Sam struggled out of her jacket as Teller unpacked a bandage. ‘I see you came prepared.’
‘I always knew the farm would be raided at some point. But I always thought it would be ordinary police. Not armed thugs trying to kill us. I have kept a first aid kit just in case we were raided and I managed to escape.’
Sam froze as a figure appeared around the back of the vehicle. The man smiled down at both her and Teller lining up his weapon.
Sam stared back at him. A feeling of utter helplessness cascaded over her. Her gun lay nearby but was out of reach.
A voice suddenly diverted the man’s attention.
‘Police.’ The voice shouted. ‘Put your weapon down and kneel with your hands behind your head.’
The man pointed his gun away from Sam and Teller at a police officer who was stood out of sight. A short burst of automatic gunfire.
Sam pulled away from Teller who was trying to bandage her arm. She grabbed her weapon and was on her feet before the man had time to point his gun back at her. She fired a single round into the side of the man’s head.
Teller got to his feet. ‘Sam, we need to bandage that arm of yours.’
Sam ignored him and walked around the back of the vehicle. A police officer dressed in a bright yellow coat lay on the ground. His dead eyes stared up at the sky. She knelt down by the body. ‘Poor bastard, he was just a motorway bobby.’
Teller continued to bandage Sam’s arm. ‘Fortunately for you the bullet passed right through. Thank god for high powered weapons.’ Teller looked about. ‘This place will be crawling with police within minutes. We need another car.’
‘We could use that dick’s car.’ Sam said indicating to the man she had just shot.
Both Sam and Teller made their way towards a parked 4x4 similar to the vehicle they had taken from the farm. She opened the door and looked at the petrol gauge. ‘Bollocks, it’s less than half full.’
‘It will never get us to where we are going. We’ll be lucky to get within fifty miles of James’ location.’ Teller said. ‘Besides this will have a tracker like the last car. We need something more reliable.’ He suddenly broke out into a smile. ‘I have an idea.’
Sam spotted a large bag on the front seat of the car. She reached across the driver’s seat and pulled the bag towards her. The bag contained a cache of weapons, mainly ammunition and three handguns. She zipped up the bag and caught up with Teller who was walking towards a parking area reserved for electric vehicles.
‘Do you have your police ID on you?’
‘Of course, why?’
Teller pointed at a man hastily unplugging his vehicle. ‘We need his car.’
Both approached the elderly man who had opened his door.
Sam winced in pain reaching into the inside pocket of her bloodied jacket. ‘Excuse me sir.’ She called out over the pain.
The man looked startled as he spotted a woman in a blood soaked jacket holding up an ID badge.
‘I’m detective Samantha Drake with the Metropolitan police. I’m afraid we need to borrow your vehicle.’
Teller had already climbed into the passenger seat of the car.
The man nodded handing Sam the key fob to his car.
Sam produced the smartphone and called up the last number she had dialled. ‘Take this phone and wait five minutes before calling this number. You will reach a Detective Constable Daniel Teague. Tell him that Sam Drake says that she is closing in on Dystopia. I promise we will return your vehicle to you.’
The man took the phone off Sam. A look of mild excitement appeared on his face as he realised he was now part of a story that was making international headlines.
The distant sirens of police vehicles grew louder as cars hurtled up the slip road towards the service station.
Teller produced a small box and opened it. ‘Do you like needles?’
Sam looked at him as he produced a syringe. ‘What the hell is that?’
‘Adrenalin.’ Teller replied plunging the needle into her arm.
‘You bastard.’ Sam responded sensing the needle penetrate deep into her skin.
‘It will keep you going.’
Sam felt a jolt of energy surge through her body. She gunned the accelerator of the car and pulled out of the parking bay. As she drove towards the exit of the service station, Sam looked into her rear view mirror. Four police cars raced into the car park. Armed police poured from their vehicles and ran towards the dead police officer. A feeling of grief briefly washed over her for her fallen comrade.’
‘We have a long way to go and a short time to get there.’ Teller said. ‘Let’s hope there are no more surprises.’
Chapter 53
Cabinet offices briefing room (COBRA) – 11:29am
Mayflower marched into the room and sat down at the head of the table.
Bishop handed her a report. ‘Here’s the latest from around the city ma’am. Riots have broken out in various locations. We have spread our forces out across the city. It’s a good thing the army is on hand. We also have reports of disturbances in other parts of the country. Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff are currently experiencing disturbances. Police and army are fighting pitch battles in Bradford. Intelligence suggests that a number of far right groups have taken to social media and are organising demonstrations in different areas. I’m sorry to say ma’am that we are stretched to our limits. We do have a bit of promising news. We received a call from one of our officers out in the field. She says she is following up a lead on the whereabouts of Dystopia.’
‘Did she say where they could be hiding?’
‘I’m afraid not ma’am. Her location put her at a service station in Cheshire. A police officer has been killed along with three heavily armed individuals. We also have a team at a farm in the Lake district. We have made a significant amount of arrests. There are also a number of dead individuals who have been found at the scene. We currently have a team trying to pinpoint her location.’
Mayflower composed herself. ‘How bad is it likely to get?’ She asked looking at Johnson.
‘If Dystopia continue to control the petrol pumps and London’s finances then we will see things escalate. The Royal Family are heading to Balmoral and the Palace has been locked down. I also recommend that we shut all museums and art galleries around the city.’
Mayflower nodded slowly. ‘What about the financial implications?’
‘Devastating.’ The Chancellor replied. ‘This is unprecedented. The London Stock exchange is paralysed. We have emergency protocols in effect. This is sending shockwaves around the world. Other markets are in freefall. The New York Stock exchange will shortly open. Our top financial experts are predicting that share prices will plummet across the board. Prime Minister if we don’t stop Dystopia this crisis could lead to the total collapse of the world’s economy.’
‘I think you should evacuate London immediately Prime Minister.’ Johnson advised.
‘No.’ Mayflower replied defiantly. ‘I will not abandon London and its people.’
‘Ma’am you have to understand these are extraordinary circumstances. Social unrest will escalate. Every time Dystopia issues a statement it’s like pouring more fuel on a fire.’
‘I don’t care if there is a mob attacking the gates of Downing Street. I will not run away. This government is in enough crisis. If I run I’ll may as well hand Labour the keys to Number 10 when I announce another election.’ Mayflower paused for thought. ‘I suggest we impose a nationwide curfew.’
Johnson looked on in bewilderment. ‘Ma’am a curfew is a last resort measure. If you impose one now it will only serve to make things worse.’
‘We need to restore order.’
‘Imposing a curfew will only turn the people against you.’
‘For Christ’s sake Alex the people are at each other’s throat. London will be torn apart. Do you suggest we just sit on our laurels and do nothing. Dystopia have us by the balls. In just over twenty four hours they have cut off the n
ations fuel supplies. Paralysed GCHQ and now they are deliberately targeting London’s financial sector. You are right, there’ll be total anarchy if we do nothing.’
‘And what time would you suppose we implement this curfew?’
‘Nine o’clock this evening. I want to implement the emergency broadcast procedure.’
‘Do we even have one?’ Prosser asked.
‘Forty years ago perhaps, when the Soviet Union were threatening us with nuclear armageddon.’ Johnson remarked.
‘Don’t be absurd.’ Mayflower barked. ‘Of course we have an emergency broadcast system. I will make a short speech to the public telling them that order must be restored and that a temporary curfew must be put in place. We will advise people not to panic buy. I will recommend that all retailers shut by eight this evening. This will give businesses a chance to close up and send their staff home.’
‘Ma’am I must stress, we don’t have the manpower to maintain a prolonged curfew.’ Bishop pointed out. ‘It may work for a few days. After that, if Dystopia are still in control of GCHQ then we cannot guarantee maintaining order. All our intelligence comes from GCHQ. They monitor social feeds of far right groups around the country as well as monitor key areas around cities.’
‘What about the NSA?’
‘I spoke to Ian Baldwin about twenty minutes ago ma’am. The Americans are having little joy battling Dystopia’s hold on GCHQ.’ Johnson revealed. ‘I have also been trying to reach Robert Parsons. He isn’t picking up his phone and MI6 say he has yet to turn up for work.’
Mayflower closed her eyes for a brief moment in silent meditation. ‘What about the Russians?’
‘What about them?’ Johnson asked.
‘What I mean Alex is have you considered asking the Russians for help?’
‘Ma’am, Russia will stand by and do nothing. Putin is probably sat in the Kremlin laughing at us. Let’s not forget what happened in Salisbury in March.’
‘The whole world is laughing at us.’ Prosser said.
‘Why are they just targeting the UK? Why not the rest of the world?’ Mayflower questioned.
‘Ma’am the Russians will want something in return if we ask for help. If you try and negotiate with Putin it will have repercussions.’
‘I don’t see any other choice.’ Mayflower replied. ‘The Americans seem to be clueless.’ She paused. ‘What about the Chinese?’
‘The Chinese.’ Johnson replied. ‘Ma’am the Chinese will be worse than the bloody Russians.’
‘Jesus, why is everyone against me!’ Mayflower exploded.
‘No one is against you Prime Minister. Negotiating with both the Russians and the Chinese will prove how desperate you are.’ Johnson explained. ‘They will exploit this situation and back you into a corner.’
‘We’re already in a corner Alex. Or at least up shit creak without a paddle.’
‘Interesting choice of words Prime Minister.’ A voice said.
Everyone looked towards the flat screen TV that displayed a picture of the hoodie who appeared the day before.
Mayflower approached the TV. ‘Why are you doing this?’ She demanded to know. ‘Why are you targeting just the UK? What have we done to you?’
‘Your government has ignored the cries of the people. You have destroyed those who just want to live ordinary lives. The poorer classes without hope.’
‘You are now hurting the poor of this country. There are those who cannot fill their cars and go to work. There are people who cannot go out and buy food. You are not winning anyone over. You claim to be a force for good but you have left death in your wake. Our city burns because what you have done.’
‘Without any sacrifice there cannot be any kind of victory Prime Minister.’
‘So what are you saying, you are at war with us.’
‘Society is at war with itself. It is self-evident. The wealthy hating the poor as much as the poor hate them. Parts of this country are being let down by your government. Streets are over run by vermin. Gangs of young men prowl the streets looking to terrorise the vulnerable. London is a shining beacon of corruption. Criminals from all over the world come to exploit the loopholes in place in this country.’
Mayflower pursed her lips. ‘We know who you are, we will find you.’
‘Prime Minister, do not say anything else.’ Johnson warned.
‘We are aware you have information regarding the nanochip which was found inside our soldiers.’
‘What do you mean by soldiers?’
‘What we mean Prime Minister is that we have an entire army at our disposal ready to strike at our command. One hundred thousand people from all walks of life.’
‘You’re bluffing.’ Bishop stated.
‘Are we Mr Bishop?’ The hoodie answered. ‘Let us show you the extent of power we possess.’
The sounds of shouting could be heard from outside the briefing room. A woman’s scream cut through the air. Three of Mayflower’s personal security team burst into the room. ‘Prime Minister we need to get you out of here.’ One of them ordered.
Mayflower looked about. The only exit was the one they had come through.
A man burst through the door grabbing one of the bodyguards by the throat, snapping his neck. The other two opened fire on the man who lumbered towards them.
Mayflower backed against the wall watching in terror as her bodyguards emptied their clips on the white eyed attacker.
A police officer charged through the door with a fire axe, plunging it into the skull of the man. Blood sprayed outwards in all directions, splattering on the walls and table.
The man stumbled towards Mayflower with his arm stretched outwards before falling to the ground.
‘Dear god.’ Mayflower gasped trying to control the fear that coursed through her. She stared at the body on the floor.
‘We have one hundred thousand people at our disposal Prime Minster.’ The hoodie said. ‘Each infected with a nanochip that we control.’
‘Infected.’ Mayflower said staring down at the body of the man.
‘The technology is capable of self-replication. As we speak those who have the nanochip have become carriers. At one o’clock precisely we will activate the chip. Within forty eight hours the population of this country will be under our control. The virus will spread like wild fire.’
‘This is madness.’ Mayflower said. ‘You cannot do this. The other nations will respond.’
‘The other nations are helpless. We have soldiers abroad who will spread the virus. According to religion it took seven days to create the earth. It will take seven days for humanity’s rebirth. A brave new world is approaching Prime Minister.’
‘So what, you plan to create a planet full of the walking dead.’ Johnson said.
‘No one will be dead Mr Johnson. Merely under our control.’
Mayflower stepped over the body. ‘What is it you want us to do?’
‘It is too late for you Prime Minister. It is too late for you all. This virus is AI based. It will seek out every human on the planet. Once infected a new world order will begin. A world without hunger or pain. A world without fear or prejudice. Everyone will be linked to a singularity working as one mind for a better future.’
‘A future of slavery. I’d rather die than be a mindless human unable to think for myself.’ Mayflower said.
‘We are about to deliver our final message.’ The hoodie revealed. ‘We are about to revealed to the world what we are capable of.’
‘You will bring this world to its knees. Millions would rather die than be a part of your twisted utopia. Think about what you are doing. We are not perfect I’ll grant that. We are working to improve ourselves. If you don’t release your virus I promise I will clean up this country, this world. The corrupt will answer for their actions. The poor will be given opportunity to thrive. We can become a society which functions as one. We just need time. Think of all the children in this country who will be terrified when you release your message.’
/> ‘Fear is irrelevant, our virus will eliminate this emotion.’
‘Fear keeps us in check. It makes us human. Fear is why we haven’t destroyed ourselves. Fear can drive us towards creating a better world for everybody, not just the super-rich.’
‘Stirring words Prime Minister but it’s too little too late. I suggest you prepare the people of your country for the transition.’ The screen went blank.
‘Jesus Christ, this is the end.’ Johnson gasped.
‘We need to address the nation.’
‘What do we tell them exactly? That the population of this country is about to be turned into mindless automatons.’ Prosser said.
‘I refuse to believe that they will do this. It cannot end like this.’ Mayflower looked at Bishop. ‘I want you to pull out all the stops. Track down the police officer who is close to finding these bastards. I also want you to find the first available expert on viruses.’
A uniformed officer entered the room and handed Bishop a piece of paper.
Bishop took a few moments to read it before looking at Mayflower.
‘What is it?’ She asked noting the shocked expression on his face.
‘Robert Parsons ma’am. He’s been found dead on the outskirts of London.’
‘What?’ Shock enveloped Mayflower as she read from the short report Bishop handed her.
‘Prime Minister, you have to address the nation. You have to show the people that you are still in charge.’ Johnson said.
Mayflower composed herself. ‘Yes, prepare the emergency broadcast procedure.’ A look of defiance replaced fear. ‘I will not let the people of this country become part of Dystopia’s twisted Borg collective.’
Johnson and Prosser looked on bewildered.
‘What, I may be Prime Minister but I still watch bloody Star Trek.’
Chapter 54
11:45am
We are Dystopia. We will set humanity free. You have seen the power that we possess. The individuals who were responsible for the attacks on Monday were soldiers who carried out our bidding. They represented the world that we inhabit today. A world soaked in corruption. A world where millions are living in cyberspace to escape boredom which is like a disease. Living out a digital existence in a world where you can be anyone you desire. The government who claims to protect the people of this country no longer have control. We have blinded their watchful security services who have robbed ordinary people of their privacy, their civil liberties and their freedom.
Dystopia Page 30
