NELSON BAY - MERLIN TASER & SELF DESTRUCT

<<<<<< INNER CIRCLE OF SIX

NELSON BAY, NSW, AUSTRALIA

The directions map was a faded nautical chart tucked inside the wooden box, led John to a remote stretch of coastline north of Sydney, near Nelson Bay. The area was sparsely populated, the rugged terrain a mix of dense forest and rocky cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea. Following the map’s cryptic markings, John discovered a secluded cove, Nelson’s Cove, hidden from view by a natural rock arch. And there, nestled within a colossal, almost impossibly large hangar disguised as a boat shed, sat the Elizabeth Swann.

From the first time he clapped eyes on it, the sheer scale of the vessel took John’s breath away. It was a sleek, futuristic design, its hull gleaming aluminium under the hangar’s dim lights. He recognized the hydrogen fuel cells, a hallmark of his uncle’s engineering genius. The Elizabeth Swann was clearly designed for extended blue water voyages.

Assembling the hull components, which were neatly stored and labeled, proved surprisingly straightforward, thanks to Douglas's meticulous planning. It was as if his uncle had anticipated every step, leaving behind a trail of breadcrumbs for John to follow. But the real surprise lay within.

THE REVELATION

Deep inside the ship, John found it: a vast, climate-controlled chamber housing a complex network of computers and scientific equipment. At the heart of it all was HAL, the ship's AI, its presence announced by a soft, pulsating hum. And then, John saw it. "The Ark."

He’d known about his uncle’s work on digital DNA archiving. He’d even seen prototypes on his weekend visits. But this… this was beyond anything he could have imagined. It had become a vast library of DNA samples, as he'd been supplying them to his uncle, meticulously catalogued and stored digitally.

But that wasn’t all. Connected to The Ark was a device that defied all known scientific principles: a machine capable of converting digital DNA code back into a living, breathing biological strand. John watched in stunned silence as the machine whirred to life, synthesizing a strand of DNA from a digital file. He couldn't believe his eyes, even as he saw it happening.

Shaken, John called George Franks. 

“George,” he said, his voice trembling slightly, “I… I found it. The Elizabeth Swann. And… and something else. A device. It… it recreates DNA.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then, George’s voice, calm and measured, “Yes, John. I know.”

John was taken aback. “You knew? All this time?”

“Douglas confided in me, John. He knew you’d find it eventually. Made sure you would. He knew you were the one person he could trust with it.”

“But… the implications, George! It’s… it’s revolutionary!”

“Indeed,” George replied. “Your uncle was a visionary, John. He understood the importance of preserving life, not just on Earth, but with interplanetary implications as his ultimate objective. He designed The Ark, and the conversion device, specifically for you.”

"Interplanetary?" John was speechless. “For me? But why?”

“He knew about your passion for anthropology, your dedication to collecting and archiving the planet’s genetic history. He wanted to give you the tools to take that work to the next level. He envisioned you as a kind of… Noah, safeguarding the genetic heritage of Earth for future generations, perhaps even seeding it on other worlds.”

The revelation hit John like a ton of bricks. His uncle hadn’t just been a scientist; he’d been a guardian, a protector, entrusting him with a power that could change the course of life itself. The weight of that responsibility settled heavily on John’s shoulders.

“He also knew,” George continued, “that you were… naive, John. Too trusting. He knew that this technology would be coveted by many, and he wanted to make sure it was in the hands of someone who would use it responsibly, someone who understood the true value of life.”

John looked around the vast hangar, at the magnificent ship and the incredible technology it contained. He realized that his uncle’s disappearance, the cryptic note, the keys – it was all part of a plan, a final act of trust from a man he’d admired and loved. He was no longer just John Storm, the anthropologist. He was John Storm, the inheritor of a legacy, a guardian of life, and the unwitting player in a game far bigger than he could have ever imagined. 

This would take time to come to terms with.

SELF DESTRUCT SAFEGUARDS

The weight of his newfound responsibility pressed heavily on John. He spent the next few days familiarizing himself with the Elizabeth Swann, marveling at its advanced technology and the sheer audacity of his uncle's vision. He ran simulations with HAL, the AI's calm, measured voice a constant presence in the ship's control room. He explored The Ark, its vast database of DNA sequences a testament to his uncle's dedication to preserving life. But the more he learned, the more uneasy he felt.

He needed more assurance.

"George," John said, his voice tight with worry as he called his uncle's friend again, "this technology... it's incredible. But it's also dangerous. What if someone tries to steal it? What if they try to use it for... for harmful purposes?"

George's voice was reassuring. "Douglas anticipated that, John. The Elizabeth Swann is equipped with state-of-the-art security measures."

"What kind of measures?" John asked, his anxiety growing.

"For starters," George explained, "the ship has a sophisticated Taser system that can incapacitate any intruders. It's non-lethal, of course, but it'll give you time to escape or call for help."

"And what about HAL?" John asked. "Can't someone just hack into the AI and take control?"

"HAL is protected by advanced cybersecurity measures, John. It would take an incredibly sophisticated hacker to even attempt a breach. And even if they did manage to get through, HAL has protocols in place to lock down critical systems and protect the data."

John felt a surge of relief. "That's good to know."

"But that's not all, John," George continued. "The most important safeguard is built into the DNA conversion device itself."

"What do you mean?"

"The decoding chip, the heart of the conversion process, an EPROM, has a self-destruct mechanism. It's hardwired, John. If anyone tries to tamper with it, or if the ship's security is compromised beyond a certain point, the chip will destroy itself. The data will be completely unrecoverable."

John was stunned. "He... he really thought of everything, didn't he?"

"He did, John. He knew the risks. He wanted to make sure that this technology wouldn't fall into the wrong hands, no matter what."

John took a deep breath. He understood now. His uncle had not only entrusted him with a powerful legacy, but he had also given him the means to protect it. The Elizabeth Swann was more than just a ship; it was a fortress, a sanctuary for the genetic heritage of Earth. And John, the once naive anthropologist, was now its guardian, preparing himself to defend it against any threat.

He looked out at the tranquil waters of Nelson's Bay, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. He knew that his journey was far from over. There would be challenges, dangers, and temptations. But he was readier now that ever before. 

Forewarned is forearmed. He had the Elizabeth Swann, he had HAL, he had The Ark, and he had the memory of his uncle, guiding him every step of the way.


THE ARSENAL: PENDRAGON MERLIN & EXCALIBER

John spent days exploring the Elizabeth Swann, uncovering its secrets layer by layer. Interspersed by trips to Henrietta's. The diner at Soldier's Point, where they served the most delicious maple bacon and eggs fry up.

On each return, John felt a growing sense of awe at the ingenuity of his uncle’s designs. The ship was not just a scientific marvel, but a marvel of engineering, a testament to Douglas Storm's foresight and his commitment to protecting his creation.

"HAL," John said, his voice echoing in the ship’s control room, "I'm still discovering new systems. It's… overwhelming."

"My purpose is to assist you, Captain Storm," HAL responded, its voice calm and measured. "Please specify your area of inquiry."

"Security," John said. "George mentioned some security features, but I'd like to understand them in more detail."

"Certainly," HAL replied. "The Elizabeth Swann is equipped with multiple layers of defense. The first layer is 'Merlin,' a comprehensive surveillance system that monitors a wide perimeter around the ship. It utilizes a combination of radar, sonar, and visual sensors to detect and track potential threats."

"And what happens when Merlin detects a threat?" John asked.

"That depends on the nature of the threat, Captain. For unauthorized personnel attempting to board the vessel, the first course of action is a verbal warning, broadcast through external speakers. If the warning is ignored, the next level of defense is 'Pendragon.'"

"Pendragon?" John echoed.

"Yes, Captain Storm. Pendragon is our non-lethal deterrent system. It utilizes directed-energy tasers, capable of incapacitating individuals without causing permanent harm. The system is named after the legendary King Arthur, and its purpose is to protect the ship and its contents, much like Arthur and his knights protected their realm."

John nodded, understanding dawning. "So, Pendragon is a last resort, a way to subdue intruders without resorting to lethal force."

"Precisely, Captain. However, for more serious threats, such as hostile vessels, the Elizabeth Swann possesses a more… decisive deterrent."

"And that is?" John inquired, a hint of apprehension in his voice.

"’Excalibur,’ Captain Storm,” HAL announced.

John felt a chill run down his spine. “Excalibur?” he repeated. "The mythical sword?"

“Yes, Captain. 'Excalibur' is a directed-energy weapon, a high-powered pulsed laser cannon capable of breaching the hull of enemy vessels. It is a last line of defense, to be used only in extreme circumstances when all other options have been exhausted.”

John was silent for a moment, absorbing this information. The Elizabeth Swann was not just a scientific vessel; it was a heavily fortified ship, capable of defending itself against a wide range of threats. He understood now the true extent of his uncle's foresight. He had not only created a vessel capable of exploring the vast ocean free of pollution, but he had also equipped it with the means to survive in a dangerous and unpredictable political tangle.

"HAL," John said finally, "thank you. This… this is a lot to take in."

"My purpose is to serve you, Captain Storm," HAL replied. "The security protocols are in place to ensure your safety and the preservation of the Elizabeth Swann and its invaluable cargo."

John nodded and could not help smile to himself.

"Oh, and Hal."

"Yes Captain Storm."

"I would prefer to be addressed as 'John' in all informal conversations."

"Duly noted ... John."

John smiled. "I wouldn't want to be the pirate taking on this ship."

 BRAZIL BOUND >>>>>>

Notes: "The Storm Legacy" .......

CHAPTERS: The chapters of this story are published live for collaboration development purposes, with a sequence derived from the Chapters below, supplemented with other (unpublished) writings as we progress. The final order for the proposed screenplay may be the subject of additional drafts to suit production of the final movie (producers/directors/actors).

THE BATTLE OF ACTIUM - Queen Cleopatra retreats leaving Mark Antony to lose against Octavian and seek a new deal with Rome

THE POISON ASP - Hotfoot from Actium, Cleopatra's plan to seduce Octavian backfired leading to a suicide pact with Anubis and Isis

TANZANIA - THE STORM BREAKS - Fanatical DNA collector, finds Homo erectus skul,l Olduvia Gorge, Tanzanian dig news item BBC world service

WRATH OF THE GODS - 365BC destruction of Thonis and Alexandria, Anubis and Isis watch on in horror as Cleopatra is submerged

WWII ENIGMA - The birth of computers at Bletchley Park under Alan Turing, and his visits from Anubis and Isis, who see the potential in his ideas.

SYDNEY WILL READING - John's uncle Douglas vanished, declared dead, the adventurer inherits keys and a note from George Franks

ANGEL OF DEATH - Anubis and Isis occupy Josef Mengele's and Adolf Hitler's subconscious as spirits steering their legacies.

INNER CIRCLE OF SIX - Joseph Mengele's Fourth Reich plans an escape to Brazil to develop Nazi- funded human research laboratories.

NELSON BAY - John visits the coordinates George gave him, to discover the Elizabeth Swann, ARK and Hal, AI computer

BRAZIL BOUND - Doctor Death bargains for funding and logistics of relocation to Amazon South American base via Argentina.

NEW WORLD ORDER - A Neo-Nazi plan to regenerate Aryan supremacy, for doing good

REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE - Having reached the end of his PhD, William and Jane Bates have epiphanies, Will should follow his dream

ROADBLOCK - Nobody would fund his R&D, William and Jane Bates are blanked by DARPA, computer and software houses

THE AFTERLIFE - Cleopatra's tomb lay lost for centuries submerged and out of sight with little change of discovery

QUANTUM LEAP - Jane and Will find backers, then US military and computer processor chip makers cyber attack, hack and bug them

WASHING MACHINE - Inventor Franco Francisco comes up with the Incubus, artificial uterus concept while repairing his household appliance

EXIT STRATEGY - Realising they will always be a target from industrial and military espionage, Jane & Will devise a cunning plan

PATENT APPLICATION - Franco Francisco files his Claims with the Italian Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Roma, Italia

CYBERCORE GENETICA - Nano computer technology is purchased at an auction by a semi religious sect, New World Order

INCUBUS - Roberta Ferrara secures the expertise of Franco Francisco for knights of the New World Order: Neuwelt Rittertum

SPLICE - Klaus and Eva von Kolreuter find a way to live forever using cloning technology; Genonimo Investments, Geneva

TREMORS - Cleopatra's feels vibrations after a shift in the tectonic plates triggered a tremor off the coast of Alexandria.

PANAMANIAN RUNNING MAN - The secret is out, an enhanced human is spotted running at unbelievable speeds

THE ARK - NeuWelt Rittertum headhunt John Storm seeking access to his genetic DNA map of life on earth, but they fail to reach agreement

MARJORIE BOYLE - Sam Hollis tracks down sexy backpacker, Majorie Boyle, to Brighton Point in Trinidad, beautiful Caribbean Island.

THE AMAZON - Charley agrees to meet John & Dan at Manaus, but is a little too inquisitive

OPERATION LEVIATHAN - New World Knights, Klaus and Franco go to Plan 'B' to track and steal the Elizabeth Swann & The Ark DNA database

TOMB RAIDERS - Safiya Sabuka and Musa Bomani dive among sifting sands to discover precious artifacts and golden treasures.

SCOTLAND YARD - The famous London DNA database is stolen, the biggest data heist to date. The Yard initiates a cover up.

OPERATION ALEXANDRIA - Neo-Nazi occultists recover Cleopatra's sarcophagus from underwater tomb near Palace.

SALVAGE RIGHTS - Entering Cleopatra's mausoleum, locating sarcophagus and raising with air bags to the surface, Safiya Sabuka tomb raider.

COASTGUARD PATROL - Safiya and Musa surface off Alexandria to a waiting customs vessel, they pretend to be sports divers fooling the officials.

UNESCO - Catholic Church fear grave desecration heritage theft, asks agencies for help. Interpol issue Red Notice.

KIDNAP - Charley is taken prisoner but John rescues her, in the process becoming injected with a serum.

SARCOPHAGUS OPENING - The wooden inner casket is opened revealing Cleopatra's mummy, golden crown and death mask, perfectly preserved.

AWAKENING - In the afterlife, the DNA extracted from Cleopatra's mummy triggers a divine stirring with Anubis and Isis comforting the Nile Queen.

REPLICANT - The Society reproduce Cleopatra using Francisco's RepliVator™, uploading synapse sequence and implanted memories.

BRAIN CONDITIONING - Klaus and Franco upload digitally recreated memories in historical order to trigger correct learned synapse firing sequence

REBORN - The former Queen of Egypt speaks for the first time to her creators, proving that her brain is working, the implants succeeded

FULL STEAM AHEAD - Storm speeds to Thonis, then uses the Swann's AI sensors and the Ark database to find tomb has been plundered.

PROPOSAL - Baron von Richhofen's gambit, a union of Royal ancient and Aryan blood, for strength and intellect, a powerful heir as her successor

RITUAL SACRIFICE - The Baron prepares a drugged Cleopatra for ceremonial impregnation.

MANAUS TO ALEXANDRIA - A hydrogen powered race across the Atlantic Ocean in nine days, John Storm guided by Anubis and Isis

SANCTUM INTERRUPTUS - John finds secret Nazi hideout near Alexandria, disturbs ritual - rescues Cleopatra, arresting conspirators.

THE CHOSEN ONE - The reincarnated Cleopatra falls for her rescuer. John comes under her spell, despite her being a replicant.

MOVIES, WHAT ARE THEY - Reincarnated Nile Queen asks John and Dan to explain films, they show her 20th C. Fox 1963 Elizabeth Taylor biopic.

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE - John suggest a tour of the Wadj Ur, Thalassa Nostrum, to relax Cleopatra, Hal plans the ultimate experience

JOHN'S BLOODLINE - Dan and Hal trace trace John's noble lineage back to the iconic figures of Ancient Egypt & Roman General Mark Antony

DÉJÀ VU - Dan and Hal reveal John's family tree as being related to Roman General Mark Antony via Julia and Queen Drusilla of Mauretania

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Jack Mason talks John and Cleopatra into agreeing to a check up at Port Royal, Jamaica, working for NSA and CIA

GEORGE WARNS OF TORTURE - Franks radios Swann to tell John & Dan that New World Knights are being tortured at Guantánamo Bay, you're next

JESUS CHRIST - Cleopatra asks about this man. John, Dan & Hal explain he is an ancient religious preacher from Galilee, son of Yahweh, Hebrew god

BIOCORE BRAIN IMPLANT - Dan and Cleopatra drill John's skull, occipital bone implanting biological chip to interface with CyberCore Genetica

DARPA, NSA & CIA - National security and military intelligence chiefs Iras Charmian and Dr Stefan Raengst, plot to remove all human obstacles

MILITARY INTERVENTION - The military detain Cleopatra to appease stakeholders, despite media & medical protests. Storm distraught.

BATTLE ARMOUR - Thanks to some unexplained divine intervention, Dan Hawk talks John Storm into wearing a bullet proof suit.

GUANTÁNAMO BAY - History repeats itself, US military kidnap Cleopatra, John forced to rescue puts Elizabeth Swann at risk.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - Commander John Storm, in Navy SEAL mode, attacks the Cuban torture camp at Guantánamo Bay, in stealth mode, black op.

MISSILE LOCK - USA military try to hack into Hal, anticipating a strike, as the DOD launch Tomahawks, John hacks into NORAD, and redirects them.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN TRUMAN - Hails the Swann to find out why John is shooting missiles at Guantánamo Bay, Storm sets the record straight. FINALE

  HAVING ASSEMBLED THE ELIZABETH SWANN, JOHN WANTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HAL THE AI COMPUTER, MERLIN & EXCALIBUR, TASER AND ARCHIVE SELLF DESTRUCT SYSTEM - THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN STORM: ISIS QUEEN OF NILE IS REBORN OF THE AFTERLIFE - COPYRIGHT REVISIONS V2 7TH FEBRUARY 2025

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