Alex was still in a blissful trance, eyes half-open, lips continuing to kiss air.
"There are so many things I want to say to that," Steve chuckled, shaking his head as he followed Clark inside.
***
"It's like nothing can kill you, hermano," Travis said, meeting Steve in the middle of the basketball court.
“I don't know about that, Travis,” Steve replied, initiating a half-handshake, half hug. “Let’s just call it lucky.”
West and Charlie paused their conversation with three Marines to greet Steve.
"Glad to see you came out of it, eh. Had us worried."
“Ya, Dyl’s been asking about you. It’ll be good to let him know you’re up.”
"Thanks guys. Good to be on my feet. By the way, Charlie, how is Dylan?"
“Eh, he’s doing alright. Been able to get up and walk around, so that’s good. But he’s still sad and angry about Ally, better days and worse days I guess.”
“Understandable. I’d like to swing by and check on him and the others soon.”
“I’m sure he’d like that.”
“West, so what’s going on here?”
“You’ll see, come on.”
West guided the men to a folding table across the court where the sunlight shined best, but on the way, Steve detoured to Staff Sergeant Fikejs who was surrounded by Ryan, Mack, Flenderson, and Mason.
"Excuse me, Fikejs? Sorry, I don't know your first name, but I wanted to thank you for saving my life."
“Fikejs is fine. I’ve been called that since I was in high school,” the Marine replied, accepting Steve’s handshake. “But you're welcome. I'm just glad you pulled through."
"Thanks again. And I wanted to offer my condolences for the men you lost."
"I appreciate it. Stenetti, Case and Ringo were good men-"
"The boy lives," interrupted a sour voice from a man strapped to a chair next to the table.
"Shut up, Voldemort," Alex said, tugging roughly on the bindings holding Albert Stone in place.
Albert’s swollen face scowled. He was more than visibly discontent. It looked as though someone took a red, fine-tipped permanent marker and dragged a line from two inches into his hairline, down his forehead, over his left eye and ending above his lip- only this hook-like drawing was done with a blade. "Odds were less than thirty percent that you would wake up."
"One more word, and I get the knife again," West threatened, and that was enough to silence the captive. "Alright now that we are all here, let's begin.”
Steve joined West, TJ, Becca, Clark, Alex, Travis, Fikejs and his Marines at the table. Taped to the plastic surface were multiple maps for highways, terrain and other hand drawn schematics and information cards with routes, times, and descriptions that Steve was finding difficult to decipher, but he listened patiently and held back initial questions.
“As many of you know, Albert has given us the location of Elizabeth Baron’s HQ..."
Using a ruler, West pointed to an area slightly north of Buffalo, New York.
“It's located underneath Niagara Falls. The perfect site. Unlimited supply of fresh water, hydroelectricity, cover from satellites, and the moving water and cold temperatures make it near impossible for thermo sensors to pick up the underground base...”
West tapped the end of the ruler on a hand-drawn map next to it.
"Additionally, Albert has given us a path, via secure tunnel that we need to take to infiltrate the facility undetected."
"How can you be sure he was telling the truth?"
West removed Albert’s pill canister. “He had another episode. He was telling the truth.”
Albert looked away disgusted- in himself or the torture techniques, the reason was unclear.
“Unfortunately, we don't have thesesupposed passcodes that will allow us to gain entry into said tunnel. Albert has decided to hold on to those until we are there.”
Albert scratched an itch on his cheek using his shoulder. “I'd rather not be lynched in this piece of shit town.”
Steve looked confused. "You've kept him alive this far, why would we kill him?"
Clark leaned in to Steve. “After the townspeople found out about this conspiracy, most wanted him dead.”
Albert smiled sarcastically. “And isn’t it ironic. My captors actually care about me.”
“Seriously, Alanis Morissette, what’s with you and ridiculous quotes,” Alex said, but stopped when every person gave him a “says the guy who quotes everything” look. “Damn, that’s what it feels like? My bad, guys, my bad.”
West turned to Albert. “We don’t give a shit about you. Just what's in your head. And don't get too comfortable either.”
“We were doing some thinking,” Travis followed. “We knew there was more than just administering Ambrosia to the public. We wanted to know how they were going to control it.”
“So the mission parameters have slightly changed. It isn't just about getting inside and capturing Liz and wiping out her headquarters.”
“What? Why not?”
“You've been out a while, Steve. You missed a lot. Albert also told us about this briefcase. It holds the technology that controls the Ambrosia. He didn't specify what it was, though.”
Albert rolled his eyes. “I can't give everything away.”
“How'd you get him to tell you that much?”
“I have overheard them chatting about you,” Albert said, looking up and down Steve. “For someone who has such great situational awareness, I'm surprised you couldn't deduce that.” He tilted the left side of his face into to the light in order to accentuate the still-healing wound. “Unless, and more likely, you incorrectly assumed this injury was received via the plane crash.”
“West, you tortured him?”
“We needed the information, and he didn’t need the pills. We needed to know the bigger icture.”
Fikejs and his men backed up West’s decision. "This is war and we are soldiers who captured a very valuable enemy combatant."
Steve wanted to condemn the act, but then he remembered Jimmy Sanchez; and days before when he almost killed Dr. Crowley in cold blood.
“Animals is what you are,” Albert said acidly.
“So what's the plan, West?”
“We travel to Niagara, infiltrate the compound, eliminate all enemy combatants, and capture both the Ambrosia-controlling technology and Elizabeth Baron.”
TJ held up a hand as though he was in school. “Pardon, but I still don't understand. And I know Bex and I haven’t been here for every meeting, but why don't we just approach your government? We show up and tell them everything that happened?”
"At the very least, acquire military support," added Becca.
"Not a good idea. We were trying to avoid that before and now, more than ever," West said definitively.
Steve appeared confused. "Why not?"
“Before we crashed, do you remember everyone talking about the Secretary of Defense?”
“Ya. Not all of it, but something about him possibly being involved.”
“Well, Albert also confirmed that, by his own volition surprisingly.”
Albert justified the volunteered information by saying, “I don't like it when my enemies try to kill me, let alone the people on my side.”
“We simply can't approach the Secretary of Defense. He has the public, government, and military under his control.”
"What do you mean?"
"Play it for him, Ryan," Fikejs ordered casually.
As the Marine powered on the radio, West continued.
“Norman Chiller is working with the LIFE Corp. The assassination of Vice President Simmons wasn't solely to keep President Tufase’s final testament covered, but also to get Chiller to ascend to the Presidency. That's also why we believe he shot down Air Force Two and us. He knew that everyone who could possibly know the truth would be in those planes. Take them out, no evidence, no conspiracy, and no questions.”
The radio broadcast
was already a few seconds in, but Steve heard the most important parts.
"...Americans. This is Norman Chiller, former Secretary of Defense. I have some terrible news to relay to you. Almost one week ago, President Tufase was killed at Blue Springs, a location many of you near the west coast were most likely heading to. There was an outbreak that no one survived, including our Commander in Chief. Sadly, the bad news does not stop there. The Vice President was informed and on his way to meet with myself and the other cabinet members, when Air Force Two was victim to a cowardly suicide attack by members of the terrorist organization known as Fareshtegan-eh Marg. Our intelligence services have confirmed that the initial viral outbreak and subsequent attacks were planned, orchestrated, and executed by former United States soldier and leader of Fareshtegan-eh Marg, a man named Craig West. Furthermore, it has been discovered that their plans did not end with the release of the virus. In fact, West and his compatriots had been waiting for the release of a vaccine to continue their plans for global anarchy. I'm sure many of you heard President Tufase's broadcast about the locations where the vaccine would be delivered. Unfortunately, if you are there or making your way there, you will find no such vaccine. These same terrorists managed to destroy the facility that was producing the vaccine before the shipments could be delivered. But the LIFE Corporation is hard at work, and I have been informed they will be setting up a temporary vaccine production facility on site by next week. Additionally, Elizabeth Baron, the owner of LIFE Corp, has assured me she will personally oversee operations there. These are trying times, but I am asking all Americans to stay strong and do what they do best. To keep fighting. Do not give up, there is an end to these times and I believe that end is soon..."
“Corporal Ryan, you can shut it off.”
"What the- that's not what happened!"
"I know, Steve, and that's not all,” West said gloomily. “The broadcast goes on to say how Chiller will be sworn in as the new President. Then gives instructions the public to join him at agathering; says the infection-free zone will be the start of some sort of revolution."
"Now do you see why they won't believe us?" asked Travis.
“Oh, and I forgot the best part,” continued West. “Later in the broadcast, Chiller gives out names and descriptions of myself and the rest of us who were at the Nevada Facility, and that wanted posters will be handed out and attached to food drops throughout the US. He has branded us enemies of the state.”
“And the best-best part is,” added Alex, “Anyone who captures us or gives information leading to our capture will receive a reward. It’s like we’re Butch Cassidy and Sundance, bro.”
Charlie appeared as steadfast as the rest. "So why would anyone believe us? They got everyone thinking exactly what they want them to think."
“So, if I approached the wrong person in the government, they would just call me a terrorist, wave their made-up evidence, and kill me and everyone I’m with on the spot. No questions asked.”
“What about the back-up flash drive? Does Matty still have it?”
“No, it got destroyed in the plane crash.” West leaned against the table and continued, “I do have evidence stored away: a sample of the virus and my mission docs, but on its own and without corroboration it’s a last resort.”
“Last resort? Seems pretty solid to me, why not use it?”
Fikejs maintained a reluctant expression. “Like West said, the government’s dirty. We don’t know who’s working for LIFE and who’s not.”
“Doesn’t matter if us Marines testify to what we’ve seen and heard neither,” followed Mason.
“Agreed, cousin. Under this new military regime, they are even freer to label us soldiers turned terrorist sympathizers. It wouldn’t be the first time in history that the good guys are made out to be the enemy. Believe me when I say Mason and I have seen it happen to our own kin in Scotland and IRA family in Ireland. I can only imagine how swift the action and how grave the result if we go about this the wrong way.”
“Since we cannot trust the government,” West said, waiting for the attention to shift from Flenderson to him, “we only have one play. We have to do this on our own. Once we take care of LIFE and gather the new evidence, we will approach the public, and along with Liz’s confession, the conspiracy will be exposed and the truth will be indisputable.”
Chest pushed out and shoulders pulled back, Fikejs declared, “You know me and my Marines are in.”
“Oo rah, Staff Sergeant!”
“Fuckers are gonna pay.”
“For Ringo, Case, and Stenetti!”
“Don’t forget Dralston and Preston!”
"Do your numbers include the drunk ones stumbling down Main Street?" Becca asked incredulously.
TJ piggybacked on the sarcasm. "You mean you don’t feel confident, sis? Theyhave taken one or two days off drinking.”
Ryan took an aggressive step toward TJ. "I'll take my Marines drunk over you and your Aussie sister any day. Besides, no one is forcing you to come."
“First of all, we aren’t Australian.”
“I don’t know how many times we have to remind you idiots. We’re from New Zealand. We aren’t convicts.”
“Fuckin’ munters.”
“What’d you just call us?”
“Would you prefer the term fuck-wit?”
"Calm down,” Clark said, stepping between the two parties. “I think TJ and Becca were just making a point that maybe everyone should be sober before this goes down. No disrespect."
Travis whistled at ear-piercing volume. “Listen up, people. We have a lot to discuss and not a lot of time. If you want to fight, step outside, otherwise shut up and give your attention to West.”
“Thanks, Travis. Okay, onto the plan. LIFE’s HQ has fifty-five security personnel-”
“Ahem.”
Albert’s fake cough was enough to interrupt and gain attention.
“But thesesecurity personnel are not to be valued at the same caliber as the ones my brother had stationed at the Nevada facility. These men are my mother’s best and most loyal. They are killers and the best at what they do.”
“When’s this going down?” asked Steve.
“We set out in three days time. We need to get to Liz before she leaves her HQ,” answered West. “Getting back on track, I’d like to direct everyone’s attention to the map Charlie is handing out. We will move in trucks until we are two miles from the Falls. Albert says there are security sensors and cameras inside that range that will register vehicles and activity. So, we need to hoof it in from there. Travis.”
The Second Lieutenant stepped forward and continued. “On December 14th at 0900 hours, we will arrive at a secret entrance to the underground facility located to the southwest of the visitor’s kiosk. Once inside, we will split into two teams with two goals. Team one has the primary objective. They will locate and secure the Ambrosia-controlling device and detain Elizabeth Baron. Albert has informed us that the device will most likely be in Liz’s private office and Liz herself divides time between said office and their command room,” he said, pointing to the exact rooms on the hand drawn sketch. “Team two will move to the power room and set explosive charges on the hydroelectric generators. Once Liz and the briefcase are secure, team one will inform team two who will detonate charges to flood the facility. Staff Sergeant.”
“This will be treated like a military operation, and you will be expected to follow orders at all times,” Fikejs said, taking over. “West will lead Team One, and I will lead Team Two. Team Three, our backup slash communications team, will be led by Clark and stationed here in Fullertown.”
Clark stepped forward only long enough to say, “That is correct. Myself along with a few others will be in touch via long range radios and the satellite phones you supplied, West. We have our code phrases and we will track your progress and be available in the event of an emergency or assistance is requested.”
“Thank you, Clark,” continued Fikejs. “Beginning this af
ternoon, we will rehearse our movements until we move as a seamless, cohesive unit. Detailed copies of the layout are being made and will be passed out. You will be expected to study and know them front and back. There’s no room for error on this, people.”
Off to the side, Albert snickered. “I’m curious, Sergeant Major. Did you intentionally choose to leave out the reason your mission will not succeed?”
“What's he talking about?” asked Mason.
“I’m talking about the Artificial Intelligence that runs our headquarters...you somehow managed to control LIA at the Nevada facility, but there is absolutely no way you will be able to do the same at Niagara. MIA, the AI that was developed specifically for this facility, is easily ten years ahead of anything any government has.”
“Matty can do it.”
Albert snorted at Alex’s comment. “I knew of your friend Matty Finch. My mother and I discussed recruiting him to develop our system. He is good, I will give him that, but he is not the best and we only contract the best.”
West walked over to Albert. “You told me that you could control it.”
“My words were ‘I could controlher for some time.’ You see MIA is different from anything you have ever heard regarding advanced artificial intelligence systems. She has access to every piece of information ever published and was programmed for continual learning. From military strategy to medical surgery, her level of intelligence, understanding, and problem solving abilities are even superior to mine- and I admit I have no equal. Her central processing works in tandem with physiological sensors and cameras distributed throughout the facility. She will hear everything you say down to a whisper. She will read your body language, identify the weapons in your hands and detect the chemical compositions of the explosives in your bags. In a matter of seconds, she will run your faces through every identification database that existed before the outbreak, and by extension, will know that you are not authorized individuals and thus deduce that you are there to harm the facility. While her one drawback is her digital design, she cannot physically stop you, but MIA will track your movements and report your positions to the Guardsman. She will play out every feasible scenario based on the choices you make and ones you intend to make. So after MIA controls your access and traps you where she wants, the Guardsmen will gun you down and clean you up.”
The Longest Road (Book 3): The Other Side Page 69