Atlantis - Return of the Nation

Atlantis - Return of the Nation Page 34

by Steven Cook

  As the warheads passed through the invisible barrier surrounding the island their guidance and propulsion systems cut out. Still travelling in excess of five thousand miles per hour they continued towards their target in freefall.

  Even without the guidance systems the warheads hardly deviated from their flight plans and one after another slammed into the canyon walls and floor.

  As the first one hit the ground the proximity sensor triggered and electrical signals were issued to the first of the processes involved in the instigation of the thermonuclear explosion. In a fraction of a second the process escalated and the ultra high explosive surrounding the core exploded. The core was compressed to a critical mass and an unstoppable explosion occurred.

  The first warhead exploded ten metres from where it had been targeted. The second and subsequent hits were rendered inactive by the effect of the protective bubble surrounding the island.

  If anybody had been standing within the canyon they would have been astonished at the sight of a painfully bright ball of energy struggling to escape an encapsulating field of golden orange light.

  The visible aspects of the island’s strange energy field had almost instantly contained the thermonuclear explosion. The catastrophic struggle between the two energies was immense, yet none of it was radiated outwards.

  Slowly the ball of the nuclear explosion was quashed and the strange field shrank it down to the size of a ball before it finally disappeared.

  The watcher, if there had been one, would not have passed on this fantastic event, as the remaining warheads ricocheted off the sides of the canyon and slammed into the earth at phenomenal velocity. The shock waves created by the collisions threw solid waves of sound and shrapnel throughout the confines of the canyon. All life whether flora or fauna, was destroyed in a few seconds.

  The walls of the canyon amplified the sound and channelled it past the village at the head of the canyon in a series of thunderclaps that rolled over the plains to the south.

  Several miles away the small group paused at a small crest. Dingo removed his binoculars from one of his chest pockets. After raising them to his eyes he scanned the horizon for a few seconds.

  ‘It looks like Danny was right LT.’ He passed the glasses to Fisher.

  Fisher copied Dingo’s actions, searching for the telltale mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion. The horizon was clear.

  ‘What was the noise then?’

  Wallace thought for a moment.

  ‘Could be the warheads hitting the ground at extreme speed.’ He suggested.

  ‘Well it looks like the attack failed. We better get a move on.’ Fisher waved them on.

  ‘Dean, get me Hometown on the radio.’

  The group resumed their march. Fisher fell in beside Wallace and accepted the handset.

  ‘Hometown, this is Angler. Do you copy? Over.’

  Fisher waited for the reply to come in, almost obscured by static.

  ‘Angler, this is Hometown. Go ahead. Over.’

  ‘Hometown, the nuclear weapon has not detonated. We have resumed our original mission to secure the objective. Over and out.’

  He handed the handset back to Wallace.

  ‘You might as well drop that set. It’ll just slow us down now.’

  Wallace shrugged his shoulders out of the straps and lowered it to the ground. He accepted a backpack to replace it.

  ‘Let’s pick up the pace,’ said Fisher. ‘This rain isn’t going to last for ever. As soon as it stops the Minoans will be hot on our trail.’

  The group started jogging forwards, slowly bringing the mountains towards them. The heavy driven rain gradually eased to a steady downpour as the wind dropped. Towards the mountains they could see clear sky.

  Fisher estimated they had two hours before the rain passed and the Minoans would be after them.

  *

  Chapter Eighteen - The Chase

  Atlantis Northern Gate 26th May

  Lieutenant Atkinson hefted his M4 carbine is his tired arms. The skirmish at the northern gate had evolved into a full-scale assault. He had received the disturbing news that a steady stream of Minoans could be seen entering the south of the city.

  The heavy battle infantry of the Third and the Rangers had maintained their position and had prevented the Tenth and their Minoan allies from gaining control of the bridge.

  Lieutenant Atkinson stood beside Chris Holmes and Captain Hoylarn of the Third Realm Army. They were closely monitoring the battle.

  ‘LT!’ called Steve ‘Beatbox’ White.

  ‘What is it?’ Atkinson called back to him without diverting his attention from their enemies across the bridge.

  ‘I have command on; they need to talk to you.’

  ‘OK. Chick, keep an eye on those Minoans.’ He pointed to where a small group of the creatures were huddled behind a makeshift barricade across the canal.

  ‘You got it LT.’

  Atkinson left the soldier and the Warrior and walked over to Beatbox. He accepted the handset and held it to his ear.

  ‘Hometown, this is Slim. Do you copy? Over.’

  ‘Slim, this is Hometown. We have an update for you on the overall situation. Over’

  Atkinson pulled a map out of his breast pocket and spread it out on top of the barricade.

  ‘Go ahead Hometown. Over.’

  ‘The situation is that the Minoans have taken control of the team sent to Zeus. They intend to overthrow the human race. Our attempts to destroy Zeus by remote means have failed. Your orders are to facilitate a meeting with the opposing government faction to disseminate this information. Over.’

  ‘Message received. Over and out.’ Atkinson replaced the handset.

  He blew out a long breath while he considered what to do.

  ‘General,’ he called to General Ilissus.

  The Fifth Faction General looked around and walked towards the Ranger.

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘I need to get to speak to all the leaders of the factions. The Minoans have taken control of the Zeus petition group which I don’t need to tell you is bad.’

  It took the general only a moment to decide their course of action. She was well aware of the information available to the lieutenant.

  ‘Sound the ‘Hold’ then ‘Withdraw’ and ‘Conference’ signals.’ She instructed her trumpeter.

  Soon the signals were being transmitted along the lines of combat. Like well-oiled machines the Atlantian Warriors involved in combat on both sides withheld their strikes, raised their shields and stepped back a few paces. The Minoans involved pulled back, looking to their officers for further orders.

  Within a few minutes all of the fighting had stopped and an air of expectancy hung over the city. The lines of warriors looked cautiously at the men and women facing them without hate.

  ‘General. We have reports that all combat has ceased and all units are holding position.’

  Ilissus nodded acceptance.

  ‘Lieutenant, come with me. We will proceed to the front lines with the First and request a conference.’

  An honour guard quickly formed up on the unusual pair as the moved towards the centre of the city. They soon came to one of the T shaped bridges. It had been cleared of all combatants and a mixed group of medics were moving within the piles of bodies to identify those still living.

  Atkinson was shocked to see the medics administering mercy thrusts to those who were mortally wounded. The range and severity of the injuries turned his stomach.

  A small group of warriors stood expectantly in the centre of the span. They were attired in heavy armour with trappings signifying they belonged to the First Heavy Infantry.

  Their officer stood forward and removed his helmet. He had a broad, open face dominated by an angry scar that ran from within his hairline, over hi
s left eye and across his cheek. The eye was a slightly paler colour than its twin. His face showed no ill feeling. He nodded in greeting. Ilissus mirrored his action in removing her helmet and smiled at him.

  ‘General Ilissus. I am pleased to see you are uninjured.’

  ‘Hello Gravioran. It is good to see you unharmed as well.’

  They stepped closer and gripped each others forearm. The warriors standing in each group relaxed a little.

  ‘What has caused you to call Conference?’

  ‘I need to speak to Atlas. We have information that is vital to the survival of Atlantis, indeed the world as we, and the Outworlders, know.’

  Gravioran looked at the strangely clad man beside Ilissus.

  ‘This is one of the Outworlders?’

  Ilissus nodded.

  ‘This is Lieutenant Atkinson of the Rangers. Lieutenant, may I introduce General Gravioran, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the First Realm.’

  Atkinson stood to attention and saluted the officer.

  ‘I must ask that he leave his weapons here.’ Gravioran noticed Atkinson’s face adopt a scowl.

  ‘I do not mean to insult your honour. It is in fact a testament to your skills as a warrior that we feel somewhat nervous in your presence.’

  Atkinson covered his smile by lowering his head in acceptance. Even without his weapons Atkinson was a threat should he wish to be.

  ‘Sir, it’s our custom not to allow accomplished warriors in the same room as our leaders with weapons as well. I can understand your concern.’ Atkinson replied.

  He turned to one of the honour guard and started handing over his weapons. As he removed each from about his body he unloaded it and applied the safety catch. The ammunition clips went into the pouches and the weapons went to the warrior.

  Gravioran watched in stunned silence as the Ranger removed weapon after weapon from his vest pockets and respective holsters. Finally Atkinson gave himself a quick pat down to check.

  ‘That’s the lot.’ He smiled at Gravioran.

  To one side the warrior holding the multitude of weaponry gave up trying to cover his smile and let a big grin spread over his face. General Ilissus looked at the guard out of the corner of her eye and raised an eyebrow. The grin disappeared immediately and the warrior looked stoically straight ahead.

  ‘Shall we go Gravioran?’ asked Ilissus.

  The commander in chief turned smartly and marched back across the bridge towards the centre of the city. Gravioran’s honour guard fell into step with him, surrounding the unarmed couple of Atkinson and Ilissus.

  As they marched quickly through the city Atkinson began to see why so little progress had been made by either side in their assaults across the boundaries between the sections.

  The buildings on the main thoroughfares were solidly constructed. There were no obstructions or cover along the streets, and as they approached the centre Atkinson noticed that the buildings gradually became higher. He surmised that the central buildings had height superiority over buildings further away from the centre of power.

  Any archer on the central buildings had a clear view over all the buildings and streets beyond them. It would be a nightmare attempting to take the city, as each building would have to be taken, one at a time.

  Engrossed in the study of the defensive architecture Atkinson was shocked when the buildings disappeared and they marched into a massive plaza. The Temple of Poseidon dominated the far side of the open space, its massive facade casting a dark shadow across the open area before it.

  Atkinson came to an abrupt halt as he saw rank after rank of warriors patiently awaiting deployment. Each was identically armed and armoured with spears, swords and heavy armour.

  A gentle tap on his shoulder and a polite nod from one of the honour guard shook him out of his surprise. Atkinson smiled gratefully at the warrior and stepped out, lengthening his stride to catch up to Ilissus.

  Guided by Gravioran they moved towards the centre of the plaza where a marquee had been raised. The massed troops made way for the small contingent, warping out of their way to let them pass, and then resuming their rigid formation.

  As they approached the marquee Atkinson realised that it was in fact several market stalls stripped of their colourful trappings and lashed together to provide shelter for the numerous plans being considered by the people inside.

  Gravioran raised his hand. Ilissus stood to attention with Atkinson beside her as the General ducked beneath the awning and moved into the shadows.

  Atkinson used the wait to idly inspect the warriors. Those closest to him returned his looks without any animosity or hostility; instead a mild curiosity was reflected in their dark eyes. He was impressed by their discipline.

  ‘Come in.’ Gravioran’s voice brought Atkinson’s head around.

  Together the two entered the shaded pavilion and stood waiting to be announced.

  The centre of the makeshift shelter was dominated with a large table upon which a detailed map of the city was pinned down. A number of senior officers were gathered around the table, each the commanding officer of one of the factions regiments.

  The large frame of Atlas dominated the scene. He was now attired in medium weight Orichalcum armour and had a heavy short sword belted at his waist. He looked up from where he was leaning over the map and glared at Ilissus from beneath heavy eyebrows.

  ‘Why have you called for Conference Ilissus?’ he barked.

  The general looked nervously back at Atlas.

  ‘And why have you brought an Outworlder into my presence?’

  Atkinson looked calmly at Atlas.

  ‘Let me introduce myself. I am Lieutenant Dave Atkinson of the 75th US Rangers.’ He stood to attention and saluted smartly.

  Atlas stood to his full height and looked down at the Ranger, who in turn was taller than everybody else in the immediate area.

  ‘What is it you have to say General?’ Atlas directed his question to Ilissus while still staring at Atkinson.

  ‘I know Minotaur had an agreement with you. But he has betrayed you.’ she stated evenly.

  Atlas’ eyes switched to her. The quiet discussions taking place between the other officers ceased and all attention focussed on her.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Minotaur and his column turned on your detachment of Border Guards and slaughtered all but two. Together with the two British seamen they intend to make the Minoan race the dominant race on the world.’

  ‘I should believe you because?’ Atlas asked.

  Atkinson reached up and unbuttoned his breast pocket. He pulled out a couple of sheets of folded paper. Carefully opening them he stepped to the table and spread them out.

  ‘This is a satellite image of the camp site where they camped two nights ago. As you can see there are a large number of bodies. All but a few are human.’

  Atlas quickly moved around the table and snatched up one of the sheets.

  ‘How did you get this painting so accurate?’

  ‘We have a machine that flies through the air and looks at the earth. It magically sends what it sees to a painting machine that replicates the image onto paper. This is what it saw yesterday afternoon.’

  Atkinson scanned the table, making a mental note of the location of the various forces opposing the Fifth and their allies.

  ‘This proves nothing.’ Atlas casually dropped the image to the floor.

  ‘We also have information from Hildar. He escaped from Minotaur and relayed their plans to Saraph, First Captain of my Border Guards.’ Ilissus added.

  ‘Where is Hildar now?’

  ‘He is no longer with them. They are attempting to get to Zeus before Minotaur so he cannot carry out his plans.’

  ‘How convenient.’ Atlas turned his attention to Atkinson. ‘Back away from the table.’


  Atkinson stood where he was.

  ‘This plan is wrong,’ he said, almost to himself.

  ‘It is not,’ said one of Atlas’ aides indignantly.

  ‘Not the plan, the deployment of your forces.’ Atkinson explained.

  The aide looked quizzically at Atlas then moved up alongside Atkinson.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Here, along the canal.’ He indicated an area close to where his Rangers were deployed.

  ‘Yes?’ asked the aide.

  ‘This indicates you have five hundred warriors?’

  ‘Yes, Minoan shock troops.’

  ‘They’re not there.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘One hundred percent, we’ve been keeping an eye on the area. There’s been a lot of movement but it’s always the same couple of Minoans.’

  Atlas narrowed his eyes at this news.

  ‘Then where are those warriors?’

  ‘I’ll try and find out,’ said Atkinson.

  The Atlantians watched in stunned silence as Atkinson pressed the switch on his throat microphone.

  ‘Beatbox this is Slim. Contact Hometown and get me an update on all the locations of more than two hundred Minoans within the city? Over.’

  The Atlantian officers and Atlas watched Atkinson as he seemed to be listening to a voice only he could hear. He leant over the map and asked several more questions into the thin air.

  The ranger took a black and white map of the city out of a pouch and began making markings on it, referencing the grid the intelligence community had laid over the city streets.

  Atkinson turned his attention to the map of the city. Referring to his map he picked up a number of the markers and started placing them on different locations on the map.

  ‘Those are not the positions they were told to muster.’ Atlas said.

  ‘Check it out if you want. There are a thousand of them around the corner.’ Atkinson placed the final marker close to the plaza where they stood.

 

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