by Richard Fox
“Yesterday,” Cigyd continued as the image changed to show the palace’s outer perimeter. Several groups charged one of the security towers, throwing fire bombs and exchanging fire with the Netherguard on post. “These…zealots attacked our own sanctum. They were unable to break through the defenses, but they are becoming more and more brazen with each attack.”
Several meters in front of the throne, Pantos stepped from the line of Ultari, bowing. “I have also been told that a Founder, Daligar, was taken from his home in the night. Murdered by a mob, his body hung in pieces over the streets.”
“I want these traitors found!” Kyrios shouted. “I want them found and made examples of!” He pointed to the row of Founders. “I will hold all of you personally responsible for any further attacks.”
“P-please, Master,” Pantos said, falling to his knees. “It’s not our—”
“Silence, servant! I will hear no more of your lies! You know who these insurgents are, you know what they are capable of! You have been helping them since my arrival! Allowing them to circumvent my authority and my command.”
“Never, my lord!”
“Then why have you not identified the perpetrators yet, servant?” Zviera asked from where he stood beside Kyrios’s throne, hands clasped behind his back.
“Master, if we don’t know who these fiends are, how can we prevent another—”
“More lies,” Zviera said. “You know very well who these scum are, and you have chosen to remain silent. You will be the first example, servant.”
“No, Master, please. I swear! I do not know who these traitors are! If I did, I would turn them over to you without hesitation.”
Cigyd, still standing at the base of the stairs to the throne, cocked his head to the side. His hood was back, revealing his narrowed eyes that bore into the Ultari. “And what is your plan to bring these resistance fighters to heel, servant? So far, all we’ve heard are your excuses.”
Pantos was silent for a moment, obviously considering the Archduke’s words, not wanting to say the wrong thing. Every Ultari in the room walked a razor’s edge of service and death, and all were cognizant of the consequences of any misstep.
After a moment, the Ultari’s eyes lit up. “The Prefects, Master.”
Kyrios frowned. “The what?”
Pantos nodded, obviously gaining confidence in the idea. “The Prefects, Master. Our…the enforcers of the Council.”
“Former Council,” Zviera corrected.
“As you say, Master,” Pantos said, bowing. “Former.”
Kyrios growled. “And how does this…ah, I see.”
Pantos nodded again. “They know the city better than anyone. They know the people. If we charge them with rooting out these dissidents, they may have better…er, they may be able to identify the resistance.”
“It’s a ploy,” Zviera said, waving a hand through the air. “He’s intent on arming the masses further.”
“No, Master! Only the most trustworthy, the most loyal.”
Kyrios was silent for a moment, considering. “How many of these loyal enforcers do you have at your disposal?”
“Hundreds, Master. All driven and reliable.”
“My Emperor,” Zviera said, leaning close to Kyrios. Jared turned up his suit’s audio receptors to hear the muffled conversation. “You can’t seriously be considering this action? They have sworn allegiance, yes, but that doesn’t mean we can trust them at their word.”
“Your failings are many, servant,” Kyrios said, ignoring Zviera. “This is your final opportunity to prove your worthiness to me.” He turned to Jared. “Find and eliminate these dissidents. Spare none. If you must rip this pitiful city apart to find the traitors, you will do it. There will be no trial or mercy or leniency. You will wipe out all memory of their existence and anyone helping them. Those found to have knowledge of their whereabouts but choose not to come forward will be dealt with in similar fashion.”
“It would be useful if I had a more complete knowledge of the city’s network,” Jared said.
Kyrios considered Jared for a long moment, as if trying to decide if his need for answers outweighed his distrust of the man. “You will have restricted access. Zviera will monitor your actions at all times. Do not deviate from your task, servant.”
A moment later, a deeper connection to the Central Network opened up to him. Much of the system was still firewalled off, but even with the restricted access he’d been given, his reach had been multiplied by an order of magnitude. Jared could connect thousands of computers across the planet, but there was no way to monitor them all, much less glean any useful information from them. With thousands and thousands of terminals around the world, finding anything would be like finding a needle in a stack of needles.
But it was a start.
Jared nodded to Kyrios. “I have access, Master.”
“Do not disappoint me, servant. You know what hangs in the balance.”
Jared bowed. “I live to serve, Master.”
Chapter 14
MAC’s optical sensors zoomed in on the line of Ultari rioters, watching as one stepped forward and heaved a flaming bottle through the air toward the line of Prefects in the street. Cheers erupted through the crowd as the Prefects’ formation broke, fleeing as the bottle burst and sent liquid fire spraying.
Several of the frontline rioters charged, attacking the Prefects with clubs and rocks. Some armed with rifles took shots from a distance, dropping several before they doused the fire and reformed. Prefects standing behind the front line lobbed stun grenades into the crowd, knocking several out with each blast.
They’re not-not-not going to be able to hold, CID said as more rioters streamed into the street from buildings and alleyways, joining the crowd. There are too many.
“Perhaps the people have finally had enough,” MAC suggested.
Several droids appeared, moving to the front of the line and heaving large boulders at the Prefects, forcing them back. Energy blasts from a vehicle-mounted cannon cut two droids in half before they were able to throw, dropping them where they stood. Other droids moved to pick up the stones, only to be destroyed as well.
A booming voice echoed down the street. “By order of the Emperor, you are ordered to disperse! Surrender or die!”
The Prefect’s command only seemed to bolster the crowd’s energy. Jeers and curses echoed back as more and more Ultari filled the street. Groups pushed wrecked vehicles into the street to use as cover against the energy cannon, still cutting through the advancing droids. For a microcycle, it looked like the rioters were gaining momentum, then three Triumvirate fighters screamed by overhead, causing many of the rioters to duck and scramble for any cover they could find. They knew what was coming next.
And so did MAC.
The barge dropped out of the sky a microcycle later, Netherguard already deploying over the side, jumping into the midst of the crowd. Red and orange energy beams cut through the rioters in all directions. Screams of pain and agony filled the street even as images of Kyrios appeared, commanding the dissidents to bow to his will.
Most of the surviving Ultari dropped to the ground, hands and feet spread. Several either chose to stand and fight or, in their haste, appeared not to realize the Netherguard had arrived. They were destroyed regardless.
It was over in a matter of microcycles, the Netherguard only ceasing their attack when every last rioter had surrendered or was killed.
Kyrios’s voice boomed across the scene. “Your anger and hatred are misplaced. Your fight is not with me. I am your salvation. Submit and realize your true potential!”
A single Ultari male emerged from a doorway, rifle in hand. He screamed as he fired, hitting one of the Netherguard in the chest, knocking it over in a shower of sparks. Three nearby Netherguard turned and opened fire, turning the entrance of the building into a smoking ruin before the Ultari could find another target.
The street was still for several microcycles as the Netherguard waited
for additional attacks. When none came, the Prefects moved forward and began taking the rioters into custody. Several shouted and pulled away, but none gave any real resistance. A transport landed on the street and the prisoners were ushered in.
A tinge of regret—if he could call it that—flared at the back of his matrix, followed immediately by curiosity. That experience was something new. He would have to investigate the process at a later time.
“No sign of the signal?” MAC asked.
Nothing. Perhaps the spy-spy-spy has been found out.
“It’s possible. It’s also possible that the insider is only interested in helping a specific group of resistance fighters.”
An icon appeared on MAC’s optical sensors, indicating the throngs of Ultari still being led into the waiting transports.
These aren’t-aren’t resistance fighters, CID said. They’re angry citizens…zzzzt.
What might have been regret changed to something like frustration and MAC turned away from the pitiful scene. There wasn’t anything he could do for them in any event, and he still had a mission to complete.
It would take some time to work their way through the congestion, especially with the additional Prefect patrols out now. Their almost fanatical devotion to their new masters rivaled that of even the most dedicated Regulos servitor. The sheer domination that the Triumvirate exhibited over the Ultari was impressive and haunting at the same time. A mixture of wanting to believe Kyrios was their savior and the Emperor’s will to dominate was an almost perfect combination.
Stand by-by-by, CID said, opening a panel displaying optical feeds from two of their orbiting drones. Two Prefect patrols are…zzzzt…nearing the area from the east. Your attention is required-required.
MAC stopped beside a cluster of tall kappa trees, their wide, blue leaves fanning out from the top, bathing him in shadow. “They are particularly hungry today, it seems. Plot alternate route.”
Working.
Almost immediately, a navigational line appeared in MAC’s optical display, veering in and out of the abandoned transport vehicles littering the street ahead of him for half a block before turning into an alley and continuing west.
Two fighters screamed overhead, escorting one of the Netherguard deployment barges, presumably moving in to assist their forces already on the ground. One of CID’s drones orbited above the Prefect patrol, while the other scanned the surrounding blocks for alternative routes.
Clear.
Without a word, MAC started down the street, following CID’s directions overlaid on his optical feed. He turned down a side alley, then another, zigzagging his way through the empty streets. He’d almost made it to the river when CID flashed a warning over his optical display.
Prefects have spotted-spotted our presence and are moving to intercept.
Immediately, MAC set off at a run, ignoring any form of pretense. Now was not the time to try and blend in. His auditory receptors picked up a chorus of shouting, then blasts from energy rifles. Bolts of energy shot past him, sparking off cars and buildings.
VT3 pulse lasers, CID said as several more beams shot past. They will be-be-be within their effective… zzzzt… engagement range in .78 cycles. At their-their current range, their accuracy is reduced by thirty… zzzzt… seven percent.
“Not relevant. Plot a route out of here.”
Turn left.
MAC veered into a narrow alley as the corner of the building exploded behind him. Observation panels appeared at the corner of his optical display, drone feeds identifying the closing Prefect patrols, marking them on his map.
Zzzzt…a Netherguard barge is-is-is approaching from the northeast.
“Fantastic.”
Incoming rocket.
Warnings flashed on MAC’s optical display as the feed from Drone Two found the inbound rocket streaking down from the Netherguard barge.
“Time to impact.”
Without a word, CID opened a timer on MAC’s optical display. Trajectory lines and possible impact zones appeared. In a microcycle, MAC identified his best possible position and jumped, landing behind a waste receptacle just as the rocket slammed into the pavement behind him.
The blast shoved the waste receptacle into MAC’s back, knocking him forward, pinning him against a brick wall. He jammed his elbows back, pushing the receptacle back enough to get a leg up, then kicked off the wall.
Netherguard are deploying ahead.
“Tag them. How’s the route?”
Zzzzt…recalculating. At the next intersection, turn right.
He left the alley, following CID’s directions. Visual feeds from Drone One showed the Netherguard landing in the street behind him, cracking the pavement on impact and immediately charging after him.
Red flashed in MAC’s optical display.
Incoming.
“A little late!”
The explosion ripped apart the street behind him, the blast wave slamming into his back, launching MAC into the air. He landed on his knees and skidded across the pavement, his fingers digging shallow gouges in the street. Another warning panel flashed to life as he got a foot under him, and another rocket slammed into a small, four-person transport to his right. The explosion sent the vehicle hurtling through the air, crashing into MAC even as he tried to jump out of the way.
Both the vehicle and MAC crashed into the building to his left, his body creating a large crater in the brick facade. Twisting against the burning metal frame, he put his back to the brick and threw the burning wreckage away. It landed on its side and slid across the street, flames and smoke already filling the street.
MAC was on his feet before the car stopped moving. “Identify. Where’s the attack coming from?”
Working a trajectory analysis. Zzzzt.
Shouts and curses echoed up the street and a lone bolt of energy streaked past, just above MAC’s head, sizzling the air. A group of Prefects were charging down an alley in front of him, the Netherguard still pursuing in the street to his right.
MAC turned and ran. “How’s our power reserves?”
An icon appeared in the lower-left corner of MAC’s optical display, indicating they were currently at eighty-seven percent of maximum. During their entire operation so far, they’d never dropped below eighty percent, the mission standard for all deployed infiltrator units. They would need to recharge after this. If they managed to escape at all.
MAC dodged between a cluster of kappa trees and crossed the road, his footsteps echoing around them as more bolts of energy zipped by. The smoke screen from the car behind them would provide some concealment, but not for long.
At this rate, you will deplete our reserve stores in 23.7 cycles.
“More than enough time,” MAC said, considering the refreshed escape-route information CID was processing. “They just need a little encouragement.”
A panel slid back on MAC’s forearm and his own Level 2 pulse laser folded out from the recess. There was an audible whine as the weapon powered up, targeting systems already coming online. CID linked his tracking computer through Drones One and Two and .12 cycles later had the trajectory locked in.
Ready.
MAC took a step then threw himself into the air over a row of parked vehicles. At the apex of his flight, he twisted, holding his arm in front of him, and fired. In less than a tenth of a cycle, he’d sent twenty bolts of superheated energy downrange, chewing through Netherguard and Prefects alike.
A Netherguard at the edge of the formation dodged the attack, leaping onto a car and leveling his halberd. He fired even as CID flashed warnings over MAC’s optical display. The bolt slammed into MAC’s leg, spinning them around as he descended. MAC twisted and got his legs underneath him, landing with a crack.
A shadow played across the street ahead of them and the roar of engines drowned out the desperate Ultari fire behind them. Waves of hot exhaust blasted MAC from above as another Triumvirate barge flared above the street ahead of them, the Netherguard it carried already disembarking
. The first six landed simultaneously, cracking the pavement under their feet and immediately bringing their halberds to bear. As they fired their first barrage, another six landed behind them, mirroring the actions of the first.
Left-left-left.
MAC altered course as CID rerouted power to his legs, propelling him forward at three times normal speed, the need for evasion and self-preservation now superseding all other functions.
MAC brought the city’s map forward with CID’s primary and second escape routes laid out in red and blue. One direction took him back out toward the outskirts, while the other brought him closer to downtown. Neither route was ideal.
“We need to—”
An energy bolt seared through the thin armor plating around his central processing unit on his back, sending MAC toppling forward. His optical display flickered as warnings flashed. The blast and his forward momentum carried him reeling through a cluster of kappa trees. He slammed into one, the impact sending him spinning. He hit the sidewalk hard, sliding across the pavement on his back, sending up a spray of sparks.
We are-are-are experiencing multiple… zzzzt… system faults due to internal-internal damage, CID announced.
“You’re extremely helpful, CID. Thank you.” MAC rolled over and pushed off the pavement. Another energy bolt glanced off his arm as he got his feet under him, knocking him slightly off-balance. He oriented himself and charged forward, ignoring the myriad of flashing warnings, bringing up the feed from Drone One.
The view from above showed the Talonos River two blocks ahead. CID’s targeting routines identified and tagged several small boats making their way up and down the waterway.
“Calculate distance and vectors. Position Drone Two for targeting solutions.”
This is not-not-not a good idea.
“It is the only option.”
The Talonos River-River is 27.6 hecres across. Calculating…zzzzt…waypoint coordinates.
“We can make it.”