“You conclude?”
“These are Black Shirts, they are training for war, their Serum Project is operational, and their E-5 project is still an unknown. If we confirm this, the situation just got really, really bad. But, I hope I’m wrong. I really do.”
***
Rod and Cindy now carefully examined the new telemetry obtained by Alana and Adam, particularly regarding the swelling numbers of Gens foot soldiers and the spider web-like pattern of deployment of their personnel within the occupied zone. They would’ve little opportunity to penetrate that zone with their paltry numbers when arrayed against the thirty thousand individuals the Gens had put out in the field. They could do no better than probe the edge of the ever-expanding tangle of camps and twenty-four-hour patrols to test the security in place. They doubted, however, that they could determine much of what exactly these creatures were up to.
Based on new intel, Rod told Edward not to expect too much. They didn’t have numbers or stealth capability to go deep; whatever laxity Adam and Misti had found at the Grand Canyon hadn’t been duplicated here. Short of an army, there was not going to be any confrontation as there had been last time. If there was, their teams might not return.
Upon reconsideration, Edward decided that the mission parameters would change. Rod and Cindy would take the latest gear that Edmund, Maria, and Agustin had conjured, together with the latest gadgets in offensive nanotechnology weaponry that Maria had built. The destructive power of all projectiles would be set to kill; the pellets were loaded with either deadly toxin or set to penetrate and detonate internally on contact. Several new hand-held and shoulder mounted delivery systems had been designed, tested, and shown to be over 99% accurate when tested against the core temperature of either a natural state or transformed Gens. New modifications had been proposed for the tech employed to detect heat signatures with the helmets now being lighter, and the screens easier and simpler to read.
In addition, the weaponry projectiles were made of nanotechnology composite materials, and would disintegrate quickly when a source of electrical charge was absent for more than a few seconds. The worst-case scenario, this new tech falling into the hands of the Gens, while possible, was very unlikely. The advantage Edward and his teams had was that they knew that the core temperature of the Gens was easily detectable. In theory, this advantage could be neutralized if the Gens figured out their own Achilles Heel.
Chapter 56
Maria began explaining the latest gadgetry that had been developed by her and her nerd team. It consisted of two principal advances. One dealt with the second-generation helmets that had been improved to be more functional in spotting the Gens. The helmets also employed various cameras, and night vision capability, so the helmet now looked like swimming goggles with the electronics arrayed around the head on a flexible band. Most of the gadgetry was easily obtained commercially and reconfigured using new software and a new microchip processor. Every field operative would have the new gear, even the men driving the vehicle to and from the drop off point. Everyone had to be checked out on how to use the technology before going into the field.
This new tech was now voice activated making switching from camera to camera or mode to mode easier and faster. In addition, there was less functionality baked in to the new helmets; the Grand Canyon experience have proven that the types of cameras needed for surveillance were only a few.
The second advance was specifically in the weaponry to be used, based on the proprietary nanotechnology developed by Maria and Agustin.
Maria said, “We now have second and third generation weaponry that’re suited to the types of encounters you may have in the field. The first new piece of equipment is based on a standard semi-automatic rifle. You can flip a switch and go from single shot action to slightly over one hundred rounds per minute. The projectile can serve any number of objectives from stun/incapacitate, to death by toxin or explosion. This function is controlled on the weapon and programs the projectile wirelessly. The rifle you will take into the field will be configured to penetrate the body of the target and explode once inside. Death is almost instantaneous. This configuration assumes a small firefight of an isolated Gens, or a small pack in the wild. Each weapon is an overwhelming advantage over the Gens adversary. Flip a switch and it’s a weapon to target humans.
“The second new weapon we have nicknamed the “trap” after the mechanism used to launch clay pigeons in competitive skeet shooting. The weapon launches a series of small disks each containing two hundred fifty small projectiles. Each launcher, or trap, can launch nine disks, arrayed in three rows on top of the other. It’s a little like having jets arrayed on the deck of an aircraft carrier, ready to launch. These disks contain projectiles with a highly-concentrated form of toxin. Once into the Gens bloodstream, death follows paralysis in a matter of seconds.
“The purpose of this weaponry is to blunt an attack when our field teams are overwhelmed by large numbers of Gens, and when repelling an attack needs to be carried out without alerting the balance of the enemy force. The ‘rifle’ weapon is largely a small arms weapon designed to be focused on the enemy just like a standard rifle. By contrast, the trap launcher is designed to be launched approximately up to one hundred twenty feet over the heads of the attacking force. The projectiles then rain down on the enemy from above. Both weapons are heat seeking, adjustable to conditions and keyed to the Gens core temp.
The final weapon is more a weapon of mass destruction and can be used when the enemy force is extremely large, and all other options are insufficient to stop an attack. This weapon is based upon an updated WMD. It fires a single projectile with various components which detach from the projectile and opportunistically seek out the heat signature of the Gens. Each projectile can launch over fifteen hundred deadly projectiles within a matter of seconds. The main projectile is launched at an angle straight up into the air, breaking apart from the outside in, and deploying fully within three seconds. The launch of large projectile, or mother ship, is powered by combustion. Electrical power within the projectile maintains the stability of the deadly small projectiles until launched. When four mother ships are launched at a 45-degree angle to the ground, six thousand bullets are released covering a half mile radius.
“This weapon should be used when forces are overwhelming and too numerous to repel otherwise. A similar design was used on the Gens in the Preserves following the Incident in London, and to great effect.
“Each member of your field teams will be issued rifle launcher, a few will get a prototype hand gun, thirty members will be issued a trap launcher, and twenty will be issued the WMD. While I’m told that there are sufficient precautions taken to prevent filed teams from discovery, there can be no assurance that will be the case. In the event, it’s not unreasonable to assume that an overwhelming number of Gens may attack. If so, you may need every weapon and possibly more.
“Is that it?”
“One final thing that everyone will receive are aerosol cans of a new chemical that Pops has developed for masking the scent of humans. Each member will also be provided with several jumpsuits, to fit over each members’ outer clothing covering the entire body except for the small openings on the face. The headset/goggles fit over eyes and can be snugly attached with straps. Perforated netting covers and overlays the mouth. These jumpsuits are heavily saturated with the scent masking spray. The aerosol cans are for backup in the event of heavy rain or immersion in water. Any questions?”
Cindy asked, “When can we collect our gear and get started?”
“Everything is ready now, boxed and available for transport down to your training facility along the Okanogan River on the US side of the border in Washington State. We will send additional ammunition for each weapon as required following your field training. You will receive two types of projectiles; those that are live and with embedded toxins or explosives and, for training, those set to disintegrate twenty feet from impact from target. Targets will be
dummies brought to a core temperature of 101.6 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“OK then,” said Rod smiling at his wife. “Looks like we’re good to go.”
***
Rod and Cindy stood before the men and women who were to take part in this mission. They were all attentive, dressed out in their specialized camo suits, head gear draped around their necks and holding on to one or more of the weapons provided for them. They each had a million questions about the mission, their unusual weapons, and the background story they were given. They had all been told not to pack conventional firearms, but more than a few had ignored that order. The weaponry given them, if it worked, would do the job as their training had clearly demonstrated; however, they had not tested these new arms in the field. So, quite a few packed conventional arms, pistols of their own choosing. Both Cindy and Rod were aware of the situation and they too had some apprehension.
Rod had asked his Mom some time back if any of the weaponry could be adjusted to the heat signatures of humans; particularly, the rifles. Maria thought the idea had merit, just in case, and made the adjustment.
“You cannot have any of your crew in the line of fire. If you do, the projectile will likely target them. Only forward units should use this weapons adjustment; all other troops should be behind the shooters.”
“Got it.”
***
Rod and Cindy looked at the men and women assembled for the mission. “Gather round people, I want to speak with you before we leave for the Wilderness Area.”
The crew of fifty gathered in close.
“As always, after we conclude this talk, if any of you are having any second thoughts about participating in the mission, you are free to hang back with transport.
“The mission today is very simple. We are to locate the targets in the field, assess them, and record their numbers and behaviors. What we know about them is that they’re a vicious terrorist group committed to attacking the world and committing large scale genocide using weapons of mass destruction. We believe this group here today is training for what they believe is an apocalyptic war.”
“Who are they? And who sanctioned this mission?”
“They are called the Gens. Their numbers are large, and they have been well funded until now. As to who has sanctioned the mission, that would be Dr. Edward St. James. Who has sanctioned him, I do not know.”
“Are they armed?”
“We think many are armed, but not all. We don’t anticipate engaging them in any way and our objective is only, I repeat only, to visually assess and photograph them using the tech you have been trained with. If they discover our presence, you can expect a very robust response, and the use of deadly force. They care nothing for us or our way of life. They will kill you if given the opportunity.”
“If they’re unarmed, what’s the problem?”
“They have tech on their side that makes them able to detect us through the sense of smell. It’s quite effective in detecting hostiles in the field. In addition, they have developed tech that makes them difficult to spot. They use means other than firearms to attack and kill. They are formidable in the field, particularly in hand to hand combat. This is why we’re using thermal imaging. We can lock on them even if we cannot see them. If we engage, we are to use the weapons specially designed and developed for this mission. Our tech will lock onto their heat signature. Be sure to use the scent suppression gear and spray you have been given. No joke; their tech is sensitive and can smell us digitally. Are we clear on this?”
Every head nodded in agreement, but murmurs could be heard throughout the fifty assembled. Something didn’t seem right. They had been informed, but something wasn’t right about this mission. Nonetheless, the field teams headed for their transports taking them south to the Wilderness Area.
An hour later, they arrived at their staging area at the midpoint and just outside the northern boundary of FCRNR for their entrance into the Wilderness Area. They assembled in ten teams of five individuals, Rod and Cindy attached to the two lead teams.
Their presence was small and their numbers few. But they hadn’t arrived unnoticed.
***
The five off road vehicles carrying fifty-two passengers arrived at the coordinates worked out with the support team back in Barrows Bay. The field teams immediately set to work determining the objectives for the day and checking in with support.
“Adam, this is Cindy. Anything to report?”
“Nothing so far. The vanguard still appears to be at least thirty miles away and expanding outward away from your current position.”
“Heat signatures?”
“Yes, but it looks like local campers and they’re headed away from you too. Not Gens anyway; at least neither has a Gens thermal signature.”
“OK. You need to map out possible contact points with Gens patrols. Any chance of us setting up around a base camp?”
“Yes. There are two places, both within thirty miles from your current location, due south. We’re guessing that the camps must abut a cliff or rocky outcrop. The patrols are going south, east and west. Nothing north. I suggest that you recon the area, and if nothing shows, you can monitor two camps and multiple patrols from an elevated vantage point. Stay in constant communication though; there are two to three other base camps within a five-mile radius east of where you will set up. Their patrols go out intermittently, and fast.”
“Gothcha. I’ll keep my coms on.”
Cindy relayed to Rod what she learned from Adam; Rod decided to take his five teams and recon the area south and east of their base camp position, the area into which the Gens were expanding outward.
“Let’s keep a channel open. These guys are tricky, and way more adept than we are at moving through the wilderness. We can’t assume they’re just wild animals. Go slow and take the long way around. Stay in touch with Adam and Alana on the heat signature movement. Let me know if anything changes.”
Had Rod and Cindy thought about it, they may have given some thought to the idea that they were being watched, monitored and had been since arrival at the Wilderness Area. Both had made the mistake of thinking that because the Gens might not be heavily armed or being using cutting-edge satellite tech, that they were blind to the arrival of fifty-two humans. Adam and Alana were looking for electronic signatures, particularly any satellite tech that might be used by the Gens. They had found nothing.
However, they had missed the two-hundred-dollar drone special, available online, which promised all sorts of camera options at a small additional cost. Humans bought the drones online to spy on sunbathing neighbor girls; the Black Shirts had a better use than voyeurism.
They had purchased thousands and were about to prove their field utility.
Within thirty minutes of arrival, the Team Suarez field teams were already under surveillance by Black Shirt commanders deep in the Wilderness. They called their military brass on the Olympic Peninsula on sat phone for instructions. A plan was hastily devised to draw the humans into areas where they could be more easily surrounded, trapped, and eventually captured.
“Find areas that have camps below hills, bluffs or high ground of any kind. If the high ground is dense vegetation or its heavily treed, those are best. We have designated several potential locations to draw them into from their probable paths into our territory. We must assume they have topo maps and surveillance, maybe even satellite. That means they will find the same locations we’re luring them into for the same reason. I want flanking and retreat routes mapped and manned when the order is given. Bring additional units up and in a ready position to cut off any possible movement or escape in any direction.
“I want units sent immediately to their debarkation point and their transportation cut off. I want them overwhelmed by numbers and captured alive. Have all patrols move away from the positions above the camps we want them to occupy. Then when the human intruders get in place, slowly start moving the patrols back to camp and reposition for a
fast attack. We move on them after midnight. Are we clear on the plan?”
“Yes sir.”
“No mistakes then. Go slow and bait the trap. Do not attempt to capture until I’m onsite, unless they try to escape before I arrive. Once we have them, take them the Base Camp 12. If you have them before I arrive, I’ll meet you there.”
Saldana Ri and Arnaud Lemieux had already spoken and were more than a little curious about the sudden appearance of these humans. They would be captured and interrogated at length. Arnaud himself would fly out to conduct the interrogations. He left immediately and would be in the Idaho Wilderness within hours.
“Execute the plan and I’ll see you soon. Remember, capture them alive; I want to interrogate these humans personally.”
Chapter 57
Cindy called in to Barrows Bay to get their assessment of the best locations from which to observe the Gens camps and patrols. The team had studied the aerial maps and topo maps and done hourly thermal scans. Both the military types offsite in South Dakota as well as the assessments done by Rod and Cindy and others on the field teams established a consensus of the best ground to occupy, subject to an assessment of the deployment of Gens in the area. The teams agreed that based on high ground vantage points, the number of Gens patrolling the area and natural cover, there were seven or eight locations that seemed to provide the best chance to observe the Gens unnoticed, as well as excellent ingress and egress should detection become an issue.
They decided to take up positions along three ridges with thick underbrush which was densely treed. There were two teams at each location with four teams lagging back and watching for any mischief from each flank and from the rear. They expected to be in the field for two or three days, unless all the data they needed was obtained sooner than expected. They wanted to watch camp life, the nature and structure of patrols and get as much on film as possible for later review. If they could capture training, drilling or anything of military value, they would do so. But anything other than observation was out of the question, and they wouldn’t advance any deeper into Gens territory without good reason.
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