“That’s amazing. It’s delicious?”
“I told you this wasn’t beta,” he said with a chuckle.
Bartholemeau dazzled Leo with the next few E-frond examples he had for him. One spun in a flow of liquid, powering a light bulb nearby. The other showing its ability to regulate flow of liquid partially, fully, even reverse the flow or allow a trickle. Lastly, was a display of self-maintenance and cleaning. The blades could undergo automatic cleaning when necessary or be cleaned manually as often as the programmer decides.
“This is all so quick. I imagined these but weeks ago, and here they are, doing what I envisioned. This is unbelievable.”
“I told you the unbelievable was possible. They do so much more than you envisioned. Let me show you a glimpse of their true potential.”
Leo’s eyebrows raised in interest and confusion. He supposed this is what you got when you offered your creation to a controlling corporation. They have other ideas about how your creation will work or benefit them. Bartholemeau turned his attention to another part of the testing floor that had several metal mannequins at random distances from each other.
“Watch Leo, I’ve already placed some of these units about the grounds, although with your Ghost Cover, this won’t be necessary for deterrence. Cronos, if you will please.”
Several of the mannequins began to move across the floor. As they did, folded up E-fronds popped up from the floor, piercing the robot’s feet with their collapsed pointed structure, then fanned out their blades and retracting into the floor pinning the mannequins to the ground. Several of the E-fronds heated up and began melting the feet of the mannequins, burning a hole clean through and retracing back into the floor from which they came. The other held the mannequin in place.
“We can set their reaction to vibration, movement, pressure, heat sensitivity, visual recognition, or even electronic signature if need be. Different sizes can reach farther and hit more vital areas, rather than just be debilitating.”
The last moving mannequin was stopped in an instant with a large frond blade popping from the ground, piercing his chest cavity then slamming and pinning it to the ground as it retracted. It continued to pull as the crackling of metal was heard, followed by a loud snap. The entire E-frond disappeared into the floor, crushing the mannequin. The head popped off and slid across the floor stopping a few feet away from where they stood.
Leo stood in shock and horror, peering into the lifeless robot’s eye sockets, imaging its implications. He wanted no part of it.
“I didn’t design it for this purpose. I want this programming deleted immediately!”
“Leo this is a triumph. Think of the soldiers’ lives this will save, a smart deterrent hidden, defending any stronghold against boots on the ground. This will be for defense now rather than a deterrent, as your Ghost Cover will eliminate anyone knowing of potential positions.”
“Potential positions is this a government facility?”
“No, no, this is a business Leo. We have created many things here at New Wave. These two creations happen to fall under military application. I’m a peace maker, I just believe in preparedness, and if we make a few dollars on it, great.”
“And flash match, what is to become of it?” Leo said in a sarcastic, accusatory tone.
“It may have its uses but only in the factories around the world. It’s on the back burner for now. We didn’t bring you here for Flash Match Leo. This is what we brought you here for.”
Leo was now angered. He had been lured in with the Flash Match purchase. It had been all a front. They wanted him to make them rich, and it was now clear they focused on defense applications. He felt cheated. Although, to be fair, it was Leo that hadn’t done his homework on the man. His signing was more a mistake than a decision and by then he was blinded with money.
Leo headed for the door walking quickly, turning to speak before leaving. “This isn’t who I am. There is more to my work than this.”
“Indeed, there is more to your work than this Leo. This isn’t your first or last creation, but you are wrong. This who you are.”
Leo stormed out of the room and up the stairs.
Down below, Cronos spoke to Bartholemeau, “Sir, he’s leaving the facility. Should I stop him?”
“No, let him leave Cronos, this was to be expected. At some point, he would know what he’s here for. Don’t you worry Cronos. He’ll be back.”
CHAPTER 28
T he clattering roar of the Humvee’s V8 engine idled louder as Stratus slipped the vehicle into park. The vibration came to a halt as he turned it off and swung open the vehicle door. He decided to leave it in a semi-rural area nearby, to avoid any suspicion from small town folk wondering why it was parked there.
He figured the vehicle would be flagged as it was involved in the incident on base just hours prior, but as he took steps away from the truck he reconsidered. If what he believed to be occurring was true, he mustn’t waste time on switching vehicles and worrying about the optics of the situation. He turned around and got back in the Humvee, started the engine and roared away. He needed the drive to clear his mind and think of how to put things into words without sounding nuts. Mr. Sullivan’s blackmail to ruin Stratus would absolutely work, unless he could be completely convincing and reveal everything. Not till the president saw physical evidence would he begin to take any action.
The large vehicle barreled down the road, he had maybe a few hours left to go, once the Humvee was spotted and identified he would have to do some explaining to even get an audience with, the man.
The time seemed to fly by and before he knew it, he was in Washington DC. How does one get ahold of the president?
After Cromwell was KIA, Stratus was appointed head of ghost squad and he knew President Flury wanted to meet with him. The fact Cromwell’s death was being listed as a leave of absence surprised Stratus, and he wondered how much the president knew of Cromwell’s dealings.
He surmised not very much, given that the government or military had yet to act. Not knowing who to contact to arrange this early morning meeting, Stratus called the first person that came to mind, the last person he wished to talk to at ghost squad, Clark.
Although, he did feel comforted that Clark in his opinion, was an idiot. And Stratus didn’t worry that anything dangerous would happen in corresponding with him. Clark was an idiot yes, but he also did as he was told, and Stratus knew the information he had gathered from Clark earlier, wasn’t discussed with anyone. The phone rang, and Status prepared for Clark’s childish attempts at male comradery of the most predictable sort.
“Stratus! Ghost boss from Ghost Squad, how are you? You know just because your boss doesn’t mean you don’t have to show up. I miss your over the top suits. How’d the meeting with the prez go?”
“Let’s just say I’ve been busy Clark, and my suits are what separates me from…you. Remind me, who is the leader of Ghost Squad?”
“My apologies, you are Mr. Lattamus. What did you do to get the job if the suit did all the work though?” said Clark erupting into laughter.
“If there’s one thing I can’t stand, its someone laughing at their own horrible jokes. Cut your bullshit Clark. In all seriousness where is the President and how do I get ahold of him to setup a meeting.”
“What, your serious, you didn’t meet with him yet!?”
“That is obvious. I have a hot button issue that needs his attention immediately.”
“So you’re saying you’ve been a busy bee. Got it. Well you have the ability to reach him on your black out phone, it updates automatically with leadership contacts based on your clearance. You really would know all this if you’d have met with him already. As for scheduling an appointment I wouldn’t have a clue, you’re his only contact here, remember?”
“Clark, we need to have a meeting to discuss your employment when I get back, your jokes are too much. I’m trying to setup a meeting about national security and your dickin around with one liners.”
“Why not, your informal actions are already rampant.” said Stratus sarcastically.
“I received a Ghost Squad department alert earlier, something about DC movement at a national guard base and a stolen Humvee. When I was tasked with identifying the threat, I found several ground cams that captured a well-dressed man in a suit, alongside a guardsman in uniform. A Mr. Davis. Now I know that was you, and I also know a shot of the Humvee thief outside the gate in uniform was you also.”
“Well… none of that matters now, my intel is above your paygrade. I will do whatever it takes to get that meeting with the president. Stand down Clark!”
“Easy Stratus, easy! Once I noticed it was you, I thought about everything for about all of five seconds, then digitally smudged the footage. I bought you a little time. I don’t buy Cromwell’s leave of absence and if they think they can scrub out any member with that kind of BS story, I won’t stand for it. I know you wouldn’t either, you’re straight as an arrow.”
“Damn Clark what can I say. Thank you. On second thought lets skip the meeting about your job, keep it up and you may get promoted, laterally of course. I’m not going anywhere.”
Stratus hung up the phone, he was still nervous the president may have received a preliminary report with un-scrubbed still shots.
He would be there shortly anyhow, and the president would know what happened right from his mouth. He knew his career was on the line but there was no sense worrying about it. Hell, the Humvee was a dead giveaway anyway.
Mr. Sullivan may have already sent in the damming evidence of his supposed cooperation with him, and knowledge about the specifics of Cromwell’s death. He looked at the sun just peeking out, the sunrise began to light up the dark cave like vehicle. Straus let out a puff of air and relaxed, pulled out the small black cell phone in his coat pocket and powered it up once again. He had left if off for obvious reasons, he didn’t want anyone knowing his location till now. The phone pulled in all the missed calls from the past few days, several were from President Flury. Here goes nothing. He tapped the call button and waited as the phone rang.
A boisterous, serious voice came on the line. “Mr Lattamus, about time you called. When the president calls you, you typically don’t let it go to voice mail. And you definitely don’t wait for him to call you a second time. Where the hell have you been? You were promoted, aren’t you gracious sir?”
“Sir for reasons I’d rather discuss in person, I have been ignoring my phone, in fact it’s been off since… well since a couple of days ago. My upmost apologies but it will all make sense once I can explain. That’s not even half of my worries right now. We must meet immediately.”
“That’s more like it, I can meet you later this afternoon. I can’t imagine what’s worth abandoning one of the most important squads we have today, so I’ll be eager to hear your side.”
“Sir I must see you now. I have information that is time sensitive and catastrophic if unaddressed immediately.”
“Well now, I thought you said you were on vacation with your phone off. You work fast and are full of surprises. I respect your judgement, but my schedule is quite full.”
“Sir I’m coming, and we are meeting whether your schedule is full or not. Your golf game or whatever you have planned will have to wait. You don’t want dead Americans on your hands do you?”
“Damn it Lattamus this line is encrypted but need I remind you, it’s still a cell phone. Never talk about possible threats on here unless we are using code.”
“You needn’t remind me sir. Now that I have your attention, this isn’t a possible threat its real, its subversive and definitely active.”
“That’s it I’m hanging up. Sounds like I’ll have to brief you on security protocol after my breakfast and morning jog.”
“You’ll be cancelling those. Protocol is the last of my worries, let’s stop pretending, we both know Cromwell isn’t on leave. By the way look out your window, I’m here. You may need to ask your crew to stand down, I’ve had a busy morning.”
Stratus ended the call as a guard at the gate had approached the Humvee. The large truck wasn’t a common sight, it set the guard into an alerted state before Stratus even rolled down the window. A smile erupted on Stratus face, both in part to placate the guard’s cross demeanor, but secondly and perhaps more importantly, because of his abrupt conversation with the president.
He never wasted a chance to assert he was right and better than anyone, even if he happened to be speaking with the commander in chief. Yes, he was kind of a prick, but a handsome, well dressed and well off one. He was ok with that.
“Hello sir, how might you be this early morning?” said Stratus in a seemingly friendly tone to the guard.
“Sergeant Davis step out of the vehicle immediately, let me see your hands, no sudden moves.”
“Sergeant Davis? Oh yes sorry,” said Stratus as he suddenly realized the guard had identified him with the badge pinned on the guardsman shirt he was wearing. He tore off the badge quickly and reached down to get his pentagon identification.
“I said no quick movements, hands up now!” shouted the man who had drawn his gun and pointed it at Stratus’s face, drawing the attention of the other guards nearby. Soon the truck was surrounded, every agent had a gun in hand, waiting for the next move.
“I heard you the first-time sir, but that’s no way to treat a special guest.”
“Special guest my ass Sergeant Davis. This vehicle was stolen off a DC base this morning. I believe you are under arrest.”
“You have no listening skills do you son? You have me all wrong, I’m not Sergeant Davis, and I’m here to see the President.”
Chuckling came from not only the guard at his driver’s window but everyone within an earshot. The guard then quickly put his hand up to his ear, clearly receiving incoming information from central command.
“Uh huh, ok. What? No sir--- I can’t---. Yes, sir I’ll let him in.” said the guard grumbly to his superior. “ID!”
“Who me?” said Straus sarcastically. “I never thought you’d ask. I must point out that’s what I was trying to do at the beginning of our conversation. It could have saved you some embarrassment.”
“ID!”
Stratus took out his pentagon credentials and hung them over the windows edge, letting it sit longer than needed to rub it in.
“You’re at the wrong building Mr. Lattamus!” The guard gave Stratus a stern stare down then turned and spoke into his coms. “Let the man through, by order of President Flury.”
The gate rolled open slowly as the prideful guard returned to his post in the guard shack, everyone surrounding Stratus’s Humvee dispersed amongst the grounds.
Stratus pulled through the gate and looked for a place to park the vehicle. He eased to a stop and parked but had no idea where to go, so began to walk slowly on the grounds behind the White House. Do I just walk right up to the door? He didn’t get far till he saw several men break out of the bushes and converge on him.
“This way sir follow me.” guided the secret servicemen.
Straus was surprised they were walking towards the back steps that lead to a plain rear door entrance. No special entrance? Interesting. I thought this would be more grand.
Before mounting the steps, one agent remained behind and held out a hand. “Wait here please.”
“Excuse me, there must be a mistake, I’m to meet with the President behind closed doors.”
“President Flury says wait here, he is requesting a mobile detail as we speak. You will be traveling via Cadillac one.”
Stratus sized the man up then waited patiently, as patiently as he could anyhow. He turned around to glance at the
Humvee in the distance, and saw it being driven away, a puff of dirt hung in the air as it disappeared. No turning back now, time for second thoughts are now over.
Stratus started at the man, measuring his ability’s. A little intimidation always worked to his advantage. Stratus could sense the agent felt his gaze, and he didn’t like it. The man couldn’t stand the cocky confident Stratus, but then again who did. Stratus didn’t care, he was at the top of his field, the man before him didn’t know half the secrets Straus carried. The guard let out a simple sarcastic remark.
“You better have something good to say.” said the secret service agent sarcastically.
“What’s that Mr.…?”
“To the President sir, we all know your story, your involvement with Mr. Davis. If you ask me, you should have been dragged out of the vehicle you stole and thrown down on the pavement.”
“Is that so? Yes, I do have something good to say to the President. There’s a reason why your guarding the President and not sitting in his chair, brains. You really should just remain silent from now on, you have no idea what’s even going on.”
The man’s alert but calm posture changed to that of mild aggression, his arms were out from his sides and he had taken one step forward. Just when Stratus thought he might have to take the man down for the count, the President burst out the back door in a noticeable hurry.
“Well that’s more like it, about time you showed up President Flury.” said Stratus loud enough for the agent to hear.
The President saw the guard on edge, approaching Stratus. “Well I see your making friends outside as well as inside Mr. Lattamus. At ease sir.” commanded President Flury as he tapped the agitated guard on the shoulder. The President’s long black limo rolled in and stopped in front of them promptly.
“Sir we really ought to have more privacy than Cadillac One,” said Stratus.
“Just do as your told and get in.”
“I’ll do my best sir.”
The Second Rising Page 20
