Resolution by Ben Winston Read Free Book Online

at least four inches, and the hull armor was unscathed.
    "Okay, that gives me a good idea on level one, I'll go up one level until I do telling damage to the hull armor," John said mostly to Chloe.
    "Good idea. I can tell you right now, that I will be leaving mine on level one most of the time!" Chloe replied. "Anything higher, and it's just too much damage."
    Malthis actually smiled. "We are relieved you feel that way, Chloe."
    "That's why you chose us isn't it? Because we've matured?" Chloe replied.
    "Yes, that is the core of our decision. However, you still retain the ability for violence without letting it overcome you." Malthis gestured towards John. "When confronted with the horrible atrocity committed on the world of Haven, John did not seek death nor vengeance. Instead, he waited until he had regained his mental stability and spoke to your people of the horrors he has seen. By doing so, he has created a standard by which your people are striving to adopt for themselves.
    "The rest of you are equally influencing your society in more subtle, yet still effective ways. It is because of you, vengeance and retaliation and all other such reactionary impulses are declining in your people."
    "I don't know if I would count them as completely gone yet, Malthis. Even if we manage to end this war and get the Tammerain forces to return home, there will be those people that lost loved ones that will demand something be done. It will be our job to make sure they don't do anything rash and get more people killed," John replied.
    "I think you will find the same issues on the other side of the border as well, John. Many clans have lost many fathers and sons in this war. Some will not accept that it was their 'goddess' that was the one that actually killed them," Malthis replied. "Vengeance is not an emotion exclusive to humans."
    John nodded. "There will be much that needs to be done. Have you considered that we are viewed as demons by the races of the Tammerain involved in the war effort?"
    "We have. There is a function of your controller that will act as a type of camouflage, or perhaps a holographic imaging system that is capable of showing a different visage if you so desire it. There are many tools available to you that you have no knowledge of as yet. When you return, we can discuss arrangements for your education as well as how you wish to structure this new organization," Malthis said.
    "That would be good, there are non-enhanced people that wish to be part of this, our wife, Mary, for one. I'm sure there will be others," John said.
    "That is a good thing. Marebella Aster will be a great asset to all our people," Malthis nodded.
    At level three, the rifle john carried to a two-foot square chunk out of the armor block. Both Chloe and John were satisfied that they had a feel for the weapon, and asked to continue the mission. Malthus agreed and led them to small room. "This is a node of our internal transportation system. It will take you to the transit nexus. I will meet you there. It is already programed to take you there, simply walk toward the wall, and you will arrive at the nexus."
    Both John and Chloe nodded and walked forward... and stepped out into a larger room that smelled of fresh air, with a hint of ozone. It reminded John of Earth after a thunderstorm. A few feet in front of them, Malthis stood waiting for them.
    "Please follow me," he said and turned to 'walk' across the large floor.
    What they arrived at looked like an airlock with an extended hallway between the doors. Malthis stopped and explained its function. "This is a spatial bridge currently connected with Selnia. It is not necessary for you to seal your armor for this transit, but I would recommend it. Selnia has been keeping the other side in a vacuum to discourage explorations by the Tammerain. Please remember, I will be monitoring you, and can send anything you may wish to you, but I will not be able to communicate with you until the controlling unit is