Terminal Quotient - CyanoSyndicate by MillsIdeas

cyanosyndicate

a graphic Tableau

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT

a broderic cane novel

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

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 • CyanoSyndicate • brüell tarkenton The story so far...the tri-galactic sector of the Local Cluster is an increasingly immoral, decrepit, corrupt, bureaucratic morass. A few planets stand out – their opulent extravagance ironically reflecting seats of political power and control, places like Spectral City, one of the most conspicuously bloated. Home to the filthy rich and one of the absolute richest among humans and aliens alike...Brüell Tarkenton – CEO of Multiverse Industrial Investments (MI2). Far from a conniving politician himself, Tarkenton controls politicians brutally and completely. Covertly, he secretly supports Cane...and, at the same time, relentlessly seeks to seize his Velü assets by demanding highly coordinated, unrelenting pursuit by CS3 agents. A man powerful beyond belief, caught in a desperate trap...both supporting the one he loves most and seeking to destroy him – only if Brüell fails to topple Cane from his black market operation. Overridden with guilt, obsessed with greed...Tarkenton leads a life of complicated multiplicity and extreme duplicity; CEO of MI2, clandestine leader of CS3, secret benefactor to KSRD and Broderic Cane! Tarketon lives only for wealth and power. CS3 exists to protect and preserve. These lofty goals and aspirations established by the tri-galactic organization’s founders, have long since degraded to baser principles of self-aggrandizement and personal gain. This far-reaching organization now exists to support itself, largely on the backs of others, with ostentatious wealth – both enjoyed and demanded by the elite few at the top of this corrupt oligarchy. CS3 used to exist for the benefit of the many – now it sucks sycophantically at the teats of political power and economic excess. Led by an inscrutable monopolistic protopreneur...who generates vast fortunes from repressive tactics and non-existent morals – he benefits while others suffer under anarchistic doctrines and paramilitary force.

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT

graphic tableau

characters

Brüell’s complex involvement in the ultimate fate of so many – began when Cane’s mother died. Tarkenton’s devoted wife (and lineal descendant to ancient Atlantis and Jatai B’Kani) carried this secret to the grave...one that ultimately will serve the universe for either good or evil. Of this, Brüell knew nothing...making his step-fatherhood a disgusting sham in light of his present-day desires. A bereaved widower, who had rarely seen his wife as he carved a position of expansive, industrial wealth, Tarkenton was approached by Daxü with word of a prophecy and the need for massive capital to support the heroic efforts of a loner, a needle in a universal haystack who could successfully subvert the spread of evil. Brüell resisted but acquiesced when he learned of the Vélu project and it’s vast potential for unlimited wealth generation.

Broderic Cane: Main Character: Black market profiteer – Starship: Flame of Yarren/ScoutShips: Falcon Class Shrike Daxü: Alien from Atlantis Prime (Stasis Judicant)

Cane – age two, was sent off...his memory erased, re-surfacing at 15 years of age, enrolled in the CyanoSyndicate’s most prestigious special operations training program on the planet Arouke. Tarkenton protected and supported his stepson, wielding his wealth and power to do so without Cane’s knowledge. Brüell had no way of realizing just how complex his own life would become, nor the inextricable links which would bind him inexorably to a self-destructive lust for unimaginable wealth. He would never apply the drive and determination that had created his vast empire in pursuit of altruistic equanimity for all...an unfortunate decision that could cost him everything and everyone...including the only being he’d ever truly loved.

Wealthy Industrialist - Brüell Tarkenton

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

Zetoyllin Yar Khrelan Sefir Trent Drayton Ron Hyden Carter Carrick

Kader Scientific Research & Development

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

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

CyanoSyndicate Lavish spending on highly stylized architectural splendor and gilded ornamentation were instantly obvious to Spectral City newcomers. Interior spaces produced awe-struck expressions from visitors and guests invited to both CS3 and MI2 office complexes. Even the smallest details were accented in rare gemstones.

city

spectral brĂźell tarkenton

antistatic

Spectral City

“Remove Cane from his black market pyramid or else! You won’t be told again.” – Brüell Tarkenton

Tarkenton’s stunning CyBot (AntiStatic) entered his expansive and opulent office high over Spectral City through semicircular rings appearing on the wall next to his massive desk with a slight pong. Brüell looked up distractedly, as her perfectly balanced voice listed softly and succinctly his next four appointments, each 15 minutes in duration. He knew she fully understood his demand for punctuality and would find she’d scheduled the visitors with only 6o second intervals between the sessions. “Thank you,” he said smiling.

Brüell briskly shook the hands of all six making direct eye contact with these dedicated men. “You know much how I value your service to the CyanoSyndicate,” he stated. “The CS3 director has been issued specific orders relevant to the removal of Broderic Cane from the Vélu operation. If this does not take place within 36 hours you are to move against CS3’s top leadership and eliminate them with terminal force.” Tarkenton whirled and moved back toward his desk as the agents quietly left the office.

She departed to a soft pong while another, slightly higher in tone sounded simultaneously from the wall directly in front of Brüell. He did not stand. He did not look up...though he knew what to expect when he finally offered a sidelong glance at his first guest, The Executive Director of CS3 had stumbled, somewhat hesitantly through the wall portal, stopping a few feet in front of Tarkenton’s desk. He made no move toward a lavishly overstuffed chair, he knew better. He simply waited. “I expect results!” Tarkenton yelled, slapping a sheaf of neatly stacked papers from his desk onto the floor. The focus of his anger turned and bent down as if to retrieve the fallen items but was deferred from doing so by a dismissive gesture from the MI2 CEO. Brüell jammed each sheet into his left hand with crunching finality and an accompanying threat, “Remove Cane from his black market pyramid or else!” Tarkenton sneered. Adding, “You won’t be told again. Now leave.” The shaken CS3 director sullenly backed away and as he sat once again, Tarketon knew that his minion perfectly understood the import of their meeting.

“Vi Kader is on telescreen seven,” informed the CyBot. A telescreen slid noiselessly down in front of Brüell. “Mr. Tarkenton,” greeted Dr. Kader professionally. “Kader,” he responded. “I asked you to contact me yesterday.” “But...,” Kader attempted to explain. “You know me Vi,” he stated smiling again. But the smile faded and Brüell lashed out. “I won’t be put aside for any reason by you or your team of so called research scientists.” Before she could interject he added, “Your funding is totally dependent on my approval. Vélu is my number one priority. Stop the nonsense and make it yours as well Kader.” He motioned once and the screen retracted.

Tarkenton gave no indication he’d heard the CyBot. A small cylindrical cone moved down and over his entire body, coming to rest gently on the office floor. Totally enclosed and cut off from the office and entire outside world, he began issuing technical commands. A visascreen appeared at eye level on the inside of the curved cylindrical surface that now completely encompassed him. Certain no one could hear his voice nor discern his features while speaking, Tarkenton initiated contact, “MI2...XDeltaOne-xv75-cvb.” A masked figure appeared on screen. Brüell stated simply, “You are to target and dispatch Broderic Cane only on my direct command. If, this situation arises, I will use the same agreed upon code. You will only act on my explicit order. Commensurate compensation will be forwarded to your account.” The agent simply nodded once and faded from the screen. Tarkenton returned to his desk as the cylinder retracted into it’s former location in the office ceiling and was covered from view.

Your final session for today has been arranged.”

überagent q

“Your top six CS3 operatives have arrived,” spoke his CyBot’s disembodied voice soflty throughout the entire office area. “Noted.” Tarkenton stood and walked around his desk to the wall at the far left end of his office. There he stood, arms crossed as the men entered.

VĂŠlu

Veillon

Kader DaxĂź Cane

Andromeda Seven

Ships from the CyanoSyndicate scatter throughout the Andromeda galaxy, last known location of the ephemeral, evasive Broderic Cane. Though repeated directives emanated from CS3 command, very few working for the paramilitary organization doubted the the subtle, pervasive influence of a powerful individual with unknown motives.

mi2

influence

cs3

CyanoSyndicate

Omega

“CS3 closed frequency emergency directive,” stated the near space CyanoSyndicate regional director overseeing the organizational net of highly dedicated agents closing in on Broderic Cane. “An executive mandate requires an all out effort to remove Cane from the Vélu market. Every agent within the Andromeda system field of operations is to close on Andromeda Seven with utmost speed.” “Terminate Cane!” The director paused just long enough to see recognition lights flood his telecommunications array before repeating, “Terminate Cane! This is a unilateral operative order. All CS3 agents are to sidetrack existing field work and concentrate on the Cane ultimatum.” This type of highly encrypted, techno-garbled communications message did not, the director knew, require individual feedback. The message was clear. Cane would be dispatched with absolutely no hesitation. Slipping back in his command chair he wondered silently what it must be like to be Broderic Cane.

q A red light flashed in a pre-determined pattern on the com console in Cane’s ship. Followed by an definitive tone pattern, Cane entered his personal access code into the ship’s secondary techtransponder which accepted only encoded, highly-guarded content intended for Cane’s eyes only. Use of the intensely secure system alerted Cane to both the integrity and importance of this communication.

“My name is Tonya Waring.”

Låel Veillon heard every word spoken between the pair.

Cane knew of a select individual, recruited and indoctrinated by Daxü who would, if a situation arose that suggested an imminent threat of overwhelming force against Cane himself, initiate this type of communication. “This is Cane. I repeat this is Broderic Cane.” He followed this verbal response with a complex series of tones, text and cryptographic glyphs only to be issued by Cane when contacted in this manner. He’d never heard the name of the woman now contacting him using highly guarded secrecy. Cane couldn’t help wondering how Daxü had found and convinced her to help. He knew she was placing her life in as much or more jeopardy than his very own. Cane was touched deeply by this realization. He paused for a moment... knowing that his next words were to follow a specific pattern in order to provide his contact with the necessary assurance that she had, in fact, connected with him and not with any of the many who so desperately sought him. “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.” he offered in response. “And I, took the one less traveled by,” she answered softly. Apropos thought Cane. It hadn’t struck him as so when he and Daxü had made plans for this type of eventuality.

Among the many attributes possessed by Låel’s alien ancestral lineage are extremely heightened telekinetic and telepathic powers. Closing in on Cane’s location, she had spread a mind-warp entrapment protocol which surreptitiously linked her mind with his. Veillon exited the Andromeda Seven docking array and positioned her small ship on the far side of Argos III. There she would wait briefly to plot her next steps in trailing the young black market adventurer. Låel knew Cane somehow. His life force, mental patterns, thoughts and more coursed through her own mind and body like undulating waves of sentient commingling. She knew not why she had this profound sense of a man she’d never known before. But, Veillon intended to find out.

“I...” she seemed to struggle with the next few words. “I can help you Cane.”

“Zero, zero, two-one-forty this is Raven 716475319 Do you copy?”

pursuit

“I repeat...do you copy?”

Cane sat, stunned... ...silent for a long moment, the replied, “This is Cane.” A soft, yet resonant, female voice replaced the disembodied electronic voice replication software...

Alone. Remote. Pursued. Cane smiled. “Yes.... ...I know you will.”

Broderic Cane ???????? Special Ops

tonya waring Vi Kader

cs3

vélu

Interaction between Waring and her CS3 Black Op commander worsen. She now fully sees the massive bureaucracy moving against him, against one man! Tonya’s awed by the magnitude of effort being marshaled to entrap him or destroy him and appropriate the Velü program and its untold wealth for CS3 (and someone behind the scenes – perhaps?).

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?” CyanoSyndicate (CS3) – A Terminal Quotient Episode – “To be continued.” – Thomas Mills

TERMINAL