“Remarkable,” said Cruz.
“And each member of Titan Six on the ground has access to this augmented reality through their tactical helmet systems. A 3-D display is projected onto the visors of their helmets. The computer-generated content is layered on top of their vision of the physical world.”
Caine walked toward the center of the room and continued her tour of the Ops Center.
“The holographic display provides an overview of the environment in which the field team is operating. When the operation goes live, a computer-generated avatar for each Titan Six member will be shown on the holographic display. The system also identifies objects and people from the helmet cam video data and adds them to the 3-D rendering.”
“I never knew anything like this existed,” said Cruz.
“Not many people do,” said Caine.
“Now, let’s introduce you to the rest of the Ops Center team for this operation,” said Caine. She turned and gestured to one of the room’s other occupants. “This is Dr. Joshua Ambergris. He is our resident expert on the work being done at Savage Bay.”
Ambergris, the man with the beard, nodded politely.
“And this is Touchdown,” said Caine. “He is the Chief Communications Officer for Titan Six and will be our primary point of communication with the team during the operation.”
Touchdown smiled and raised a hand in greeting. He was seated in a wheelchair, dressed in a Titan Global uniform with a Titan Six insignia patch on his chest and each arm.
“This is DJ,” said Caine. “She’s a former team member and a genius with computers.”
Caine took a step.
“Finally, this is our Systems Engineer. Quiz. He’s one of our top analysts as well.”
A young man in jeans and a T-shirt held up a hand in greeting. His shirt read ZOMBIE RESPONSE TEAM – LOCATE, DECAPITATE, INCINERATE.
Dante immediately made an observation in Quiz’s mind.
* Nice. I think I’m beginning to understand your roving eye. *
You can say that again. Wait --
* Nice. *
Dammit.
To Cruz, Quiz seemed distinctly out of place in the orderly and disciplined environment of the Ops Center.
“Quiz, can you set up Station Four for Ms. Cruz?” Caine asked.
“Sure thing,” said Quiz.
* My, aren’t we pleasantly agreeable today? *
Quiz moved to another chair and started punching at a keyboard on the computer console. The holographic image flickered and disappeared. The mountainous island was replaced by a slowly spinning wire-frame diagram of the Savage Bay complex.
“We have all of your original documents and plans for the Savage Bay project,” said Quiz. “All of the design and engineering specifications are imaged in this database. Here, let me show you how to navigate through it ... ”
EIGHT HOURS BEFORE THE HALO JUMP
THE ARMORY, ABOARD THE ALAMIRANTA
Hawkeye arrived at the Armory to find Pyro anxiously waiting outside. He extended a hand in greeting. “Congratulations. And welcome to Titan Six.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Pyro. “It’s an honor.”
“Now, I’m sure you’re familiar with all the rumors about the Armory. And with the barroom tales of biological and technological enhancements given to Titan Six team members.”
Pyro nodded his head and swallowed hard. “I have. There are a lot of wild stories making the rounds.”
“I’ve heard those stories too,” said Hawkeye. “Super-steroids, performance-enhancing drugs, secret advanced weapons — I’ve heard them all.”
Pyro nodded, waiting expectantly.
“None of them are true,” said Hawkeye.
Disappointment spread across Pyro’s face.
Hawkeye grinned. “The reality of it is even more incredible than the rumors. The Enhanced Warrior Program is much more advanced than most people suspect. After today, there will be no going back. Once you have joined Titan Six, you will never be the same again. Are you prepared for that?”
Pyro grinned back. “You know I am,” he said. “Bring it on.”
“Okay then. Let’s get started.”
Hawkeye led Pyro into the Armory, past research labs and testing facilities to an area that resembled a treatment room in a hospital. A chair in the center of the room reminded Pyro of a dentist’s chair. It was surrounded by a plethora of strange-looking devices and equipment, like the medical center on a starship in a sci-fi movie.
“Hello, Hawkeye,” said a woman who entered the room behind them. She was in her thirties, with long, dark hair and Asian features.
“Hello, Doc,” said Hawkeye. He turned to Pyro.
“This is Dr. Grace Nguyen. She’s in charge of the Armory. And the Enhanced Warrior Program.”
“Ma’am,” said Pyro.
“We’re on a tight timeline,” Nguyen said. “Titan Six deploys in just a few hours. Usually this process takes ten days. We’re going to have to cut a few corners to get you ready.”
“I understand,” said Pyro.
“No, you don’t,” said Nguyen. “But you will. I don’t have the time to give you a proper orientation on the enhancements you’re going to receive. So we’ll just cover the basics. Then, when this operation is complete, you’ll return to the Armory to complete the program. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay then, soldier. Remove your clothing and sit in that chair.”
Pyro stripped down to his briefs and lay back in the reclining chair. Grace attached an array of sensors and EKG leads to his body. A monitor on the wall displayed his heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and a whole list of of other numbers and symbols that Pyro didn’t understand.
“Do you know anything about nanotechnology?” asked Grace.
“Uh, not much. Mmm, no. Put me down for no. Nothing, actually.”
“Nanotechnology essentially involves shrinking technology down to the size of molecules,” said Nguyen. “We can now create tiny machines the size of individual molecules. These nanobots can do all sorts of tasks. They can build things out of individual atoms, they can repair biological cells, and they can communicate information.”
“Microscopic machines,” said Pyro. “What will they think of next.”
“In the Enhanced Warrior Program, we have developed nanobots the size of red blood cells that can travel inside the human bloodstream. We’re going to deploy several million nanobots in your body.”
Nguyen held up a syringe. “They’re all in here. Millions of nanobots so small that I can inject them into your bloodstream with this syringe. Its called the BioMEMS system, or Biological Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems. These nanobots will essentially create programmable blood inside your body. They can fight pathogens and harmful chemicals. They can repair your cells at the molecular level. And they are a thousand times more effective than your own red blood cells at delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells in your body. With these in your system, you’ll be able to do an Olympic sprint for fifteen minutes without taking a breath.”
“Or sit underwater for twenty to thirty minutes,” said Hawkeye. “That’s come in handy on more than one occasion. The nanobots circulate oxygen to your cells so that your brain doesn’t become starved for oxygen.”
“And the BioMEMS system can communicate with us remotely,” said Nguyen. “Its like having a digital transmitter at the cellular level in your body. The nanobots can continuously transmit information to the Ops Center about what’s happening inside your body. And we can remotely instruct the system to release medicines, supplements, and enhancements into your bloodstream as you need them.”
“So say, for example, that I’m wounded in combat ... ” said Pyro.
“From the Ops Center, we can instruct the BioMEMS system to release morphine for pain control, chemical compounds to fight shock and keep your blood pressure from falling, and clotting agents to help seal the wound and keep you from bleeding out.
”
“Can the nanobots repair a gunshot wound or blunt force trauma?”
“Not yet, but we’re working on that,” said Nguyen. “For now, the BioMEMS system primarily works to enhance your natural abilities. It can help to counter difficult situations and stabilize a wounded solider, especially when the system is monitored and augmented from the Ops Center, and keep him from dying before he can be evacuated.”
Nguyen held up the syringe. “Ready for your first injection?”
“Absolutely,” said Pyro.
“It will take about ten minutes for the nanobots to deploy throughout your system. You’ll feel nothing during that process. But once they start working, you’ll be able to feel the effects immediately. Your energy levels will dramatically increase and your body will be functioning at a drastically heightened level of efficiency. In short, you’ll feel great.”
Nguyen inserted the needle into Pyro’s arm and injected the BioMEMS nanobots. On the monitor, Pyro’s heart rate and blood pressure started to rise. Sweat ran down his forehead.
“Don’t worry,” said Hawkeye. “I was nervous as hell when I went through this. Everyone on Titan Six has the BioMEMS system. You’ll be fine. And in a few minutes, better than fine.”
Pyro nodded. “It’s kind of a weird thought. All these tiny machines swimming around inside me.”
“The next set of nanobots we use is designed to enhance your muscle and sensory systems,” said Nguyen. “These nanobots are designed to migrate to specific locations in your body to perform very specific functions. For example, some of them will accumulate in your muscle tissue to enhance your muscular function and performance.”
“You know how your biceps burn when you do curls, or your legs burn when you cycle or do squats?” asked Hawkeye. “That’s lactic acid building up in your muscle tissue. The nanobots will scrub the lactic acid from your muscles and provide oxygen and chemical supplements to your muscle cells. You’ll be able to run faster, jump farther, and lift twice the weight you’re able to now.”
“Now we’re talking,” said Pyro.
“Your endurance and stamina will be off the charts,” said Nguyen. She retrieved a second syringe.
“Other types of nanobots in this series will deploy to specific areas in your nervous system and enhance your sensory perception. Compared to machines, human neurons are slow. The nanobots augment your own processes to increase speed and efficiency.”
“In other words, the nanobots can selectively enhance your vision and hearing,” said Hawkeye.
Nguyen gave Pyro the second injection. He winced when the needle went into his arm.
“Sorry about that,” said Nguyen.
“How long?” Pyro asked.
“Not long at all.”
Pyro lay back in the chair, waiting nervously while Nguyen monitored his vital signs. Hawkeye watched with keen interest, knowing exactly what Pyro was about to experience. After six minutes, Pyro began to grow restless.
“Look, nothing is happening. Are you sure this works with everyone? I mean its been almost seven minutes. You said -- ”
Without warning, a warm euphoria rolled through Pyro’s body. Colors became vivid and his vision crystallized into remarkable clarity. He heard new sounds that were previously beyond the threshold of his hearing. His body buzzed with a slight tingle. He felt energized, powerful, and acutely alive.
“Whoa,” said Pyro. He looked over at Hawkeye in wonder.
“I know,” Hawkeye said. “No words to describe it.”
Pyro slowly shook his head. “I never imagined ... ”
“Welcome to Titan Six,” said Hawkeye.
“Okay, enough male bonding,” said Nguyen. “I’m going to give you a few more minutes to adjust. Then we’ll talk weapons and body armor.”
Chapter 7
GATOR’S QUARTERS, ABOARD THE ALAMIRANTA
Gator stood in the center of his stateroom, pumping out repetitions of curls with a pair of dumbbells. He was stripped to the waist, wearing only a pair of torn sweatpants. Around Gator’s neck was a gold crucifix on a thick chain.
The walls of the stateroom were adorned with posters of muscle cars and women in bikinis. A Motley Crue track with the volume cranked up poured from a pair of speakers. On Gator’s unmade bed lounged Gator’s Persian cat named Hoff. Gator had shaved Hoff’s coat in a lion’s cut, and the cat’s remaining fur was dyed purple.
Gator finished the set and admired himself in the mirror, flexing his biceps. He took great pride in his body-builder’s physique.
There was a knock at the door.
“Enter,” called Gator.
The door swung open and Tank walked in. He barely fit through the doorway.
“Hey bro,” said Tank.
“Wahssup?” asked Gator. “Want a protein shake?” He pulled a canister from a shelf and began dumping big spoonfuls of chalky powder into a plastic cup.
“Nah, man. I’m good.”
Tank sat down at Gator’s small table. “Listen, we’re on deck for an operation. Hawkeye’s back and will be leading the squad. He wants you on the insertion team.”
“About time Hawkeye came back. You think he’s ready?”
“No doubt,” said Tank. “He’s good.”
“You sure?”
“He’s my brother,” said Tank. “I’m sure.”
“Good enough for me. I’m in.”
Gator gulped down the protein shake in one long pull from the plastic cup, then slammed it down on the counter in triumph.
“Boo-ya!” he announced. Gator dropped into the chair across from Tank.
“Hey, you up for a game?” Gator asked, gesturing to a faded checkerboard.
“Didn’t I beat you the last two times?”
“Nah, I let you win,” said Gator. “C’mon. Just one game.”
“I have to go tell Shooter to gear up for the op.”
“It’ll take five minutes,” said Gator. “Ten tops.”
“Let me go talk to Shooter. The briefing for the op is in thirty minutes. I’ll stop back and we’ll play before we head to the Ops Center. Fair enough?”
“Okay bro.”
As Tank left the room, Gator stood and retrieved his dumbbells to hammer out a set of shoulder presses. Quiet Riot’s “Bang Your Head” started playing and shook the walls. Hoff rolled over and closed his eyes, purring loudly.
SHOOTER’S QUARTERS, ABOARD THE ALAMIRANTA
Tank lowered his massive frame onto a chair built for toddlers, careful not to let much of his weight actually rest on the yellow plastic frame. Seated with him at the small table were a stuffed elephant, three Barbies, Mr. Potatohead — one eye missing — and Shooter’s four-year old daughter, Chantel.
“More tea?” asked Chantel.
“Please,” said Tank.
Tank sipped his invisible tea and chatted with the assembled luminaries. The conversation was remarkably one-sided.
“You do know they can’t actually talk, right?” asked Chantal.
“Says you.”
Chantal giggled.
The door to the stateroom opened and Shooter strolled in. She wore work-out clothes and her body was slick with sweat.
“Hay Tank. Where’s Carmen?” Shooter asked, referring to the baby-sitter.
“She needed to run a quick errand,” said Tank. “Left maybe five minutes ago. I told her I’d stay with Chantal until you got back.”
“Thanks.”
“Listen, we’re on call for an op. Insertion and extraction.”
“Is this about whatever’s been going on in Ops Center since yesterday?” asked Shooter.
“It is. There’s a briefing in a little while.”
“Let me jump in the shower. You mind hanging out for another couple minutes?”
Tank turned to Chantal and the inanimate party guests.
“That okay with you?” he asked.
Chantal nodded, grinning wide, and poured Tank another helping of air tea.
THE ARMORY,
ABOARD THE ALAMIRANTA
The dark streets of Shotgun Alley were quiet. Sodium vapor lights atop lamposts cast weak yellow light over the scene. Hawkeye stalked his prey down cobblestoned alleyways, sliding silently by grey-green dumpsters and piles of discarded rubbish. On his hip was a holstered pistol. Over his shoulder hung a wicked-looking tactical shotgun.
Shotgun Alley was one of four simulation training grounds in the Armory aboard the Alamiranta. The members of Titan Six each had their own pre-op rituals to calm their nerves and mentally prepare for combat. Hawkeye preferred to stalk the virtual enemies lurking in Shotgun Alley.
To Hawkeye’s left, a doorway suddenly opened onto the alley. A holographic soldier in urban battle fatigues raised an assault rifle and fixed Hawkeye in his sights.
Hawkeye’s quick-draw, gunslinger-style, was faster than his opponent. He jerked the pistol from its holster and brought it to bear. Shooting from the hip, Hawkeye fired the futuristic pistol, sending a pulse of shimmering energy that slammed into the enemy target.
“Hey!”
A voice behind Hawkeye distracted his attention as the holographic enemy dissolved in a hiss of static. Hawkeye spun around, raising his pistol.
A grizzled holographic busboy in a stained apron watched fearfully from behind a dumpster. “Hey man -- what the hell?”
From the opposite direction, glass shattered. Hawkeye pivoted on his feet, turning 180 degrees. As he turned, Hawkeye dropped the pistol, then raised his dual-barrel tactical shotgun against his shoulder, sighting down the black barrel. He racked it once, chambering a shell as he scanned the alley.
A figure popped up from behind a pile of boxes, pointing a rifle at Hawkeye.
Hawkeye fired the shotgun, racked, then fired again. The holographic enemy shrieked, then collapsed in a heap of digitized remains.
Another voice sounded behind Hawkeye. Female. And familiar.
Hawkeye turned, dropped to one knee, and raised his shotgun.
“Isn’t this supposed to be a two-player game?” asked Shooter. She brandished a Samurai katana and a pair of pistols at her waist.
Savage Bay Page 5