by Thomas Fay
‘Someone tried to sabotage the launch,’ John replied.
‘Someone?’
John made an indelicate sound. ‘That’s all I’ve got at this stage.’
The Chief grunted. He turned to Socrates. ‘Didn’t you capture it all in—what do the techs call it? Extreme high res?’
‘Yes. I have provided a copy of the recording to James Gleason for analysis,’ Socrates said.
‘Alright, so what am I missing? This should be a simple case of running facial recognition algorithms across the city until we locate this mysterious saboteur.’
John cast Socrates a guarded glance. The android stared back at him with eyes that only appeared human. Beneath it all he was an android. A highly advanced machine. And now there was potentially another one out there.
‘Because we believe the intruder was an android.’
The Chief let out an explosive breath as he leaned back in his chair. He deliberately avoided looking at Socrates.
‘Are you sure?’ he asked.
‘Not one hundred per cent but when we analysed the footage from the airport it was the only thing that explained what we saw.’
‘Which was …?’
‘The intruder leaping off of a five-storey building, landing without any noticeable injury and then sprinting away faster than an elite athlete could.’
‘Bloody hell, Tesh. It’s never boring with you, is it?’
‘I try, Chief.’
‘Alright, you two stay on this. Keep that surveillance footage under wraps.’
‘Already done. Gleason’s quarantined it all.’
‘Good. I assume the Ruling Council is aware of this?’
John nodded. ‘Yes, Frost was there. We showed him the footage. He’s given us the green light to pursue the intruder.’
‘Looks like you two have a new case, then. Anything else?’
‘What’s this about Fernali retiring?’ John asked.
The Chief let out another explosive breath. ‘He’s one of our best, Tesh, but the time comes for all of us. He’s made Streeter into a fine Sentinel and let’s face it, without him you wouldn’t be here.’
John nodded, thinking back to all the cases he and Michael Fernali had worked together—first as police officers and later as Sentinels. More than that, Michael was a friend. They had been through a lot.
‘You’re right about that, Chief. If you’ll excuse me, I really should go thank him for everything he’s done for me over the years.’
Eight
Cafe Iona, formerly Cafe Sydney, had been a Sydney institution back in the days before the Iona Corporation took control of the city. Located on the top floor of Customs House, a heritage-listed building in a prime location in Circular Quay, it was currently enjoying a resurgence following the introduction of the new hover-ferry service. An Iona Corporation military design that had been successfully adapted for civilian use, the transports were fast, reliable and safe. They provided additional scope for connecting the Iona CBD to other parts of the city, as well as other cities outside Iona, such as Wollongong and Newcastle.
‘I should have announced my retirement years ago,’ Fernali said, his eyes taking in the view encompassing the bridge, Opera House and harbour.
‘I still can’t believe it’s true. I mean, I know you’ve been doing this for a long time but …’
Fernali let out a long breath. He continued to stare at the harbour before him. Finally, he turned to look at John.
‘It’s been an incredible journey but it’s time. I’ve had a few close calls over the years and I’m getting too old to be chasing people across the city.’
‘You’re not that old,’ John said.
‘Thanks, but I feel old. You and I have been through a lot. The police. Then the Sentinels. I’ve seen some things that I’m still not sure I fully understand or believe.’
John had always hated the fact that he couldn’t tell Fernali the truth about the Ionians. Not that his former partner hadn’t witnessed some of their advanced technology first-hand, but he trusted Fernali with his life and it had never felt right.
‘What will you do?’ John asked.
‘Honestly?’ Fernali said.
‘Yes.’
‘I have absolutely no idea.’
They looked at each other for a moment before they both burst into laughter. They were interrupted by a familiar voice.
‘Good to see you two are working hard.’
John looked up to find his ex-wife, Lauren, standing next to their table. She was dressed in a dark-blue suit with a white shirt. An expensive watch glistened on her wrist with the reflected light of the sun. A tall, broad-shouldered man in his early forties stood next to her. His suit was charcoal and looked even more expensive than hers.
‘Lauren, this is a surprise,’ John said. ‘You remember Michael?’
‘Of course, good to see you,’ Lauren said, leaning in to kiss Fernali on the cheek. ‘Allow me to introduce Logan Myers. My husband.’
John wasn’t sure which piece of information surprised him more. The fact that Lauren had remarried or that her new husband was, by all accounts, one of the wealthiest people in Iona.
‘I guess my invitation got lost in the mail,’ John said, holding out his hand. Logan shook it, his grip firm.
‘Lauren’s told me a bit about you, John,’ Logan said.
‘Then I guess you have me at a disadvantage. She’s told me nothing about you.’
Logan smiled, revealing perfect white teeth.
‘There’s not a lot to tell, John. I’m a simple man who got lucky in life. None more so than when I met this amazing woman.’
Lauren smiled. John tried very hard not to roll his eyes.
‘We should leave you two to celebrate,’ Lauren said. ‘What are you celebrating in the middle of the day, anyway?’
‘My retirement,’ Fernali said.
‘No! Seriously?’ Lauren exclaimed.
‘I’m afraid so. It’s been a while coming. Besides, I can’t spend the rest of my life keeping John out of trouble.’
‘I thought that was Socrates’s job now?’
A flash of emotion passed across Logan’s otherwise calm features. If John hadn’t been watching him closely, he would have missed it. But he was and he didn’t.
‘It is,’ Fernali said. ‘Still … keeping John out of trouble is a full-time occupation.’
Lauren laughed. ‘It sure is. Anyway, we’d better leave you to it. Good to see you both.’
‘Likewise,’ Fernali said.
John’s eyes remained on Logan Myers when he said, ‘Be good to her.’
‘I intend to. Good day, gentlemen.’
The moment his ex-wife and Logan walked back inside the restaurant, John turned to Fernali.
‘Did you see that?’ he asked.
‘Yes. I’d say she’s traded up considerably.’
‘Nice. Thanks. But no, that’s not what I meant. Did you see his reaction when she mentioned Socrates?’
‘No. Why would he react? Unless …’
‘He knows.’
‘How?’
‘Either she told him or there’s a lot more to Logan Myers than meets the eye.’
Nine
John’s phone rang the moment he stepped out onto level twenty-five of Sentinel HQ. He checked the caller ID: James Gleason. He hit the green button.
‘Please tell me you’ve got something?’ John said.
‘I do. Where are you?’
‘HQ.’
‘Can you come down to the tech lab?’
John was about to answer when he saw the Chief waving him over. There was a woman dressed in an austere black suit standing next to him. A similarly dressed man stood opposite them.
‘Umm, James?’
‘Yes?’
‘Better give me a couple of minutes.’
‘Okay, but the sooner the better. You’re going to want to see this.’
‘Understood. And James?’
‘Yes?’
‘Can you do me a favour?’
‘You know you don’t have to ask.’
‘I know. Still, rude not to. I need you to run a full profile on Logan Myers.’
‘The property developer? Okay, sure.’
‘Thanks. I’ll be there as soon as I can.’
John closed his phone. Walking slowly towards the Chief, he assessed the two newcomers. Not Sentinels but law enforcement officials, judging by their demeanour and matching clothing. They were both armed and completely unfazed by being inside Sentinel HQ. This was going to be interesting.
‘Chief, you need something?’ John asked.
‘Tesh, this is Naomi Jonssun and Edward Linseen. They’d like to ask you some questions. In private.’
John smiled. He knew exactly who the two were: Iona Internal Affairs, the department tasked with ensuring Iona police officers and Sentinels obeyed the law. The only thing he didn’t know was why they wanted to speak to him.
‘Sure, Chief. I’d love to find out why Internal Affairs want to lock me in a room and interrogate me.’
‘Mr Tesh, if you’d like to follow us, please?’ Jonssun said.
John motioned for her to proceed. She turned and walked down the narrow grey corridor to Interview Room 2. The other Iona IA officer followed a few steps behind him. Reaching the room, Jonssun entered and sat down on the opposite side of the table. John entered the room and remained standing. He wasn’t going to make this easy for them. The other IIA officer closed the door and leaned against the wall. Classic interrogation procedure that would put most people on edge. Except John wasn’t most people.
‘Please, take a seat, Mr Tesh,’ Jonssun said. She indicated the seat across from the one she had taken.
‘I’ll stand. Thanks,’ John said.
A frown passed across Jonssun’s face but she maintained her composure.
‘As you wish. We are, as you have correctly surmised, from Iona Internal Affairs. We are looking into a rather serious matter and believe you can assist us.’
John said nothing. Jonssun’s frown deepened. Linseen cleared his throat.
‘Mr Tesh, you understand that by law you are required to answer our questions truthfully and cooperate with our investigations.’
John smiled. ‘Yes. Provided they do not compromise an ongoing Sentinel investigation.’
‘That’s not entirely—’
‘That’s what the law says, Ms Jonssun. I intend to abide by the law.’
Jonssun’s frown was now a deep chasm. She cleared her throat. Holding her hands together in front of her on the table, she began to speak.
‘Mr Tesh, I don’t think you appreciate the magnitude of the situation.’
‘Enlighten me.’
‘IIA has been watching you for some time. The way you’ve handled investigations, your involvement of questionable persons and your general approach to law enforcement have raised considerable red flags.’
‘I get results. Ask the Chief. Socrates and I are the best team the Sentinels have.’
‘Yes, your android partner. We’ve been watching his actions closely as well. There are those within the Iona police department that believe he is a greater threat to this city than all of the criminals put together.’
That surprised John. While senior law enforcement officials in Iona all knew of Socrates’s true nature, he had never considered the fact that some of them might not see him as an asset.
‘Socrates and I have the full backing of the Ruling Council. If you’ve got an issue with the way we undertake our work, feel free to speak to them.’
‘I assure you, Mr Tesh, that we too are here under the auspices of the Ruling Council,’ Jonssun said.
‘I somehow doubt that,’ John said.
‘Mr Tesh, we have the authority to suspend you from active duty. Indefinitely.’
John cast a glance at Linseen. The IIA officer continued leaning against the wall, his eyes staring straight back at him. John’s gaze shifted to Jonssun. They seemed genuinely convinced they had the authority to interfere in his work, which could mean one of two things: either they were bluffing or someone on the Ruling Council was backing them. John was fairly certain they were bluffing but he couldn’t be sure. Councillor Jonathan Gage could be behind it. He decided to try a different tactic.
‘I think we’re going about this all wrong. We’re all law enforcement professionals doing our jobs. Why don’t you just tell me what this is about and I’ll see if I can help?’
A flicker of surprise passed across Jonssun’s face. Just as quickly it was gone and the frown returned. She leaned forward.
‘We’re here about one particular person you previously worked with. A dangerous individual, highly trained, experienced and globally connected.’
‘Who?’ John asked.
‘Nathan Tesh. Your uncle.’
‘What about him?’
Linseen took a step towards him.
‘We have credible intelligence that points to the undeniable fact that your uncle has returned to Iona.’
Ten
John’s phone was in his hand and dialling two seconds after he left the Interview Room. The call was answered on the second ring.
‘Hello, John,’ Socrates said.
‘Where are you?’ John asked, his voice low.
‘I am fifteen point two four metres from your present location.’
‘Huh?’
‘Look up and ten degrees to your right.’
John cast around the office. His eyes found Socrates, standing beside one of the open workspaces. He closed his phone and motioned Socrates to meet him at the turbo-lift. The android crossed the floor and met him just as the turbo-lift doors slid open.
‘Where are we going?’ Socrates asked.
‘Tech lab. James has something to show us.’
They entered the turbo-lift. John was about to press the button for B1 when a pair of dark-suited figures appeared in the hallway. The IIA officers moved towards the turbo-lift. Jonssun raised her arm and called out, ‘Hold the lift!’
‘Sorry, Sentinel investigation,’ John replied. He pressed the button for B1. He then hit the button to close the doors for good measure.
‘John, may I enquire as to why you did what you just did?’ Socrates asked.
A slow grin spread across John’s face. ‘It’s a long story but let’s just say I don’t like those two very much.’
Socrates’s eyes became a blur as he searched the Iona databases.
‘Based on facial recognition, those two were Iona Internal Affairs. What did they want with you?’
John’s grin disappeared. ‘They wanted information on someone close to me.’
‘I take it you did not provide this information?’
‘What do you think?’
‘Based on my years of working with you, I would hypothesise that you declined.’
‘Damn right I did.’
****
They found James Gleason in one of the private holoprojection cubicles in the tech lab. The young tech looked visibly shaken; his eyes were open wide, his hands were trembling slightly.
‘James, are you alright?’ John asked.
‘I … you need to see this.’
‘What is it?’
James typed a series of instructions into the virtual keyboard. The holoprojectors sprang to life, flooding the confined space with photons. A streetscape materialised around them, recreating every detail of an urban environment. Several cars were parked along both sides. A nondescript warehouse ran along the left side of the street.
‘What are we looking at?’ John asked.
‘Okay, so I managed to track that suspect from the Iona launch this morning to this location in the back of Mascot.’
‘What is in that structure?’ Socrates asked.
‘It’s a warehouse leased to a logistics company.’
‘James, what did you want to show us?’ John asked.
‘Sorry, yes, watch this.’
&nb
sp; A single figure appeared at the edge of the streetscape. It was the same woman from the airport—the android or worse. She walked down the street past the parked cars and stopped at the entrance to the warehouse. Five seconds later she opened an emergency door and disappeared inside.
‘That’s familiar; I still don’t see what’s so disturbing about this,’ John said.
‘Watch,’ James said.
‘I don’t—’
Every single car on the street simultaneously folded in on itself and then erupted outwards, leaving a gaping hole in its engine bay. There was no visible debris on the street and the remainder of the cars’ chassis were intact.
‘What the hell was that?’ John exclaimed.
‘I have no idea. I’ve never seen anything like it before.’
‘Socrates?’
‘One moment, I am analysing.’
John stared at the image projected into the air before him. Once again, he found himself reminiscing for the days when law enforcement had been simple. When all they had to contend with were human perpetrators.
‘I am unable to determine the nature of the event we have just witnessed without physical examination,’ Socrates said.
John let out a long breath. ‘I knew you were going to say that. C’mon, let’s go.’
‘Where are you going?’ James asked.
Instead of replying, John pointed at the projection of the street with the damaged cars.
‘Text me the address.’
Eleven
John had seen many strange things since he’d learned the truth about the Ionians. The inside of the Ruling Council Chambers was a sight few people were allowed to see but those who did wouldn’t forget. The shimmering singularity at the core of a Flux Cell was an even more amazing sight, while the partially formed faces of the Council operatives still haunted his dreams. Even the memory of Socrates, his partner of eight years, stripped of his artificial skin with dual arc cannons spinning at over a million revolutions per second was something he would have never believed possible.
What he was seeing now was even stranger.
‘It looks like a perfect sphere,’ John said.