The stun guns fired a compressed air dart that had two short-needle electrodes on the front and an ultra-capacitor to store charge in the body. The recipient would receive up to a five second jolt of high voltage. It was essentially a ramped up version of the shock tools we used during interrogation. If a person could be incapacitated for only a few seconds we would be able to hold them at gunpoint from taking any further action.
As plans continued to firm up, Mars Torres returned with a blood sample from the President’s doctor. Tests had shown conclusively that the DNA was a match with previously archived values. It appeared that McKinzey was just a putz all on his own.
After numerous team meetings to discuss our options, the first set of plans emerged. Diane York’s team would raid and take control of the main Kappa power plant. A second team would secure a block of slips in the Alpha bay where a shuttle would be made available to take our personnel beyond Grid space. The shuttle team would be dressed as Grid military. Once the shuttle team was in place the power plant raiders would give themselves up.
False orders would be given to the soldiers involved in the capture and if all went well the captives would be transported to the shuttle and then out to the waiting transports. It was an ambitious plan, but a plan that we could work. During the following day, two additional plans were discussed with the York plan offering the best potential for success.
A trip to the shooting range revealed that Jeb had four high voltage dart guns packed away in boxes, a single case of 64 darts were found, they only required a charge. The guns and darts were dispersed amongst Sergeant York’s team as assignments were handed out.
Our field agents were able to land a sizable lot of surplus military uniforms that were slated to be converted to civilian clothes. The materials used had excellent properties for use by those with activity based jobs such as Grid system mechanics. The uniforms would be worn by our team at Alpha bay who would be posing as a military shuttle crew.
The York team would consist of the 75 members who had come aboard the Grid from our fleet. It was hoped that the Grid personnel involved would be so ecstatic at capturing the 75 fugitives that they would easily hand them over to the imposter shuttle crew. Our comm team had been given the task of making an order appear to come down the chain of command to place the captives into the custody of the shuttle crew. If the plan flopped the remaining research team members would be responsible for coming up with a new solution.
A time was selected and I stood in front of our teams for a speech. “Well, two weeks of planning has come to this moment. We have attempted to script out every aspect of this mission. Our team assigned to the docks has located a shuttle capable of taking the 75 of us off this station. It has been modified with our ion engine updates, so, if we can make it off of the Grid we can outrun any ships that attempt to follow.”
“Our mission will be to return to the Suppressor, to gather enough ships and men to board and overtake the transports where our men are being held and to head for home.”
I continued, “One thing to keep in mind during our efforts. The people we are going up against are not the enemy. They are our friends, brothers, mothers and cousins. Some will treat us as if we are the enemy, but we will not be of that same mindset. We are caught in a bad situation and only our best efforts will free us from McKinzey’s grip. If we can follow the scripts in our plans and use our best instincts where needed, we should be on a shuttle heading out of here in a few hours’ time.”
The shuttle team soon departed for Alpha bay as I moved with York’s team towards the power plant. The maps we had been given to avoid the cameras were marked with areas of concern. Field agents would be waiting in those locations to signal if the way was clear. Kappa section was 12 decks below and six kilometers inward towards the center of the Grid. The journey took five hours.
When we arrived in the Kappa section the hallways were largely clear. Huge, official celebrations had been set up and were taking place in all sections of the station. Our teams were dressed in party attire and would approach each of the four entryways to the power plant as if in a moving party. Once amongst the security personnel the dart guns would be used. I was a member of York’s team.
York spoke in a low voice just before we rounded the final corner to the entryway. “OK, we want to look happy so I want to see all smiles. Timmet and Smith, you will move in behind the guards. When I raise my right hand, hit ‘em with the darts. And Marky? Where did you get that shirt? We are supposed to be celebrating, not going to a funeral!”
York continued, “The rest of us will provide cover as Timmet and Smith pull the guards from view and wrap ‘em up. Jones and Barswell will stay at the post until we secure the other guards on our docket. We only get one chance to do this right people, let’s make it count!”
Our group of 18 partiers slowly rounded the corner of the hallway. Smiles and laughs abounded. As we approached the guard station the first of the guards came out of his booth.
The guard spoke, “Sorry folks, you’ll need to keep moving on down the hall. This is a restricted area.”
Jones spoke, “Awe, come on officer! The wars are over! It’s time to celebrate!”
The guard held up his hand and politely declined. “Sorry Ma’am. We will have many chances to celebrate going forward from today, but we do need you to move away from the entryway. The boss says we have to keep the gate clear.”
York spoke, “I tell you what. If you bring your fellow guard out for a group hug, we will move on. We just want everyone to be happy today.”
York smiled. The guard turned and waved his partner out of the booth. After a short explanation the two guards held out their arms in a welcoming gesture. The group moved in around them and York raised her right arm.
Pfft! Pfft! Zzzz! Zzzz!
The guards dropped to the floor. Jones and Barswell dragged the stunned guards into the booth and stripped them of their uniform shirts and hats. Moments later two guards were again stationed at the booth.
York spoke, “Let’s move people. We have a schedule to keep. We should see the next two guards on patrol and the third should be sitting in their break room having his lunch.”
As predicted, the next two guards were found patrolling the otherwise extremely quiet power station. Their years of service without incident had made them sloppy, unprepared and predictable, the exact traits that would allow alien infiltrators to take over the power plant and shut down the energy generation needs of Kappa and its two adjoining sections.
When we arrived at the main security station the guard at lunch was sitting at a table eating. York walked into the room.
The guard looked up. “Hey. You can’t be…”
Pfft! Zzzz!
The guard fell forward onto the table and then backward onto the floor. His body convulsed as the high voltage jumped through him to a ground source. The power plant was ours.
Each team had a comm bracelet that our comm team had provided. Our conversations were hidden and secure from the monitoring equipment on the Grid. It was an advantage that we would do our best to make use of.
York spoke to the other teams, “Raven’s gate is secure. What’s our status?”
A voice replied, “This is Halsey gate. We are locking down the entryway as we speak. Give us three minutes and Halsey will be closed to all.”
A second voice replied, “Jessup gate is locked and secured. We are ready for phase two.”
The comm was silent for several seconds before the final team responded. “This is Jefferson gate. The final guard has been subdued. Montcrief took a club to the head. She has a knot forming, but she will be OK. Gate should be secure and locked in two minutes. I will signal when we are complete.
York again pressed the button on her comm link. “Madison. How are we looking for our transportation?”
Madison replied, “It was a cakewalk Ma’am. We have the papers that look authentic and a have a tap into the official desk where c
alls would be made. Any call originating from this bay will be intercepted and the answers given that make us look legit. If you are secure we are ready for phase two.”
York replied, “Roger that Madison. Hold tight. The real fun is about to begin.”
When the last steel piston set the Raven’s gate blast door York picked up the comm in the guard booth.
York spoke, “This is Gunnery Sergeant Diane York of the Defiant Defense Force. We are in control of the main Kappa power station. We need to talk to someone in charge.”
The voice on the comm replied, “Uh. Who… hold on a sec.”
After several seconds a another voice came on the comm. This is Kenny Dewill. I’m the shift security manager. What did you say about Kappa power?”
York replied, “I said we are in control of the power station. You Sir, need to pass this information up the chain of command as quickly as you can. We have demands or we start shutting down power for three sections.”
Kenny Dewill replied, “I will pass that information along.”
The comm was quiet for nearly a minute before the next voice was heard.
An older man spoke, “This is Colonel Hodges with the Grid military. Miss York, I would advise that you turn yourself in immediately before things go too far. How are our personnel? There were 14 members of the security stationed there. Is anyone in need of attention?”
York responded, “Your people are fine Colonel. Let’s not waste each other’s’ time. We want a ship with enough supplies to last 75 people for three months. We want off the Grid Colonel. Make that happens and you get your power station back intact, along with your personnel.”
York continued, “You have 15 minutes to meet that demand or we start shutting down generators. If we reach the final one and our demands have still not been met, those same generators will be taken offline in a most permanent manner.”
The Colonel responded, “York. You and I both know that 15 minutes is not enough time to put something like this in play.”
York fired back, “You call McKinzey and make this happen Colonel. If you think you need more time that is your problem not ours. On my mark you will have precisely 15 minutes before we start shutting things down. I have faith in you Colonel. Make it happen.”
The comm went silent for ten minutes as the Colonel moved his men into position outside the power station. McKinzey’s chief aide buzzed us on the comm.
York answered, “I hope this is good news.”
The aide replied, “This is Giles Rement. I am a direct aide of the President. He has authorized me to negotiate Sergeant, but I need more time as a sign of good faith.”
York responded, “Sorry Sir. We set the rules. You have four minutes and 19 seconds to give us good news. In about three minutes we will begin the shutdown process for the first generator. Time is wasting Mr. Rement.”
The aide replied, “Miss York, your fellow… Defiant soldiers are our guests. I apologize if word was not given as to our intentions early on. Many of the President’s political foes wanted your countrymen arrested and charged with sedition. We are attempting to end all of this peacefully so that you can return here to the Grid or go wherever it is that you prefer. We are dealing with high strung politicians Sergeant. This is not something that happens in an instant.”
York replied, “Hmm. Sounds like you are in a bit of a pickle Mr. Rement. But if I don’t shut down that first generator in three minutes, I don’t think you will take me seriously. McKinzey may have good intentions, but we want a transport out of here. Your politicians can then debate what it is they want to do and why.”
The aide was silent for several seconds. “Miss York. The President would like to speak with you.”
York responded, “Finally. A decision maker. Put him on Mr. Rement.”
President McKinzey spoke, “Sergeant. First I would like to thank you for your service to the Grid directly and then for your assistance in defeating the Milgari. I know it isn’t much at this time, but I wanted to offer it anyway. Second. As Mr. Rement said… your fellow Defiant soldiers are not under arrest. They were taken off Grid in an attempt to keep them out of the hands of my political opponents.”
McKinzey continued, “I know it may not mean much to you Sergeant, but I give my word that you and your people will be offered the same courtesy and assistance that we have extended to the others. We are on your side Miss York. Let’s end this peacefully. I know you don’t want to risk the lives of anyone involved.”
The comm sat silent for nearly a minute.
York responded, “Mr. President. We are willing to give up if you will keep your word and take us directly to the others. We don’t want to be interrogated, we don’t want any delays, we just want to be together with our people. If you can guarantee us immediate passage, we will come out.”
McKinzey replied immediately, “Consider it done Miss York. You have my word.”
York closed the comm and turned with a smile. “They took the bait. You just have to know who to talk to. Rodriguez, signal the others that we will be coming their way.”
York pressed the button on her comm bracelet. This is York, bring ‘em in. We are headed to the shuttle.”
The comm button was released. “Jones, gather the dart guns when they get here. I have a special hiding place here in the power station for them. It was my hideaway as a kid when my father was on duty. I would rather they not know how we disabled the guards so that option to use them stays open in the future.”
When the 75 Defiant citizens had gathered, and the dart guns had been sufficiently hidden, the blast doors to Raven gate were unsealed and opened. The Defiant teams came out peacefully.
An instant rush of soldiers moved in, corralling the group and forcing us into two single file lines.
A Major in charge spoke, “Listen up! We are headed to Alpha bay. Just keep moving. And no talking! We just want to take you to be transported to the others. Make it easy on us and we’ll make it easy on you.”
The march was seven kilometers distance. It was an easy stroll for the physically fit retired Marines in our group and the active duty Grid Military soldiers escorting us.
Just before reaching Alpha bay the Major received new orders. “Yes Sir. We will take them there immediately Sir.”
The Major turned towards York. “Sergeant, they have a shuttle waiting for you on Alpha deck D. I know it’s not the standard military deck for Alpha, but I have been instructed that a shuttle is there and ready to move you out to the others. I just wanted to let you know so you could let your people know.”
York responded, “Thank you Major. We will follow your direction.”
When we reached deck D a new contingent of soldiers was there to greet us. I resisted the urge to smile when I noticed several familiar faces. We were quickly loaded onto the shuttle and given clearance to launch. In less than a minute the shuttle was exiting Alpha bay and into open space.
The shuttle accelerated towards the transports where the others were being held. Within minutes we were out of range of the giant ion blasters of the Grid and our course was altered.
A voice cam over the comm. “Shuttle AN6678, this is Alpha bay command. What reason do you have for the course correction?”
No response was given. The Grid command repeated the hail and military vessels were soon dispatched towards our position. I gave the order and our modified ion drives were put to use. We were soon out of Grid space and our heading was again altered. We would swing through the Fasture nebula and then return to Jarhead and the Suppressor. Our plan had worked to perfection!
Chapter 5
On the ride home York spoke, “Sir. I am having trouble believing they fell right into our plan. I would have thought they would at least be looking to single you out. I am thinking luck had a big part to play there today Sir.”
I replied, “Chalk it up to planning. We were looking to get a quick escort to the shuttle bay and we got one. I’m sure at the time the commanders were ecs
tatic that it all ended without gun-play or damage to people or property. You know they are scratching their heads about now. Wondering what just happened.”
York responded, “Now that we are away from the Grid, what are the plans from here Sir?”
I replied, “I’m hoping that when we get back to the Suppressor our fleet will be waiting there for us. I think we man it as best we can and come back to free the others. The Grid fleet should be vulnerable to Yacabucci’s ion field. If we can hold them in place for a short time we can take over the transports they are housed on and leave.”
“I wish we had the Colonel and his staff here to help plan this. They are good at covering those little details that make an operation run smoothly.”
York replied, “We have at least a week to plan Sir. I’m sure we can cover what’s needed. The guards on those transports are not likely to be combat vets. If we take away their blaster capabilities the physical take-down should be no problem.”
There was no question about York’s confidence in carrying out any plan we would come up with. She was just one of those people who would step up and do whatever it took to succeed. For York, failure was not an option.
Once back on the Suppressor I called for a meeting of all senior personnel.
When everyone had assembled, I spoke, “The Grid has three large transports holding our men. They sit just outside of the range of the guns on this station. We want to get our people back. So, we need a plan. And above all, keep in mind that these captors are our fellow Humans. They believe they are following the orders of a President who is doing the right thing. We know different, but they are still innocents in this affair and we need to do everything we can to ensure that we do not cause them harm.”
“I have asked York and Rodriguez to join this planning team as I trust their judgment. We have 25 people in this room. I want five teams of five. I want to see plans that have contingency plans and I want those contingency plans to have contingency plans. Map everything out with times, places and enough personnel and equipment to overwhelm and overtake any opposition. I want to see plans that offer a high degree of certainty of success. Let’s get planning people!”
AMP Rebellion Page 4