“Do you have any idea where it was created?” Jack wanted to know. Emma shook her head.
“No, I don’t. And I’m not sure that’ll be in the data; that was mostly related to the virus itself.”
“So where would such data be held then?”
“There’s a master list of facilities somewhere on Bolvinox’s servers, but something this dangerous and illegal might not be properly registered.”
“Yeah, that figures.” Jack said with a sigh.
“So what’s the plan?” Emma asked.
“If we can’t track Bridges and Smith via a UAV then we’ll have to wait for Bolvinox to set up the meeting. We’ll recon the area, come up with a plan of attack then get our people back. We may, if you’re up for it, have you play along as though we’re handing you off to them.”
“But you won’t really do that, right?” Emma wanted to be assured.
“Of course we won’t. Now, there’s something else.” Jack said, reaching for his side arm and pulling it from the holster. “I want you to have this; it’s not suppressed, so when it fires the sound will carry quite a ways, so try to use it only as a last resort.” He advised, glancing meaningfully at the axe in her other hand.
Jack handed the weapon to Emma and she held it, a little uncertainly at first, but her fingers slid around the grip and she seemed to be weighing it.
“I haven’t fired a gun in years.” She confided as she thrust it into the waistband of her jeans.
“But you know the basics?”
“Yeah. Dad was a cop; he had me handling firearms as soon as I was big enough to hold them and to understand the danger they represented.”
Jack smiled briefly as he retrieved a couple of spare magazines and handed them to Emma, who stuffed them into her jacket pocket. She looked at him appreciatively. Perhaps because he’d been too long on his own or perhaps because there was something growing between them born of the danger they were sharing, Jack found himself momentarily very comfortable looking into her eyes. Ever the professional, however, he immediately forced this thought aside and considered something practical for him to be doing.
“Let’s see if we can find something to drink before we go on. We’ve still got a few minutes before the drone will be retasked.” Jack suggested.
In the conference room, Hall brought up the last known location of Bridges and Smith on the map. The drone appeared as a green triangle, its designation printed beside it. Crossing over the entire city, it was still about five minutes out from being able to survey the target area. Maxwell was sitting at the head of the conference table, not smoking for the first time that evening, which was unusual. He looked as calm and steely as normal, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he was angry with Jack about the decision he’d made.
“There was no closer unit that could be reassigned? No satellite we could borrow?” Maxwell questioned.
“No, sir. We’re spread thin as it is and pretty much everything has already been assigned. I had to pull a few strings to get this one even for a few minutes.” Hall responded.
“I see. How long until the data USB arrives back?”
“At least twenty minutes, sir.” Hall answered.
“Get it uploaded immediately, Elizabeth. I want our people working on it straight away.”
“Understood, sir. Also, I’ve managed to acquire some information on Bolvinox; should I bring it up on screen?”
“Yes.” He confirmed.
Hall tapped on the screen and swiped, uploading the documentation onto the screen that made up the surface of the conference table. They appeared as individual documents that Maxwell would be able to read, enlarge or minimize as he saw fit.
“Anything stand out?” Maxwell asked as he leaned forward and began to review the information.
“I didn’t have a lot of time to look through it, sir, but it’s clear they have ties to... Well, us.”
Maxwell looked up at her, raising his eyebrow in curiosity, then back down at the information.
“By us, you mean our organization I’m assuming.”
“Correct. It was five years ago, but General David Haddenfield assigned a team to assist them in the recovery of a spy satellite that had fallen out of orbit.”
“What was the mission?”
“The device landed in the north of Italy and, at the time, the Italian’s weren’t connected to the Coalition. There were also other parties interested in recovering the satellite to extract the data it had stored. So a team went in undercover, made their way to the crash site and attempted to collect it.”
“What happened?”
“A fire fight with some third party, private security company; there were casualties on both sides, but eventually they were beaten back and we recovered the satellite.” Hall summarized.
“So how does this tie into Bolvinox?”
“That’s where things get a little murky, sir. There’s one heavily redacted memo that mentions there being a biological collection unit on this satellite. Its purpose appears to have been an experiment to collect any space-borne bacteria that might accumulate on the device over the course of its operational lifetime. The memo pretty much ends there and the other agencies are having a hard time finding the original version of it. But this information was kept in the same location as instructions to create a new company.”
“Bolvinox.” Maxwell said, tapping on the table and opening up a larger version of one document.
“Correct, sir. Bolvinox as an entity didn’t exist until six months after this operation to recover the satellite. It’s my suspicion that Bolvinox was created as a front to investigate the bacteria for any useful properties.”
“But why?”
“I’m not sure, sir. Bolvinox’s function on the surface of things was the creation of drugs that might cure or counteract the effects of the flu, the common cold and a number of other fairly generic ailments.”
“So this research gave them access to...” Maxwell trailed off, making a move along gesture with his hand.
“This gave them access to a number of highly contagious, though not directly life-threatening, viruses.” Hall stated, glancing at the screen and seeing the drone closing in on its target location. “I’ve a thought, sir.”
“Don’t hold back, Elizabeth.”
“I think the Coalition created Bolvinox to study the bacteria rather than farm the research out to someone else. Maybe the initial tests showed some unique property that might be exploitable. Not necessarily for military purposes; perhaps it was simply something that could be used to help fund our activities off the books. Then something went wrong.”
“You think we created this virus? Either by accident or on purpose?”
“If we created Bolvinox and Bolvinox created the virus, then it seems to be a clear chain of events, sir.”
“So, Elizabeth, where’s this General Haddenfield now?”
“He went dark around the same time Bolvinox was created, sir.”
“Has he retired? Is he still on the payroll?”
“I’ve not had time to go over the information extensively, sir, but as I scanned through it I saw nothing that might lead us to where he is or what happened to him.”
“Find him, Elizabeth. Dead, alive or as one of those damned zombies, I want him found.”
“Understood, sir.”
“And get in contact with anyone left alive in a senior position at Bolvinox.”
“Their headquarters was in Chicago, sir, and that sector was completely overrun. I can put in search requests, but I can’t promise you we’ll find any of them quickly - if at all.”
“Do what you can, Elizabeth. Bolvinox has some questions to answer and they’re not the only ones.” Maxwell told her, reaching for his cigarette packet.
“Sir?”
“Haddenfield couldn’t have done this alone. If he set up Bolvinox it was on someone’s orders. As it wasn’t me who gave them, it must have been at least one of the other Chiefs. I need to make some calls.�
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“Understood. Should I give you the room?”
“No, I’ll do it after the next contact with Jack. How long on the drone?”
Hall looked at her computer and tapped on the screen.
“It’s coming online any minute now, sir.”
“Good.” Maxwell said as he put a light to his cigarette. “Get Jack on the line.”
Jack emptied the bottle of water, feeling a lot more settled after rehydrating. Between the heat of the season, the near constant exertion and the promise of more battles to come, he had known he and the rest of the team needed some refreshment. They’d also found some cold cuts and ate them hurriedly, a boost to their systems in an effort to stay at their peak. Emma ate too, with a ravenous hunger that led him to wonder just how long it had been since she’d eaten. As he considered asking if she wanted him to find something else for her, Hall came over the radio.
“Ramsay, are you there?”
“Yeah, Hall, go ahead.”
“The drone is coming on site now. I’ll send it to your tablet.” She responded. Jack retrieved the computer from the pouch hanging off to his side and brought up the feed.
“Thermal?” Jack questioned simply.
“Yes.” Hall told him as the camera feed flickered as it shifted to the thermal camera perspective. The burning wreck of the ambulance was very evident, as were the numerous cooler figures on the thermal scan - the infected - lingering in the street. Then, on what Jack assumed was a rooftop, was a single, living figure, evidenced by a very high temperature. Whoever he was, he was burning up as though he had a fever.
“That could be a Bolvinox sniper, waiting for us to come into the area to search.” Jack announced. Tyrone moved around to look over his shoulder.
“Knowing he’s there we can probably get around him. Rather foolish of them to leave him on his own.”
“They’re probably stretched thin.” Jack stated.
“We sure as hell are.” Tyrone agreed gruffly.
Jack continued to examine the feed as the drone moved around. It was apparent that there wasn’t anyone else still alive in the area. Smith, Bridges and whoever Jack had spoken to on the radio were gone, along with an unknown number of Bolvinox security personnel.
“How long do we have the drone for, Hall?” Jack wanted to know.
“As long as a refugee centre or column doesn’t get attacked, we’ve got it for as long as we need.”
“Okay, what would be a good, defensible building within a... ten block radius of that site?”
“Standby.” Hall told him.
“In the meantime, we’re going to attempt to take that sniper alive. If we can get our hands on him, then we’ll interrogate him for information.”
“Jack, one more thing.” Maxwell stated.
“Yeah?”
“If you have the opportunity to take the commander of the Bolvinox security people alive, then do so. Things are coming to light here that require us to have both a certain amount of evidence as well as additional information before we can proceed.”
“Anything we should know about?”
“Not at this time.” Maxwell responded. Jack wasn’t surprised; he’d have been more shocked if Maxwell had told him everything.
“Fine. We’ll start with the sniper and work our way up from there. If you get a possible location on Bridges and Smith, send it to my tablet.” Jack instructed. He took one last look at the map of the area and the routes available to the snipers position before turning it off and sealing the device back in the pouch. He retrieved his weapon from the countertop - where he’d placed it to use the tablet - just as there was a distant, high-pitched screeching.
“Get back to us as soon as you’ve got that sniper in custody.” Maxwell responded before the line went dead.
“Okay everyone, we’re moving out!” Jack instructed as he crossed to the rear door. He glanced at Emma. “Stay close.”
Emma nodded and moved to be closer to him, the pistol still tucked down the front of her jeans while she gripped the axe tightly in both hands. Tyrone was behind them, with Cross and Rodriguez following along. Jack pushed the door open and checked the alleyway again, ensuring there were no immediate threats before he stepped out. The air was starting to get clammy and he heard a very distant rumbling similar to thunder, leading him to believe there might be a storm on the way.
“Great! Zombies, mercenaries and now it’s going to rain.” Jack commented as the team followed him out. Emma snorted a laugh, making him glance at her briefly.
“Sorry. It’s been so long since I laughed at anything.”
“You must be hard up if you find Jack amusing.” Tyrone commented.
“What can I say? I found a new appreciation for humor in prison.” Jack responded acidly.
To the right the alleyway gave access to the street; heading down it was the most direct route to the ambulance - and the sniper’s line of fire. Instead, the best path to take, Jack decided, was left, behind all the buildings in the row before exiting on the next street. From there, it was a question of working around a little then taking some more alleyways to bring them to their target; assuming none of those pathways were obstructed by the infected, debris or some hitherto unknown problem of course.
“Come on.” Jack said softly, heading down the alleyway.
There wasn’t much in the way; a dumpster half rolled into their path, an assortment of scattered trash, cardboard boxes, bottles and food waste. Fortunately, Jack didn’t see any remains - neither skeletal nor infected - so he was able to lead the way easily. They were using their flashlights to light the way, partially out of consideration for Emma. Jack had also seen that the power was on in the block they were heading towards, so their night vision wouldn’t be all that useful. Reaching the end of the alleyway, Jack peered around both corners, checking for infected; there were a few milling about closer to the park, but to the right - in the direction they would be travelling - it seemed relatively clear. Moving around the corner and raising his weapon, Jack started to lead the way, staying close to the wall and moving at a quick walking pace. He heard the others moving just as quickly behind him, so Jack maintained his pace. He kept it up as he picked his way down the street, towards the glow of light where the power was on in the next block over. As they entered the better lit area, scanning for infected threats became considerably easier; the sound of them was drifting down the street, though there was still no sign of them. In fact, it was clear right up until the street before the sniper was posted.
Jack recognized the street name on the corner and brought the troop to a stop. It was the intersection that, on the right, would lead to the wreck of the ambulance.
“It’s going to be worth checking the store where Bridges and Smith were captured.” Jack announced to the rest of the group. “Once we’ve taken out that sharpshooting son of a bitch on the roof.”
“Why?” Cross asked.
“In case Bridges or Smith were able to leave us some kind of clue as to where they were being taken.” Tyrone responded, apparently on the same line of thought as Jack - just as they used to be.
“So how are we getting up there?” Cross asked.
“He’s posted on a four story apartment building. It’s the tallest on the block and, depending on how good he is, he’s got good sightlines on all avenues of approach.” Jack responded. Looking around the corner again, he couldn’t see any indication of the sniper, though this was hardly surprising. Distance and his own attempts to conceal himself would make it very difficult for Jack to see him from ground level. There was, however, a clear view of the burning wreck of the ambulance, and it was opposite this that Smith and Bridges had taken shelter in the store. Surrounding the ambulance a dozen infected were milling about, seemingly without any intention of moving on. Perhaps the heat of the fire was placating them, Jack considered, but whatever the reason for their stillness, they would follow anyone who attempted to enter the building from the front. Likewise, going in through th
e rear entrance would bring them shuffling around on the trail of their scent - which would also alert the sniper. It was a problem, but not one without a solution.
“We’re going to have to be really careful: stealthy, silent and above all, fast. If we can, I want us to do this without firing a shot.” Jack stated.
“Any suggestion on how we can do that?” Tyrone asked raising his eyebrows.
“Emma, I want you between the two pairs of us, just in case something goes wrong, so we can cover you. We’re going to cross this street as quickly as we can, advance to the next alleyway then locate the fire escape of the apartment building. If we’re in luck, it’ll be easy to reach and we can ascend to the rooftop.”
“Maybe the doctor should stay here, just in case we have to engage the enemy?” Cross suggested.
“No; she’s too valuable an asset. We can’t let her out of our sight.” Tyrone insisted.
“Thanks, I think.” Emma responded sarcastically. “But there’s no way I’m staying here on my own, without either a much bigger gun or a tank, and I don’t think you have either of those to spare.”
“Let’s move.” Jack announced, smiling wryly as he refocused on the task in hand.
As a group, reorganized as per Jack’s instructions, they crossed the street hurriedly. It was possible the sniper had seen them and chosen not to fire, or, if they were lucky, perhaps he hadn’t. They looped around as Jack had instructed, eventually reaching the alleyway. With great relief, Jack observed it was clear of infected and, just ahead, was the black metal fire escape that would grant them access to their target. It wasn’t lowered so Jack quickly moved to rectify it. Letting his weapon hang on the strap over his shoulder he gestured for Tyrone to help him move the dumpster from the end of the alleyway. Together, the pair dragged it until it was directly underneath; moving it as quietly as possible to ensure they didn’t attract the nearby infected or alert a likely already wary sniper to the danger approaching his rear flank.
Once in position, Jack clambered up first, reaching up and grabbing the lower rung of the ladder and dragging it down slowly; the metal joints squeaked against themselves, but moved easily enough. With that done, Jack signaled Cross and Rodriguez to be on watch, then he began to climb. He moved up to the first landing then retrieved his weapon, holding it with one hand while he moved up the steps, around and up until he reached the last set of stairs; his eyes vigilantly watching the rooftop in case the sniper fired down on them. Thus far, however, they had been in the clear. Jack signaled for the others to follow, waiting until the whole group had joined him and were as ready as he to advance.
The Z Directive (Book 1): Extraction Point Page 12