Rise and Fall

by J P Robertson

  Cindy waited for him to leave, then went back and collected the blockers. She moved quick, Jack needed to know what was going on. She had the feeling there was a net hovering over them, and the stakes were raising by the day. Mother nature showed her sense of irony and opened up the heavens as she was moving back to the car.

  Chapter 4

  Cindy was pouring through data that had been streaming from MDC all day. A lot of it was garbled, but there were enough strings to get some coherent information. It looked like MDC were operating far beyond their brief in weapons development. Much of the research seemed to be towards major-event type defences. This seemed odd, as most of the Forces operations these days were against terrorists, minority activist groups, and pirating. She needed more data before she had a decent picture of what was happening.

  “Hey Jack, come and look at this.”

  Jack walked over to the desk and saw screeds of data overlays everywhere on the table.

  “Damn Sin, how can you read any of this?”

  “I finished 5th grade, hun.”

  Jack could tell by her grin she had waited days to crack that one at him.

  “So what am I looking at?”

  “MDC has been logging and tracking the atmospheric distortion with amazing accuracy. They have data from almost the time of the initial event, and are analysing every significant parameter.”

  “That’s not surprising Sin, they are pretty much the military these days. Why is it an issue?”

  “Think about it, Jack. When the event happened, nobody knew what it was going to do. The geoengineering was well planned, and data was available to everyone, full disclosure. The effects that eventuated over the operations was cited as ‘incalculable’ by every expert around the world.”

  “Yet MDC had sensors capable of measuring the effects from day one. Now that is kind of interesting. What do you think?”

  “Not sure yet. Kobeur obviously thought it was important, as it seems to be the dominant data. That and some information on bioengineering. Something being developed at a black site, or a competitor, not sure yet as the data is still coming through.”

  Cindy looked up and saw Jack staring at the TV. She was about to yell at him, then saw the headline on the news report. Initial reports were in that Dr Kobeur, the renowned scientist behind much of the current technological developments in the military, had jumped from the roof of the MDC building. The MDC C.E.O. was preparing for a news briefing.

  “Jack, what the hell. Kobeur didn’t do this. Did her?”

  “No Sin, we did.”

  Cindy stepped between Jack and the TV and turned it off. She turned to him and looked him in the eyes. He was staring blankly at the TV.

  “Jack, we didn’t do anything. Kobeur must have been made. There is something else Jack. I’ve had warning that you… we, may be tagged. You have been seen around the area of our Op’s and it’s reached the Feds.”

  Jack snapped out of his daze, looking back as Cindy.

  “What. How? Where did you hear that?”

  “Don’t worry, it’s a solid source. It was a warning, not a threat. It looks like someone really wants us to get out.”

  “Right, getting the signals”. Jack gestured towards the TV. “And it also means that the data may be crap. How do we know they didn’t find out about Kobeur before the data started streaming?”

  “We don’t Jack, but I’m storing it until it stops transmitting.”

  “That is a bad idea Sin. I don’t want anyone getting a lead on you. We will scrap this operation now. I’ll clear out for a while, lay low till the heat dies off, then we can re-group later.”

  Cindy was silent as she contemplated what Jack was saying. She never backed down from a fight, and neither did Jack. Why was he folding so soon this time?

  “DO you hear me Sin? I want you out of this!”

  “Are you protecting me Jack? Cute, but I’m a big girl, I can handle myself.”

  “Not this time. Something is wrong. There are pieces that don’t fit. “

  “OK then, enlighten me.”

  Jack was starting to feel tense, he was on the tip of putting things together, but couldn’t quite get there. What he did feel though, was a sense of dread. It can’t have just been Kobeur’s death, he had seen a lot of death in his time, but he didn’t feel right.

  “Sin, why would they kill Kobeur?”

  “Because they found him tapping the system.”

  “I don’t know if that is it. For a start, they could just overlay his signals with corrupt data, I mean that is what I would do. They have been known to dabble in espionage, so I’m sure it would have been their first call. This is messy for them.”

  “I guess. Not to mention the doc was one of the greatest minds of present time. It’s a huge blow for MDC.”

  “So, that is what I am saying. We need to be careful.”

  Cindy was about to remark back about how they always were, but just as she began to speak Jack slammed his hand on the table. He stood up and stared directly at Cindy, almost shouting.

  “I’ve lost enough people in my life Sin, I’ll be damned if I’m losing you. The Op is off. I’m outta here for now. When I know we’re cold, I’ll be back.”

  Cindy stood up and glared at Jack.

  “Don’t worry about that, Jack. Go and run, it’s you’re thing, right?”

  Jack was about to scream, but turned and walked down the corridor. He was going to find out what was going on, but there was no way Cindy would be anywhere near the action this time. Before she had a chance to follow him, Jack jumped on Betty and left.

  Chapter 5

  Jack knew the streets. The old city had become his home since his discharge. The grime, filth, and disorder had become a comfort to him. He also knew this is where a shadow war was playing out. The few politicians that cared about people, really cared, were trying to ensure those that couldn’t afford the New City were looked after, but it wasn’t working. What parts of the city weren’t being destroyed by the ocean were being destroyed by the people.

  Lately the Autohacking scene was ramping up. Jack had been doing a few runs himself and had a bit of a reputation with some of the Runners. A few of the crews had asked him to join them, but he wasn’t into the hard-core stuff. He just wanted enough credit for a crappy room, and a bottomless glass at the Ned Kelly Taverna.

  It was part selfishness, part duty that drew him back to the circuit. He knew that Cindy wouldn’t go and look for him down there, it was a waste of time her trying to get intel from the 3rd Quadrant, no-one talked. It was also the only way he knew he would be able to dig into MDC. The facility wasn’t far from the slum, and people heard whispers.

  Before he even realized, Jack was knocking back his third whiskey. The bar was no different than it had been a decade ago, worn out stools, worn out bar, worn out waitresses, just about perfect.

  After a few more, the purpose of his visit became less important, the drink was numbing his senses, his memories, and it was good.

  “Heyyyy, Jack. Haven’t seen you for ages hun. How have you been?”

  Jack looked across the bar to see Jasmin standing there in all her glory. It had been three years since he saw her, but she looked at least years older.

  “Wow Jaz, it’s been too long. How are you?”

  “Good Jack. Well, all the better for seeing you.”

  “Sit with me and see some more.”

  “Can’t Jack, on duty.”

  She smiled, giving Jack the nod. It was the longest standing joke in the bar, the staff were usually more drunk than the patrons. She leaned into him and whispered in his ear.

  “Two men at the other end of the bar. Been giving you the glad eye for the last fifteen minutes, and they’re both on water.”

  She touched his shoulder and leaned over the bar to talk to the bar-man. Jack looked over her shoulder and saw them. Now that he actually looked, they were a
pretty easy make. Athletic build, clean suits, short cropped hair. They looked like they meant business.

  Jack wished for a moment he had stuck to water, but also knew this was going down sober or not. He also knew he had been through plenty of fights with a few under his belt, so he was in familiar territory.

  “Thanks for the memories Charlie.”

  Jack tossed a few credits on the bar and gave the tender a nod. He said it loud enough for his soon to be new friends to hear. Walking through the back door into the alley, he quickly made for the opposite side and steadied himself against the wall. Two figures came through the door way, Jack launched at them before they could get clear of the door.

  There were a flurry of blue and red limbs moving across and into him. Jack was fast, but so were these guys. Jack got caught in the jaw with a fist, but slammed the inside of the attackers knee as he went down. They fell together before there was a gun report at point blank range. They all stopped.

  “These boys giving you trouble, Jack?” It was Charlie, standing in the doorway holding a sawed off Mossberg shotgun.

  Jack coughed and spat some blood, before getting up and looking at the others. “Where did you get that ancient blasting piece?”

  Charlie moved the gun to the side and admired it. “What? It was my grandfathers. A hundred years old and still fires first time, every time.” He looked down at the attackers and grinned.

  “Yeah, well keep it on these two, I have a few questions for them.”

  One of the attackers scowled as Jack grabbed his wrist. He turned it over and saw a tattoo.

  “Aletians? What the hell do you guys want with me?”

  “We came to give you a message”, replied the other man in a flat voice.

  “Funny message a-hole, I don’t take kindly to being attacked!”

  “You attacked first, Jack. We were defending ourselves. Our leader has asked that you consider sharing skills and resources with our Clan. We know you don’t think much of the Clans, but a war is coming, and you know we can offer you the kind of protection you will not get with that side-kick of your alone.”

  Jack pondered the offer. Well, he pretended to ponder it, at least. There was no way he was siding with the Aletians in any war, or other activity. They were cold-blooded and ruthless to their enemies, attributes Jack would remember as he departed.

  “Charlie, will you be so kind as to escort these gentlemen through the front.”

  The men followed the wave of Charlie’s gun without argument, while Jack pulled the cover off Betty and saddled up. He had some riding to do, Sydney was no place for him to be tonight.

  Chapter 6

  The haze was a constant irritation for Tyrol. Even though it masked the filth that was down below, he was frustrated that he couldn’t see the ocean. He enjoyed the duality of the waves both rolling through in almost precision timing, but also being distorted and churned by the wind crossing them. He also enjoyed seeing them crash against the buildings at the bottom of town.

  “So Tyrol, what brings you down from the hill?”

  The voice behind him was calm and soothing. It was the voice that Tyrol felt was going to propel him into greatness, removing the shadow of his father for all to see the true Tyrol.

  “Evening Xan, it is good to see you.”

  “And you my friend. It has been some time, how are things going. You look a little concerned?”

  “Not at all Xan, just contemplating. There are many threads to the web we are spinning, and care must be taken.”

  “Yes, Tyrol, I believe you are correct. You’re efforts in building this future with us have been well noted. You are certainly proving yourself to be a cunning individual.”

  “I do appreciate the sentiment, but that is the problem. I am still an individual.”

  Xan walked from the window and gestured Tyrol to follow him. The two of them walked across the office to a nook in the corner. Tyrol had not noticed this area before now, and as they entered a soft light began emitting from the walls and ceiling. They illuminated intricately detailed holographic portraits of their forefathers, many of whom Tyrol recognised. His own father was on the wall, making Tyrol tremble a little.

  “Sit, my friend.”

  Xan gestured to the plush leather seats either side of a small table. As they sat, Xan poured them each a drink from the decanter on the table, and sat back into his chair. He didn’t speak for a moment, admiring the images around him.

  “I watched you grow, Tyrol. Since you were a child, you had the spark in your eye. I saw it, your father saw it, and those around us saw it. You are an individual, but you are not alone, you have never been alone. Even in your darkest moments, we are near. You are one of a chosen few Tyrol, and this gives you privilege and power that most will never even know of, much less experience.”

  The two sat and sipped their drinks. As Tyrol looked at the images, he began to feel calm. It was an odd sensation, and he assumed Xan spent some amount of time in this place. For all of the chaos outside the window, this was indeed a sanctuary. Tyrol enjoyed it, but had matters to discuss.

  “Xan, I need to engage a Runner. One that I think you may know of. He rides a jet black bike, and has had a bit of chatter around regarding his… usefulness.”

  “I know the one you speak of, but why him? We have perfectly good crews operating all over the city.”

  “From what I have heard, he is a bit of a lone-wolf, so may not have many ties.”

  “Are you going to dispose of him?”

  “Not as such, I’m going to give him to a Clan.”

  Xan thought for a moment. He trusted Tyrol. Every move Tyrol had made in the last few years was a carefully crafted work of art. He was certainly a natural. But it was unorthodox for an Alpha to get directly involved with Runners and Clans.

  “Tell me Tyrol, what dealings do you have with this Clan. We would normally use an intermediary to pass directives.”

  “If it’s my security you are concerned with, you can relax. I am using old Tech, and have never revealed myself. I have heard the Clan may be acquiring a couple of Tech’s that have an interesting project underway. Have you heard much chatter about a biological to electronic interface called Biotronics?”

  “Yes, I have. In fact, it was something our friends at MDC were currently working on. Sadly the loss of Dr Kobeur may stall that for some time.”

  “A sad loss, but necessary. Kobeur was too fragile to be involved any further. Regardless, I think the Clan will make better progress. What little red tape is left for MDC is still more than they need to operate under.”

  “So you are going to trade this Runner for the Tech?”

  “No, he will be given as a show of good faith. In turn I expect the Clan will come to me first when they have something functional.”

  Xan considered the plan for a moment. It was bold, there was no doubt there, but that was definitely Tyrol’s style. It seemed as though times were changing, and Xan knew that Tyrol was on the pulse. The plan would proceed.

  Xan reached over and touched Tyrol’s shoulder.

  “Good luck my friend. If you are able to provide what you are suggesting, The Ordained will embrace you into the fold.”

  Tyrol nodded and stood up. He felt empowered and energetic just hearing Xan mention The Ordained. This was Tyrol’s moment, and he would not waste it. There was still the issue of the Aetians, who continued to frustrate his progress, but with the inevitable alliance with the Wing’ Tan, the Aletians would become a minimal risk.

  The key was with the rider. Tyrol knew that he needed a trump card to play with the Clan to ensure their co-operation, and credit alone was becoming less important within the realms of the street gangs, they were beginning to get smarter.

 
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