Zack smiled faintly. She does seem kind of cute when she’s confused.
Zack felt a prick in his chest as he recalled the image of the girl in his memory. Her words were now echoing in his head. He had forgotten that she was crying then.
He then looked at Lambda, a little nervous. “You remind me of . . . someone that was close to me.” His last few words were greatly muffled.
Lambda perked up. “I’m sorry, Lambda didn’t hear the last part of your sentence.”
Zack grumbled. “You remind me of someone that I was very close to.”
Lambda’s eyes widened. Truthfully she hadn’t the slightest idea why Zack was acting in such a strange manner, or why his face was now flushed red. She didn’t quite notice it, but deep down, something stirred within her. She was given knowledge of the human condition and the many expressions and emotions that existed within the human species. She did understand them to a degree, but still had difficulty comprehending such things. They all seemed so foreign and alien to her. If she was right, the emotion that Zack was showing on his face now was called embarrassment, according to her data banks.
She then recalled the words he used. With the speed of lightning, she quickly analyzed his sentences and choice of words. After she processed it all, she could sense the same stirring feeling from before. She placed a hand on her chest and looked at Zack, who continued to stare at the ground rather awkwardly. Lambda . . . is warm. The ideas and senses that she was experiencing were all new to her. She wasn’t human, but her physical form was able to express human emotion as allowed by her programming. What Lambda didn’t know was that this privilege was something she was never meant to have.
Zack couldn’t take the silence anymore. “Anyway, we’d best be moving-”
Zack’s Com-Linker on his wrist suddenly began to ring. He looked down at the screen and noted the incoming call was from his mother.
Zack could feel sweat forming on his brow. How do they always know!? He quickly answered the call, setting the call to audio only.
“Hello?”
“It’s your mother.”
Zack winced, hoping it to be some glitch. “H-hi mom. To what do I owe the pleasure?” His shaky voice was not convincing.
“School called and said that you vanished after second period this morning. Got an explanation? I do believe we have already had this conversation about skipping school right?” Her voice sounded rigid.
Zack’s face paled. Did they install a GPS on me or something?!
Regardless, Zack couldn’t bring himself to tell her what was really going on. After all, he never really trusted his parents with sensitive information since they didn’t trust him and always wanted to poke into his business.
Spiteful as it may have seemed, Zack formulated a random excuse to get his mom off his back for the time being. “I-I was feeling rather sick so I went home.”
Silence hung on the line before Zack’s mom responded. “Is that so?”
Zack could hear the probing words as if she was trying to detect his lie. Zack didn’t realize that his palms were starting to sweat heavily.
After an extended period of silence, Zack’s mom spoke again. “Very well. Oh, and before I forget,” she added as if it was more a hassle than anything else. “Do try your best to get to your sister’s concert today. Your father and I aren’t going to be able to make it.”
Zack’s fake smile quickly turned to a scowl. Truthfully, he had completely occupied himself with what was going on now. However, his mom’s dismissing tone reminded him of one of the most hated things his parents did: put their research and jobs before their kids.
“You know, she was really looking forward to you guys being there. What have I told you about making promises you can’t keep?”
Zack wasn’t surprised. He wouldn’t care if his parents completely ignored him. Frankly, he would have welcomed it. However, his little sister was different. It was times like this that his hatred for his mother rose to great levels. She had always been alarmingly cold and dismissing. Even when his sister became the popular star she was today, no congratulations came. It was truly sad.
“You know I’m the one that always has to calm her down over the phone as she cries, right?” Zack’s voice was still filled with contempt. At least acknowledge that you’re breaking her heart!
Zack’s mother sighed. “She’s a strong girl. She will understand.”
Zack held back his rage as he clenched his fist. “You once had human compassion. I’m sure you understand.”
Silence hung on the line for several seconds.
“Just be sure to be there for your sister in our place.”
“I always am,” Zack shot back coldly. A second later, the screen on his wrist vanished.
Lambda leaned around Zack’s shoulder and peered up at him. “Lambda senses elevated blood pressure and high stress levels. Are you overheating?”
Zack ignored her. He just gazed outward at the shimmering lake in hopes that it would soothe his soul a little. It didn’t help much, but it allowed him to at least not have to think for a second. That was, of course until his wrist rang again. Frustrated he answered rudely.
“Anything else you want to point out, mother?”
A dark voice chuckled lightly. “Zackary Allan Knight, I presume?” The voice was deep.
Zack’s body arched. “Who is this!?” He looked down at his wrist and noted the blocked number. Only audio could be heard.
The man on the other line chuckled again. “Come now, boy. Am I really that forgettable?” The man’s voice was calm, but sharp.
Zack felt his body arch. “Corson.”
Zack stood frozen with fear. He already found out who I am?! He’s good, real good.
“Please excuse my behavior at our last meeting, I’m normally much more composed. If anything, I should be thanking you.”
Zack narrowed his eyes. “How so?”
Corson’s tone changed to a more apologetic one. “No need to be coarse. To have Lambda under your command is impressive. It is a bit of a setback for us of Stigma, but we are willing to offer you a full partnership into our society. We hope you agree-”
“I have no desire to be part of a group of nut jobs that kill innocent people. You’re just bloodthirsty terrorists with a problem with authority.” Zack’s response was heated, but even.
Corson’s tone returned to being dark and grim. “So you feel the way Babel regulates the Network and claims to help those struggling by relocating them is fine then?”
Zack scowled. “You think you have some kind of right to disregard the laws and go against the government just because you can’t access the Cyber Network?” Zack tried to sound convincing, but he could hear his own doubt in his tone.
Corson heard the doubt as well. He pounced on the opportunity.
“I’m disappointed in you, Zack. I had hoped someone of your intellect could see much further than what you say. It is clear to me now that you’re just another brainwashed fool.” His voice was menacing.
Zack got a chill. He tried to sound convincing none the less “Everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if it’s wrong,” he replied with a dead expression.
Corson sighed over the line. “I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but you leave me no choice. We will be seeing each other soon, Zack. Perhaps when we meet next, you will be singing a different tune.”
Zack’s eyes widened. “Wait, you wouldn’t dare-”
The call cut out. Only dead silence hung in empty space.
Lambda inched forward. “Your elevated heartbeat is approaching dangerous levels. Lambda would suggest you-”
“Lambda!” Zack yelled. “How far can you move with your Worm Drive?!”
Startled, Lambda replied quickly. “About thirty miles per jump. Why?”
“Less questions, more action. I need to get to my house right away,” Zack replied, haste marking every word he spoke.
L
ambda didn’t understand the urgency. “Lambda lacks information. What purpose do you have at your dwelling?”
Zack became irate. “Corson is going after my sister! She goes live in just a few hours and the only way I can contact her is through the Network! So, if there are no more questions, I would like to get to her before Corson does!”
Taken aback, Lambda stared before the boy that glared daggers at her. The intensity in his eyes radiated with purpose and drive. She was compelled to obey, but moreover, she wanted to help. Why, she didn’t know. All she knew was that Zack needed her, and she wasn’t about to question any further.
“Lambda will need proper coordinates to reach your dwelling.”
Zack saw the resolve in Lambda’s eyes just as her visor shielded them once more. He forgot his anger as he found respect in the AI unit before him.
“Alright, let’s go!”
Moments later, Lambda opened the hole in space with the Worm Drive. They quickly dove in as they didn’t have much time. Zack did find a certain satisfaction being lead by Lambda into the void of darkness.
He smiled confidently. I’m coming, Cecilia!
* * *
[January 6th - Washington D.C. - Cyber Research Plant - Day]
The Director walked briskly. Following behind him was a tall, well-built woman with long flowing hair the color of a deep rose. She carried a tablet-sized computer that lit her face a light blue color. She blazed her fingers across the touch screen as she marched her dominating frame forward with each stride. She found it a little difficult to keep up with the Director’s fast pace, but this wasn’t anything new. Margret had been working for the Director for years and had learned to deal with a lot of things that normal people would have lost their minds over. Being the head communications and server security leader did make for a hectic job. She found a certain calm in the chaos.
“Have you made the call?” the Director stated solemnly.
Margret nodded as they rounded a corner and passed several people in lab coats. They all gestured to the Director as he walked by. His authority and presence was highly intimidating.
“They have already arrived. They are waiting in your private quarters for the final order. They will only speak to you as per their orders from their superior.”
The Director nodded as he continued his dominant march. “Very good. Cancel all my appointments for the remainder of the day.”
Margret didn’t seem pleased. “You are aware of what is planned-”
“Was I not clear?” The Director’s eyes were burning.
Margret stared back just as heatedly. “Maybe you want to explain to your staff why everyone is pulling overtime without knowing the direct cause?” Her tone was strict.
The Director chuckled deeply. “Karen keeps some strange friends. It is a wonder she tolerates you.”
Margret smirked. “Perhaps you should have a chat, as you were the one who hired me with her recommendation.”
The Director’s smirk faded, but his voice still carried humor. “Perhaps you are right,” His tone then quickly changed. “Regardless, only select people need to know the situation. Controlling and regulating what is said and heard in the facility is part of your job too.”
Margret wasn’t a fool. She knew when and where it was time for jokes. She quickly nodded and pulled her pad in front of her as she began to type. Still, the level of urgency and stress that was lingering in the facility was smothering. She found it difficult to suppress her urge to dig for answers to questions she wanted answered.
Margret cleared her throat, putting aside her own desires. “Everything will be taken care of. You have my word,” she replied to the Director with a small bow.
The two then stopped at an elevator door. The Director spoke with his back to Margret.
“I expect you to perform flawlessly. Don’t pick today to screw up or go snooping,” he said, his voice as hard as steel. He pressed his thumb to the elevator touch pad, which scanned his fingerprint and allowed the doors to open. Just as he entered, the Director stopped.
“You are to exchange no words with the Doctors about this meeting. Do you understand?”
Margret sensed the threat within the Director’s words.
She nodded. “Of course.”
With that, the doors closed and left Margret where she stood.
What does he mean by that? She wondered.
Something was off. With the growing anxiety floating around the facility, Margret knew that she needed to find out what was really going on, regardless of the Director’s warning. Understandably, she was nervous.
Project Lambda. Why does that name still give me chills?
* * *
The Director’s private elevator slowly descended. On board, the Director rubbed his temples in an effort to release the tension building between his ears.
“This is turning into a complete mess. The higher ups are going to have my head.”
The monitor to his right came to life. The man on screen was one of the council members under the Director’s chain of command. He looked flustered.
“I just got off the line with an Envoy of the Board. They aren’t happy.”
The Director rolled his eyes. “Tell me something I couldn’t predict.”
“They are giving you full Administrative authority to clean this mess up as fast as possible. They said not to worry about any collateral damage, but to limit outsourcing. It also goes without saying that your entire reputation was on the line. They are giving you a chance to make this right. After all, they worry that one of them might intervene.”
The Director stiffened. What was in motion couldn’t be undone. However, he couldn’t deny that he was going against the Board with his next move. He had no regrets. He was left with little choice.
“You are to report to the Board personally in the next six hours. They expect results by then,” concluded the man on the screen.
The Director shook his head. “It won’t be that simple. To attain Lambda as it is now will require more time.”
The man stared at him darkly. “For your sake, make it happen. The Board isn’t one for failure. As Head Director of our District, you should be aware of this, Charles.” The screen went black seconds later, leaving the Director alone with his thoughts.
“They don’t care about any collateral damage, huh? The Board is starting to become far too arrogant in its decisions.” His thoughts turned to the words of warning spoken by his colleague.
Let’s hope that none of the Three feel the need to involve themselves personally.
The elevator came to a stop seconds later. Upon the doors opening, the Director was greeted by the sight of three dark figures. He marched on past them with his hands behind his back. His stance remained firm.
“So, all I get is three? I asked for more,” the Director fumed.
One of the dark figures stepped out of the shadows and into the light.
“You ought to be grateful you were sent three Void Moderators.” The voice was female, but the Director couldn’t see the face of the person as it was hidden behind a metal mask. The two slits where eyes were supposed to be seemed so dark and hollow.
“The Board isn’t overly fond of those associated with the Three.” Charles’ words hung in the air. “After all, you are mere attack dogs, phantoms of the Network, controlled by the infamous High Kings.”
The masked woman flung back her jet-black hair that was tied in the back. She took a step closer to the Director, revealing her battle suit of deep violet.
“We don’t answer to you and care little for what your “Board” thinks of us. As far as we are concerned, you and your Board are just old dogs with no bite.” Her words stung like venom.
The Director stared back with an icy gaze. “And you would be wise to know your place as well.”
The woman backed off, falling silent. The Director nodded and gestured to the remainder of the people behind her to come close
r. He took a seat at his desk and pressed a button, making a small flash drive spring out of the computer next to him. He pulled the small memory card from the computer out and handed it to the dark woman.
“What you need to know is on that data drive. Your mission is very simple, but don’t let that make you think it will be easy.”
The woman inserted the drive on her right wrist upon taking it from the Director. “Am I to assume we are allowed the use of deadly force?”
The Director nodded. “Correct. However, your focus is the Lambda unit. I would like to minimize bystander involvement.”
“Is that all?” The woman didn’t seem amused.
The Director smirked. “What, the infamous Void Reapers feel this will be easy?”
The woman gestured to her team. They quickly headed towards a separate elevator on the left of the Director’s private office. She then turned to look at the Director. He could hear the faint sound of laughter.
“On the contrary. This hunt will prove quite challenging.”
[4]
Cyber Network
[January 6th - Abingdon, Virginia - 43 Academy Drive - Day]
Zack’s touchdown was no different than usual. Any worse and he would be going face-first through a window in his own house. Instead, he stuck with the faceplant into hard soil as he was thrown out of Lambda’s wormhole.
Would it kill someone for me to land feet first out of this thing? He turned around, trying his best to mask his pain as Lambda exited the black hole. Her elegance in her landing had to be a way of making fun of him.
“This is your dwelling?” Lambda said, tilting her head while looking at the unimpressive building. “It is quite small.”
Zack ignored her. “Not important. Let’s move, I don’t know how much time we have.” Zack quickly rushed into the house and scrambled to his room. He bolted to his desk and pulled up his computer. His fifty-two-inch monitor flashed to life as he dove for his mouse. He was alarmingly composed. Frankly, he found it frightening. However, Lambda ruined that composure when she appeared out of one of her wormholes in the center of the room.
The Genesis Code 1: Lambda Page 6
