New variants of the models we are used to seeing will become more common as the volume of antithesis increases. This is not just the increase in higher-tier life forms, but variations at the lower level too. The adoption of the Model 3c, first seen in southern Asia, has spread globally, and it is our opinion that soon they will become the predominant variant.
Likewise, reports of new variants of Model 9 from Savannah and the several that we saw in Seattle recently indicate that stronger and unexpected variants will be coming.
The current weapons, training, and engagement doctrines are good at eliminating the models we currently encounter. They do nothing to try to prepare us with the flexibility we will need to address these future threats.
--Excert of white paper submitted to Cascadia Military Command by Lt Col Corin
***
I tuned out the conversation, confident that Corie would help them make an informed decision, and started another conversation with my AI internally.
--It’s related to which catalogs you want to use to do the repair. You’ll have to buy a new catalog or two, but there’s a couple of equally valid options.
--The more common way on Earth would be to use the common genetic mod catalogs. That would be Class I Viral Editing and Class I Genetics. These two catalogs are the doorway to genetic modification and are usually used by Vanguards with heavy genetic upgrades.
--The other option would be Class I Bio Manipulation. That is more of a blended, simpler catalog. It’s oriented towards simple actions for common procedures and quick and dirty fixes. In the genetics world, Bio Manipulation would be more like your Class I Medical Utilities for medical issues.
--It depends on what you’re looking for. It’s not a question of one being worse than the other, but what use you will get out of the catalogs. Do you want to do the full genetics mod route? Or one of the other options? If you want the full genetic modifications, then getting Bio Manipulation would be redundant. On the other hand, if you’re not needing the PhD-level catalogs, why spend the points on it?
--The difference between the Bio Manipulation catalog and the Editing/Genetics catalogs would be similar to the difference between first aid and home health versus a full medical degree. To live a healthy life, you don’t need to be a doctor, you just have to know how to take care of yourself, spot diseases, and some first aid.
--Yes. You could afford to buy all three catalogs, but it would be a waste of points whichever way you go.
I looked at the ceiling in thought while my family’s discussion flowed over me. It came down to how I felt about how to improve myself.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
--Yes. It might also be passed down to your children.
--The symbiote-based SymSynTech of the Valerians.
--Yes, and as a more extreme example, humanity’s mitochondria are actually from an organism that’s not in your direct lineage.
--Valerian symbiont tech actually works well with the Bio Manipulation catalog. In fact, the principles in that are the basis for much of the Valerian’s work.
--Yes. Just in time too. Your mother is about to make her decision.
Due to the speed at which the mind speech operated, my conversation with Corie had only taken a minute or two. I returned my attention to the people in the room and realized that I had been following the conversation in the back of my mind.
My sister had been interested in activating the genes at the start, but the interactions with her augments had given her pause, and she decided to hold off while she checked regulations. As a military pilot, she had more extensive augs than most people and had to meet certain requirements with them. That left my mother to ask more about the effects of the gene, delving deeper into the neurologic effects than I had.
“Then I definitely want to keep the gene and complete the activation,” she concluded. “We’ll have to see about augments later on. I just reopened a whole world, and I need to get used to it before we look into adding more.”
“No problem,” I said. I could understand her decision, having gained augs access only today. “Even if I’m short on points when you decide, I’m sure Dad can find me some more aliens.” My father squirmed a little, strangely uncomfortable with my offhanded joke.
“So, how do we do this?” Mom asked.
“Once Marcus completes the purchase,” Corie said over the stereo, “I’ll bring in an applicator with which he or you can use to inject the serum, and that’s it. The nanites in the serum will adjust the genes over the next couple days. I’d suggest leaving the sensor drone here so I can monitor the change, just in case. But I estimate the chance of problems to be in the high ten-thousandths of a percent.”
"Catalog Unlocked: Class I Bio Manipulation
Cost: 75 Remaining points: 7,262
"Purchased: Custom gene stabilization and activation
Cost: 20 Remaining points: 7,242”
In the end, applying the serum felt a little anticlimactic. The auto-injector didn’t even have a needle; a spray injector shot the serum through the skin painlessly. Jane left soon after, citing the hour, and I followed behind her. I wasn’t tired, but it felt like my parents wanted some time alone to absorb the ups and downs.
As I prepared to leave, Dad stopped me in the hallway. “Marcus, I know how much being a Samurai means to you, so I won’t try to take it from you. But as a father, I have to at least ask that you try to stay safe.”
“I’m going to be getting several upgrades tonight, so I should be a lot safer and stronger. I don’t think that the problems I had today will come back.”
“Remember that preparing for yesterday’s battle leaves you flat-footed tomorrow.” The saying, one of his often repeated aphorisms, spoke to the core of his biggest complaints with higher command. “There have been some rumors coming from the Samurai that it’s going to become a lot worse, and you just put yourself on the very sharp end of the stick. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned for my son.”
“Do you think I need to hold back? To play the defensive game?”
“I…” he ran his fingers through his hair. “We’ve never pushed you and let you determine your own way. And you have done better than we could hope for. We’re proud of you. But I think that for once you need to push forward hard.”
After a lifetime of growing up with him, I could tell when my father had to dance around classified information. Whatever it was, it drove a hint of fear into the eyes of a battle-hardened tank commander. The words to reassure him were slow to come but felt right when I finally spoke. “I’ll just have to fight smart and limit or block their strengths. You’ve taught me a lot about strategy over the years, whether you meant to or not. I’ll use all you taught me to bring the fight to the antithesis from positions of strength. And if I can’t find a strong point, I’ll make one.”
“Tactically offensive, strategically defensive,” he replied.
“Exactly. Let me know if you hear of any opportunities I can make use of.” I hugged him and let myself out.