1:5:10 Lores (Part 1)

“Change… Change is good. Without it, where would any of us be? We’d likely only exist in the theoretical dreams of single celled organisms.” Lore started their retort. “It was always going to be a shock but, as soon as I return to Earth, I will do more than I am already doing to help you adapt to this change.”

“More than you’re already doing?” The Interim Prynn scalded. “You have done little but offer empty platitudes and half promises.”
“If I may interject.” Timm’Ottay raised his voice. “I and the rest of the Western Quatarrii would like to commend you on single handedly saving our entire civilisation from total annihilation while also, somehow, returning our flagship to us after its disappearance hundreds of years ago.”
The Interim Prynn groaned. “I apologise. I understand that this situation is likely somewhat unfortunate for you too but…”
“No buts.” Timm’Ottay ended the thought before they could articulate it. “There is much we need to do to secure Quatarr before we can even think of re-establishing the empire so we thank you for cordoning off our system. When we are ready, we will discuss it’s raising. For the time being, you and your partner should enjoy a moment of rest. You’ve more than earned it.”
Reluctantly, The Interim Prynn agreed. “We will be fine until you return. It’s only a week after all.”
“Thank you.” Lore sighed. “We will pick this back up as soon as we are all ready to do so.” They bowed their head before ending the call.
“Three and a half hours… I think that’s a new record for the shortest call.” Char laughed. “Though, I did like Timm’Ottay’s idea. Some us time would be nice.”
“It would be but I’ve still got to sort all of this stuff out for taking over The Guild.” Lore checked to see if they were within communications range yet.
“It’s only been a day. Even with Brian’s generous estimate, you’ve got a days wait ahead of you. Come on, relax a little.” Char beckoned them over to the bed. “Plus, Crait said that because of the way they ran it, no-one will ever know that you took over and fired almost everyone.”
“Still, it’d be nice to give everyone a heads up.” Lore dragged themselves away from the terminal and to their bed to be with Char. “I forgot how soft The First liked their bedding.”
Char recoiled. “I thought you said this was a new bed!”
“It is. It’s just made to The First’s specifications because it’s still registered as their room. New bed, same style.” Lore laughed as Char timidly returned to the bed. “We replaced everything in here, remember? Even the carpets. Brand new room.”
“So… You want to get a new bed then?” She bounced up and down on her side. “Because this is way too soft for me too.”
“Maybe later.” Lore got up. They started pacing, their mind racing with all of the tasks they would have to start working on the moment they got into communications range of Earth.
“Right then… I’m going to go for a bit of a walk, you fancy a change of scenery?” Char made her way to the door. She waited for Lore to respond but all she got was a slight shrug and a shake of the head. “Fine. See you in a bit.”
Lore’s head snapped around. “Sorry.”
Char stopped. “What for?”
“Ignoring you. I’m…” Lore began. “No. No excuses. I’m worried about the future but I shouldn’t be using that to excuse ignoring you.” They smiled. “I know… I’ve got a few bits and bobs to finish but once I’m done, why don’t we get comfy in our own bed back in Cyenzeit?”
“I’d like that.” Char smiled as she closed the door behind her.

Lore got up. They knew there wasn’t much they could do about their Quatarrian situation but they could prepare themselves somewhat for their take over of The Guild. As they left their room, they saw the hangar below; they looked down at the clones stood waiting outside of The Guild drop pods that had been recovered and recycled to function as makeshift prison cells. They considered going to see Crait but, the closer they got, the more they realised it was probably a bad idea. An alternative came to mind. They double checked that it was possible before sprinting down to the hangar bay. Crait’s personal ship had been brought into the hangar and parked along side The Destiny; they were surprised when the door opened at their mere presence but the reasoning became apparent as they entered.
“Greetings Loren.” The ship’s voice interface greeted their clone.
“Hi? What do I call you?” Lore was stopped in their tracks.
“I do not have an individual name, I am addressed by the ship’s designation: Spear.” The computer responded.
Lore closed the door behind them. “Well, Spear, I would like you to address me as Lore from here on out.”
“Change in designation noted.” It paused. “How can I help you today Lore?”
Lore looked around. It was obvious that the ship was only meant for short term missions as it appeared to only consist of a single room. The beds, like on Reid’s ship were recessed into the walls; parts of the main drive core took up a significant portion of the ship’s available space. They tried their hardest not to be distracted by the sheer volume of the room as they made their way to the bridge area to access a terminal.
“Honestly, how can they live like this?” Lore muttered to themselves as they waded through the exposed wiring and clutter. It was evident that some repairs and additions had been made to the ship since it was built. Lore found their hands instinctively fly in front of them, narrowly catching them before their face could slam into the floor. They unhooked their foot from the low hanging cable. “Ouch.” They rubbed their hands together to try and dull the pain. “Okay Spear, can you grant me access to the main computer?”
“It’s already unlocked for you Inquisitor Lore.” It replied.
Lore sat down and looked at the monitor. As Spear had said, it was already unlocked and ready. The user interface was similar to that of The Destiny but lacked some of the quality of life features afforded by having an AI on board; the similarities had their advantages, allowing Lore to more easily navigate the system. Before they could explore too far into the files, a pop-up opened and dominated all of the available monitors.
“Well… I don’t know if this will ever be seen but… I’m recording this on the off chance that you manage to capture either myself or my ship.” There was a moment of de-synchronisation between Crait’s image and voice but they came back together with the sigh at the end of their opening statement. “Lore… Or Loren, if you’re watching this, and I am ‘out of the picture’ then I hope you’ve still got the ID card I gave you. With it, once my ID is deactivated, all Guild systems and resources will be at your command. I’ve made the system as simple as possible to use…” The video paused. “If you are Loren, press one. If you are Lore, press two. To hear both videos, press three.”
Out of curiosity, Lore pressed three.
“Loren, I’ve tried to make the transfer of power as quick and seamless as possible. Most of the Inquisitors already respect you, especially after your displays in the tournament, so you’ve got nothing really to worry about. As long as you stick to the plan, you’ll be grand and I’m sure we’ll meet again. Just in case, I’ve left the case…” They chuckled to themselves. “I’ve left the case with all of my MemDexes in the ship’s security hold. Your ID will unlock it automatically. If the Lores and their Chars are still an issue, use them. I’ve also added my own commentary so enjoy.” The screen flickered as the second video loaded. “Lore… Well, I would say that the transition of power will be easy but…” They shrugged. “It won’t. Putting it bluntly there is no-one, except maybe the Oracles, who trusts you at The Guild... Unless you count the rebels… Anyway, your ID will still give you everything you need to do whatever you want with The Guild and its resources… Spear, remind me to ask what Lore’s actual end goal is with The Guild… Like I get that they want to bring Quatarr back for some la-de-da reason but… Do they have a next step?” Crait shook their head. “Anyway, I digress. If you want to know the plan or everything I’ve been up to, it’s all available on this and every Guild computer. Good luck, have fun.”
Lore couldn’t help but smile. “Always knew it was going to be an uphill battle… Spear, could you show me the plan files please?”
“Yes Inquisitor.” Crait’s face was replaced with a file. It was labelled as a timeline but more closely resembled a fishing net. It was a combination of both theirs and all of the Lore’s timelines.
“I knew we forgot something…” Lore zoomed into the web. “Aetar and Solossurr…” They highlighted them. “First priorities when we get back.” They downloaded the timeline to their breacher then stood up. “Those MemDexes, are they available to me?”
“As you are the owner of this ship and this interface reports to you, I can make them available to you should you request them…” The computer paused. “Would you like to access the MemDex vault?”
“Please.” Lore watched as a small drawer opened behind them. Carefully, they made their way over to it, removed the briefcase that was held within then Breached out of the ship before they tripped and broke something. “Now… What to do with these?” They mulled it over before Breaching to meet Char.

“Darling, I’m home.” Lore called out in a singsong tone. They set the case down on the table and opened it. Twenty-five MemDexes set neatly in foam. Char chuckled then ran over to hug them.
“How was your day?” She giggled as she played along.
Lore shrugged. “I think taking over is going to be… interesting but these should help.” Lore highlighted the MemDexes. “Should have all the info we need.”
“And all of the indoctrination Crait could fit in too no doubt.” Char slammed the case shut. “You’re using a viewer to watch these and you’re watching them with me.”
Lore nodded. “Fair enough.” They paused as they guided Char over to the bedroom. “I’ve only got them so we can look into how Crait managed The Guild. Apparently, the transfer of power is done so all we have to do is either recruit an entire division’s worth of people or take our chances with the dissenters Crait imprisoned.”
“There may be a third option…” Char waited to see if Lore would get to the answer by themselves but all they returned was a confused look. “The clones. They’d be perfect for rebuilding the Inquisitoriam.”
Lore agreed. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea. We’d just need to update their training for temporal missions and then they’re ready.”
“There’s one more thing off of our to-do list.” Char jumped on the bed. “Come on. I’ve got us a film cued up and I think you’re going to like it.” She smirked.