The vampire, crazed with pain, tried to bite the wheel holding it down.
“All aboard, this is the last train leaving,” said Sandman over the tacticom.
At the side of vehicle, a wedge-shaped door fell forward, making a ramp.
Two men in battle gear stood to both sides of the doorway, firing into the vampires at Rachel’s back.
She ran, barely reaching the ramp when a scream and the sounds of Flak cursing came from behind her. She and Sinunu turned simultaneously.
It was the vampire that had been trapped under the wheel. Rachel had thought it out of the action, but she hadn’t looked close enough. The man was unaugmented, and even though his guts still hung from the ragged hole in his stomach, the thing had obviously turned to mist and escaped the weight of the huge vehicle.
Rachel watched in horror as the small, slim vampire, who could barely hold itself upright, took bold of Truxa by the back of her neck, and hauled her away from the group.
Flak and de Vries were too busy trying to hold off the vampires advancing from the rear to do anything. By now the vampire had dragged Truxa deep into the midst of the surging mass of infected flesh.
Sinunu moved like a blur, leaping off the ramp and plunging toward the waiting enemy. Quick as she was, de Vries was even faster.
As he moved, he shouted a word and cast his hands into the air in front of him, a fire elemental sprang to life and descended on the vampires. The old man was set on fire and flung ten meters into the air. He landed among his cohorts, setting several of them ablaze, and scattering the rest.
Like a tornado, de Vries descended on his own kind, following the elemental, and tearing into the horde like some insane thresher in a field of fetid wheat. Ripping the lesser vampires apart, he cut a swath through their ranks, and he seemed to swell with each of the vamps he killed.
De Vries’ bellow of rage was a terrible thing to hear, and Rachel found herself flinching from the sound. The vampires standing against him tried to fight back, but they were no match for de Vries’ power and fury.
Behind him, Sinunu had his back, so when a small group of vampires tried to flank him, she was there. flring with blinding accuracy.
Still, it was no use. The vampires were passing Truxa’s limp body over their heads, each of them taking a small chunk out of her, until Rachel could see the white of bone beneath her blood-covered skin. The elf’s sling hung from her broken arm like a bloodied flag of truce.
Rachel knew Truxa was dead, and even if she wasn’t, she was certainly infected. Still, de Vries fought on.
Behind Rachel, the two men who were guarding the door of the huge truck came down the ramp and ushered her into the vehicle. She turned to find herself face to face with an older man, sweat running down his face, his silvering hair plastered to the side of his head.
From pictures she had seen, she knew instantly that it was Warren’s father.
“Rachel, we’ve got to go. There’s no way we can hold them back any longer.” Even as he said that, his hand shot out, pushing Rachel down and firing over her head.
Rachel didn’t even bother to look and see how close the vampire had come. Over the tacticom, Flak’s voice, choked and nearly unintelligible, said, “Pull back. She’s… she’s gone.”
Out in the center of the vampires, de Vries and Sinunu fought on, but now, even de Vries was threatened with being overwhelmed.
A commotion to the duo’s left caught Rachel’s attention.
The elemental, which had been destroying vampires left and right, faded suddenly and was gone.
There seemed to be a communication between Sinunu and de Vries. As one, they turned back toward the vehicle, fighting their way through the vampires separating them from the men who had come to rescue them.
A team of men in battle armor came from the right, led by a big, redheaded ork who had lost his helmet somewhere in the fray.
Using lasers and heavy-caliber rifles, the men cleared a path back, and the two groups met in the middle of the fray. Firing as they ran, the group covered ground in long strides and made the vehicle before the vampires could regroup.
Rachel, standing on the platform and firing into the crowd of vampires to help keep up the confusion, watched as Sinunu climbed up beside her.
Sinunu wasn’t crying, though Rachel knew her own eyes were stinging with tears. Instead, the other woman’s eyes had gone dead, and Rachel shuddered at what she saw behind those lifeless pink orbs.
26
Play with cybermancy and you play with the basic processes of life itself, and the integrity of the spirit. There’s no bigger game. Unlike the Azzies, that may be all there is to it for Ordo Maximus. They’re into the power and secrecy. It’s as simple as that.
–From encrypted telecom transcripts posted to Shadowland BBS by Captain Chaos, 11 December 2056. Identity of speakers not definitively verified.
Deep below, standing in operating theater number two, Oslo Wake watched the strategic retreat of the Fratellanza, Inc. Forces.
Beside him. Pakow shifted nervously. Wake could almost taste the man’s fear, could smell the stink of sweat on him.
Wake smiled to himself. The man was like a pane of new glass. Still, Wake was pleased by how things had gone, As the last of the trucks pulled out of sight, he sighed.
“Have security recall the troops and order a clean-up detail. I want a full report, losses on both sides as well as equipment damage. I also want to know how the runners penetrated our computer system so easily, Lastly, there will probably be several new arrivals tonight. I want them tagged and implanted if possible, destroyed if not. If there are any new metas in the mix, I want a count of them, and I want them sequestered until I can speak with them personally”
“Of course,” said Pakow. “I’ll relay the order.”
Wake smiled again when he noticed how quickly Pakow had gotten himself under control. “I’m actually quite pleased,’ Wake said. “Tonight’s activities have invigorated me tremendously. From the trideo I’ve seen so far, I’d have to say that our shock troops did quite well.”
Pakow looked troubled. “Excuse me?”
Wake laughed, and clapped a hand on Pakow’s shoulder, pretending not to notice when the other man flinched. “Doctor Pakow, our troops had absolutely no training other than the natural instincts provided by our treatments, and no weapons other than a few built into their cyber. Yet they managed to stave off a heavily armed assault conducted by seasoned professionals. If ever there was an indication that we’re on the right track here, tonight was certainly it.”
Wake watched as Pakow forced an airless chuckle. “Of course, Doctor Wake.”
Wake smiled and knew without a doubt the impact that smile had on Pakow. The smaller man paled. “Now, my dear doctor, there is something I would like to show you.”
Pakow nodded, but didn’t say anything.
Wake made a few adjustments on the monitors, and watched as the playback showed the small group of runners storming the room below.
“Hey, this isn’t Warren.” The voice from the monitor was soft, feminine, but with an edge to it that Wake admired.
He played the whole loop, not bothering to look at Pakow. As the one Wake had come to realize must be the Martin de Vries stepped out of the supply elevator carrying a body obviously meant to replace Warren’s, Wake froze the image.
“Isn’t he simply magnificent?” Wake whispered under his breath. Then he turned to look at Pakow, who had gone a dangerous shade of purple, his dark eyes fixed on the monitor. “He truly is the pinnacle of what we’re trying to achieve here. A full vampire who is in complete control of himself, who has retained his soul. What I wouldn’t give to have him under observation for a few months. Still, his flaws are obvious, and I will be honored to one day turn them into strengths.”
Pakow gained control awkwardly.
“Come, Doctor Pakow,” Wake said, killing the picture on the monitor. “It’s time to get to work on our patient. When I learned th
at Marco’s brother was coming to attempt a rescue, I took the liberty of moving Warren’s body to the backup facility. I meant to tell you, but I guess I was preoccupied.”
Wake looked up just in time to see Pakow swallow hard, his protruding Adam’s apple bobbing. In that moment, Wake actually found it in his heart to feel sorry for the other man. You didn’t ask for this, did you, little man? You didn’t ask for the burden of being the salvation of metahumanity, and the pressure got to you.
Pakow cleared his throat, and pushed a heavy lock of hair up off his forehead. The hair stayed for just a moment, then fell back down again. “Where are we going?”
Wake looked at him closely. finding a perverse pleasure in watching the man squirm under his gaze. “Doctor Pakow, you don’t look so well. Have you been pushing too hard?”
Pakow’s face turned positively ashen, then he nodded. “Maybe. I am feeling a bit… tired.”
Wake nodded. “My apologies, Doctor. Unfortunately, any rest will have to wait. I’m a bit tired myself, and could certainly use your expertise for this next crucial step. After that you should take a break. It’s been a tiring day.”
Wake led Pakow out of the room and down the hall to operating theater number six. He stepped into the dimly lit room. This one was identical to the other five operating theaters, complete with an experimental tank in the middle. Except this one held Warren D’imato.
“Well, hello, my friend,” Wake said to the figure down below.
“Is that Warren D’imato?”
Wake ignored Pakow’s stupid question. He spoke in a quiet whisper, addressing Warren. “You are about to be given a gift beyond your wildest imaginings. If your procedure goes well, you will become one of the most powerful creatures ever to walk the earth. How does that grab you?”
Pakow had gone over to the control console. “You’ve started the procedure on him,” he said. “How far has it gone?”
Wake shook his head. “Not far. I’ve done the ritual magic, but haven’t yet exposed him to the first viral bath. I’d like you to do that, and take over the rest of the process. I’m going to be busy for a while.”
Pakow gave him a grave nod. “I understand”
“Do you?”
“I’ll let you know when the procedure is complete,” Pakow said.
Without answering, Wake made his way from the operating theater and was heading for his office. By the time he reached his sanctuary, a small beep told him that someone had tracked him down on his private line. “Right on time,” said Wake.
Hitting the Connect button Wake found himself face to face with Marco D’imato. Wake had been expecting this call, but Marco’s condition took him by surprise. The vampire’s deterioration was occurring much faster than he’d anticipated. The man’s makeup was a drifting sludge on his black face, and his dark lips were trembling.
Covering, Wake said, “Doctor Wake here. What can I do for you, Mister D’imato?”
Marco’s voice was a dry rasp. “What happened?”
Wake laughed. “Exactly what I expected. Your brother and his compatriots met with a bit more resistance than they had anticipated. They fled with their tails between their legs, so to speak.”
“Is Julius dead?”
Wake frowned. “No, and he did a great deal of damage, which you will be paying for. However, as far as I’ve been able to determine, he was unharmed during the fray.”
Marco shook his head, and blood-tinted sweat flew from his forehead. “Not possible. I know Julius, and if he came and saw your facility, there’s no way he would have left without Warren.”
Wake smiled, and he could see Marco, even in the state he was in. draw back from that grin. “Then you know very little about possibilities, Mister D’imato, Point of fact is that I have just left the room containing your nephew. Point of fact, your brother led a failed assault, and left after being soundly defeated.”
Marco shook his head again. “He’ll be back, with more firepower.”
Wake leaned into the screen. “Unless, of course, you prevent him from doing so, I am a doctor, Mister D’imato, and I really don’t have the time to be worrying about this.”
Marco shrugged. “You’re right. How is Warren?”
Wake sat down in the chair. “He’s doing remarkably well. We’ll be beginning the treatment soon.”
Marco nodded, and showed his teeth in a fierce grin. “That’s good news, at least. When will he be mobile?”
Wake weighed his answer carefully. “Another couple of days, provided there aren’t complications. Speaking of complications, I’m guessing from your appearance that there’s been a reoccurrence of your spasms?”
Marco nodded, his shoulders drooping.
Wake steepted his fingers under his chin. “I’ve done some tests, and I’m quite concerned. However, I think I might have pinned down part of the problem. I’m setting up a treatment for you that should correct things, and if my analysis proves out, I might actually be able to restore some of the damage done to you during the initial procedure.”
For the first time since their conversation began, Wake watched Marco’s face light up. “You’re kidding. I thought you said the damage was irreversible?”
Wake smiled, “I didn’t say I was promising anything. Thanks, however, to your generous contributions to the project, I’ve been able to make some advances that even I didn’t know were possible. But there isn’t much time. We have to arrest the deterioration in your system before it does more damage. When can you come out?”
Marco’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Wake thought he might have tipped his hand. However, all Marco said was, “How long will this procedure take?”
Wake pretended to check something on the desk, trying to weigh his answer into a balance that would provide Marco with something believable, without making it seem impossible. “It’s a complete battery of submersions, as well as injection, therapy, but my guess would be that it won’t take more than a month, six weeks at the most. Depending, of course, on how well your body is able to adjust.”
Marco didn’t answer for a moment. Then, “You realize that this is a very precarious time for my organization. Especially now with my brother creating problems.”
Wake nodded. “Yes, but Warren will be up and able by the end of the week. Couldn’t you put him in charge as soon as he returns? You could even claim that you know where he is and that you are going to fetch him. Then you could say you’re going to Europe to take in the baths, or something. We could set up a line, so that Warren could report to you each day.”
The dark gleam in Marco’s eye let Wake know he’d said just enough.
“Doctor Wake, you are worthy of my trust. While the plan is far from foolproof, it isn’t like I will be out of the country or anything. If something goes wrong, I’ll just interrupt the procedure and take care of it.”
Wake hid his smile. “Tomorrow morning, then? It will be the last time you’ll be able to look at the sun for a couple of weeks.”
Marco nodded. “I’ll be there.”
Wake cut the connection. He paused for a moment, and took a deep breath, then punched in a private number.
Pakow answered on the first ring. “Yes?” He looked disheveled and was breathing heavily.
“Have you started the procedure?” Wake asked.
Pakow nodded. “Yes, I’m injecting the solution into the tank as we speak. Is there a problem?”
Wake shook his head. “Not really. I think I’ve taken care of it.”
Wake watched as Pakow’s eyes narrowed, though his voice was carefully neutral. “What is it?”
“I want one of the full stasis rooms prepared by tomorrow morning. Not one of the tanks, but one of the big rooms in delta wing. Set it up so it looks like a regular treatment room. Mister D’imato is going to be our guest for a while. I’ve convinced him we might have a way to slow his deterioration. I want him put in stasis. He’s only got about a month of life left in him anyway, and it’s time we removed him from th
e equation before he jeopardizes our operation.”
Pakow looked puzzled. “That’s a lot of resources to devote to someone you want out of your way. Why don’t we just finish him when he comes in?”
Wake laughed. “My dear doctor, those are very harsh words from someone who took an oath to preserve life.”
Pakow didn’t join in. “Universal Omnitech didn’t require either you or I to take any oath. In fact, I think they would have been opposed to the whole idea of preserving life when any easier measure was available.”
Wake’s laughter faltered. “Touché Doctor Pakow,” he said softly, “though you show a foolish amount of confidence in your former employers. Still, it’s not like you to be so cynical. Maybe you do need some rest. However, even though I am reasonably sure that Mister D’imato has outlived his usefulness, I am not totally convinced. Until that time, we will carry out the game. Unfortunately, the man is completely insane, utterly delusional, so I would prefer to have him somewhere I can keep an eye on him.
Pakow nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements tonight.”
“Excellent, doctor. Now finish the procedure and then try and get some sleep.”
Wake cut the connection, and keyed the monitor to show him operating theater number six. He watched as Pakow finished the fluid transfer and then wearily left the room.
In the ensuing silence, Wake studied the figure in the tank. “You could be the one. The one that leads me to the final answer. I wonder if you will find a name in the history books?”
27
From the preliminary tests I’ve run on the genetic material still viable, it would appear that Marco D’imato has an anomalous cellular structure that has given rise to a mutation in the virus’ RNA strand. This anomaly is found in one out of every one million people, and is rare enough that it was overlooked in our initial scans. The ramifications of this are extreme. Rather than the simple host deterioration we have come to expect when using the Beta strain of the virus, this subject’s cellular structure will begin to decay at an exponential rate. The side effects will most likely be loss of motor control, extreme pain, and eventual insanity. Unfortunately, most of our genetic sample has already deteriorated and, therefore, further testing is impossible without taking afresh sample from Mr. D’imato.. .
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