by J. G. Martin
“There is nothing to explain.” Derek informed him coldly. “You are one of them.”
“Wait!” The Humek wailed. “It isn’t how it seems. I mean yes, I am a Humek; but I am not one of them.”
“You have three seconds to explain before I blow your head off.” Derek commanded.
“Kill it!” Rora insisted.
“No…” The Voice pleaded. “I was a deep cover operative placed by the CIA. I made the sacrifice and became a Humek to infiltrate the Collective. I am connected to the LINC, but I have special hardware installed allowing me to have a virtual double take my place so I can disconnect.”
“Go on.” Derek allowed.
“When I became aware of the existence of the device, I contacted my handlers to let them know. They concocted the plan to have you retrieve it. I have been utilizing my position here to help you along the way.” The Voice explained.
“Why would you agree to be carved up like this?” Derek wondered.
“My legs were paralyzed in a car accident and this offered me a chance to move again on my own.” The Voice told them. “It was intended to be a short term assignment; I wasn’t expecting it to become my life.”
“What do you want with the device?” Derek asked.
“The same thing you do, to disable the LINC.” The Voice offered.
“He’s lying.” Rora stated with conviction. “Why did he try to get us to go through that other door if he was helping us?”
“Good question.” Derek said as he eyed the now sweating Humek. “Well?”
“Okay, that was a mistake.” The Voice allowed. “I wasn’t sure what you would do with the device so I tried to acquire it for myself directly.”
“How would that have worked?” Derek asked nastily.
The Voice laughed nervously. “That was part of the airlock system allowing access to the service area. I was planning to remove the air and let you suffocate, with you dead the drones would burn themselves out searching and then I could retrieve the device.”
“So you planned on killing us?” Derek asked rhetorically. “That doesn’t sound like a friend to me and you know what I do to enemies.”
“I saved your life!” The Voice blurted in a panic as Derek started to pull the trigger on the shotgun.
“What?” Derek asked as he eased his finger off the trigger.
“I’m the one that changed your execution order to exile years ago.” The Voice said in relief.
“Prove it.” Derek demanded.
“Here is the original order.” The cowering Humek said pointing to the screen.
An electronic copy of an execution order appeared on the giant computer screen at the workstation. Derek’s name and ID number were clearly on the line labeled Subject. A second order replaced the first with Exile replacing Execution on the line labeled Action. A third order appeared ordering the death of his replacement and memo explaining how and why, and to destroy the first order.
“See.” The Voice told him. “The only way I could have these is if I orchestrated it.
“Why?” Derek asked.
“You intrigued me.” The Voice said seductively. “I thought you might be of use to me in the future and I decided to save you.”
Derek shook his head and raised the shotgun again. “This changes nothing. You just tried to kill me and I’m not sure you haven’t been behind the other ambushes as well.”
“I wasn’t responsible for that. The U.S.T.G. really is after you.” The Voice informed him.
“So I guess my pardon is off the table huh?” Derek asked sarcastically.
“I’m afraid so Major. I am sorry I lied to you, but it’s not my fault; there are powerful forces at play here.” The Voice whined. “Factions older and more powerful than you realize.”
“We should just kill him and move on with the mission.” Rora continued to insist.
“No, I want to hear this. This should be interesting.” Derek said, curious.
“You have heard of the Illuminati of course?” The Voice asked.
“That is just a bunch of myths and legends made popular by twentieth century writers.” Rora interjected. “Derek, do we really need to listen to this?”
“The Illuminati as presented in popular culture were glorified and fictional entities. But they are based on real groups that did and do exist and the influence they have wielded over history cannot be ignored.” The Voice explained, undeterred by her outburst. “Using money, blackmail, and control of the media they have guided the course of modern history. Some do it for the power, but many of the factions do it because they like the game.”
“The game?” Derek asked, confused.
“The intrigues and dealings in the shadows provide risk and excitement for the bored elites.” The Voice informed him. “Their underlings do it for power and a chance to become one of the elites. The game has existed for centuries locked in a delicate balance of power, neither faction gaining much ground before the other factions ally together to knock them back. This held true until the Collapse permanently destroyed the existing paradigm and caused a mad scramble to pick up the pieces.”
“What factions are you talking about?” Derek asked pointedly. When the Voice hesitated, Derek moved the shotgun closer to his face.
“Fine. I will tell you, but you are probably better off not knowing.” The Voice informed him. “A rogue player, like you, is a danger to all factions and is usually dealt with quickly. They sent the FBI to crush a gaming company that was manufacturing a board game that they felt was too close to the truth.”
“I’ll take that risk.” Derek said sardonically.
“You are familiar with the Collective of course. They were once known as the Network and controlled much of the media and information flow in the world. They knew what was happening at all times, and sometimes before it happened. They used that information for themselves, but often sold it to the highest bidder. Keep in mind, cash is not the only currency in the game. Lives are often traded or sold.” The Voice continued. “Doors was recruited into the group when he was a young programmer and the faction propelled him and his firm to the top. All the allegations of cheating, spying, and other devious business practices are true. They only sought to maintain control of the emerging information superhighway. But he had his own agenda and co-opted the group just prior to the Collapse.”
“What about the other factions?” Derek asked.
“You have probably heard the term Gnomes of Zurich?” The Voice asked. “Well they were just a small part of the largest cartel of bankers that controlled the flow of money throughout the world. Currencies rose and fell and fortunes were made and lost at their say so. The original members of that cartel were descended from the aristocracy and were focused on maintaining their class status in a world that no longer accepted the concepts of feudalism and serfdom. They brought in rich members of the merchant class to help them and took control of the world’s money. Through various tricks they manipulated stocks and markets and eventually controlled the vast majority of the world’s wealth. Sometimes referred to as Old Money, they are the families like the Rothschilds or the Vanderbilts that sat at the upper class of society. They very much liked their status and desired to keep it that way. They are known as the Old World Order.”
“As opposed to the New World Order?” Rora asked sarcastically.
“The New World Order exists.” The Voice informed her. “But not as it is commonly referred to. It is not a conspiracy by the government to replace them with one world rule under the U.N. No, it is a group made up of Socialists and Utopians who want to replace our capitalist and industrialist society with a more agrarian and egalitarian society. They are one of the newer factions, but they had been gaining power. Most of their money and power came from unwitting dupes who believe they are donating to causes like feeding the homeless or saving the whales. Instead the money was used to bribe government officials to pass regulations that slowly strangle the economy or to keep growing the bloated go
vernment bureaucracy. The Collapse and Aftermath virtually destroyed them as a faction, but some still exist within the U.S.T.G. biding their time.”
“Speaking of the U.S.T.G., where do they fit in all this?” Derek asked. “If everyone in power is a member of these factions as you imply, where does President Channing stand?”
“Once he was a member of the Builders; but he broke off to form his own faction, the Consortium. The Consortium is the newest faction, and right now the most powerful. It was formed by members from several of the factions. They had grown tired of the game and wanted to end it for good, but they wanted to be on top when it ended. He believed Doors was part of his faction, but Channing was fooled by him as well. The Collapse and Aftermath were orchestrated to allow Channing and the Consortium to gain power, but it spiraled out of control and the impact was devastating.” The Voice told him.
“Who are the Builders?” Derek asked despite himself.
“The best known members of the Builders faction are the Freemasons of old, but the newer members have no real connection to them.” The Voice explained. “In the nineteenth century the industrialists took control of the faction and led the Industrial Revolution to gain power. In the early twentieth century it shifted to the so-called robber barons of the United States as the U.S. became the new playing field for the game.”
“Why does this matter?” Rora interrupted impatiently. “We need to finish the mission.”
“Okay, just one more question.” Derek insisted looking at the Voice. “Which faction do you belong to?”
“The CIA is part of the Old World Order. Why do you think all the leadership was recruited from Ivy League schools?” The Voice answered simply.
“Can we go now? We are running out of time.” Rora asked, frustrated.
“Wait. What faction does the Society belong to?” Derek asked the Voice.
The Voice laughed. “The Society considers themselves the anti-faction. They stand in opposition to the game itself and interfere in any actions or plans undertaken by another faction. Historically, they have been nothing more than a nuisance. But now they seemed to have gained more power and influence. Ironically that will only lead to them becoming an established faction and unwittingly joining the game.”
“Enough show and tell.” Rora griped. “Let’s go!”
Almost on cue, the computer screen began flashing with a red Intruder Alert warning. A video feed popped up showing armored figures entering the station from an airlock at another docking rig. Helmets covered their faces but the distinct shape of their rifles told Derek who it was. Somehow the Red Beret team had followed them to the station. With their numbers and weaponry it wouldn’t be long before they fought their way in.
“Okay, time to go.” Derek announced. “The special forces operators ought to create a nice diversion by drawing the remaining drones.”
“I will stay here and monitor your situation.” The Voice informed them.
“No way.” Derek told him. “You are coming with us. I’m not taking a chance you try to flush us out another airlock.”
Compelled at gunpoint, the Voice reluctantly led them through the space station’s corridors. No drones or other hostiles confronted them on the short trip. Using his built in access, the Humek led them to one of the spokes that connected the ring to the center of the station. He paused and seemed unwilling to continue.
“What’s the hold up?” Derek asked him.
“At the other end of this corridor is the main control room. Doors is housed there with the main servers for the station. I’ve never been allowed inside and I don’t know for sure what we will find in there.” The Voice said after a slight hesitation.
“You’re scared of a computer?” Derek asked in disbelief.
“He is more than that.” The Voice told him. “You couldn’t possibly understand. He is almost always with us. He comforts us, teaches us, he is our father. Working on the side didn’t seem like a betrayal, but this feels somehow wrong.”
“Sounds like you drank the Kool-Aid.” Derek said rolling his eyes. “If it makes you feel better, tell yourself you did it at gunpoint and on pain of death…Because I will kill you if you don’t take us in. We’ve come too far to quit now.”
“Right.” The Voice sighed and moved forward.
Chapter 37
June 25, 2029
Olympus Station, Near Earth Orbit
The door to the main control room was sealed, but it slid open at their approach. They went inside and found themselves in a round room that took up the entirety of the center of the spindle. Video monitors took up all the wall space around the entire room. Work stations were arranged in a ring facing outward a short distance into the room. Several Humeks worked at the stations, seemingly unaware of the presence of the intruders. The room itself was dimly lit and very cold.
Towering over the ring of workstations was a column that rose from the center of the room. It had eight video screens that had a 3D representation of Doors’ face floating on them looking out over his empire. Other devices were clustered under and above the video screens, but Derek couldn’t begin to identify them. Various devices hung from the ceiling at different points and looked like projectors and video cameras. Other doors led into the room and he assumed they were from the other spokes.
Derek spotted a port on the column and started to go there to plug in the device, but stopped when Doors suddenly appeared in front of him. It wasn’t Doors exactly; it was a perfect holographic image of him. He appeared young and healthy and was well dressed in a futuristic suit. The image was amazingly lifelike and detailed, and Derek had never seen anything like it. Rora gasped at its appearance and he felt the Voice shrink back as if it had a physical presence.
“Stop right there Major Storm.” Doors thundered, his voice echoing from a dozen speakers.
“Uh oh.” Derek muttered.
“That’s right. I can see you.” Doors informed him triumphantly. “Did you think I would just let an insignificant ant like you walk in and wipe me out?”
“That was kind of the plan.” Derek agreed smartly.
“Ignorant fool.” Doors berated him. “I am so much more than the LINC. That device holds no power over me.”
“It got us this far didn’t it?” Derek argued. “And your servant seemed so eager to get it from me. I’m pretty sure you fear it.”
“You will pay for killing the First.” Doors snapped angrily. “He had so much potential. Unlike you.”
“I think I proved to be better.” Derek retorted. “Nothing you have done has stopped me.”
“I let you get this far Major.” Doors informed him coldly. “It served my purposes to have everyone scrambling for the device and then have you deliver it to me personally. I also needed to uncover the traitor in our midst. I never thought it would be you Bob.”
The Voice sobbed softly in terror. “They forced me to help them Father.”
“We both know that’s not true.” Doors said paternally. “It was very clever of you to create a virtual persona on the LINC. It was so simple I overlooked it until I knew you were the traitor. I will decide your punishment after we are finished with this matter. I’m going to deal with Major Storm first. You killed my Firstborn. You need to pay for that sin.”
“What is to stop me from walking through this hologram and plugging the device in?” Derek asked Doors.
“It won’t do any good Major.” Doors informed him. “I am greater than a simple device, so it will have no effect. But I don’t think my guardians will allow you to get close enough anyway.”
At that, the other Humeks in the room suddenly came to life and moved to block Derek’s path. There were four of them, all with numerous cybernetic modifications. The closest to him was a completely hairless woman in a white jumpsuit whose forearms and hands had been replaced with cybernetics. Instead of fingers she had four articulated claws similar in position and appearance to a grabber machine claw, but sharper and more dexterous. The claws opene
d and closed almost reflexively.
She was flanked by two hairless men, both wearing identical white jumpsuits. One had his arms replaced with whip-like metal tentacles that trailed to the floor. He flicked them repeatedly, causing them to ripple up and down. The other looked like his entire left side had been replaced including his neck and face. Instead of a hand he had what looked like a pulse weapon attached. Both smiled at Derek and he knew they could see him.
The fourth Humek was the least human of the group. Her entire lower half had been replaced by a metallic snake-like appendage that she rested upon. Instead of hair she had dozens of feelers waving about wildly. The cybernetics gave her the appearance of Medusa from the Greek myths. The pulse rifle she cradled was anything but mythic and she looked ready to use it.
“He’s bluffing.” Rora whispered in Derek’s ear. “The device will work; we just need to plug it in.”
“Since you have done so well, I will reward you. Leave the device here and I will let you and your friend leave.” Doors continued. “Stay out of my territory and we won’t bother you anymore.”
“We can take them. I’ve got your back.” Rora said quietly. “Wouldn’t you rather die free than live a slave?”
“Well Major? What will it be?” Doors asked.
Derek’s answer was to raise the sawed off shotgun and blast the Humek with half his body replaced, in the face. The human half of his face disappeared as both barrels struck him at close range. There was a brief moment of stunned silence as the Humeks and Doors were caught off guard. They finally reacted as the dead Humek toppled to the ground. The hologram disappeared with a howl of rage as the other Humeks attacked.
Rora had anticipated Derek’s response and was already moving when he fired the shotgun. She fired her carbine as she dashed for cover behind a work station. The Humek with tentacles for arms evaded her fire as though expecting it and leapt over the work station to attack her. A rapid whip crack of one arm and he sent her weapon flying. She barely dodged the other tentacle as it crashed down. No match for the tentacle cyborg, she ran with the cyborg in hot pursuit. Rora dodged in and out of work stations as the Humek struck after her with tentacle whip after tentacle whip. Each strike just missed her, but tearing apart a work station and sending fragments flying. Sooner or later, one would strike home and she was running out of work stations to hide behind.