Different Paths (33 page)

Turning back to the view offered by the 3D
holographic display, the crew watched in fascination as the image suddenly
changed as several seemingly inconspicuous barrels exploded into a hail of
small globes the size of a baseball. Both Dragon pilots, Dirtman and Tiger,
reacted quickly by hitting afterburners and pulling up sharply but the
expanding field of globes were faster. A mere fraction of a second later the
whole area was bathed in an electromagnetic pulse which lashed out from the
original barrels to strike the seven-hundred and fifty metal globes and any
other metal object in the way. Both starfighters were engulfed by the lightning
storm and fell dark.

Getting up from his chair, Iaido stretched.  “Pax
set course for New Atlanta, best speed possible.”

“Aye, aye sir.”

Moving off the bridge, Iaido led his small crew to
the messhall. “Okay, now comes the hard part.”

DJ stopped in his tracks. “You call that easy?”

Shaking his head, Iaido moved to the galley to fix
himself some coffee. “Not really but given our current speed and rate of
descent we should arrive over New Atlanta with about fifty minutes to spare and
over sixteen different locations mentioned in the Major’s files. Not to
mention, that there is still a warrant for my arrest and the Galactic Marshals
stationed in the area will certainly be hunting us.”

Grabbing a beer from the cooler, DJ raised an
eyebrow and decided to play the Devil’s Advocate. “What is the worst case
scenario if we are too late?”

Talia chimed in. “According to the data we
recovered from the Praetorian’s files, the virus needs a living host to fully
mature. Those that aren’t dead immediately from the explosions will certainly
be infected with the virus, as will any first responders who arrive to help. Basically,
for the first two stages of the virus’ life it is a blood-born pathogen.
However, when the virus reaches stage three, the host explodes propelling the
virus into the air.”

“Explodes?”

Talia nodded as she punched up some video records.

“Stage one is very subtle and can last from three
to ten days. Subjects infected begin with a slight fever and become
increasingly paranoid. Once the subject’s fever reaches one hundred and four
point three degrees, they enter into stage two which will last for exactly
seven days, almost to the hour. During this phase the infected subjects display
increased strength coupled with an uncontrollable rage fueled by vivid
hallucinations. One common trait is an unquenchable thirst for blood which
lasts until they explode, killing the subject and spreading the virus.
According to the files, once a subject reaches stage two there is no known cure.
Only the death of the subject will stop the spread of the virus which was the
reason Omega Squadron was called in ten years ago on Mars.”

Jay asked, “How long can the virus survive
airborne?”

Talia scanned the database but shook her head.
“There is no reliable data. Most of the information dates back to the Mars
Incident. With the enclosed domes and recirculated air that data would not
apply to a natural environment like New Atlanta. Wind patterns and ambient
temperatures would have to be factored into the equation but as a guess the
virus should die within twenty-four hours if a new host isn’t found. Of course,
that’s just a guess.”

Jay pointed at her chart. “But according to this,
you believe that the majority of the population will be infected within the
first two hours. That is, if we fail to stop the explosions.”

Talia nodded. “Yes. Given the data available, I
talked with Pax and she factored in the sixteen different locations and the
prevailing winds and this is the best guess we can make.”

“You are correct. I estimate that our conjecture
to be eighty percent accurate, with a margin of error of five percent,” added
Pax.

Iaido nodded. “There is no way we can get to all
sixteen locations in the time allotted. We are going to need help. Let me
contact KC.”

Chapter 28

Kristopher was standing in his office gazing at the
city map of New Atlanta which covered one whole wall when his com-link chimed.
Casting a quick glance at the Federal Agent beside him, he hit the receive button.

“Lt. Kristopher of the NAPD.”

“KC, it’s Spartan. Can you talk?”

Kristopher sat back down at his desk. “Yes, but be
aware that Special Agent Johnson of the FSA is with me and he knows the truth
of your origins.”

“Good morning Mr. Spartan,” added the Fed.

“Good. That will make things easier. Listen
carefully. I believe that over the last few months, Major McDowell has placed
at least sixteen proton bombs throughout the city and they are set to detonate
within the hour.”

“What!” they both yelled.

“I have neutralized the Major but he had already
set in motion the bombs. We have raided his database and we think we know the
location of the bombs…well, a general location at least.”

Special Agent Johnson asked, “Do you have proof or
is this merely speculation?”

“Both. The Major has been neutralized but the
threat remains. Listen.”

As Iaido played the recording, Kristopher nodded
when he heard the voice, it was his former commander.

“I won’t be taken back. And if you kill me,
you’ll die here as well. Either way, you won’t be able to stop the coming
cataclysm. Events have been set in motion that no one can stop. By this time
tomorrow, New Atlanta will tear itself apart and the General will be to blame.
I have seen to that.”

Iaido asked, “Would you want to take the chance
that I’m wrong or that he was just bluffing?”

Special Agent Johnson nodded. “Good point. Let me
have the data and we will get started.”

Iaido paused. “Three things; first, Sgt. Major
Spenton’s daughter Eve is sitting on one of the bombs. She must be a priority
to rescue.”

“Done.”

“Secondly, each bomb is sitting on or is
surrounded by a series of barrels. These must not be breeched at any cost.”

Special Agent Johnson asked, “Why?”

“We believe them to be filled with the Mars
virus.”

Kristopher spoke, “Oh My God!”

“Yes. If they are breeched or any one of the bombs
explodes then New Atlanta and possibly the entire Eastern seaboard could be
contaminated.”

Special Agent Johnson nodded. “Understood.”

“One last thing, I need to know where the General
is right now.”

“Why,” asked Kristopher.

Iaido could hear the Fed in the background already
working on getting additional help for the bomb disposal. “He’s in grave
danger.”

“From the bombs?”

“Something worse.”

Special Agent Johnson perked up and asked, “What could
be worse than bombs sitting on the Mars virus?”

“One of my brothers is out to get him.”

Kristopher said, “Holy shit! One of the Ten still
lives? Who?”

“Aeneas, the Major cloned him.”

“And you think he is here in New Atlanta?”

“It would only be logical. You know the Major was
always a stickler for having a GOTH plan.”

“True,” said Kristopher as he checked his copy of
the President’s itinerary. “Oh shit…”

“What?” asked Special Agent Johnson.

“The President is at the Hall of Justice
interviewing Jagger Jax.”

“And…” prompted Iaido.

“And considering the danger he presented, most of
his entire Cabinet is with him and they are guarded by seven Galactic
Marshals.”

 “One of them must be Aeneas. I’ll take care of
him,” Iaido said. Transmitting the files he added, “Here is everything we have
on the bombs. We can’t afford to fail on this. Good hunting. Spartan out.”

As the comlink went dead, Special Agent Johnson
looked at the map and then back to the NAPD lieutenant. “Can he handle the
Marshals? Shouldn’t we send some backup his way?”

Kristopher shook his head. “Trust me, you don’t
want to be around for the blood bath that’s coming and any troops we send in
would only be collateral damage.”

“But he’s outnumbered.”

“Always. But that is also when he is at his deadliest.”

*   *   *   *   *

Iaido looked up from the comm center and asked,
“Status?”

Pax responed. “All systems nominal and we should
be at the drop zone in seventeen minutes.”

“Good.” Iaido turned to his friend. “DJ, I don’t
have the right to ask this but…”

Downing a beer, the ex-marine tossed the empty can
in a nearby pile. “You don’t have to ask. Just point me at them and go off and
do your thing. I have your back.”

“Thanks.”

“Besides, try and leave me behind. There’s no way
I’m gonna let you go and have all the fun.”

“In that case, Athena, show him to storage locker
Triple-X. I believe you’ll find something there you can use.”

Athena snapped to attention. “Aye, aye, sir.”

As they departed down the ladder to the cargo
hold, Talia gently cleared her throat. When he turned his attention back to the
lovely Sylvan, he could tell that she had a question. “Yes?”

“I know you’re busy but I am so confused. You
referred to a Goth plan but the only reference for Goths I can find in the
database is an ancient clan of warriors that were instrumental in the fall of
the Roman Empire nearly a millennia ago and somehow I don’t think that is what
you are talking about.”

Iaido grinned at her attempt to discover answers
to her own questions but wasn’t surprised that she couldn’t determine its
origin.

“You are correct. The military has a habit of
making an acronym for commonly used phrases. In this case GOTH stands for Go To
Hell plan. It’s a backup plan that kicks in when everything else fails. Like at
noon when the bombs don’t go off, I would imagine the Praetorians have orders
to assassinate the General and his Council.”

Talia nodded. “And you’re going to stop it?”

“Of course. As much as I dislike the General, he
is the duly elected President of the Coalition and I swore an oath to protect
the Coalition from all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Iaido paused and
chuckled slightly. “Hell, if you think I’m dedicated, just wait until you see
DJ in action. The Marines have a longer history of protecting the President
than anyone.”

About that time DJ walked in wearing a powered
combat suit that was more tank than suit.

The HAVOC V– Heavily Armored Variable Offensive
Combat Vehicle- powered armor wasn’t sleek and subdued like Iaido’s ARC suit,
it was bulky and intimidating. It was designed with multiple sharp corners
intended to disrupt radar tracking and deflect any non-penetrating rounds. It
was also made of thicker and heavier plating than the ARC suits which meant
that anyone wearing it was nearly seven feet tall and at least half that wide.
The HAVOC-V suit did have one defensive capability that the ARC suits didn’t
have…nanites. Each suit was outfitted with one million of the microscopic
androids with one simple purpose, to repair damage to the armor plating.

The suit was a bright white and painted on the
chest was a rampant bald eagle in front of the Coalition Flag with a banner of
the Marine motto of ‘Semper Fi’ underneath, Latin for ‘Always Faithful.’

For weapons, the HAVOC-V suit had twin rocket
launchers, one on each shoulder, and DJ was carrying a Typhoon Series 10
Gatling Gun; the most powerful portable railgun available. It had ten different
barrels which rotated as it fired giving the gun a chance to cool down slightly
during use. The rounds were small, only 5mm in diameter but the speed and
kinetic force it struck with was devastating.

DJ had his helmet off and was smiling from ear to
ear. “I like it!”

“It fits you,” Iaido said. “Besides, Marines
aren’t known for their subtly.”

“How in the hell did you get a hold of HAVOC-V suit?”

Iaido grinned. “You’d be amazed at what’s
available on the Black Market these days.”

Before anyone could say anything else, Pax
interrupted. “T minus ten minutes.”

Iaido became deadly serious. “Okay people, here’s
the plan…”

*   *   *   *   *

By the time the Nemesis was on final approach to
the New Atlanta Hall of Justice, it was a quarter till noon. Pax had tapped
into the surveillance system of the government building, downloaded the
blueprints and had a live feed from all internal cameras. They knew the
interrogation was taking place in the Grand Rotunda, a huge room that covered
three floors and nearly the whole center area of the building. Unfortunately,
the main entryway was on the twentieth floor of the thirty floor building. 

Iaido pulled up a 3D rendering of the building and
pointed at a spot on the roof.

“Here’s our entry point.”

DJ looked more closely at the spot where his
friend was pointing. It was just a blank patch of roof. “Not to burst your
bubble but there isn’t a door there.”

Iaido grinned. “Not yet. I know you Marines have
been clearing building for centuries but we don’t have time for a standard
entry. So, we are going to do this the Omega way.” He pointed at the
corresponding floors. “Using crater charges, we are going to blast a hole in
the roof and drop through. We will continue this method until we reach the
twentieth floor at this junction. This path will take us through the least
traffic areas of each floor, but places us down the hall and around a corner
from our target.”

DJ nodded. “I see. I never thought of an entry
like that. Marines tend to be more straight forward even when we are trying to
flank our opponents.”

“I know and there are times when that approach
works best. This just isn’t one of those times. Our biggest problem will be the
amount of resistance we will encounter during our approach but our options are
limited with only two of us.”

“Make that three.”

The two warriors turned to find Jay standing there
completely outfitted in his own ARC armor. It was nearly standard issue, with
the exception of his cybernetic legs and the Master Chief emblem on his chest.