up to?’

  ‘No you’re not,’ hissed the drone, aura fields going deep grey. ‘You just have to be there.’

  ‘I’ll bet,’ she guffawed, and sat back, crossing her arms. ‘So who is he, anyway?’

  ‘Him,’ the drone said. Another still face appeared on the screen.

  Ulver Seich sat forward again, raising one hand. ‘Hold on. I take it all back; actually he’s pretty enticing . . .’

  The drone made a sighing noise. ‘Ulver, if you will please try to hold your hormones in check for just a second . . .’