by Ted Iverson
Ty had been busy at corporate for quite some time. He’d called in the top five technicians at Space Tech and had more on secure holopad’s worldwide. He was giving them orders to take out and destroy the hard drives and servers after first backing them up to CHAMP. He then told them to upload the new CHAMP information to his brothers at the OBL and then erase the entire program.
Next, they were to install new drives and servers operating the most basic programs. When they questioned him, he simply told them that according to the law they couldn’t continue the project and asked them to make sure there was no old info on the drives.
Then he explained that the Orbital Lab’s archives would be the most secure place to keep the data. He was just trying to keep his employees at headquarters safe from the Senate. What they didn’t know was that they were already violating the law. He informed them that they would be starting from scratch. That was it.
They left to do their job, leaving him alone to gather any vital holofilm. He would have to get them from the house later, pack everything into security boxes, and then use one last transport to get them to Uncle Nate. His holopad lit up. Sam appeared.
“Hi, Ty. Did I catch you at a bad time?”
Looking up from his desk, he smiled. “Oh no, just getting some things together. House cleaning.”
“House cleaning? Do you do windows too?” She giggled. “Why the house cleaning?”
“Oh, things came up and I just needed to look for some holofilms. So one thing led to another: do I need this, do I need that and, well, house cleaning.”
“Oh, I see.” Noticing that his computer was in pieces on the desk she became curious, “What happened to that?”
“Huh?”
“Your computer. House cleaning that, too?”
“That? Nothing really, just tinkering.”
She pressed on, “Ty, I didn’t know you tinkered. You told me you weren’t good with that sort of stuff. I thought that was Zach and Orion’s thing.”
“Inquisitive today, aren’t we. It’s that we had some issues come up and—”
A hand came from out of nowhere and disconnected the call.
“Ty, what is the matter with you? She doesn’t need to know anything. You shouldn’t even have the video part of the holopad on when you’re talking to me,” Joanne lashed out at him.
“Hey now, that just was uncalled for. I can hardly believe you did that. It’s not like I told her anything.”
“You can’t be sure of anyone right now, Ty. You have to know that. That’s Thoma’s daughter and I know she’s your friend, but no one should be trusted. What if she goes back and tells him, even in casual conversation, that you’re ‘house cleaning.’ Like that won’t get to back to Axion. You need all the time you can get right now. If Axion caught wind of what you’re really doing, I guarantee he’d speed everything up.”
Her tone was more than harsh. It was darn right frightening.
“She’s my friend. I can trust her.”
“Ty, don’t be naïve. You can’t trust anyone.”
“You’re right, of course. I’m sorry for snapping at you,” he said apologetically. “Can I trust you?”
Her voice softened. “Ty, you’ll always be able to trust me.” She moved around the desk, bent down, and gave him a short hug. Standing up, she waved a threatening finger at him. “Just watch it, Ty. These are dangerous times.” She turned and left his office.
Where did that woman come from? Joanne had always been so sweet. Sweet, smart, and now protective, not just of him but of the corporation. That was the intriguing part.
When this all blows over, he thought...
Sam stared at the blank holopad. She’d seen the woman’s hand come in and disconnect them.
It’s that Joanne, she thought to herself.
She made a mental note to have a woman to woman chat with Joanne and soon. Right now, though, it was time to play Axion’s game again. She touched the holopad controls. “Dad.”
Thoma looked at the image of his daughter. She was clearly upset.
“Sam, what’s the matter?”
“Dad, you have to go talk to Ty. I just know that he’s getting himself in too deep. I think those brothers of his are bad news. He wouldn’t do this on his own.” Her voice was shaking.
“Sam, slow down. Tell me what he’s doing.”
“I saw him packing his office. I think he’s leaving. His computer was all over his desk in pieces, like he wasn’t going to leave a trail. Can you talk with him, make him understand what he’s doing is wrong?”
“Dear, I would like to, but I fear it’s already too late. There are things in place that not even I can interfere with at this point. The decision has been made above me. I’m helpless. I’m afraid your friend is indeed in trouble. I hope you understand.”
“No, I don’t. I mean, yes, I guess. Oh, Dad, why did he do this?”
“Sam, I wish I knew, but he has made his decision and now he’ll have to face the consequences. I’m sorry. Will you be okay?”
“Yes, I guess so. Sorry for interrupting you.” She rubbed a tear from her face.
Thoma sat in his chair for a long moment. For the first time in a long while he was aware that this wasn’t turning out the way he’d thought it would. He’d questioned himself before and qualified it with meaningless answers. He’d risen to his present position riding the coattails of the now extremely powerful Axion, but was it worth it? Lives were lost, and innocent people were being hurt and forced into imprisonment. Somehow, he needed to redeem himself—and he would when the time was right. For now, he would have to continue to be Axion’s sidekick, but not for much longer he hoped.
Orion had just finished an intense conversation with Captain Lyet. They’d discussed the fact that a battle with Axion’s men was most likely inevitable. Lyet had made sure that Orion knew that the droids were not designed for battle. Although programming them for that purpose wouldn’t be difficult, there were other things they needed to factor in: weapons, body armor, and humans to lead them. He would have to suspend all FTL construction immediately if there were to be any chance of making all this happen in a week or less. Material needed to construct the droids wouldn’t be an issue, but the actual assembly of them would be. Orion offered to shoulder the essentials.
The next point they discussed was leadership. Even though the droids could be programmed and trained, Lyet felt it would be best for humans to coordinate the battle. He’d talk to the men. They would all have to understand the chances each would be taking in coming back to Earth. Lyet volunteered to be the first, offering to lead the defense.
They’d build the first Space Tech security force, official or unofficial and, hopefully, it would not be needed for action. Lyet knew that returning to Earth for any reason, especially for a battle, would draw attention to them. They’d worked for years to stay anonymous, and he knew they were about to put that anonymity in jeopardy. But that wasn’t the issue. He had a job to do and so did the others. Deep down they’d all known that someday this time might come. That someday was drawing near.
Zach was headed toward the spaceport when his holopad shrieked. He detached it from his belt. Orion appeared on the small pad he now held on his palm. “Yes, Orion?”
“Just got done with my meeting with Cyrus and it’s a go. Meet me now. We’ve got to discuss something.”
“On my way.”
A few minutes later he was seated in front of Orion’s desk. “Let’s have it.”
“As I mentioned, we go for the droid force. Lyet will have them built as fast as possible. The weapons and armor are our responsibility. So we’ll need to get about six hundred pairs of each made. Is it possible?”
“Tall order, bro, tall order. I think it can be done. We’ll have to work around the clock, but I think we can do it. Raw materials might be an issue, but it’ll happen somehow.” His hand went up to his chin and then quickly he held up his index finger. “Wait, we’re not using our shuttles now, right?”
“Correct.”
“I may have to strip a few to get the metal and plasma power for the weapons. That okay?”
“It’ll have to be. That brings me to the next subject: I’m leaving you in charge here. I’m going home. Sort of.”
“What? Why?”
“Look, we’ve got six hundred droids and humans coming to fight for us. I’m going to find a place to hide them until we need them. It’s got to be a big place. Some place deserted. The weapons and armor? When they’re done you contact me and I’ll pass along the coordinates. Then you can personally deliver them. Plus, I’ll be closer to keep tabs on what’s going on. I’m not going right away. I’ll be leaving in two or three days. When Lyet leaves the Outpost with droids and men, I’ll take off. It’ll take them just two days to get here. That’ll give me enough time to find a place. You have one more project to get started on.”
“What would that be?”
“The transport that is coming will be huge. If it’s tracked it’ll all be for nothing. You have to find a way to jam the world’s tracking stations for, oh, say, three hours. The transport will approach the dark side of the moon and stay there until the jamming begins. It’ll then make its flight down to Earth.
“Jam the world’s communications? Incoming and outgoing? Is there, maybe, an easier way to get it here?”
“Not unless you can cloak it.” Orion laughed. “I prefer the cloaking idea, but for now we’ll just stick with the jamming.”
“The whole entire world? I suppose you mean satellites too?”
“Anything and everything.”
“You do understand that it will take out air traffic, right? Pretty dangerous stuff we’re playing with. I don’t suppose we have any solar flares coming up?”
“If that’s the cover you need, I just happen to know some men who might be able to help with that.”
“I don’t think I want to know about that, Orion.”
“I’ll make it happen. Some top astronomers I know owe me some favors. You just do your part.”
“No problem. I best be going now. I have one or two things I need to tend to.” Zach walked out, shaking his head and mumbling. “Nothing big, he says, just knock out the world’s tracking for three hours. Piece of cake. I was born into the wrong family.”
It was late in the evening, when Alec followed Axion back to the Senate complex. Funny, but the only person with him was his driver. No bodyguards.
He must be very stupid or very brave, was Alec’s first thought. Then he thought about the fact that maybe he was the stupid one and that this was a trap.
Whatever the reason, Axion was alone. Alec was going in. He waited about thirty minutes, then approached the building. He thought about being cautious, but didn’t see anyone so he figured he’d just take the direct route.
Without hesitation, he strode up the steps, opened the massive doors, and entered. He then headed down the long hall to Senator Axion’s chamber, pausing in front of Axion’s door. Should I knock, or should I just go in? He chuckled and realized that how he entered didn’t really matter at this point. He was about to confront his enemy either way. Drawing a deep breath, he swung the door open and walked in.
The senator was sitting behind his desk, stroking his pet. He looked up. “Mr. Alec Bindl, I don’t believe I heard you knock. My apologies. To what do I owe this honor?”
As Alec approached the senator, he was forced to brush aside large tropical plants. The air was heavy with humidity. Alec found it hard to breathe. It was so warm that Alec broke into a sweat just trying to get from the door to Axion’s desk. “Senator, we have some issues to discuss.”
“Really? I was unaware of this, but, please, as long as you are here...” Axion pointed to the seat across from him.
Alec shook his head. “No thanks. I won’t be here long.”
“As you wish. I was so hoping for a long chat.”
“Senator, I know why you’re doing this. My brothers have nothing to do with what happened between my father and you. You should call your men off and stand down or this could get really ugly. I’m sure you have more ambition than just to remain a senator. Would what you are doing really help that cause?”
“Young man, I am certain that you are accusing me of something, so just come out and say it.”
“Really, sir, you know what I’m talking about. You are a very successful, rich, and powerful man. Why does Space Tech still hold your interest? My father’s gone now. Even though I’m sure you had something to do with his death, we would be willing to let it go. It’s time, Dr. Sax. Let it go.”
Axion sat motionless. It was time to dispose of pleasantries. “Dr. Sax is dead, but Senator Axion isn’t. It was you, wasn’t it? You broke into Meteoric and the safe. So you have the papers? They prove nothing really. There are, however, numerous charges against you: killing all those innocent men, for one. Who would the authorities believe anyway? Alec, be reasonable and stop ranting like you’ve come to arrest me or something. I have the entire Senate eating out of my hands and, quite honestly, many others. It’s you who is in the most serious trouble.
“You are correct, though. I do not wish to be in this position forever. I do not wish to further my political career. Space Tech? Oh yes, it held so many possibilities back then, and still retains so much. Your father and his views though: ‘Use science for good, space exploration…’ He waved a hand dismissively toward Alec. “Technology offers so much: the billions that could be had. Now that is what’s important. Do not get me wrong: FTL is very important, but for military reasons. Many governments would pay handsomely for it.”
Axion glared at Alec. “Your father took that from me. After the accident, I vowed to own Space Tech and I will. It is unfortunate that the four of you stand in my way, but that issue will soon be resolved. It is your father’s kindness and technology that was, and will be, your doom. I was burned beyond recognition. I was blinded and lost my hearing. I had a blood infection that traveled down my arm.” He held out his right arm. “It had to be amputated. Go ahead and touch.”
Alec didn’t move.
Axion lowered his arm and, while Alec stood frozen watching, flexed his fingers. “Your father developed a unique technology. He sent his doctors to me. They gave me cybernetic implants: eyes, my hearing, and a new arm. I could have a new life after all. Maybe I should have been thankful, but every time I looked in the mirror I saw a monster. You cannot imagine the pain and suffering that comes with a burn. I had my own doctors reconstruct my facial features. Actually, it was a facial transplant. I had my old face cryogenically frozen, and when the time came, we placed it on a fresh corpse. He was left to swing from the rafters of my dwelling. People were paid, and Sax was ‘dead.’ Simple.
“I have been planning this for more years than you can possibly imagine. I know there are more human cyborgs out there. Think of a government with FTL capability and human cyborgs. That is power. That is wealth beyond imagination, my friend.”
Axion finally rose from his chair, and the hideous bird flew off as Axion moved to face Alec. “A well-constructed plan is hard to beat. What about yours?” he asked.
Putting an arm around Alec’s shoulder, he drew Alec along in a walk toward the door. “What plan do you have to take me out? You certainly wouldn’t come here without backup. Or did you really think I would be sensible and just say, ‘You’re right. I’ll just stop. Have a nice day’?”
He opened the door and maneuvered Alec into the hall. “I’ll actually give you a chance, Alec.” He removed his hand. “Go, make a plan and come back. Give me a fight.” The door closed behind him.
Now that was humiliating, Alec thought.
In his anger, he’d set himself up. Ed would have been very disappointed. This wasn’t how he’d been trained. He hadn’t thought this through; he’d been too headstrong, too impatient, and he’d let his anger guide him. He hurried down the corridor, swung the door open, and made it to the top of the steps, where he stopped. There,
in front of him, were at least seventy-five men, all with weapons trained on him. This isn’t good.
Behind him, he heard the all too familiar voice. “How would you like to visit your friend, Mr. Serner? I’m sure that I can have that arranged.” Senator Axion had started to go back inside when he turned and said, “Brilliant plan.” Laughing, he lifted his hand and made a circular motion with his finger. Ten men came running up the steps. They grabbed Alec and roughly hauled him down toward an awaiting vehicle.
“Axion!” Alec yelled.
Turning once more, the Senator yelled back. “Yes, I know. This isn’t the last of you.” He laughed once more. “Men!” he ordered and vanished into the building. They began beating Alec as they dragged him toward the vehicle. His last thought was How dumb I’ve been. Then he blacked out.
Ty awoke and was heading downstairs to grab a cup of coffee when his holopad came to life. It was Joanne. He noticed from her surroundings that she was at work. He looked at the clock. It read 7:00 a.m. It seemed a bit strange for her to be in that early. “Joanne, good morning! In a bit early, aren’t we?”
“Had a lot to do, so I wanted to get an early start. I know you were planning on working at home today, but could you come in for just a little bit. I have something important that we need to go over.”
“We can’t just discuss it now?”
“No.” Her voice shook slightly.
“Are you okay?” He set his cup down, leaning forward to get a better look at the image.
“Yes, of course. It’s just that I need you to see this.” She tried a bad smile.
Ty scratched his head. She didn’t seem her perky self. She seemed, well, stressed. “Yes, I’ll be right down after I get cleaned up. Shouldn’t be too long, though.”
“Good.” Her image was gone.