Kane whispered, “Follow me as fast as you can. Stop for nothing.”
He turned and bolted through brush. The others did the same. Logan heard a blood-curdling scream. Ayeeaaa! Bullets whistled by, striking tree trunks and tearing through leaves. More screams followed, but now they came from both sides. Another burst of bullets. Logan ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Behind him, he could hear Cap puffing and swearing. Ahead of him, Ravenwood glided through the underbrush with amazing ease, and Lena nimbly hurtled over a log.
Soon the terrain angled upward. At times it was so steep Logan used his hands to help pull himself up, running on all fours. The screams grew louder. Ayeeaaa! Ayeeaaa! More and more voices joined the terrifying chorus.
They burst out of the trees and into a large clearing, now dimly lit by the early morning sun. Kane didn’t slow down. He sprinted across the open ground. When he reached the center of the clearing, he suddenly stopped. Logan looked ahead and saw dark silhouettes emerging from the far side of the clearing, echoing the Ayeeaaa call of those pursuing them. They were completely surrounded, driven like animals to the slaughterhouse.
The dark figures slowly walked toward them, tightening the circle. Kane drew his sword. Cap, Logan and Lena followed his example. Laughing, taunting voices replaced the war cries. The Dellian ring grew tighter. Then Logan heard the sound of helicopters approaching. He was almost relieved at the sound.
“Well,” he said to Kane. “At least the Red Legs don’t eat people.”
Cap turned his head to the side and listened to the approaching aircraft. “Guys?” he said. “I’m not sure what’s coming, but it’s not a PRA bird.”
Kane looked at Cap and grinned. “Everyone lie down! Here comes Puff.”
Just then the ground exploded as a thousand rounds ripped through the clearing. The dark figures screamed and turned to run, but the automatic gunfire shredded them to pieces before they could take two steps. Burst after burst cut down clusters of retreating dark figures. A few of them managed to reach the relative protection of the tree line, but even there many met their fates.
Ten seconds later, it was all over. Kane stood and raised his hands in the air as a helicopter quickly descended. Automatic gunfire erupted from the tree line as it approached. The helicopter returned fire using the rotary cannon mounted under its nose, then it landed.
A blonde-haired young woman in a green and brown uniform opened the side door of the helicopter. Next to her was a man behind a 50-caliber machine gun hooked into a sling hanging from the ceiling. She waved and yelled, “Get in! Let’s go! Let’s go!”
They leapt to their feet and ran for the aircraft. One by one, she pulled them aboard and directed them to a spot on a bench. As he boarded, Logan saw the woman had a thin scar running the length of her right jaw; the scar arced up toward the corner of her mouth.
There was a burst of automatic gunfire from the forest.
“Keep ‘em honest,” she said to the man behind the 50-cal.
“Keepin’ ‘em honest, lieutenant,” said the man as he fired several bursts into the trees.
The helicopter lifted back into the air as the woman pulled the sliding door shut. They were joined by three other helicopters, which had been flying in a wide circle above the clearing and periodically firing on pockets of Dellians on the ground.
The pilot looked over his shoulder and said, “We’ve got company, lieutenant. PRA choppers.”
Logan looked through the sliding door’s window and saw four distant dots in the early morning sun.
“Take care of them,” she said.
“Fox one, two and three. Engage the bogies,” the pilot said into his radio.
Cap looked at the distant pursuing aircraft. “Those are probably Rammer 450s. They’re faster and more heavily armed than what we’re in.”
The lieutenant said, “Really? What are we in?”
Cap shrugged and replied, “Some kind of modified old Lockheed design.”
She smiled and said, “I see.”
Cap looked away from her and watched through the side window as the three other helicopters broke away from them and turned toward their pursuers. “I guess the plan is to buy us time with their lives,” he said grimly.
The woman said nothing as Cap continued to watch. Then he leaned forward and placed a hand on the window, staring intently. Logan looked out the window and was amazed by what he saw. Wings emerged from the three helicopters’ undercarriages. As the wings locked into place, a rear-mounted jet engine came to life and provided forward propulsion. The main and tail rotors quickly folded into the fuselage, and the three aircraft suddenly shot forward toward the four PRA helicopters.
The Rammers tried to bank away, but they were too slow. Each one was hit by two guided missiles apiece, causing them to explode and plummet toward the Earth. The fighters continued south and engaged against additional distant PRA helicopters with the same results. Then the fighters turned and headed back.
The woman said, “Take us to fixed wing. Let’s get out of here.”
“Going to fixed wing configuration,” said the pilot. Logan felt the floor vibrate as the wings slid into place. Then they also shot forward, quickly gaining speed and altitude. They joined the three other aircraft as they flew southwest.
“Impressive,” Logan said to the woman, but she did not respond.
Logan looked at Cap. “You didn’t know they had these things, did you.” he said.
Cap shook his head. “Nope.”
“I guess they wait until you’re on active duty before they tell you how dangerous the enemy really is,” said Lena. “Surprise! Here’s a missile up your tailpipe!”
The lieutenant smiled as she listened to the exchange. Then she said, “All right, you three,” pointing the muzzle of a pistol at Logan, Cap, and Lena. “Drop the swords and keep your hands where I can see them.”
Logan looked at Kane, who nodded. “Do what she says,” he said. “It’ll be okay.”
They followed her instructions and placed their swords on the floor of the aircraft. The other soldier gathered the swords and tucked them under the bench he was sitting on.
As they flew toward the southwest Logan noted that the airplane was flying level and straight. He asked the lieutenant if they were concerned about surface-to-air missiles.
“Not since we silenced them last night,” she answered.
Soon the plane rapidly descended and banked left, affording Logan a view of the ground. He saw the wide Mississippi River winding its way south along its ancient course. On the main channel was a line of five long barges traveling downstream. Each barge had guns mounted at the front, middle, and rear.
“What are those?” he asked Kane.
“Northrunner trade barges headed south to the Gulf of Mexico,” replied Kane.
“They look like they’re well prepared for a fight.”
“They are,” he said. “The guns are mostly intended to ward off river pirates.”
“What do they trade?”
“A lot of things. Manufactured goods, grain, timber. They’re most valuable good is iron ore. They’ve got access to the highest-grade ore in the hemisphere, maybe the world.”
“Are they part of the League of Free Cities?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Kane smiled. “They’re friendly toward the League, but they’d rather trade with everyone than pick a side, although they’ve recently stopped trading with the PRA. They object to the PRA’s practice of arming the Dellians, who are the Northrunners’ only real enemy.”
Logan looked out the window again and saw some fields on the west side of the river had been tilled. Between the fields were dozens of ten meter tall vase-shaped structures.
“What are those?” he asked Ravenwood.
“Water collectors. They extract water out of the morning dew and fog.”
“Really?” asked Lena, leaning forward to see the objects. “How much can a collector gather?”
She looked at him in disbelief. “Impossible.”
Ravenwood smiled. “Really?” he said. “We must inform the farmers.”
After a moment, Ravenwood continued. “The water collectors and other arid farming techniques are becoming less essential, though. The pre-Impact weather patterns are returning. The Waste is turning green again.”
“Why not just use the river to irrigate the land?” asked Lena.
“The river water is needed to replenish nearly exhausted continental aquifers, so farmers rely on the collectors instead.”
Logan heard the aircraft’s landing gear opening. In a few moments they were on the ground at an air base. As they taxied along, Logan saw other aircraft parked in small groups around what he assumed were air defense batteries. When they came to a stop, the lieutenant slid the side door open. They stepped on the wing and hopped down to the ground, where they were greeted by three soldiers with automatic weapons.
Chapter 45
“Welcome to Jasper Air Force Base,” said Kane.
The lieutenant pointed at the swords under the bench and one of the guards collected them. Kane handed over his sword, dagger, and knives, and Ravenwood gave them his knife. Another soldier gave them all a pat-down. They found the Apollo Stone and medallion and handed them to the lieutenant. Logan was about to protest, but Ravenwood shot him a look that silenced him.
Satisfied they were unarmed, the lieutenant led them toward a long two-story building at the edge of the airstrip. The guards fell into line behind them. They reached the building, and a guard at the door stood to attention as they entered. The lieutenant led them down a flight of stairs and opened the door to a room with a large conference table in the middle. Two women dressed in civilian clothing were seated at the table. One was rather stocky and wore her red hair in a braided ponytail. The other had a thin athletic build. She had black hair, although there were strands of gray running through it. Next to the black-haired woman sat a man in his early fifties with a pockmarked, face. He wore a League uniform with a general’s star on each epaulette.
The red-haired women at the table smiled and said, “Ravenwood. Glad you made it.”
She nodded at Kane. “You never cease to amaze, Kane. It was a difficult mission, but somehow you managed to rescue these three on your own. It’s nothing short of a miracle.”
“Thank you, Consul Sawyer. Ravenwood was there too, and the Pacific Federation’s satellites jammed their drone signals which helped us slip through their net.” he replied. He looked at Logan, Cap, and Lena. “And these three pulled their weight.”
Consul Sawyer turned her attention to the three young people. “Welcome to Jasper Air Force Base, Free City of Davenport. You look exhausted.”
No one spoke for a moment. The three friends looked at each other, hesitating. Then Logan said, “We’ve had a long journey, much of it on foot.”
“We could use a shower and a hot meal,” said Lena.
“And a week of sleep,” added Cap.
“Of course,” said Consul Sawyer. “Let me first introduce myself. I am Consul Sawyer and this is Consul Young. I represent the cities of Iowa. Consul Young represents the cities of Missouri.” The dark-haired woman nodded without smiling.
“And to my right is the Jasper Base commander, General Espinoza.
“What are your names,” asked Consul Sawyer.
“I suspect you already know our names,” said Logan.
Sawyer smiled at him. “Yes, but I’d like to hear you say them.”
“I’m Logan Brandt. These are my friends Lena Castell and Michael Caparelli.”
Consul Young directed her dark eyes toward Lena and said in a raspy voice, “We understand you’re Guardian Castell’s daughter. Is that right?”
Lena nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”
“That would explain why the PRA’s comms traffic has tripled in the past week,” said General Espinoza.
“This must be very embarrassing for your father,” said Consul Young. “How’s he going to succeed as Grand Guardian with you defecting to the enemy?”
“Who says I’m defecting?” asked Lena, returning Consul Young’s gaze.
“You’re on the wrong side of the river, my dear,” said Consul Young after a pause. “What would you call that?”
General Espinoza leaned forward and said, “And if you’re not a defector, you’d sure as hell better not be a spy.”
Lena did not respond, but Logan could see she was fighting to suppress her anger.
Ravenwood cleared his throat. He laced his fingers together in front of his waist and gave a slight bow. “Consuls Sawyer and Young. General Espinoza. We have new information that will help explain why the PRA is preparing its all-out offensive.”
Espinoza nodded and said to the lieutenant. “Lieutenant Styles, please show these three where they can get cleaned up and eat some hot chow. Then get them each a bunk. They are to be under observation at all times, lieutenant. I don’t care if they’re sittin’ on the head sweatin’ one out. I want eyes on them.”
“Yes sir,” said Lieutenant Styles.
“Lieutenant Styles,” said Ravenwood. “Before you go, can you please hand over the small round object and medallion the guards took from Mr. Brandt?”
Lieutenant Styles looked at General Espinoza. He nodded. Styles handed the items to Ravenwood.
As they were leaving, Logan heard Consul Young say, “Okay, Ravenwood. What’s on your mind this time?”
Chapter 46
Thirty minutes after they had left the conference room, Logan, Cap, and Lena were showered and sitting at a table in the mess hall. Their guards stood behind them a few meters away.
“This stuff isn’t bad,” said Cap around a mouthful of food.
“Speak for yourself,” said Lena as she wrinkled her nose at something she had speared with her fork.
“After this, I’m taking a twelve-hour nap,” continued Cap. “My bones are tired.”
“And what’s with these ridiculous beige jumpers?” Lena continued, pulling on the material.
“At least they’re clean,” said Cap.
“Lena,” said Logan. “You should eat. The way things have been going for us lately, I’m not sure where our next meal is coming from.”
“Or when,” added Cap.
Lena folded her arms and frowned at her plate. “What are we supposed to do now?” she asked. “We were so focused on getting out of the PRA that we never stopped to think about what we’d do when we got here.”
Logan nodded. “True. They’re going to debrief us. The question is, how much do they think we know.”
“They’ll be disappointed with me,” said Cap. “I know Jack Shit, and Jack just left town. But they’re going to want to have a long talk with you, Lena.”
“And right away,” said Logan. “I hate to say it, but word that we crossed the river has probably gotten back to the Capitol District. Your father’s under suspicion by now if he wasn’t already.”
“I’m aware of the situation,” she answered tersely.
“What made you start working with Attika and her people anyway?” asked Cap as he bit into an apple.
“Why should I tell you?” she snapped.
Cap shrugged as he ate. “Suit yourself.”
Lena looked at her food and tapped her fork in the tray a couple times. Then she said, “It started when my father was chief of National Infrastructure Security. I used to hear him talk on the phone about the mining developments a lot. It was a tough job. He was constantly under pressure to maintain coal production. Ninety percent of the energy required to power the PRA’s electric grid is pulled out of holes in the ground. But the mines were always under-producing. To keep the Capitol District and major cities lit at night, he had to cut power to the regions at seven or eight p.m. And sometimes the regions suffered rolling brownouts during the hours of peak energy demand. They still do, I’m sure.”
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p; “So your dad wasn’t in the military?” asked Cap. “I would have thought the Defense Guardian would have to be an army guy.”
“No,” answered Lena. “He was made Defense Guardian because of his support for Harken during the Rededication. The power struggle could have gone a couple different ways. His support helped Harken isolate his main rival, so when he became Grand Guardian, Harken put him in charge of Defense.”
“Loyalty over competency,” said Cap. “It’s the PRA way.”
“My father is extremely competent,” said Lena, coolly.
Cap held up his hands in apology. Then he picked up the apple from Lena’s plate and took a bite. She glared at him but continued.
“Three years ago, I found records of a massive mining cave-in that had happened while he was still in charge of infrastructure. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of people died, but his main concern was to get production back on line. To meet his quota, he ordered heavy equipment in to dig out the rubble. He didn’t care about searching for survivors or returning bodies to families. That’s when I realized our government has made people into monsters.”
She looked at Logan and then Cap. “My father’s not a bad man. He made perfectly rational decisions to keep production up, to keep the PRA progressing forward, but the effects of those decisions on people were horrible. I decided then that things had to change, fast.”
“So what did you do?” asked Cap.
“I hacked his computer and stole production figures, military-installation plans, troop-movement schedules. Whatever I could get my hands on.” she said. “Then I let Professor Garrison know that I was not the enthusiastic lover of the Guardians I pretended to be.”
“Garrison?” asked Cap.
“Makes sense,” said Logan. “He’s the one who tipped me off to the Apollo space program, and I met Attika through him.”
Lena nodded. “That’s how it worked for me too,” she said. “It started out as a few innocent conversations. He was very careful about what he said, but after a couple weeks he felt satisfied that I was sincere and he put me in touch with Attika. I started feeding her information.”
The Navigator (The Apollo Stone Trilogy Book 1) Page 27