Not understanding the connection Stratus interrupted, “What does this have to do with the current events?”
“I thought it didn’t have anything to do with it until you mentioned Leonard Krueger. Krueger is the brilliant son of genius Patrick Krueger. Patrick oversaw technology development and implementation here at the Pentagon and he pushed for cloud computing with Leighland until the company became destabilized and deemed unsecure. It was Patrick’s own project, but he made the call to stop its implementation. That’s when things went from classified to top secret, and why I’m talking to you in here.”
“If Leonard’s one of the good guys how does he fit in all of this?”
“That is something I’m not sure about. His involvement surprises me, and yet makes sense at the same time.”
“So, is my history lesson over? I’d like to assemble the team.”
“The team you had is over as far as you’re concerned. I am ‘terminating’ this case and your suspension precludes their involvement. You need a different sort of team for this. You’ll select active-duty people, but you’re getting ahead of yourself. Your lesson’s not over. Before Patrick stopped its use, the offsite facility had been loaded with small amounts of defense data and run from a Leighland server vault. Days later an enormous amount of data was thrown on to this giant storage vault. Only it wasn’t defense data, and it wasn’t Leighland data. No one could account for the 1,000,000 terabytes of encrypted information. None of the data was able to be explained or decrypted. Patrick worked nonstop to break down the data and find its origin. He was in support of the project being closed but pushed to be able to download the data. He was denied, but before the data could be erased, Patrick downloaded it without approval and, in the process, the bulk of the data disappeared and was untraceable. Patrick was able to retrieve one file, which he worked on tirelessly. When he decrypted it, he found it to contain some sort of book with minerals and gems. It seemed utterly useless.”
“So, Leonard’s father decoded a useless e-book of minerals and gems. Where’s the connection? You do have one, don’t you?”
Cromwell smiled. “I always took you for the patient type Stratus. They’re all connected until we find out otherwise and Leonard is the key. Where is he now?”
“I wish I knew. I have a ballpark idea. His trail went cold after he left town.”
“Shit. If his trail went cold, it’s no coincidence.” Cromwell scratched his imaginary beard. “The book may have been useless to us, but it wasn’t to someone else. The pages had further encryption, preventing its use. Patrick was unable to crack it, so he set a trap. He re-encrypted the book with his own codes and left word on the web of its location and a sample of the book for anyone who was interested. He hoped to catch the takers with a digital trace or at his personal lab where there was a hard copy. Within four hours, the files were gone and so was Patrick. Hard copy and all. His lab burned to the ground.”
“Leonard’s father died years ago, Mr. Cromwell. Your story’s off there.”
“Officially, yes. Unofficially…that’s another story. Some here worried this information might leak or cause a panic. ‘Top secret’ made Patrick disappear from the world and then someone took him from us. You see, Stratus, it’s the dates, the ones from the file he decoded, the book. They’re time stamped with a creation date…January twenty-fifth, 2175.”
Chapter 54
After his epiphany about New Wave’s plans for him, Leo felt more determined. He listened to the calming patter of the rain above and asked Cronos to turn off the lighting. He watched hypnotized by the rain running down the dome. His iPhone vibrated in his pocket, but he ignored it and enjoyed his reverie.
The stresses over the last few days seemed to melt away as he analyzed the dome. His mind started thinking of another invention—loud ringing came from his pocket, startling him. He fumbled to free his iPhone, laughed, then answered. “Hello Sara, sorry I didn’t call you...”
“Leo. What kind of crazies did you leave me with! I tried to tell you earlier I had a visit from a Mr. Lattamus, who by the way claims to be your friend. He was curious about everything, so I sent him away assuming you two had no connection. An hour later gun shots scared the crap out of me.”
Leo laughed. “Sounds like you were having one of my dreams.”
“Leo it’s not funny! I ran inside and grabbed the first thing I could find. Armed with your umbrella I went onto the porch and heard a screech followed by another gunshot. Then finally a car zoomed away.”
“What the hell? Shots fired! Are you Okay? And how is your standing on the porch armed with an umbrella not funny?”
“Shut it, Leo. But yeah…that is kinda funny. And yes, I’m okay. Get your butt over here.”
Leo popped up off his chair and shut down the computer. “What I’m doing here can wait, I’ll be on my way Sara. It might be slow going though, it’s pouring here.”
“All right. See ya soon. Hurry, okay.”
Leo ended the call, his once relaxed state now gone due to these new concerns. He was frustrated he had to leave so soon but putting product development over friend’s safety was absurd. He put his iPhone away and took one last look at the prototype. Leo grabbed it off the counter, tucked it under his arm, and jogged through the spiral hallway to the exit.
“I don’t recommend you leaving Leonard,” Cronos’s voice said, echoing within the dome. “The storm is quite dangerous it could damage your vehicle or cause you harm. Your plight with Sarafina can wait.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll take my chances. And stop listening to my calls. How were you able to hear us?”
“She was speaking quite loudly. I do apologize.”
Leo exited the hallway, running into the open lobby area.
“Mr. Krueger, what are your intentions with the prototype? I do feel it’s best if it stays here.”
“I have a machinist that may help on this design.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Mr. Krueger. Bartholemeau implores you to check your messages.”
Leo pulled out his iPhone as he continued walking to the front entrance. He went to push open the front door and nearly smacked his face against the locked glass door. Irritated and confused, he found Bartholemeau’s message.
Dear Leonard,
I regret that any outside involvement is out of the question. Proceeding in such a manner leaves us exposed and our competition would love that. Speaking of competition, where did you hear about Marty Naublock. I pray you haven’t entangled yourself in that circle. I hope Cronos is being helpful, let me know if you need anything.
Sincerely, Bartholemeau
Leo put the iPhone away and understood their position on Marty. The comments at the end were interesting. Mrs. Sullivan had given him the name and Marty said he had no choice but to help due to Mr. Sullivan’s leverage.
Bartholemeau’s obvious knowledge of the Sullivan’s and Marty concerned him. New Wave must be in competition and it was not friendly. And the Sullivan’s held Leo’s invention for ransom just days ago. He hoped his deal would stay together but he feared it all might fall apart if Mr. Sullivan disclosed intimate knowledge of e-Frond. Oh well, I’ll have to see how things play out. I’ll bring the prototype along to show Sarafina at least.
“I got his email, the machinist is not to be involved, I understand.”
Leo reached for the door handle and pulled only to find it still locked.
“Cronos I’d like to get on my way, the door is still locked.”
“Sir, I can’t allow the prototype outside the facility. And honestly I’d prefer you not to leave as well.”
“Fine. The prototype stays, but I’m definitely not.”
He set the prototype down on a table beside the doors and a click resounded from the glass panels. He swung the door open and exited the building. Leo wasn’t angry he just wasn’t used to so much secrecy and someone overseeing his work.
The rain came down in buckets and Leo was gla
d he had parked right in front. Despite the close distance, he was still drenched and once in the car he dripped all over the interior while starting the vehicle. Wiping the water from his eyes, he slicked his hair back and put the car in reverse.
He approached the gate and waited for the barrier to lift, but it didn’t. He rolled down the window and Cronos’s voice came over the speaker on the guard shack.
“I hope you understand Bartholemeau’s wishes and the significance you play here, Mr. Krueger. Do drive safe. We’ll see you real soon.”
The gate opened, and Leo made his way on yet another sloshy dirt road. Once out of the protection of the trees he turned his wipers on full speed. Leo crossed his fingers that Cronos’ prediction wasn’t accurate but after five minutes, small balls of hail were bouncing off his hood.
He could only hope they did not get larger and cause damage to his car. Despite the danger of the road’s condition, he enjoyed the inclement weather. The need to focus on the road gave him something to take his mind off things. He outran the rain and when he arrived in town, the streets were still dry. Leo was not quite sure what he would do about Stratus or how he could prevent his return, but he wanted to be there for Sarafina. Wait am I starting to have feelings for her? He chalked it up to appreciation and courtesy for watching Willy.
Leo crossed the bridge and glanced out at the stream trickling by; dragon flies darting and humming through the reeds. When he pulled into his hedged spot, he had a different feeling about the place. What once felt empty and void about Halaby now felt alive.
Dark clouds now threatened a downpour as he exited the vehicle, so he sprinted through the maze. As always, the curling of the maze had him on edge, worried that he would run into someone, maybe the someone who fired the gun on the property. When he entered the courtyard to the cottage, his paranoia dissipated.
Sarafina stood on the porch the umbrella leaning against the railing. He returned her smile, and then she put her index finger to her mouth, indicating for him to shush. He glanced where she looked, seeing the squirrel on the railing near the table.
The squirrel watched Leo mount the steps just as Sarafina ran and roared at the squirrel. Instead of a terrified squirrel running away, she was surprised as it stood up to defend itself, paws at the ready to strike as it emitted a tiny growl. After a brief stare, it ran off and disappeared in the trees.
“Wow he was sure brave. What did I tell you? They are not to be trifled with.”
Leo chuckled as he returned his attention back to Sarafina and joined her on the porch. Rain began to spit and then fall steadily. Sarafina caught Leo off guard by reaching out and hugging him. He enjoyed the sudden embrace.
“I missed you, Leo. I need to have my six-shooter when I’m here from now on.”
Leo noticed the squirrel again on the lawn. It sat in the rain unfazed, staring at Leo. He did not take his eyes off the rodent sitting unnaturally in the light hail that now fell.
“Oh, you do, huh? I thought cowgirls are always prepared?” he said. “Hey, let’s head inside. I want to hear more about what happened.”
“It’s so nice out though. I’d love to watch the storm.”
“Unfortunately, so would he. We need some privacy.”
As Leo pointed out toward the lawn, she turned to see whom he was referring to.
“So, would who Leo?”
He looked out to where he’d watched the unfazed squirrel getting pelted with hail. Nothing but empty lawn now existed.
“He was—never mind we’ll come out later. I want to see Willy anyhow.”
Leo smelled something delightful brewing when he entered the kitchen. “Mmm that smells yum. What are you making?”
“Biscuits and gravy cowgirl style, no skipping on the sausage.”
As he closed the screen door, he decided to leave the front door open. Something grabbed his attention. The squirrel was back on the railing looking inside intently, sniffing the sausage filled air wafting out the screen. Something about the squirrel seemed odd. As Leo shut the door he thought about Marty’s warning that the Sullivan’s having ways of listening. As the squirrel moved in closer Leo closed the blinds. Is it crazier to think the squirrel’s not real and surveilling me, or to ignore my dreams and feelings that something has been watching me?
Chapter 55
Just when the Butler thought the storm would blow past, rain started trickling through the thick canopy of pine and birch trees high above him. The forest floor was covered in ferns and mounds of wild grasses up to his knees. The dark green forest was now filled with the patter of raindrops hitting open leaves before plummeting down on the Butler’s face.
The Butler slowly slid a brimmed hat on his head to keep the rain out of his eyes. He had his own night vision, presumably the creature did too. He had decided to observe the creature in daylight, no doubt it was going to be tough enough to not get spotted. He pushed over the soft ground, inching his way through the thick ferns, while rain fell at a steadier rate.
He paused to look at the last reading on his wrist communication device. The forest was full of equipment for detecting movement and he located the quadruped on the move toward the cellar doors. He was not sure what this thing was equipped with, so he limited his checks to every five minutes.
Powering down his unit left him vulnerable but doing so would lessen the chance of being intercepted. He proceeded at an angle, hopefully without being seen. Hail now bounced its way down to the ground the light patter made noise, disguising any sounds of movement.
The Butler climbed a nearby tree as he neared another five-minute window. Once up to a safe height he scanned the landscape near the cellar doors. He pulled out a set of small binoculars and placed them firmly against his eyes. The view was somewhat obscured by the foliage, but he saw no sign of Mr. Sullivan’s pet.
It had taken him forty-five minutes just to track it this far, but he was patient and a few more minutes did not bother him. He scanned the area slowly, hearing only hail stones pelting the tree branches above. He saw several chipmunks and squirrels busying themselves on the branches but other than that no movement.
The Butler decided he would risk a query to locate the pet’s position, figuring it had traveled in the opposite direction. He looked at his wrist and pressed a button, but no information was available. Great; that means the pet is stationary. Now he had a decision to make, climb down and risk exposure or wait and continue to take readings.
The Butler waited a few more minutes and then tried for another reading. The scan came back void of target again. Odd that the creature remained motionless, unless it was on alert.
Perhaps it had heard him climbing. The hail died out, but the rain continued to pour down and make visibility even worse. The Butler started to wonder how a single pet would monitor an entire forest, then it dawned on him that there may be others watching, but in what form?
Another scan came up negative for movement and he knew something was off. He did not want to use any technology he had developed with Mrs. Sullivan, but he also remembered her statement about staying out of sight. Capture to her was loss of an asset and in his case exposure of unauthorized R&D. He did not dare risk using his radio to ask her, instead he switched on an over the air intercept scanner, which allowed him to detect transmissions outside the range of radio frequencies. The scan would be an exchange of data typically GPS but could contain anything.
As the Butler began to scan the area for digital whispers in the wet forest around him, he noticed a squirrel that had been directly behind him in a neighboring tree.
It lay flat on its belly observing him and the Butler realized it had followed him for a distance. It was closer to him now that he was near his target signal. The squirrel remained motionless staring directly at the Butler. The Butler’s scan came back revealing two signals.
This was a game changer, but he worried that they may have seen his information as well. If they were able to get data from him, they would know that Mrs. Sullivan
is developing technology of her own. This is what Mrs. Sullivan feared. The Butler was not about to let them leave, he would never let them regain control of this place.
As he read over the data, he was not surprised it contained communication between two BOTs, 111 and 205. What he was not prepared for was the location of the GPS coordinates and a response.
“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath as he read the data.
The Butler knew he was about to be tested. It put one BOTs location right on top of his own. He froze and processed scenarios in his mind of how this encounter could go. The message after the coordinates on his communicator read I see you Butcher.
The Butcher knew with his reputation, they were brought here to fight. The scan revealed the BOT closest was generation 1 revision 11 and an imminent concern. He slowly unbuttoned his holster and eased out his pistol. He was not sure how effective standard rounds might be, so he had loaded it with acid laden ammunition. He hoped it would be enough.
He pivoted his head, trying to limit his movement. As he did, he spotted something in his peripheral vision. It’s go time.
He cautiously repositioned his footing to move quickly, took off his hat and wiped his face, casually relaxing his arm to conceal the gun now pointed in the direction of BOT 205.
The Butler watched for any last bits of data chatter and upon seeing nothing, he opened fire. He got off three rounds in the large beast’s direction, dropping his hat as he simultaneously exploded off the branch he stood on. His jump was aimed directly at BOT 205, but he did not catch a glimpse of it until he was already in midair. He holstered his weapon mid jump and prepared his body for the jolt when he collided with the creature.
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