“Soulless monster,” she huffed as she marched off, not once turning back.
Lambda stood cemented to the ground. The woman’s outburst didn’t make any sense. She had never met this woman. She didn’t even know her origin or name. Yet, this person showed extreme hostility and hate, the likes of which Lambda had never seen. She just kept repeating what the woman called her in her head.
Soulless monster. . .
Zack tried to bring her around. “Lambda, don’t mind her. I’m sure the stress from-”
“You two are slow,” burned the words of Laura from behind.
Zack shot Laura a dirty look as he ignored her words. This only served to increase Laura’s growing hostility.
“Perhaps I’m being too lenient with you, boy. You could use some reeducation,” she said with a snap to her words.
“That won’t be necessary,” Lambda calmly replied.
Laura stopped, caught off guard by the lack of intensity in Lambda’s words. Frankly, they sounded completely submissive.
“I was at fault. We won’t keep you any longer,” Lambda finished with her head tilted to the ground. It looked like she was in pain.
Zack could see it in her eyes. The experience with the woman was weighing heavy on her mind. She was agonized over the “Why”, constantly looking for a solution. She couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Corson’s heartless words cut the thick air. “Perhaps Commander Richter has a point. I have a schedule to keep, so stop lagging behind,” he finished ruthlessly.
Zack glared in his direction as Corson came down the steel stairs from above.
“We wouldn’t want that, now would we?” he retorted.
Corson’s eyes flamed. “Mind your words, boy. You’re in my world now.”
Zack didn’t know what he hated more: the arrogant look in Corson’s eyes, or the fact that his terrifying form made his knees wobble.
“Laura, reconvene here after Peter updates you on the mission parameters. All commanders are to meet up with their squads and prepare to sortie.”
Laura nodded. “Of course, Leader.” She marched off without another word.
Corson’s eyes fell on Zack and Lambda. Zack felt that if he could see his face, he would be sneering.
“Are you mentally prepared to see the truth to the world you know nothing about?” he boasted proudly.
Zack snarled. “You keep saying that, but so far you’ve delivered nothing,” Zack shot back heatedly.
Corson chuckled. “You will see soon, and the Lambda unit will bear witness to how people see it as well.” Corson’s eyes gleamed as he stared at Lambda. “Although I wager it already is starting to get an idea.”
Corson’s words made Zack want to cleave out the man’s eyes, but Zack couldn’t help but feel this strange sensation through all the gazing eyes around him. It was odd how not a single one spoke as they passed them while Corson talked. All the men and women did as they were told, but all eyes quickly glanced away as soon as they fell on Corson. Most people had indifferent looks, but few had the looks of admiration that members like Laura displayed. To Zack, it seemed rather odd. For someone that was supposed to be this great “Leader”, Zack was getting the feeling that many of those under Corson were more terrified of him rather than respecting of him.
Zack dropped his line of thought as he backtracked to what Corson had said to Laura before. His tone quickly took on a rigid form.
“What’s this mission you were talking about?”
Corson’s eyes grew as he glared at Zack. “You will be briefed on the role you will play in time. For now, you are to keep your little guardian in check.”
Zack pushed on. He could already sense several men and woman easing up on their work so they could listen. It wasn’t every day someone talked back to Corson.
“Is that so? You may think of me as some kid, but don’t underestimate me. I’m far more capable then you think.”
Corson’s fist clenched. “Perhaps I need to remind you that your sister’s health and safety rests solely on your cooperation. Is knowing that good enough?”
Zack’s expression darkened. “Words of a coward,” Zack barked.
Zack suddenly heard metallic footsteps. He barely had the time to look in the direction of the echoes when he saw Laura leap down from the second level, having caught wind of Zack’s dialogue with Corson. Zack took note of the level of haste that rode her steps; and of Peter holding his head in his hand above.
“That’s enough!” she bellowed. She glared at the men and women around who had stopped moving.
“What are you all staring at?! Get back to work!”
The mass of people hastened as they saw Laura’s boiling rage. It was clear to Zack that the members of Stigma had a very similar opinion of both Corson and her.
“You’re a spirited one. I will give you that, boy,” Corson applauded. “However, you don’t understand the severity of the deteriorating state our world is in.”
Zack found Corson’s words to be troubling. What does he mean by deteriorating?
“Tell me, boy, have you asked yourself yet why my men show nothing but contempt for your little AI bodyguard?”
Zack didn’t have anything to say. He offered only a face full of rancor.
“Your silence says enough. Perhaps you should start wondering why that thing standing beside you is the source of everyone’s hate here before you start worrying about our objectives,” Corson shot.
Zack grinded his teeth. Says the man who rules like a dictator!
“All right. If that’s how you’re going to play it, then allow me to ask you this: what makes you so sure that me seeing this Limit Zone will change my mind about you or your organization?” Zack jabbed.
Corson chuckled lightly. “There is no certainty in this world, but I can assure you one thing . . .” He leaned in closer, speaking in a low, ominous tone. “I’m going to shatter that fragile little bubble of a reality you hold so dear.”
Zack continued to glare into Corson’s singeing eyes. He couldn’t understand why the people around him followed this mad man. It was beyond all logic as to why anyone could see that what Corson was doing was for some “greater good”. Yet no one questioned him, despite showing signs of wavering faith and doubts. Zack could see it on their faces and in their eyes. He had to wonder . . .
What is Corson promising them?
Lambda, too, found herself lost. Much of what Corson said carried so much weight. She could sense the overwhelming presence of unrest in the giant hangar. She wanted to know the reason behind the existence of Corson’s group. She wanted to know why all the eyes around her pierced her like knives. She wanted to know why she was hated by people she never had seen before.
The dark atmosphere was shattered by the cheery voice of Nerine. Her overwhelming enthusiasm illuminated the hangar with a warmth Zack didn’t think was possible. It was even more astounding to see several men and woman let a laugh slip as she approached them.
“Jeez, Corson, it’s because you’re so hostile that everyone can’t relax when you’re here. Tension is at an all-time high. Don’t you think you could tone it down a bit?”
Laura’s mouth could barely form words as her face contorted in a mixture of disgust and fury. Nerine only ignored it and rushed up to the group.
Corson groaned as he palmed his mask.
“Your benevolent attitude ceases to amaze me.” He shook his head and sighed heavily. “Have you at least done what I asked you?”
Nerine nodded with a pleasant smile. “Yup, she should be okay now, though she did express interest to see him, you know.”
Corson was unfazed. “Let me see if I can work it into my lax schedule.”
Nerine folded her arms. “Sarcasm is unbecoming of you.”
Corson glared ferociously. “Does it look like I care?”
Nerine shook her head. “I suppose not,” she said with a playful shrug of her shoulders.
Corson turned to Laura. Her contorted expression had evened out a bit.
“I trust Peter has updated you on each squad’s mission?”
Laura nodded without a word. She did find Peter’s words a bit harsh. She reflected on what he had said . . .
“I don’t doubt that Corson’s plan will bring us closer to our true goal, but . . .” Peter trailed off, appearing unsure of himself.
“Doubt plagues you, Peter. As one of the senior members of Stigma, you shouldn’t allow it to cloud your judgment,” Laura replied strongly.
Peter chuckled. “Perhaps. I just hope this plays out the way he wants it. Otherwise, I fear the members may begin to grow too restless to control.”
It sounded as if he was deeply worried about something. Deep down, even Laura wished to know the full extent of Corson’s plan. However, trying to get information out of him was about the same as trying to crack open diamonds with a toothpick.
Corson turned to Nerine. “How are we doing on time?”
“We’re on schedule for the most part. We should be ready to deploy in the next half hour.”
Corson’s body radiated with indignation. “Too slow.” He threw out his hand strongly as he addressed the entire hangar. It was alarming how his voice carried. “Assemble and load all the squads! Operation Hexagon launches in twenty minutes!”
He turned back to Nerine, his gaze still strong. “I trust you can handle the final preparations on your end in a timely matter?”
Nerine sighed, but quickly recovered her spunk. “Naturally,” she replied cheerfully. “Shall I escort these two to the loading area?”
Corson leered at Lambda and Zack. His stare lasted longer than normal.
“Get them loaded with the rest of the squads. I would rather they not roam,” he replied coarsely. He said nothing more as he trotted off. Laura also branched off toward her squad. The look of vile contempt she shot back at them was enough to freeze lava.
Zack’s expression remained hard as he watched them walk away. However, his anger was hard to keep when Nerine spoke up.
“Would you two follow me now, please?” she said with a grin.
Zack was completely taken aback by this girl. She showed a certain spring in her step that he didn’t have a chance to see the first time he saw her. Amidst all the glum people around the base, she seemed to be a beacon of radiant light. It puzzled Zack greatly, but even more so Lambda.
“How are you able to smile so?” Lambda asked bluntly.
Nerine wasn’t quick to respond. Zack could tell she was unsure of how to answer the question. Although Zack did note a subtle drop in energy when Nerine answered Lambda’s question.
“We of Stigma don’t expect you to understand. As to your question, I smile because I’m grateful,” she said proudly. She never once turned around to face Zack or Lambda as she continued to lead them.
Zack glanced around at some of the members of Stigma within the bustling hangar. Their stares and glances were quick, but still held the same mixture of fear and rage.
“This is just an observation, so don’t jump down my throat, but . . . do you fear Lambda out of what she can do, or what she is?”
Nerine stopped. Her shoulders stiffened and her posture seemed rather intense. The language Nerine was giving off bothered Zack. He didn’t want to provoke this girl as she seemed to appear to be the only one with a level head and one of the few not afraid to stand up to Corson. However, he worried he that might have stepped on a mine. This time when she spoke, there was no subtlety.
“As someone who has lived his entire life in sophisticated towns or cities, you have no idea what those AI units are used for.”
Zack felt a chill. Nerine’s tone was heavy and full of dread.
Zack knew it to be unwise, but he pressed on.
“I’m not so sheltered as you may think. I know that Babel uses AI units for military use and sells the technology to the world governments. Are you going to tell me something I don’t already know?”
Nerine’s posture didn’t relax. It only became more rigid. “You know nothing,” she said bluntly. Her back was still turned to Zack and Lambda.
Zack opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off.
“You don’t understand just how much life changed for people who couldn’t keep up with society after the creation of the Cyber Network.”
Zack hadn’t connected the dots yet. This still didn’t explain her building resentment at Zack’s question. Why did this topic provoke her so?
Nerine continued. “After its creation, everything changed drastically and quickly. It wasn’t long after the Cyber Network was born that it started.”
Zack swallowed, now almost afraid to ask. “What started?”
Nerine turned slowly. Her pleasant smile was all but a distant memory now. What remained was a blank face and quivering eyes.
“The Great Divide.”
* * *
Corson and Peter had briskly made it to a secure room to finalize operating procedures. Corson drummed his fingers on the computer terminal in front of him as Peter stood at his side. They both brooded over the coming mission silently. The echoes from the hangar beyond the metal walls could be heard ever so slightly as they both continued to gaze into the massive monitor before them.
“The area is clear. We have a window of a few hours before the next sweep,” Corson said with confidence.
Peter wasn’t as convinced. “Still, there is no telling how many units are on rotation in the area given recent events. Babel may have very well beefed up its security patrol.”
Corson heard Peter’s words, finding them unnerving in how they made sense.
“It will be fine. Our intelligence on the area is solid.”
Peter had concerns. “Nerine never did figure out our contact in Babel. What if they try to interfere?”
Corson waved his hand dismissively. “It matters little now. We have the Lambda unit. Whoever the contact was, they served their role. Besides . . .” He turned to Peter, his eyes glowing with fury. “If they jeopardize our mission, I will personally hunt them down and roast them alive.”
Peter shook off a chill. “Noted, but what if we run into a patrol? We need to be prepared for anything.”
Corson didn’t seemed fazed. “There won’t be a problem. As a fail-safe, we can always use the Lambda unit as a defensive weapon.”
Peter’s eyes intensified. “That may be true, but to have both the boy and the girl’s presence on the front lines of this operation . . .”
Corson’s eyes ruptured with irritation. “Don’t you get it? We need them on our side. We are holding them at bay with nothing but empty threats. How long do you think it is going to last? Besides, they both need to see the truth. Then they will understand.”
Peter’s face didn’t give from his hard expression. “I do understand your reason, but with all due respect, Leader, this action puts the mission at risk.”
Corson slammed his fist on the terminal. “I know what I’m doing! Besides, I won’t have a repeat like before.”
Peter’s face grew solemn. “You’re talking about the Solomon’s Key disaster.” He leered intently at Corson. It quickly started to make sense now. Corson didn’t even blink.
Peter pressed on. “Corson, are you trying to-”
“Enough, Peter. There will be no more words concerning the issue until we arrive at the location,” Corson barked.
Peter didn’t back down. “What is in Limit Zone 246, Corson?” His tone was firm and strong.
Corson refused to give a reply.
Peter took a step forward. “Answer me, Corson!”
The two titans glared at one another. The fury in their eyes was galactic in proportion.
“Your persistence is starting to test my patience, Peter,” Corson growled.
Peter puffed out his chest and stepped right up to Corson. He stared down at the masked man with a threatening gaze.
>
“Doubt is a sickness, Corson, and you have let it spread through this organization. I suggest you fix it before it is too late.”
Peter stuck his large finger into Corson’s chest. “After all, with doubt comes hesitation, and where there is hesitation, soldiers die!” Peter shouted.
Corson’s eyes raged like a furnace. Peter couldn’t help but feel a light trickle of fear run through his body.
Corson broke his heated gaze as he supported most of his weight on the terminal before them.
He let out a sigh. “I don’t trust anyone, Peter. When I do, disaster is always there to laugh at me. So tell me, why should I tell you anything?”
Peter’s eyes softened. “You’ve got to let the Solomon disaster go. That was out of our hands.”
Corson glared. “Corruption in our ranks destroyed the operation. I won’t have a repeat, not now, not when it is too vital to our success and future.”
Peter sighed heavily. “I was there on that day. We lost a valued member. If she were here, I wonder what-” Peter stopped, now coming full circle from before. He looked to Corson, now with a smirk on his face.
Corson’s eyes inflamed. “I know that look,” he spoke darkly.
Peter’s smirk vanished. “They should know,” Peter said with a more gentle touch.
Corson thinned his eyes. “If you figured it out, then you know why we can’t let anyone know until the last moment.”
Peter shook his head. “There are still plenty among our ranks that were involved in the Solomon operation. They would understand if you told them. Have faith in your men,” he added, trying to come off convincing.
Peter’s words fell on deaf ears.
“Is that all, Peter? If so, I would like to go over your role in this operation,” Corson spoke dismissingly.
Peter let out another sigh. “Is there nothing I can do to persuade you to rethink this course of action?”
“No,” Corson shot flatly.
Peter folded his arms. “Not even if Laura voiced her concern?”
Corson’s eye twitched. “Why bring her up now?”
Peter raised his eyebrows. “Simple, really. She is the only person I know that does everything you tell her without question. It’s a little alarming, actually. However, I’m pretty sure you know why she does,” Peter said with a protective tone. His stare was very intense.
The Genesis Code 1: Lambda Page 32