by Isamu Fukui
“Never mind that!” Umasi snapped. “Listen, Takan. This little fight between you and the Student Militia, this whole messy war, it’s exactly what they wanted, all part of their plan.”
“It … what?” Takan began to feel uneasy, though he had no idea what Umasi was talking about.
“We’re in trouble, Takan,” Umasi said. “They’re coming.”
“Who are?”
“The true enemy.” Umasi shook his head. “It’s too late for City unity. They’re already moving. You have to take steps to save the Truants. The only way to do that is to disband immediately and hide in the general population.”
“I don’t understand,” Takan said. “What’s going on? Is it the Mayor? The Enforcers?”
“No. It’s something bigger. Something worse,” Umasi replied. “There’s no time. You have to trust me. They might attack at any—”
He was interrupted by a loud roar from above. The two boys looked up just in time to see dark, triangular shapes screech across the dimming sky and out of sight. Moments later, there was a distant flash and a rumbling explosion.
“What was that?” Takan gaped. “An airplane designed for war? What’s something like that doing here?”
“Dropping bombs,” Umasi murmured. “The Mayor was right. We’re too late.”
* * *
“Colonel Hines, I’m glad that you could join us for this. We are proceeding on schedule. You’re just in time.”
The Colonel returned Iris’ salute as he walked into the command center. Dozens of technicians worked at their monitors, and on a large screen at the front of the room a live aerial view of the City was displayed.
“I was ordered to keep the War Minister updated about our attack plans,” the Colonel said. “I deemed it prudent to wait until the last possible moment.”
“I would have to agree,” Iris said. “I can’t say that I like bureaucrats peering over our shoulder for the whole operation, but if it must be done it might as well be done so as to give them no opportunity to interfere.”
“Of course.” The Colonel nodded. “I take it that things are already in motion?”
“Bombing of predetermined targets began at sundown as planned,” Iris said. “It is safe to assume that the people of that City are now aware of our presence. Ground forces will follow as soon as the potential for resistance is eliminated.”
Another soldier ran up to the General, holding a sheaf of papers. He handed her two photographs.
“General, the satellites trained on City Hall caught these photos last night of an individual slipping inside. We think you might be interested in them.”
“Why?” Iris asked. “Did you identify him?”
“Well, at first we didn’t get anything searching the Educator database, so we ran it through Government files as well.”
Iris looked at the pictures. “And?”
“We got a match,” the soldier said. “The Mayor must’ve wiped those files from Educator records. We believe the boy spying on our camp was one of your primary targets.”
Iris’ gaze intensified. “Are you sure?”
“The face matches our file photos and digital estimations. We’re roughly eighty percent sure that it’s one of the twins. We just can’t tell which one it is.”
“So, at least one of them is still around.” Her face was expressionless. “We now have a slight change of plans. I want a dedicated task force on the ground immediately. Locating our primary objectives is our first priority.”
The Colonel shook his head. “It will be difficult to conduct a search while there’s still resistance.”
“There won’t be for long,” Iris said. “Bring up the map of the City.”
The image on the main screen was replaced by a map of the City and its districts. Most of the districts were colored red, though a good chunk in the center was blue.
“We’re starting with the districts held by the Educators,” Iris said, pointing at the blue districts. “Paratroopers will secure essential Government buildings and infrastructure. We start with City Hall. With the Mayor out of the way we should be able to quickly assume control of the City’s Enforcers.”
“What about the districts the locals call Truancy City?” the Colonel asked.
“We’ll move in from the docks, force opposition farther inland until they hit the Educators’ border,” Iris said. “The bridges and tunnels are controlled by the Educators via Penance Tower, so we’ll be using our amphibious transports instead. Air support will secure the landing areas.”
Technicians and subordinates were already scrambling to carry out Iris’ orders. Like a wasp nest roused to action by its queen, it buzzed with activity. The military had enjoyed plenty of time to prepare, and was now able to unleash its full strength at a moment’s notice.
“Paratroopers will seize control of communications and power stations. Only areas we control should have either,” Iris said. “If a location looks too hot for a drop, bomb it, unless it’s of key strategic importance.”
Iris turned to the Colonel. A massive number of dots and symbols appeared on the map, each representing a Government force.
“Within forty-eight hours that entire City will be mine,” she said. “Now, get me on the line with the Mayor.”
* * *
“Did you hear that?” Cross asked, trying to clear his head. “What was that?”
The nameless albino did not respond, but walked over to an open window as distant flashes went off. The room they were in didn’t seem to have electricity, though to Cross it seemed surprisingly clean. There was furniture and carpeting, as well as toys and books scattered around. It suddenly occurred to Cross that this was the girl’s home, an indoor extension of the garden.
“Why did you lead me here?” Cross sat down on a chair. “Why did you help me?”
“I dislike killing. As a rule I don’t allow murder so long as I can stop it,” the girl replied, still looking out the window. “Especially not with my son watching.”
Cross blinked, confused. “Your son?”
“Yes. Turn around.”
Cross turned, then jumped out of his chair. A small boy stood there, examining him like a fascinating object. He was very young, with dirty blond hair, brown eyes, and skin that looked faintly tan. He showed no sign of fear as he looked Cross up and down.
“Cool hair,” the boy said. “Mom, is he safe?”
“Yes,” the albino replied. “You don’t have to worry about him. His name is Cross.”
“He has a name too?”
“Most people do.” She smiled. “Cross, meet Zen. He tells me that he helped you earlier today by sending you a stuffed animal. I promised him I’d help you too.”
Cross blinked as he remembered the stuffed sheep. So it had come from this kid? Cross grimaced as his headache returned. He’d already felt dazed before, but this whole business, on top of those explosions in the distance, was starting to make him question his sanity again.
“Hi, Cross!” Zen said, smiling.
“Um. Hi.” Cross peered again at the boy, then at his mother. “He’s not—”
“Like me?” the albino finished. “No. The odds of that were always slim. He’s three years old, if you’re wondering. Almost four now.”
Cross shook his head. “Yeah, but how … who … what—”
A very loud explosion went off, close enough to shake the house. The flash illuminated the window, and for a moment Cross could have sworn that the girl’s eyes had turned red. Then they were blue again, and without a word Zen walked up to his mother and hugged her leg.
“What’s that?” Zen asked.
“I’m not sure,” the albino replied. “But I think it’s dangerous.”
“Is that the Truancy?” Cross wondered. “Could they have already planted their explosives?”
“No,” the albino said calmly. “I don’t think the Truancy has anything like that.”
She pointed, and Cross walked over to the window just in time to see
dark shapes streak across the sky.
“What in the—”
“Planes,” the albino replied. “They’ve been dropping things. I think they were the source of the explosions you heard earlier.”
“But that’s impossible!” Cross said, hoping that this really was a dream. “Not even the Mayor has weapons like that!”
“Someone does,” she murmured. “The Truancy City is no longer safe. Against something like that, I’m not sure anywhere in this City is.”
Cross’ mind reeled at the implications of explosions that came from the sky, with no chance of retaliation. At the same time, the outlandish threat made him want to return to what was familiar. Weariness and doubt fell from his shoulders as he realized where he needed to be.
“Student Militia Headquarters,” Cross said, turning to the albino. “It’s got to be safe. I’m not sure who’s dropping those bombs, but they seem focused only on Truancy City. If I get there, I can find out what’s going on.”
The albino glanced at him. “You’re sure your headquarters aren’t a target?”
“No,” Cross admitted. “But I’d bet my life on it.”
“I see,” she replied, then turned to her son. “Zen, what do you think?”
Zen looked up at Cross critically. Then he turned to his mother. “I believe him.”
“So do I.” She looked at Cross. “Student Militia Headquarters is our destination. Let’s go.”
PART II
SOLDIER
9
SHATTERED ENIGMA
The Mayor gazed out of the windows of his office, dressed in a new suit, a cigar and glass of whiskey in hand. Outside was a scene of chaos as airplanes streaked overhead, parachutes dappling the sky as explosions blossomed on the ground. The Mayor saw none of it, choosing to reminisce about his accomplishments and the wonderful flow of traffic and lights his City had once been. Despite all the destruction, the Mayor felt at peace.
Behind him, the monitor on his desk flickered on.
“Greetings, Mr. Mayor,” Iris’ voice called out. “As you can see, we have begun the reacquisition of this City. You have one last opportunity to turn yourself in. Barring that, a paramilitary team will be arriving shortly to take you into custody.”
The Mayor puffed on his cigar without turning around.
“So be it,” he said. “Is that all you called for?”
“I also thought that I’d inform you that we’ve located one of the boys already,” Iris replied. “Perhaps you’d like to tell me about the other one?”
The Mayor scowled. “Never.”
“It’s simply a matter of time, Mayor. I will find out sooner or later.”
“That may be,” the Mayor replied. “But not with my help.”
Somewhere in the building an alarm went off, and distant gunshots rang out. The Mayor did not need to look at his security display to know that soldiers had entered the building.
“That should be my men now.” Iris smiled. “Sit tight, Mayor. I expect that we’ll continue this conversation in person.”
The monitor flickered and died, and the Mayor sighed as he turned around. He extinguished his cigar, then sat down at his desk. For the first time in years it was free of papers, and all his pencils were in their mug. His entire office had been carefully cleaned, his files and possessions neatly arranged. His phone had been disconnected, and his mahogany table polished.
On his desk, a photograph of the Mayor and his two sons took center stage. The Mayor looked at it as he emptied his glass.
Iris was wrong. There would be no meeting in person.
The Mayor slammed his glass down on the desk and placed his favorite lighter next to it. He had mixed some poison with the drink, in case his plan failed. Just in case. There was a crash in the hallway, and thundering footsteps approached his office. The Mayor’s finger hovered over a button he’d recently had installed on his desk.
The office doors burst open, and a half dozen armed soldiers stormed into the room, rifles raised.
“Good evening, gentlemen,” the Mayor said. He pressed the button.
The Mayor, his office, and the soldiers were consumed by a giant fireball as one ton of confiscated Truancy explosives ignited. The Mayor’s final thoughts went out to his sons, both the one who had died … and the one who still lived to fight.
Run, Umasi. Get out of this City before she finds you.
And then he was gone.
* * *
“There they are,” Umasi muttered.
Takan stared at the riverside in disbelief. Soon after the airstrikes began, Umasi urged Takan to have the Truancy fortify the docks, the prime landing sites for the military. Takan did as he suggested, then the two of them made for the District 13 docks, the closest site to them.
When they arrived at dusk, a strange and terrifying sight greeted their eyes. Like water beetles on the blue river, strange floating tanks and armored boats surged across by the dozens. The Truants tried to form defenses on the docks, but explosives from above and machine gun fire from the boats pounded their positions to dust. Even as they watched, black helicopters swooped in, each more menacing in appearance than anything the Enforcers had ever used.
“This is impossible!” Takan said, raising his voice over an explosion. “How are we supposed to stop this?”
“You’re not,” Umasi replied as the boats began unloading soldiers. “You can’t win against them. Your goal now is to survive—slow their advance as much as possible, give your Truants enough time to disappear. Hide among the general population.”
A good distance from the docks, within the cover of a building, Takan growled with frustration and raised his rifle, firing at the advancing soldiers. Other Truants followed suit. The Government soldiers sought cover as they returned fire. Takan ducked his head as the endless snarl of a chain gun rained bullets in his direction.
“Every second we waste means more dead!” Umasi said. “You have to give the order to disband, right now!”
“Are you telling me to just give up?” Takan demanded, glaring at Umasi. “After we’ve come so close to victory?”
“Not giving up means dying!” Umasi shouted as one of the helicopters began firing at their hiding place. “If you stand your ground against these people, all of you will die for nothing! If you live, there’s a chance you can free the City later! Do as I say, Tack!”
Another explosion rocked the ground. Umasi’s hands were now on the hilts of his swords. Takan shivered. The Truants around them stopped to stare.
“You heard him,” Takan said hoarsely. “Get the word out. Tell the Truants inland to get to a living district and hide. If they run into any enemies, try to slow them down so that the others can escape.”
“But our phones aren’t working!” a Truant protested.
“Then use the radios!” Takan shouted. “Just get that message out!”
Two Truants scrambled away to relay the orders just as a helicopter fired a rocket into the building. Takan, Umasi, and a few others tried to leap clear, but for most there was no time. The blast destroyed the wall and collapsed a good chunk of the ceiling. Coughing from the dust, Takan and Umasi kept their heads down as they retreated.
“The Government must have a way of disabling your phones. I’m assuming land lines are down too,” Umasi said. “I bet they’re listening in on the radios. They probably know what your orders are as you give them.”
“Should we keep running, try to regroup?” Takan asked, still coughing.
“No!” Umasi shook his head. “These moments are critical! If we can slow them here, at the landing zones, it will buy the rest of the City some time!”
More airplanes screeched overhead, and massive explosions demolished buildings to either side. The Truants shielded their faces from falling rubble as more helicopters swooped across the river to cover the advancing soldiers. Takan could hardly see through the smoke, dust, and chaos, but Umasi bent down and picked up a rocket launcher dropped by a fallen Truant. Aiming
through the dust, he fired. A rocket streaked through the air, slamming into a passing helicopter.
Fire and smoke sprouted from the side of the chopper, and it began spiraling downwards. Truants dived out of the way to take shelter amidst the rubble as the helicopter crashed and crumpled. By now the soldiers had advanced far enough to shoot at them. Truants hid behind chunks of collapsed buildings as they returned fire. Takan looked astonished as Umasi seized a discarded rifle and joined them.
“Since when do you kill?” Takan demanded.
“Since Edward!” Umasi replied, firing off a burst. “Since it became my responsibility! My brother and I brought this on the City!”
Takan had never imagined that he’d see Umasi take to the battlefield, but now that he had, Takan thought they had a chance—not to win, but perhaps to survive. The Truants around them were now being joined by volunteers from other districts, many of them carrying rocket launchers. A little farther out Takan could see more helicopters swooping back towards the river, more cautious now. Takan decided he preferred them that way.
“If you’ve only got a rifle, help keep those soldiers back!” Takan ordered, seizing a rocket launcher himself. “Everyone with a rocket, aim at the helicopters! Don’t waste anything on the ground! Fire with me; three, two, one, NOW!”
A dozen rockets streaked towards the helicopters in one erratic volley. To his disappointment, Takan didn’t see any of them go down, though a few had to bank hard to avoid the missiles. All of them now kept their distance, which he regarded as a minor victory. The Government soldiers seemed to dig in and were no longer advancing, though more were landing every second.
It occurred to Takan that maybe they were keeping their distance for a reason. Just then, more planes screeched overhead. Moments later, the earth shook with tremendous force as fire erupted nearby. Takan seized Umasi by the shoulder and forced them both to the ground. The explosion was unlike anything he had experienced before. Even at the warehouse he had not felt such power.
Then it was over, and the soldiers were advancing again. Ears ringing, Takan cursed as he saw the charred bodies of Truants who had been caught too close to the blast. Umasi grabbed him by the shoulder, forcing him to retreat as he fired at an exposed soldier, dropping the man to the ground.