by Marcus Sloss
“And why do you need me?”
“I need you to raid and destroy the originals,” Goldie said with a flicking wrist. As if it were some simple process. “There is a base deep inside a planet known as Arixon. Arixon is the origin planet of my former kind. We need a strike team smaller than seven feet tall to enter and destroy the mainframes inside the facility.” I was starting to understand. “And it's a one-way trip.”
“Ha! No thanks. Not for me anyway,” I said without hesitation. “My thirst for revenge of the fallen does not mean I desire my own demise.”
“And if I could put you in a different body? Where your death means you -”
“If I get to live long and prosper, I don’t care about a synthetic death. Assuming I return to my body with my mind intact. I thought that wasn’t possible,” I said, frowning at the image of myself.
“There are such things on the market. They are rare and rare means expensive. It will take time for me to create more but I will be able to eventually. I need to eliminate the mothership above this planet first. So we have a deal. You give us refuge and when the time comes you lead a strike team in synthetics to crush our foes vital infrastructure. In return, we eliminate the mothership, help your people prosper, and develop your society to be great again.”
Before I agreed I asked, “What is the downside?”
“Oh, so… if the orbital is defended and your strike teams are defeated you will go into the sun or this planet will be blasted into a billion chunks of drifting rock,” Goldie said nonchalantly.
“Oh, just a minor end of our planet.” My scoff was followed by a kick of sand. “No pressure, right.”
Goldie placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “Seetheus will have no mercy if he is given an opportunity for revenge. The divine are not actually passive anymore. They have had to change and convert to aggression to contain that which they opposed, which surprise, I predicted. This is your chance at revenge. You fail, you will die in time. You succeed, there might be an armada of scarybears soaring this way to conquer your planet the old fashion way in ten thousand years. The portals may even stay active, but if they do not there is an in-between distance at least to give us a chance to prepare. There are variables even a genius mind like mine cannot predict.”
“But we get a chance at revenge, and we get a chance at crippling if not defeating the enemy. How much time do you need?”
“Depending on how shopping goes. Maybe a week, but I expect three or four days until the first battle with the mothership. The end of this market and following season will tell us everything. Instead of gold, the Xgates here on Earth should flare pink. You need to give Daxstar full spending authority. And Eric, can you send someone to talk with me. My mind does not do well at idle.”
I thought about his request and replied, “Would you like to be a school teacher?”
“Yes! I would love that. Oh, let me start planning now,” Goldie said transitioning into a very old version of me with glasses. “We have our missions. Trust in Daxstar, consolidate Earth, grow your forces, and we will win the day in due time.”
CHAPTER 6
The shielding of AH1 flickered from the incoming AK47 fire. A couple of brave souls were taking shots at our docile aircraft as it hovered outside their base. I smirked at the hexagon shielding flaring to life as it reflected the fire. There was no chance a 7.62 rounds would penetrate our shielding. It was all fun and games until I saw the trademark streaking trail of an RPG. The round smacked into our shielding in a rocking explosion that washed over our shields.
“What the fuck,” Willow said, jerking in reflex. “Did they shoot a missile at us?”
Longoria instinctively peeled the aircraft back from the oncoming fire to add more reaction time.
“That is an RPG, you need to get behind cover when you see that tail. If we were outside they make a distinct whistling noise while in flight,” I said from experience.
Longoria shot me a gaze and asked, “What are your orders, Sir.”
“Alright, time to show them who’s the boss. Take us to Objective Intersection,” I commanded Longoria.
AH1 swiveled out of range of the small arms fire quickly.
The trailing arc of another RPG racing into the night sky was not even close to hitting us.
The defending fighters were cheering at our retreat thinking they had frightened us off. As if I would let a wavering shield deter me.
We were on the outskirts of Oakland. Heat signatures indicated thousands of humans contained by a few hundred defenders. Containing was a bit of a stretch, but since we couldn’t chat with the citizen we were forcing the issue. Honestly, they didn’t create some grave offense and I didn’t have some amazing reason for bringing an army to their gates.
I was here because there was only a matter of time before some alien smashed these pitiful defenses and enslaved the citizens inside.
I know there was no profound moral high ground to my actions. Bastion Nation should let these people have the option to live peacefully. I intended to do that to some extent. Right now, if I offered the option of a sanctuary to the residents inside, the guys with the assault rifles would prevent that. If I swept them aside and then offered I knew a lot would accept our fantastic proposal.
AC1 beat us to the landing point. Tanks spilled out of the hangar bays and onto the landscape. AH1 had to land closer to the Oakland Conclave. While we were touching down, the tanks for AC1 were already blazing for the settlement. Eddy was the commander on the field with the extended shield that was soaking up small arms fire and RPGs with ease.
“Are you going or you want to armchair it?” Willow asked.
I snuck my fingers between hers, giving a slight tug for the door. My gesture answered her question.
“Eh, I feel I might be able to talk some sense into these guys. The leader is a veteran from his Gnet file,” I said with a shrug.
We shifted out of the captain’s room to see a TG99 awaiting us in the hangar bay. She slid the door open when we neared the big machine. When I entered I decided to head up to a side gunner's roost and listen to the frequency for the unit.
“Tango fourteen’s shields are holding steady at ninety-four percent,” a male mounamine said over the net. That was Eddy’s radio operator and I grumbled at forgetting his name. “Tango Six is ordering a left flank push by platoon three and a right flank for Golf Company. Swap point fourteen, shields eighty two percent. Fifteen take lead.”
Our tank glided out of the hold to join the pushing forces. The settlement was literally an odd circle of dead vehicles smashed into a wall. If I had to guess, two bulldozers compressed the wall by crushing gas guzzling vehicles from opposite sides. We were only twenty minutes outside of Oakland and they chose this random ass park. There had to be a sweet stadium or something to defend that was better than this. Hell, the height of these smashed cars was so short we would have no problem jumping it. This defense was extremely weak and that was part of the reason I ordered a full company here compared to the others.
The calls we tried to make to the defenders were ignored over and over. Sammie had tried infinite times to get through to a Dwayne Verso but the man absolutely refused to deal with alien loving humans. That was soon to change.
“Golf four, you’re taking sustained and focused fire, falling back.”
Eddy’s voice broke over the side chatter that erupted. “Enough of this farce. Land on their walls. If they don’t fall back, push them off.”
“That is one way to do it,” Willow said and I shrugged without replying. “Taking us next to the base.”
The exterior wall of Oakland Conclave was hosting personal and group tanks aggressively postured. The night sky was darkening as the interior lights were being turned off. Willow raced our tank up next to the wall and parked up.
I left the turret for the recliner. I plopped down and kicked the legs up. My Gpad had some messages I needed to see.
“We wait?” Willow asked.
I repl
ied, “Yup.”
While relaxing in my comfy chair, I went over how the process was going for survivors in San Jose and San Diego. Jevon had positive reports with volunteers willing to inspect Bastion in the morning from the San Jose Shark’s stadium. They were a large group with alien technology and had been buying food from the Xgates. Of all the groups they were the closest to being able to achieve a long term base. If they dug down which infrared said they were they would be fine if given enough time.
Slister had a group ready to go now that was eager to immigrate into Bastion. They had been defending a series of large ships in a harbor. Apparently aliens loved to loot Camp Pendleton more so than elsewhere. That group was desperate for food and clean running water. They rushed at our offer and did not mind one bit to trade freedoms for civilization.
A group inside Disney's basements retreated into their shelter below ground and avoided Slister’s offer. She left a note on a care package outside. I bet they would call us when they watched the video.
My focused returned to Oakland when Eddy said over the command net, “They don’t seem interested in talking at all. The idiots are still not answering my calls.”
“Ugh, I hate being the bad guy. Thanks Eddy, hold your position. Willow, take us over the edge and into the compound,” I ordered, setting my recording orb to get a good view of my face.
“Okay, we’re on the inside. Are you ready to broadcast?” Willow asked and I nodded. “And you’re live in three, two, one, and.”
“Fine survivors of Oakland. I am former Captain, Eric Yang of the U.S. Army. I also have living in our community Linda Growlen, a former US president. She has been helping us reestablish a new home for everyone. We are offering food, hot showers, a nice large apartment or a house in a very secure bunker. If you like advanced technology and safety you will love Bastion. If we can defeat your defenses without firing a shot in retaliation you need to either join us or find a more defensible position. We are here in force because we feel your current leadership would prevent you from freely leaving,” I said, letting my voice echo for a pause. “If you do take our offer you will be expected to maintain a safe community and to work for your services we provide. Nothing over the top or irrational. Here is our list of rules.”
I nodded to Willow who sent out all the rules to the local devices in the area. There were pings across the settlement.
A man in military fatigues stepped forward. “Master Sergeant Verso, friends call me Dwayne. May I tour your facilities?” He set his weapon down with his hands up.
The tank door hissed open. “Come on in, we will be back with the Master Sergeant in an hour or two,” I said over the loudspeaker.
Dwayne Verso was a muscular white man with tattoos that inched up his neck. His walk to the tank was cautious but confident. I was happy to have another senior NCO to help manage things.
When he stepped onto the stairs he smirked with an evil twinkle in his eye. That was all the warning I received.
He tucked his right hand into a cargo pocket and he underhand tossed a grenade. The man was so smooth he was fast.
My weapon whipped up ejecting a stream of plasma into the thrown object.
I did not see my blast hitting the grenade but I sure as hell felt it.
The explosion of the energy combining with the power of the grenade hurled me back against the wall of the tank. I slammed so hard into the side my sight darkened.
The disorientation faded allowing me to fight the stars in my vision.
A few head shakes cleared those up real quick.
I saw Willow was stunned on the deck in a daze. Immediately I rushed out of the tank with my long rifle at the ready.
Dwayne was retreating with fragments of his grenade slowing him. He clearly was severely wounded.
The man fell to his knees with his back to me. The fact he was clutching his chest told me all I needed to know. A few shots from my left pinged and cracked against my shield.
While the tanks remained passive, I did not. My cybernetic arm whipped to the man popping shots at me. I was done playing nice and my orbs of nitrogen were precise.
The head of my target exploded and his body tumbled off a lean to building.
I patched into the loudspeakers knowing enough was enough. “Lay down your weapons or die. Tanks give them twenty seconds. Shred those who refuse to disarm. No more fighting!”
At this point I felt cramping pain. I had taken a gut wound before and it was the absolute worst.
Yup, I was bleeding. Shit. I wanted to ask this asshole why as he swayed on his knees clutching his stomach why the fuck I was clutching mine.
Maybe I should try to figure out the reason he would risk everyone's lives in his community for a cheap shot at killing me. It was not like the place wasn’t surrounded by -
The sound of tanks firing pulled me from my thoughts. There was a lot of screaming. Willow came over the loudspeakers.
“You were warned to lower your weapons. Lay down, hands behind your head, and keep your mouths shut,” Willow said with stern authority.
I felt my stomach pushing something out. Yup, there went a grenade fragment. Hard to believe something so small caused so much pain.
The acrium adjusted as the virum freed my body of the debris. Now I had to figure out what to do with this, this, asshole.
I swapped weapons, leveled Big Sploosha, and fired. Half the man melted under the barrage. Well that solved that problem.
“Eddy this is Cap,” I said over the radio, grunting while I walked back for the TG99.
“Go for Eddy,” he replied.
“Loot this up, anything of value snatch for the coffers. Let them pick between finding a new stronghold and ours. While we can take them all in, there are only so many who want to be saved,” I said.
There was a hesitant reply, “We’re forcing them into a hard choice, Cap. If we take what they own -”
“I would rather not make them sign contracts, Eddy. I am all ears,” I said.
“Let me handle the negotiations, maybe I can talk some sense into them,” Eddy said, taking the hassle into his hands.
The man was a law enforcement officer for thirty plus years. They were great with roadside manners. I just blew the dude in half that could have rallied his people to join us. Yeah Eddy was probably the right man instead of me.
I stepped into the TG99. The huddled masses were hiding in their tents. Those in the open were on the ground awaiting their fate. Eddy had another point. I wasn’t in a very diplomatic mood after having a grenade toss at my face.
“Fine, but Eddy. There is no coming back to this spot. If they die a horrible death it is on them. There are far more deserving souls to save than those unwilling to admit they’re in trouble,” I said with a slight pause. “And Eddy, make it quick. We have a dozen more settlements to hit. I think I am done negotiating for a while.”
Willow left the command station to help me sit in the recliner.
My eyes gave her a rapid inspection. No blood and she seemed to be moving fine.
When I sunk into the chair the damn thing cracked before shattering. Willow gave an “Aw” as I crashed to the deck of the tank. I sprawled out accepting my fate and waved off her assistance.
“I think I am just going to lay here and stew in my displeasure,” I said, grumbling at the situation.
“That was so dumb of him,” Willow said with a scoff.
I let out a long frustrated sigh and said, “Sure, but he thought he was protecting his people. Or maybe he knew the days of his reign were over so why not go out with a bang instead of assimilating. I think my heart is in the right place, but fuck me Willow, why are we bothering?”
She sealed the door and returned to sit by my side. Her eyes and hands inspected my body for more wounds. When she found none she wiped the blood off my armor with her hand, only to realize there was no rag for her to wipe her hands with.
“This is the right thing to do, Eric. There are over a thousand good people ins
ide this community here. So what if their leader is… was an idiot, don’t let that dissuade you from the mission. Rebuilding this country into something better than before,” Willow said with a sigh. “I know just the thing. Your friend Winston gave us an updated list of the market. A complete list too with all the best vendors by the edge. How about we visit a ferox breeder, buy some synthetic bodies, and save some contracts to feel better? You have a personal account now.”
I twisted my face in confusion with Willow watching through the clear covering. She snickered at my silly expression.
“Wait, I actually get paid the big bucks?” I asked.
“You do now, and Eric. Chickens!” Willow said excitedly.
I sat up and slid my butt against the back wall. “Well, what are you waiting for? Take my chariot to…” I paused not sure where to go.
“I have a sled enroute to haul this tank home. I powered it down when the generators started spiking,” Willow said and I noticed the TG99 was indeed offline. “Reinforcements are coming. Even if Eddy fails our might may convince them of their errors.”
“There are more of these little bases where the defenders think they are amazing, but in reality they are shit. I look at our new ten layered defense and then I remember our single wall of Mansion and I just… I wish this never happened,” I said, feeling bummed out.
Having a fellow soldier try to kill me had me down. Willow was right, I needed something different. If shopping didn’t do the trick, some synthetic fucking would. I chuckled at the thought.
“What is so funny?” Willow asked.
“Eh, was just thinking about how men used to have their wives wear a wig to spice things up. I am going to give you four tits and wings,” I said with a smirk.
“Yeah that will be fun. I worry though, mainly because that angel body you have sitting in storage has a dick too big for a human let alone a dainty fairy,” Willow bent over and locked eyes with mine. “I see you smirking. You want to ravage me. I will allow it when we get back to our fortress of princesstude.”
