As we step into the abyss.

Bunners

it's best just to close your eyes and fall forward...

V.

Falling

Bunners

spoon?

V.

Darin's an idiot, just run with it.

Bunners

Kind of a jump, there... and just who do the jackals answer to?

They come under Alma in the same way Mother Wolf would...

V.

(settles back to await Developments) Going to be an interesting oplan to defeat two sister AIs.

*laughs... we shall see... I have ideas but you know how that all changes...

V.

Oh yeah.

(on the edge of my seat)

and that makes me very happy...

V.

Oh boy the cold realization you have stepped out of Eden, and death is now stocking you.

Very good story my friend I look forward to the next addition.

ty ty ty and a hug...

V.

I'm curious how you determine which of three AI's is "smarter" than the others. Otherwise, my thoughts are echoed in the other comments. Going to be an interesting end, no matter what.

My guess would have to be Maggie was the tank in the lead during the second drill and the plan was hers while the other two followed along. I should have made that a bit clearer for sure...

V.

now that makes me happy... I know you are a connoisseur of these things...

V.

I want to know what the "flash" was. I may just change the direction of the story...if it hasn't already.

well... they found their way in and got stuck there - so when they were able to get out (kicked out) there would have been some sort of demarcation point... if I was to say they were anywhere, I would say they were in Eden.

*hugs...

V.

Re: The "flash" - "Demarcation point" is good. It wasn't mentioned before as they were already there when the story started. Then, when they left and inexplicably returned, the narration was not from the tank and it's occupant's point of view. Clever Ms. Fox. I get it now. LOL

*smiles...

V.

Wheels are set in motion, nothing left but to carry it through to the end.
Looking forward to the destination of this journey. :)

thank you so much - me too!

V.

I happen to have really liked the movie... didn't read the book though...

V.

You know, I just saw "Terminator: Dark Fate" last night. There was a story element in that movie that is also present in your story, one that feels disturbingly like a key truth about our species.

I won't go into that here, but I think anyone else who picks up on it will agree that both stories are pointing the way we are headed in real life. And that lesson should not be ignored.

But I also feel certain it will be.

We shall reap that which we sow.

Excellent work, V. I'm looking forward to more of this.

*hugs*

I don't believe I've seen that one... and thank you for your wonderful words... they are much appreciated. I'm presently working on the story - smiles...

V.

I think what sums it up best is the conversation during Terminator II's petrol station scene (the first scene here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmui0hD-G8c )

Right on the nose, Hania. Right on the nose.

Alma most certainly has a point, its been getting clearer and clearer throughout centuries that man has always been in danger of destroying ourselves, and anyone unfortunate enough to cross our paths. Unfortunate as of late - when the men and women who hold the fate of so many in their hands, continually feed such a grievous prediction. No less blind to it than those who follow them.

Okay, getting a bit less existential. This was a fine chapter, probably the most emotionally driven so far. The description of Jim, Maggie and the others leaving Eden is appropriately bittersweet, and coming horizon seems uncertain...

Can't wait to see how it all ends, Vixyy.

someday we will know...

V.