BEGGING AFTER KNOWLEDGE, PART 2

(Compiler's note: thank you for bearing with me this far on the background details. From now on we venture into important territory concerning motivations and capabilities, which we will review at a later date. For now, I present the next files)

STRING 8

Earth calendar – estimated 106,000 BCE +/- ?

Mendicant Bias' work was long and hard – at least by the standards of organics. For a machine mind that could process thousands of concepts and hard data points in a second or less, it was considerably less taxing. He was already making progress that astonished even other artificial intelligences employed in similar tasks.

After drawing up new analysis algorithms to speed his progress along, he began to get feedback from personnel assigned to the frontlines. Discreetly, these gave hints as to the effectiveness of the new emerging strategy. Although little was stated, it was clear that Faber had started moving his weapons into position.

In short order after that, the Didact announced Bias' summons to come and consult with the Domain.

Bias was loaded aboard a well-armed Forerunner Dreadnought – an immense, sixteen kilometre long bladelike vessel, with two smaller detachable craft bracketing either side of the 'hilt'. Each ended in a smaller blade slicing down like a scythe. The three hulls combined packed considerable firepower and engine thrust geared towards major interstellar campaigns.

Using advanced slipspace engines, the vessel crossed the galactic distances at millions of times the speed of light, riding amid stabilising quantum fields to prevent its mass and atomic structure from being scattered explosively amongst the free-flowing electric charges and other phenomena propagating through multidimensional space.

The journey was swift and uneventful, apart from some routine hails and security checks as they neared the secure zone around their destination.

They arrived near to a secreted node where researchers observed and interacted with the Domain – a (Compiler's note: some details are corrupted here – perhaps obscured for secrecy)

"Dreadnought, you are clear for docking…" a voice informed the crew.

An hour later, Bias was connected up to an omphalum – a kind of dimensional-interface – and granted his consultation.

Forerunners had learned a variety of methods for communing with the Domain, beginning with simple mental reverie that allowed them to access deeper regions of consciousness. It was conjectured that this had only become possible after passing a threshold of evolutionary development – or that the Domain somehow chose whom to admit, when they became prominent enough on the galactic stage. This had led to farther philosophical debate on the nature of the Mantle and how Forerunners related to the rest of the galaxy.

The Didact had indicated that on some level the Mantle itself was threatened by this so-called Flood. Bias was of somewhat uncertain mind in this regard – the Mantle seemed broad in its embrace of life in its many forms. Lifeforms had to adapt and evolve, even if they came in conflict and competition with others. Truly though, the Flood was rather cruel in its ravages, tearing away control and repurposing bodies by brute force mutation. The Master Builder's programming instructions were rather blunter in their directions, but of the same general thrust.

Where there were apparent contradictions, well – Forerunners were very experienced in perceiving multiple viewpoints and finding synthesis. No less was expected of their creations.

After a few moments, Bias' normal perceptions of surrounding space-time began to drift away: multispectral vision of light waves and radiation faded into a strange misty environment. A close examination might have revealed an odd granular texture, suggestive of digital rendering. Some considered the imagery to have a holographic-style structure, but consensus was difficult.

Around Bias, a kind of matrix formed, assuming a topology like that of curved space represented in vector lines. Time passed – minutes, maybe hours. Then a sombre voice spoke:

"Ancilla – I bid you welcome to the Domain. You seek knowledge?"

Bias paused before answering. "Your voice appears to closely resemble my own. I am confused, yet curious."

"This voice represents your level of comprehension and connection with the Domain, enhancing clarity. If you prefer, a more archetypal persona may be selected."

"I am willing to try to adapt to a female persona…"

"Is this more to your liking?" the voice shifted.

"It will suffice. Please, if I may: I have questions…"

"Be aware that the Domain may currently only reveal permutations of what was already known and experienced by those who went before…"

"So noted: I would ask – what is known currently of the central mind of the parasitic lifeform infesting former human space?"

"The creature has a purpose, an overarching Will imparted to it from a central locus. It is believed by many that this originated at great remove in time and space from the parasite's current sphere of operations…"

"Interesting… and the source of this data?"

"General impressions gained from victims awaiting their fate, and those who resisted. Their fearful outcries leave ragged traces in the Domain, which shift as new qualia and textures surface. Threads weave together…"

"…To create a larger whole, I see: This is gleamed from Forerunner and human combatants, yes?"

"Not so… only from Forerunners."

"There are no human traces? Despite the combat they engaged in?"

"Vague and diffuse sensations only, lacking clear content…"

"This is most irregular. Without this, I am deprived of valuable resources, dependent on what is harvested by the Composer…"

"We know of the Composer… its use leaves disruptions in the Domain, fearful and violent, if brief. It causes concern among us."

"Perhaps so, but it has aided us in our path to victory."

"Victory at too high a price affects the quality of Living-Time. A great nexus looms ahead, promising great peril. Beyond it, our perceptions grow murky and agitated."

"Then I must redouble my efforts to locate the Mind. Does it communicate using the Domain in any fashion?"

"Unclear, but there is indications of sensations being transferred – and of pain… considerable pain. Space is alight with grief, regret."

"I am sorrowed to learn this – as best my matrix can approximate to the feeling. I will attempt to rectify this forthwith."

"Then know one thing more, ancilla: there is something familiar behind this anguish and hunger… something not yet tangible."

"Thank you – I will resume my duties now."

"In time, you will learn to communicate with us more easily – but be careful in passing on what you do learn…"

Across a space of several seconds, the curved space and lines melted into mist, and then normal sensations rushed into Bias' processing centre once more.

"Metarch – did you receive what you were searching for?" the lead Haruspis, a researcher come diviner, asked tensely.

"I have learned much, much that troubles me…"

Bias resumed his place aboard the dreadnought in short order, and was ready to return to the frontlines where the Didact marshalled his forces for a great push. The time would soon come to draw the Mind into the open, and Bias must devise his strategy to attack it quickly.

"So that is all that could be provided at this time," the Didact reflected ruefully. "Well we know some things: perhaps this Mind is an evolution of some more ancient entity, strongly telepathic and intelligent. That raises complications, but changes our dilemma little at this time. Incidentally, how was your experience, personally?"

"It was most stimulating, and not precisely as I had expected. It is a different world in there… folds and spaces, stretching away indefinitely, amorphously. Potentialities awaiting realisation…"

"Many philosophers spend years in there seeking knowledge and wisdom, but we do not have the time to spare. You hove to your goal, as ever?"

"It is my function, Master. My purpose and vocation: I will not admit distraction…"

"Loyal and focused… most commendable. I will give you the time needed to complete your mission."

Eventually, after analysing data from many real-time recording devices, and models of the theatre in typical spacetime and in higher-dimensional membranes, Bias hit upon a means of zeroing in on the flow of communication: a brief window of triangulation, but sufficient for targeting. He alerted the Didact, discreetly.

Weeks later, the Didact travelled to the Capital to get Council approval, as quietly as he could arrange. Faber would also be there – even the Librarian, it was hoped. He looked forward to reuniting with his wife, however briefly.

Before long, he and Bias stood before the council, numbering over five-thousand in number currently. Faber entered from across the room. They had spoken briefly of their general aims, and he had revealed he had mustered a fleet ready to unleash a coordinated lattice of destruction across Flood space as needed.

Faber opened the discussion, his baritone voice resonating grandly.

"Honoured councillors and advisors from across the grand Forerunner ecumene, I have momentous news to address to you. Long we have struggled with the adversary besetting our borders, and the lives of many, civilians, Builders and Prometheans alike, have been stolen from us by a cruel and calculating menace. But today, I offer our long sought solution. An array of long-ranged destructive weaponry with which to enfold the Flood and their territory, and then to burn their infection clean from space…"

He waved at the holodisplay in the centre of the platform, and a three-dimensional view of space beyond the Orion cluster flickered into view. From one side, large reinforced vessels, some Promethean in design, but most Builder, appeared. The view shrank, and was surrounded by blue dots indicating an immense fleet of hundreds, maybe a thousand or more vessels. Yellow lines streamed forth from each tiny vessel to unleash a firestorm of roiling light searing the centre of the display.

"Impressive," another deep voice intoned. "But your recent reports spoke of a central intelligence which may exist beyond the known extent of the Flood. Will this also be eradicated?"

The Didact recognised the Phylarch of Builders, among the most senior of his rate – and another rival of Faber's.

"Honourable Phylarch, we have devoted much consideration to this issue… the Didact and I…"

"If I may have the attention of this council… I must report a new developing crisis: a report from the Lifeshaper herself!" another official announced loudly. The Didact recognised the slim shape of the Auditor, a senior intelligence and reconnaissance officer in the Ecumene hierarchy. He raced onto the platform beside him.

"Tell us your news, Auditor, and make haste!" the Speaker implored.

"I have here a direct communications link from the Librarian," he replied, patching in a feed into the projector.

The display reshaped itself into the image of the Librarian, fluid and graceful.

"Members of the council, I have alarming news: the Flood is mobilising, initiating a major push out of its cordons. New worlds are already threatened, and my current research expedition is in danger of being cut off soon. We can mount no more evacuations past the blockade either."

The council erupted in growing uproar, leading to shouted dispute.

"We must activate Faber's weapon at once! Eliminate them all before they break the blockade!" the Phylarch cried.

"And what of the still un-evacuated worlds nearby? Or the Librarian and her teams? You would have us bloody our own with an untried weapon…" the Master Juridical, upholder of law, interjected.

"I trust the council to take the necessary steps needed for the greater whole," the Librarian said, sadly but calmly.

Damn her stoicism, the Didact reflected, distraught.

"My personnel are willing to try to compute a firing solution that affects as few occupied worlds as we can manage," Faber supplied.

"COUNCILLORS, please – we need not be hasty. There is still time to execute other plans first," the Didact said loudly, hoping his voice would carry clearly. "My own staff has been studying the Flood in anticipation of new tactics such as this, and have devised stratagems. Now… we have the answer."

He let his last statement rest boldly, capturing attention, as he mustered confidence for his proposal.

"…We've built Mendicant Bias. It's a Contender-class ancilla unlike anything we've ever achieved. And we've observed a pattern it can exploit." The Didact assumed control of the holographic display, bringing up the tactical map and feeding in Bias' recent analysis into the readout. The Librarian's image shrank to a distant corner location, overlooking the map.

"The parasite has formed a compound mind. When it reaches a certain mass, the Mind is able to recoil its disparate parts to create a tactical shield. This is a simple matter of mass preservation. The thing has no compunction about sacrificing parts of the whole. But when the core of the Mind is threatened, it reacts violently and quickly. This is the only time we see it retract or slow its growth. If we are to defeat it, the trick will be coordinating our forays against the limbs of growth, while Mendicant Bias assaults the Mind's

Core…"

The Didact allowed the display to play out several stages of the plan, to clarify his point. "So far, we've been hesitant to use certain weapons because of the damage they cause surviving populations and environments. That protocol has been abandoned. Mendicant Bias will draw the Mind into battle outside the line, dealing with local biomass and other parts as best he can. The scale of the problem is vast, but the strategy is sound. It will require

patience, materiel and an investment of energy unlike anything

we have ever considered. It's a dangerous plan that carries more

risk than Faber's englobement, but I believe it can work. Even if we simply force it to retreat – to retract – that will at least give us some

respite. Some time to muster more resources..."

"…Didact," the Librarian said morosely. "Consider the risks…"

"We are not going to surrender any more of our own to the parasite… not here, not now."

"This proposal you make is a perilous gamble, Didact," the Master Juridical said sternly. "But it is also a valid one, in my eyes. Once more, you will work with Faber. But he is to be permitted to carry out his plan if you are not successful within a year. This is my amendment. Councillors… do you accept the proposal? Vote now…"

Across the room, the data flooded in from the councillors, resolving into a simple chart on the display – two blocks denoting ayes and nays.

After a few tense moments as the last results were compiled, the vote stood: Three-hundred-ninety in favour, the rest against.

"It is decided. Didact – Faber – you may begin implementation."

The work resumed, now converging towards not a common goal, but two alternatives that must be held equally valid.

Faber had gone back to his coterie of followers, likely to consult with them on creating even more iterations of his weapon – perhaps more surgical this time. The Didact now enjoyed greater resources for keeping track of the Flood's movements. He hoped an opportunity to extricate the Librarian would soon emerge, but must plan for that not being an immediate option.

"Your proposal was very detailed, and quite convincing in the end," he informed Bias indulgently. "It is regretful you could not find a means of avoiding further collateral damage, however."

"It would seem we are past the opportunity for that being an option, Master: both our and the Master Builder's strategies require sacrifice…"

"This is often the grim task of a warrior, when there are no easy choices. I am glad you bear it well.

"Come – I will show you your resources, and help you assemble a fleet to best your adversary…"