Terminal Quotient - Velü

velü

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 • velü

graphic tableau

characters

The story so far...Sales of Velü are increasing exponentially. Broderic Cane and his five former Omega team members struggle to oversee and maintain a massive sales and distribution operation – supplying an insatiable demand for Velü across a tri-galactic area. A vast and highly sophisticated network of Andromeda spaceports, smaller regional space stations, routing hubs, transport vessels and delivery ships ensure a constant flow of the Velü construct.

Velü components, two of which are widely known readily available substances – are mixed with a small amount of highly concentrated material, blending together into Velü. Because of the need for component mixing and the fractional amount of concentrate required, large stores of the final Velü product are neither shipped nor stored. Detection and theft of the product is virtually impossible. And, the paramilitary forces that ensure integrity and safety of the entire Velü operation are superbly trained experts who deal effectively, with no hesitation, using deadly force to deal with any threat to Velü personnel or the highly tiered Velü system.

As a result of a ten-year time span at the top of an intergalactic Black Market, awareness of Velü spread virally throughout hundreds of millions of star systems via first-hand exposure to the product and word of mouth marketing. Initially conceived by Daxü, an ephemeral alien from Atlantis Prime, Velü’s acceptance, desire-based usage and multi-faceted benefits have far exceeded even his most enthusiastic aspirations.

First-hand exposure to the transgression on ancient earth, when Jatai B’Kani removed a single equation from the Universal Constant, motivated Daxü to seek a stop gap measure to hinder the spread of evil – as a direct result of this heinous act.

Daxü knew at the time the Stasis Judicant was created, that a nearly impossible quest would need to be fulfilled to return stability to the universe and halt the insidious spread of evil. His plan was simple in conception.

1) Seek the one individual capable of returning the Stasis Judicant to Atlantis Prime. 2) Delay the spread of evil. Whom he would ultimately seek and how he would accomplish his secondary goal became nearly insurmountable tasks. Daxü was certain he could find solutions for his plan.

He sought something universal, capable of generating vast profits that could be utilized – not as wealth for a priviledged few...but applied in support of civilizations capable of creative self expression and intellectual development. This...Daxü believed, might delay, or at least inhibit, the permeation of evil. Permanently halting evil would require the return of balance to the Universal Constant. But, removing the seeds of growth that often preceded the onset of evil; decadence, vice, corruption, greed and decay, and creating highly educated civilizations with a consumate understanding and application of altruism would be of critical importance.

Velü sells. Profits continuously benefit civilizations with highly positive potential. Time for launching the quest grows inexorably closer.

q

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

Stasis Judicant Vx = g* (RS) + ∑ ei ai xxx

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

velü

liquidprofit

“But...why haven’t we been able to come up with something like Velü before?” Carter Carrick asked the assembled group of KSRD scientists.

“Without a basic understanding of trivalent mathematics and the ability to graft alien protoplasm onto highly advanced chemically formed polyhedrals, you simply could not achieve the results we require from Velü.” Daxü politely explained.

Velü • SynthConstruct xxx

Nascency Ascendant • Dark Research Project Location: Kader Scientific Research & Development deep space “Think Tank“ and classified projects source lab – deep within the planet orbiting below Andromeda 4.

AstroScience Team: Trent Drayton, Ron Hyden, Carter Carrick Vi Kader, Zetoyllin Yar of Sigma Draconis and Krehlan Sefir of the Chandra System, (Broderic Cane, Reid Greaves, Bennett Tyrell & Elden Ryant – connected via secure com-link) – Stanton Toten (away on Velü business) Atlantis Prime Regent: Daxü (Daxü B’Kani) Addressing the full team of individuals responsible for the development of the Velü Project, Vi Kader calls the group to order and quickly covers current project status and recent developments. “Bolstered by the vast sums of economic support from Cane’s Velü earnings, there are now myriad lifeforms in virtually countless civilizations making the paradigm shift we only dreamed of at the outset of our collective efforts,” Kader began. “You predicted the vast sums of money that would be required Daxü, to initiate this bastion of defense against encroaching evil.” Daxü nodded politely. “You also shared the scientific knowledge we lacked for KSRD to create a product that would create insatiable demand and the immeasurable wealth we’re seeing now...ten years into this last gasp project,” stated Kader. “I think it’s important we acknowledge the importance of Daxü to this effort and to each of us in this room.” Everyone nodded. Pulling conference transcripts up on an expansive visipanel, Kader highlighted an early section and selected an audiovisual feed with Daxü speaking – “I will provide you and your colleagues with the information you’ll need to initiate this project. By the time we meet again, I will have transferred this data directly to the team’s neural pathways. Everything you need to know, as a basis from which to begin, will be available to you.

It will merge with your thoughts and ideas. This data involves very complex concepts that you will simply come to know, and most importantly, enable you to develop the knowledge and insights relevant to their usage.” With a slight nod, the alien indicated that Carter Carrick speak. “But...why haven’t we been able to come up with something like you’re suggesting before?” he asked the group overall. Daxü continued smiling, “Without a basic understanding of trivalent mathematics and the ability to graft alien protoplasm onto highly advanced chemically formed polyhedrals, you simply could not achieve the results we require from Velü.”

Fading the volume down, Kader suggested an overall review of Velü as a scientific construct and highly successful product. “Trent, why don’t you begin and hand off to others as necessary?” Trent eased up to the lecturn and began speaking casually, “Sure Vi! I think we all realize just what’s been accomplished to date by our team and by the product itself. Velü? Really?” He queried the group smiling from ear to ear. “Really? I mean...er, I never thought when we began our work that we’d be considering this level of success.” “It’s a testament to the high level of scientific thought you were capable of achieving... with just a nudge,” offered Daxü. “A nudge eh?” said Drayton.

“Well, let’s take a look at Velü...ok?“ Everyone nodded assent. Drayton adjusted the visipanel to display the facts he was about to present. “Velü was created by this team, our own clandestine intra-galactic scientific consortium, and supported by the former Omega team led by Mr. Cane. And I believe the latter is a vast understatement.”

Laughter echoed from the com-link.

Drayton continued, “Velü is a transportable, tri-component, consumable chemical construct. At it’s core level, it is a highly potent concentrate. Velü’s ultimately combined with a liquid component and molecular emulsifier. As you all know...Velü is often broken down and re-constructed to minimize risk of structural deduction. Velü is a product that offers a variety of different experiences for the end user.

Ron...would you care to elaborate...?” “Sure,” answered Hyden, “I can do so from here,” indicating his position at the large circular table at which they were all seated with the exception of Drayton.

“Velü can be served warm, cold...at room temperature. It depends on the type of experience a user wishes from the product. So...it’s an elixir right? It can be....and also...a relaxant, a stimulant, a sedative...and, applied topically – a medicinal substrate. It’s non-alcoholic, non-addictive and it’s widely consumed by sentient beings in the Andromeda, Milky Way and Triangulum galaxies.” Hyden smiled at Carter who jumped at the chance to add to Hyden’s description. “Velü is based on a proprietary, highly secret formula. It has an amazingly complex chemical structure that can evoke a variety of responses from both alien and human senses. On pouring Velü,...it’s simple aromatic essence immediately effects olfactory and cranial receptors...inducing a simple, calming effect. The product is absorbed on a multi-faceted level physiologically via time-release capabilities designed to interface with living organisms. It enhances visual and auditory acuity by pairing chemically and electrolytically with endomorphisms common to many types of physiology. It’s great stuff,” he laughed.

q

5

“We’ve seen Velü capable of altering itself on a molecular level to seek out and pair with alien receptors that trigger pleasant physical and mental responses.”

velü

ksrd

Velü • Insatiable Demand

Kader Scientific Research & Development Carrick turned to Kader. “Can you offer us a little more about Velü as a drug Vi?” “Of course”, she responded. “As Ron stated, a wondrous by-product we discovered is Velü’s ability to funtion medicinally.

Not only can it be applied topically for a wide range of abrasions and contusions, we now know it’s an effective treatment for curing autism in many children. At a different end of the spectrum, we’re slowly seeing interesting side effects that are highly influenced by emotional and intellectual activity.” “Might I add something?” asked Sefir. Kader nodded. “Alien physical and biochemical body structures differ...” That drew a muffled laugh from the group, considering Sefir’s own dominating presence in the room. “But again, we’ve seen Velü capable of altering itself on a molecular level to seek out and pair with alien receptors that trigger pleasant physical and mental responses.” ‘“Sounds like the voice of experience,” interjected Drayton from the front of the room. The laughter was no longer muffled as Krehlan displayed his huge array of formidable teeth in something resembling a large grin.

“Back to you Ron.” Drayton urged Hyden to continue. “There are so many intriguing aspects to this construct. For example, when humans exhale carbon dioxide...as they consume Velü, it acts as a vaporization element to the liquid surface layer and a slightly different gaseous aromatic effect is caused and immediately absorbed by the cranial passageways. A mild euphoria is created, which...for some reason enhances memory while diminishing paranoia, psychosis, etc.

Organic structures at the molecular level are not permanently changed. Though they are subtly altered for a brief period.”

Drayton again spoke from the front of the group. “With all that’s been said so far, you must be wondering about the integrity of the construct.” Every head nodded affirmatively. “A few of us recently concentrated on the engineering of bio tags that render the construct chemically sterile. That is...Velü reacts to reverse engineering attempts. It was coded biochemically to react to scientific scrutiny whereby – various testing techniques initiate an internal chemical reaction that erases bonding connections and very quickly offers no pathways or clues to its composition. It renders itself a totally sterile substance...remarkably like h2o.”

“I think we’re encroaching on our agreed upon time limit for today,” suggested Drayton. “While virtually impossible to quantify every aspect we touched on...I think it’s safe to say – Velü appears to have evolved into a new state as a living chemical substance, capable of adapting to and enhancing a biological host. Kudos all around!”

“Thank you all so much for your collaboration, enthusiasm and heartfelt involvement in this effort,” said Daxü. “Mere words cannot express the pride I have in you, both collectively...and on a very personal level. You have my eternal gratitude. And please know, your work has not gone unnoticed. I leave you with that cryptic comment, knowing full well that you will all receive accolades and appreciation on a level beyond your wildest dreams.” Daxü’s image dissipated from the room, leaving a pleased group of astroscientists in his wake.

“If I may add, Ron”...chimed in Kader. “It’s interesting to note...how we were able to develop Velü in a very socially responsible manner as well. Consuming excessive amounts of the liquid are mitigated by a reductive effect built into the substance. Rather than induce a multiplier situation and possible lack of sobriety, Velü will, after a certain level is reached, create chemically...a rapidly reversing, nullifying effect on the positive, enjoyable aspects. Self-limiting, I guess you could say.”

q

Hyden added, “Velü remains within the user’s system and connects with antioxidants to build physical stamina and maintain a healthy environment within the body. I think we’re only now beginning to see the extensive potential of this product.”

q

7

“Velü is a transportable, tri-component, consumable chemical construct. A highly potent concentrate that offers a variety of different experiences for the end user.

Velü appears to have evolved into a new state as a living chemical substance, capable of adapting to and enhancing a biological host.”

tri component extract 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?”

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

– Thomas Mills

TERMINAL

QUOTIENT Terminal Quotient © 2017 Thomas Mills • All Rights Reserved