“W-who are you?” Zack whispered as he still hadn’t completely recovered.
The masked assailant retracted his weapon. “Emergency Exit Override. Passcode: War.”
The assailant was then sucked into a black void that generated behind him. The void instantly vanished once it consumed him, leaving Zack and Lambda in a daze as to what just transpired.
“Hostile’s retreat confirmed. Disengaging.”
Lambda retracted her weapon into the negative space from which it came and receded the black hole above her. She found the presence of the silver knight to be troubling as well. Whoever it was, their interest in Zack bothered Lambda.
Zack sat up, still finding it difficult to breathe. They were far from being safe. They had to get out of the Network fast, before any other strange guests arrived.
“Lambda, we got to get out of here,” Zack said struggling a bit.
“What about your sister?” Lambda inquired.
“We will have to find another way. It is far too dangerous to stay here.”
Lambda nodded. “Agreed.” She then trailed off seeming a bit nervous. “A-are you a-all right?” she asked, seeming unsure of herself.
Zack brushed her aside. “I’m fine. Just use that computer brain of yours and get us an Exit Override quick.”
Lambda found Zack’s tone rude. She also found it rather unnerving how he had not shown her any gratitude for attempting to save Zack from his assailant. She herself reacted on pure impulse, but the complete lack of thanks caused a prick in her chest that she could only understand as “anger”. She wasn’t too fond of this emotion either. She was starting to think that having working knowledge of these complex emotions was more of a curse than a gift. That, and for some reason, she couldn’t get out of her head what Zack had said before.
Who is Rachiel? The complete lack of data concerned Lambda. On top of that, she didn’t know what to make of the squeezing sensation in her stomach. It was discomforting, making her almost want to gag. She didn’t know that she was experiencing anxiety from her own uncertainty.
Seconds later, Lambda and Zack vanished from the place they stood, leaving one battlefield only to land right in another.
* * *
[January 6th - Washington D.C. - Private Location - Parking Garage - Night]
Margret waited impatiently in a dark parking garage lit with dim lights. The concrete that surrounded her gave her the feeling of being entombed as she tapped her finger along her arm. It was a cold night, and it wasn’t like one of her informants on her list to be late.
“He was supposed to be here almost twenty minutes ago. Where the hell is he?” Her words were laced with vexation. Margret never had much patience in tardiness. Time was money, and in the business of information, time was priceless.
A sudden rustle of wind caught her off guard. Her hair flailed in the strong breeze as her body was chilled. Even in her overcoat, she couldn’t get herself to warm up. She shook off the wind as she tried to calm her growing irritation.
“Sorry for the wait-”
The voice couldn’t finish as Margret reeled in surprise.
The man stared at her not amused. “Are you done?” His manner was erect and impatient.
Margret quickly found her center as she cleared her throat. Her stern expression though didn’t leave.
“Were you able to get what I asked for, Marcus?”
Marcus’ eyes widened slightly as he noted the change in her tone.
He smirked. “There is the woman I know.” He opened up the small briefcase he was carrying and handed Margret two folders and a black hard drive, no bigger than a box of matches.
“I will have you know that it wasn’t easy to get what you asked for. I had to call in a lot of favors and pull some strings I didn’t want to.”
Margret took the folders and hard drive from him. She opened up the first folder. The first page read “Combat AI Development Project”. Immediately, she was intrigued.
“What could you find out through your contacts?” she asked as she flipped through the file.
Marcus shook his head. “Not many people would talk when I started probing for information related to the Lambda Project. It appears it is pretty tight lipped. From what I was able to procure, it would appear that Babel is funding the project here in our country exclusively and being very quiet about it. Not even our President knows of it.”
Margret looked up from the folder. “I figured Babel was providing the funding for the project, that much was obvious from the beginning. What concerns me is its purpose.”
“Turn the page.”
Margret looked at Marcus a little worried. She did as he said moments later. She didn’t have to read far to start asking questions.
“Wait, this document doesn’t say anything about the Lambda Project. It is talking about something called, Oblivion?” Most of the document was redacted so she didn’t quite understand. She kept on reading. “Wait a minute.” Her eyes grew in size. “Why is Lambda referred to as the “Enforcer unit” here, and what does a combat AI have a need for 198 weapons?!”
Marcus broke in. “I found that document rather distressing. Another document in there also gives the spec spread of the Lambda unit. Not even a God Mod of the highest class has specs that even come close to this. This is no ordinary AI; this thing is a war machine.”
Margret stared hard at the folder. Not even she had seen the full specs of the Lambda unit. This only stirred her curiosity further.
“Why is this being created?”
“I find it disturbing that the Head of Communications under the project itself has no clue what she is overseeing,” Marcus added rather begrudgingly.
Margret ignored the attitude. “Obviously, much is being kept from my eyes. I was hoping you could do better on your end. So, did you get anything else?”
Marcus shook his head. “No one in my contact list could really give me a solid lead beyond what I gave you there. Since it’s a project funded by Babel, it is under their jurisdiction. There aren’t a lot of ways to get info on it as very few people even have access to their servers. It also doesn’t come off as suspicious as they handle all AI projects in some manner or way. Them being their own government for the Network basically makes them immune to our regulations.”
“Do you think we could expose this, perhaps to force their hand?”
Marcus shrugged. “Not ideal I’m sure, but Babel can simply say that it’s a new AI project, similar to the God Mods, and just write it off like that. They are always researching and creating more powerful AI programs to police and monitor the Network. Even if we could get some heat under their feet, it wouldn’t prove anything, or get us anywhere.”
“So we have no idea what the true purpose of Project Lambda is, then?” Margret looked frazzled as she flipped through the folder. She was hoping something would appear before her that would at least give her a clue on what to do next. It wasn’t like her to hit a dead end.
“What information that we can get on the Lambda unit isn’t enough to put together any solid theory. You will need to get somebody who knows about its true purpose to talk,” he said trying to sound reassuring.
Margret rolled her eyes. “If it were that easy, I wouldn’t be asking you to dig up information on your end, now would I?”
Marcus fixed his coat as a chilling breeze rushed over them.
“Then you are just going to have to climb higher to find someone that does.” He turned and began walking away as the breeze died away.
“Wait.”
Marcus stopped.
“What did you find about the boy I mentioned? He is involved with the Lambda unit now.”
Marcus turned slowly. “I gathered what I could on Project Lambda. That’s all I could do.”
Margret found his tone odd. It almost seemed fearful, which was unlike him.
“I asked you to look into Project Lambda and the boy it is with, Zackary All
an-”
“Asking about the boy was harder than asking about Project Lambda!”
Margret stopped. She didn’t like Marcus’ tone. “What are you saying?” She could hardly hide her wavering tone.
Marcus faced her. His eyes looked to be quivering. It was a look she had never seen before on him.
“Look, I took a lot of heat just asking the question apparently. For whatever reason, whenever the name “Zackary Allan Knight” was dropped, people just stopped talking to me. They treated me like some plague.”
Margret didn’t understand. “That doesn’t make any sense. He’s just a teenager. Grant it, he has some very influential parents, but how can that cause all of the people you spoke to in Washington to go cold on you at the drop of his name?”
Marcus now started to appear frustrated and over alert. It was like just talking about it made him fear for his life. He then came closer, much closer than Margret would have cared for. His eyes burned into her as she peered back with lingering apprehension.
“I couldn’t give you anything digital or physical for the boy outside of public records simply because it would lead it back to me. All I can tell you is this: something happened three years ago, and some powerful people high up in Babel—the Twelve—have gone to great lengths to cover it up.”
Margret didn’t like the tone Marcus had. In all the years she had been in league with him, she had never seen him get like this. It almost looked like the knowledge he had was eating him inside and out.
“What happened three years ago?” she asked reluctantly.
Marcus took a step back, releasing some of the tension. “No one I spoke to would tell me what happened, but one person did give me a name.”
“And that was?”
He looked at Margret with shaking eyes and uttered the name ominously.
“Rachiel.”
[9]
Overload
[January 6th - Cyber Network, Server 346 - Concert Hall - Night]
Corson had watched the scene involving the silver assailant that struck Zack with calculating precision, despite his own pressing dilemma. What troubled him deeply was the purpose behind the attack. He had many questions, and the last thing he needed right now was another piece on the board. In the end, the pressing matter at hand was dealing with three Void Reapers and the ever-encroaching time to where the Medusa Field would fall.
“Corson,” came a voice over his com. It was Laura. She spoke softly to keep from being overheard by the Reapers. “What’s the plan now?”
“Working on it,” Corson whispered back heatedly. “For now, order everyone to exit the Network. We will reconvene at HQ,” he finished softly.
Laura could hear the disappointment in his voice. She nodded with a quick glance over to him as she subtly contacted Krieg and the others.
“Did you all get that?” she said lowly.
“Understood,” came the words of the Captain.
Krieg was late to respond.
“Krieg, did you hear Corson’s-”
“I heard. I’m not deaf.” He sounded livid.
Laura disregarded Krieg’s heated words. “Leave this to Corson and I. You have your orders, so move,” she finished quickly. Her line went dead seconds later.
Laura looked back to Corson. She could see him peering deeply at their advisories. They had not made any acts of aggression since Lambda’s retreat. It seemed that none of them wanted to make the first move. The pressure was intense; Laura could feel the air thinning from the lot of them just glaring in each other’s direction. She watched Corson’s clawed fingers itch for the chance to make a play.
“This isn’t like you, Corson.” The voice that spoke belonged to Overseer. The hollow slits within her metal mask burned with fury.
Corson merely chuckled. “And how would you think I would normally act, Vera?”
Her body seemed to tighten. “It appears that you are hesitating. Does the great Black God now care for the innocent people he is surrounded by?”
Corson found the remark irritable. However, he remained centered. She was trying to rile him into a response. Unfortunately for her, he was far too aware of such childish tricks.
Laura suddenly stepped in. “I find it more amusing how the great Void Reapers are easily contended with.”
Her boastful grin enraged Overseer. “And here is Stigma, preying on a mere child. You’re angry because he stole your little AI from you? Why don’t you just kill him?”
Corson scowled. “You know nothing, Vera. Continue being an ignorant fool. You’re good at that.”
Overseer ignored the last comment. Instead, she gave a wicked laugh. “I didn’t know you were such a coward, Corson. Surely you see that your method is unnecessary and roundabout. This is utterly laughable.”
Corson didn’t care for her tone. He merely stared silently. He knew what he was doing. Without Zack’s cooperation, Lambda would never listen to him. After all, Corson knew Lambda had imprinted too much on Zack to ever obey him should he kill Zack.
The Lambda unit already sees value in the boy. He could see it in its actions. He knew that he wasn’t wrong. He always could see the truth, hidden within the eyes.
“Say, Corson,” Overseer called to him playfully. “How did you manage to scare the boy away? Did you say you would kill his family should he refuse to cooperate?”
Corson was starting to get annoyed. “What of it, Vera?”
Overseer now was starting to get confident. She held her hand in front of her face. In an instant, the metal mask shielding her features retracted and revealed her vibrant blue eyes and wicked smile.
“So tell me, Corson, how are you getting the boy to join you, hmm? Persuasion, maybe, or perhaps . . . .” She paused for dramatic effect. “Threats?”
Corson clenched his claws. He whispered into his com. “Laura, get ready to rush Vera. She is allowing herself to become overconfident.”
Corson noted Laura’s subtle nod. They were about to make their move, when Vera’s tone suddenly changed.
Vera ceased her grin as she heard a voice in her ear.
Corson observed this mood change with great concern.
“What is it?” she replied harshly.
Corson’s eyes darkened as he saw her smile return.
She faced Corson, still smiling arrogantly. “Looks like it’s over. We win.”
Corson glared. “Rather cocky words. You would be wise to not be so sure.”
Vera chuckled. “You think we are the only ones that know you are here?” Her sneer was rather unpleasant. “Babel has already alerted the World Moderators. They are locking down this server as we speak. In just a few more moments, we will know exactly where you are uploading from.”
Vera took a breath, still grinning strongly. “It’s over, Corson. Checkmate!”
Corson glared. “How amusing. And here I thought you would make sure that you took me down personally.”
Vera remained confident. “That will come once we zero in on your accounts. We only need one of you to find your location. The squad that managed to slip out will meet their demise once we crash open your front door. However . . .” She looked to Foresight and Clairvoyance. “Though we may have you two trapped, that doesn’t mean we can’t rough you up nice and good here in the Network. Crushing that pride of yours will be a fine appetizer.” Her face was covered by the metal mask once more as she held up her large saber.
“On my command, attack,” she said anxiously as she began to laugh.
Foresight and Clairvoyance both nodded. They took their stances as they prepared for Overseer’s word. They waited patiently like poised lions.
Corson put his metallic hand to his face. “Then I suppose you leave me no choice.”
Overseer’s heartless laughter ceased almost instantly. The look in Corson’s eyes rattled her. She began to fear what he was talking about.
She pointed her saber at Corson. “You don’t have a c
hoice! Fight here to save your pride, or wait to have the World Moderators hack your account. Either way, you don’t get a choice in the matter! All of the options lead to your capture and defeat!” Vera yelled, trying to brush off her wavering fear.
Laura turned to Corson, sensing a dark presence from him. “Is it too late to stop you?” Laura spoke with worry lingering on her tongue. She seemed almost apologetic.
Corson only shook his head as he threw his hand into the air. White lightning began sparking and dashing from his claws as a current of wind began to suck inward toward his outstretched hand. Atop his metallic palm was now forming a small black ball. It pulsed with a foreboding aura.
Vera’s eyes widened with surprise as she leapt away. “Clairvoyance! Foresight! Evasive action now!”
Both turned to Vera. Their display of hesitation showed how perplexed they were by the sudden change in the situation.
“What are you talking about?! We will just stop him-”
A burst of lightning shot into Clairvoyance before he could finish. The shock lit his entire Avatar bleach-white as the blinding energy surged through him. His whole body contorted and bent in inhuman ways before it burst into bits of code, leaving no trace of the Void Reaper.
Vera glared in Corson’s direction. Corson returned the stare as more bolts of lightning shot out from the small black hole atop his palm. Each time the lightning crashed into an object, the space that the object occupied was completely nullified. It was as if each blast was erasing everything around them.
“Have you lost your mind?! This is your plan?! If you create a Server Crash, you risk killing yourself, along with everyone here!” bellowed Overseer.
The Genesis Code 1: Lambda Page 14