The Present

by Kenneth Thomas

  they thought they could teach

  the Council to follow their way.

  With a treaty signed,

  they gave their key to a diplomat.

  Inviting us in with open arms.

  The Universal Council then made…

  The Martians no more.

  This ‘tale’ reminds VanWest of Our Stone. This the key that unlocked Our Energy, which had protected the Martians. The energy depicted in the child-like drawings with the green lines. It finally clicks; could it be the little girl with the stone, the large slab in the church, the mural, are all be connected to Mars’s defences becoming undone?

  Glancing at Iris’s emerald ring and then the amber stone the Interrogator holds, not wholly valuable these items do not warrant being kept so closely for centuries, he must have known its significance - this the ‘interplanetary diplomat’ of which the Commissioner speaks. Adding yet more urgency, he MUST retrieve the pendant from the Interrogator.

  LeSouris challenges, mocking him, ‘May I continue the tale for you…’

  This Council most wicked,

  had a weakness too,

  call it great hubris or great arrogance.

  They thought their roach goo smell of roses…

  But praise be to Utopia!

  Like the best of stories,

  this too has happy ending…

  Utopia rose again and this wickedness,

  you all, disappear!

  With his clones squabbling amongst themselves, VanWest makes his move, he rounds one of the clones and strikes at Dr Schuurman, hitting him square in the upper chest and sending him flying back into the arms of VanWest’s cowering twin, A103.

  ‘Attack, attack’! Dr Schuurman commands all.

  They do not obey. Instead, one of the BV73 clones turns and puts Dr Schuurman in a chokehold, tossing A103 out of the way as if a ragdoll. Remembering Colonel Cornelius’s last words to kill both doctors, VanWest urges him on - kill bad man. Agh! The clone drags him into the shadows as the doctor screams, ‘Help, help me’!

  Shocked, the Interrogator and Commissioner step back. Never having thought the clones could turn on them; sure that they were all firmly under the doctor’s control.

  Screech! A high-pitched sound stuns all, a safety mechanism activated, but the clones are undeterred. They charge at the Interrogator and Commissioner, who just about manage to race back into the observation room and lock the door behind. VanWest wills the clones to attack the locked door, repeating his simple message, bad man. The combined strength of the clones is so strong that within seconds the reinforced door and glass surround is broken. Storming through, the BV73 clones give chase as VanWest, alongside Iris and LeSouris, do their best to keep up.

  Several patrol androids jolt out from the wall to block the clones’ path, but the BV73s cannot be stopped, they swarm, ducking and then jumping together to dodge several volleys of shots. They think and work together as one, the clones at the front sliding underneath and breaking their metallic legs, the others then snapping their long metal arms off as if they were matchsticks.

  As the BV73s charge into the next corridor, VanWest hears new voices calling to him. He looks right to find not cribs but rather locked rooms with small windows. On the reinforced prison-like doors is a metal nameplate, V-A-N-W-E-S-T.

  Through the window, he can see yet more of his clones, albeit smaller than the BV73s, the metal plates hold a new prefix BZ. Their eyes beady and red. His clones plead to go free and join the others. Iris and LeSouris catch up and are equally shocked by what they encounter. VanWest moves them out of the way as one of the BV73 clones returns to break the door down, charging the door he soon breaks it open. The children, in turn, follow out and break open the other reinforced doors all along the corridor.

  The clone swarm grows, joining together with the other BV73s that fast approach a fleeing Interrogator, now trailing the Commissioner by a few yards. VanWest struggles to hear his own thoughts, his mind overloaded by all the voices. The number of clones reaches 100 strong, whilst varying in size, each is muscular, strong and fast. All are also mute, having never had the need to develop their vocal muscles.

  Waaahhhh! Before the clones can seize the Interrogator, a siren blares. And red-eyed Universal Space Soldiers surge from the transportation room. The Interrogator immediately points his index finger at the clones, instructing to engage, ‘Sss-HOOT’!

  However, the Space Soldiers do not. The clones stop still and huddle together, chatting amongst themselves, unsure how to proceed. Born to be Space Soldiers, they too recognise these cyborgs as somewhat kindred, lab creations. VanWest implores them to attack, desperate to get the pendant and amber stone back. Only for a stalemate of sorts to ensue. Connecting mind-to-mind, he repeats to them the same simple message - bad man.

  As VanWest urges them on, a high-ranking Space Soldier emerges, one VanWest recognises immediately as the Universal Games red team leader, Lt. Colonel Omega. His face badly scarred, still wearing his thick and bright red shoulder pads. Sensing VanWest’s concern, the clones fall silent, from cybernetic, hardy fighters they become frightened children once more. Some even look ready to turn and run back to their cells.

  Lt. Colonel Omega commands them to do so, ‘Return. Repeat Return. Do NOT defy’!

  VanWest knows he must remove his own doubts and show courage. He MUST set an example for all to follow. Stepping forward, he walks through his clones to face them. The Space Soldiers present their Plasma blasters, threatening to shoot. Sensing his bravery, one of the BV73 clones responds by joining him, stepping forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Their posturing and courage rally the others, who all step forward together as one. Lt. Colonel Omega losing his opportunity to capitalise on their indecision.

  VanWest wonders why the Space Soldiers do not shoot. His first thought that it could be due to the risk of causing a cave-in. This base not a slick and ultra-modern structure like that on the moon, rather a throwback and relic of a bygone age when the Council took over Mars. He thinks further, with Dr Schuurman gone there is no one close to authorise this engagement. He realises that the Lt. Colonel is not ranked high enough to kill these clones. It must be a doctor.

  ‘Cease, desist, return to your rooms’! Lt. Colonel Omega repeats. With no response, he barks even louder, ‘OBEY ME’!

  VanWest barks back, ‘That’s NOT going to happen’!

  The Lt. Colonel bluffs, ‘The Space Soldiers will commence firing… RETURN’.

  Much to the disconcertment of Iris and LeSouris, unaware of what is happening, the clones react by taking another step forward.

  VanWest bravely challenges the Lt. Colonel Omega individually, ‘Come fight me! One-on-one… Pick on someone your own size, you pathetic minion of Doctor King’.

  The clones are even more encouraged by him, looking at him with hero-like awe. For once this cyborg, Lt. Colonel Omega, looks more human than machine. Still, with no authorisation to engage, he edges backwards to the transporter. A sign of weakness that triggers the clones into action as they charge in unison - VanWest joining, with Iris and LeSouris in tow.

  Lt. Colonel Omega flees into the transporter, knocking the Interrogator out of his way. His Space Soldiers left helpless, unsure of how to engage. VanWest muscles past, his focus still very much on catching the wretched Interrogator. Just about reaching him as he enters the transporter, tackling him to the floor.

  But, as he rips the pendant from around the Interrogator’s neck, the transporter lights up and, in a flash, he finds himself out of Schuurman’s lab and the secret base. Lying on his back with the amber stone in his hand, the Interrogator a short distance away. They have arrived alone, all around them a vast expanse of red sand and rock that stretches as far as the eye can see.

  Chapter 14 One Warlord

  Dr VonHelmann and Captain Kun-lee appear via the communicator, standing in 4D beside Pretoria. With Method having had time to replenish with some food and drink, Dr VonHelmann requests a discu
ssion on joining the EaRA and this ‘New Beginning’. Despite the need for their support, Method A is wary to talk with the Utopian leader. Only knowing him as Mad Newton; a crazed scientist ‘hell-bent’ on taking Earth backwards. Further, she is suspicious of Utopianism, LeSouris hiding his U tattoo every time they met. A religion and ideology that she fears threatens her own culture and customs.

  ‘Welcome, Method A’! Dr VonHelmann is first to speak.

  She looks at Pretoria, asking in a derisory voice, ‘You trust him, aye’?

  Trying to engage in cordial dialogue, Dr VonHelmann continues, ‘Method A, I am so pleased that we finally meet. Thy such a great warrior and warlord. With our rescue of New Jersey, this New Beginning becomes thy too’.

  ‘Your rescue’?

  Pretoria’s relationship with Method A long-standing, he tries to mediate, ‘We make together Earth’s Resistance. Free Enforcer, Rebel, Utopian, VanWest against common enemy. You make… Join’?

  ‘VanWest! Many peeps die, all start with him, aye’?

  Pretoria defends, ‘No… fault of Council’!

  Captain Kun-lee defends more staunchly, knowing VanWest well, having been squad members, ‘This all started with Dr King, the Elites and the Council. This destruction is their destruction, not VanWest’s. PATH or no PATH, you were always at risk, your casino escapes, your Papini crop all that protected you. Like us, the Free Enforcers, you can now seize this chance to become truly free’!

  Method A tries to wrap her mind around this new alliance. She knows she has to cut a deal in order to become the one and only warlord of the Jerseyans. ‘Chill dawg… I think it cute, you free, work with NEA. Little strange, aye’?

  ‘Indeed’! Captain Kun-lee half-smiles back.

  ‘Make strange’, Pretoria laughs, looking over at Kun-lee. Exchanging a light-hearted moment that seems to soothe the mood.

  Dr VonHelmann watches in a calculating manner. He stays connected to VanWest via the Quantum Communicator and feels emboldened after news of the Council’s base being found. Yet, he chooses to keep this information to himself as well as the news of Gs’s death, seeing that it could prove useful emotional leverage, another one of her closest ‘peeps’ dead. Likewise, he also chooses not to update VanWest and his daughter, wanting to keep the pressure on them to succeed - fearing news of his EaRA’s growth may make the trio complacent.

  Method A’s tone friendlier, ‘I’m a fair A, we find deal’.

  ‘You have the floor’, Dr VonHelmann encourages.

  She lays out the conditions for her involvement with the EaRA that they must first help her dispose of her rival, ‘Gangs Hater, Warlord of New York, sided with the Universal. We kill, his territory, ships mine… ships I lend, you get me? Aye’?

  Method A’s knows she doesn’t hold the strongest hand at this negotiating table, most of her cargo ships have been either destroyed or impounded by the Universal Council. But she’s a hard-nosed negotiator, a big part of her success in becoming a warlord. Her offer is compelling, Gangs Hater’s cargo ships have remained untouched, up-armoured they could make very good defensive ships to counter the Universal Council’s spaceships. They are also well-suited for long-distance space travel.

  Pretoria and Kun-lee understand and exchange a nod; they like her deal to help dispose of Gangs Hater in exchange for his ships. Much like Colonel Mason, the Universal Council has abandoned this warlord, in what appears to be a deliberate move by the Commissioner. Mason’s Enforcers were used to weaken the Free Enforcers, NEA rebels. By having attacked the Jerseyans next, they allow the Space Army an easier return to exert full control over Earth. The EaRA need Gangs Hater’s cargo ships!

  ‘Make good’, Pretoria replies.

  ‘Affirmative’, Captain Kun-lee replies next.

  Dr VonHelmann is pleased to have more ships. With a lone MLS-Arts ship able to cause so much damage without even entering Earth’s orbit he knows he must meet them over Mars. There too is some concern for his daughter, but winning is his ultimate objective. And he does not think the deal goes far enough. His aspirations are greater.

  Dr VonHelmann pushes back, ‘Method A if we accept thy condition, we need you to officially join in Earth’s Resistance,. You, an official member of this alliance, announcing to all thy Jerseyans that you are EaR’.

  Suspicious of his motives, Method A replies angrily, ‘Nah-nah, not good. I see why they call you Mad Newton’! Prompting sniggering from her guards.

  Even in a best-case scenario, with Dr King killed and the Universal Council’s leadership structure undone, Dr VonHelmann knows it will need replacing to maintain order on Earth. He wants the EaR to control this New Beginning, to replace the Universal Council everywhere throughout the Solar System. The Jerseyans fully under his control and eventually followers of Utopianism.

  Dr VonHelmann now decides to use the news he held back as leverage, ‘Great warlord Method A… Doctor King and the Universal Council kill thy Jerseyans, thy cousin. I must tell thee too thy pilot Gs. My sincere condolences’.

  Method A reacts in disbelief, ‘Nah! You lie’!

  Pretoria confirms, ‘Me make sorry’.

  Method A punches the wall, ‘Gs, good bruva’.

  Embellishing the success of the resistance, Dr VonHelmann continues, ‘VanWest closes in on Doctor King on Mars. Join us if you seek real vengeance, not just against this traitor Gangs Hater, the doctor’s puppet. Once VanWest succeeds, we will be the partners you seek’. Adding a veiled threat, ‘Think of a prosperous future for thy Jerseyans. Our trade and economics will be needed. This can all come true if part of the EaR’.

  A clever if not cruel move, Dr VonHelmann knows that Method A needs the lucrative Papini trade to maintain power. Highlighting that with Dr King and the Elites gone, the traditional trade routes will be over. Method A risks not having the riches and resources to hold this expanded territory without his support.

  Captain Kun-lee offers his condolences next, ‘Method A, sorry for your losses. The Free Enforcers suffer too, your enemy is our enemy. Whatever you decide, you have our support to depose of this warlord, Gangs Hater’. Drawing an annoyed look from Dr VonHelmann, having wanted him to pressurise her further.

  Captain Kun-lee instead calms Method A once again. Her thirst for vengeance is stronger than ever but agreeing to formally join in the EaRA is too big a step, at least for now. Nevertheless, her support marks a significant moment; Jerseyans, NEA rebels, Utopians and, now free, Enforcers working together against the Universal Council. This, unfathomable only a little while ago.

  Walking over to the holomap, Method A reveals her cunning plan to get to Gangs Hater, whilst avoiding any more ships being destroyed, ‘Talk about joining Earth Resist later. In Manhattan, my contact Keys will help me kill Gangs, she gonna get me around security’.

  She runs through her plan, drawing it out on the map:

  - Gangs located close to World Trade Center station

  - Land at Christopher Street station 1 mile away

  - Take 25 minutes fast walk down Hudson Street to Chambers Street

  - Located here, Keys Cargo Bay route underground

  - She takes us here, to Gangs last known position

  Method A only needs the support of the EaRA to create a diversion; to keep Gangs Hater and his cannons focused away from her on the ground. Pointing at Houston and Captain Kun-lee, ‘Battleships fly in the air, keep Gangs ships distracted. Me, Pretoria, my guards enter PATH from ground via Keys’s Cargo Bay. Aye’?

  Pretoria agrees, ‘Make good’.

  Her contact Keys is a manager of a cargo bay situated deep inside Gangs Hater’s territory, she holds an unguarded entryway into the PATH network, a path to where intelligence indicates Gangs Hater coordinates his defence.

  Dr VonHelmann is impressed, deciding to wait till afterwards to continue pressing on her joining the EaR officially. He approves, ‘Very good’.

  Method A adds, ‘Destroy no Gangs’s ship, you dawgz want them, you not blow them up’! />
  ‘You got it, warlord’! Houston replies, ‘We’ll do our best to keep them Gangs boys and girls distracted’.

  Method A throws up a shaka sign, communicating to all her remaining cargo ships to join the fleet of the EaRA, their combined number 570 strong. If she is made warlord of all, she will have New York’s cargo ships to lend, up to 250 more ships - if none are destroyed or damaged.

  Her pilot signalling her, ‘You ready, boss’? One of only a few of Method A’s pilots to have survived unharmed after the attack by the Commissioner and the spaceships.

  Due to Gangs Hater’s decision to betray, New York has been left untouched. And Method A wants it to remain this way, an area of high Papini production and commercial activity, it will be a lucrative capture needed for rebuilding.

  ‘Sista, ready’! Method A goes to the transporter, and Sista Pee beams her over. Pretoria follows next, taking a protective hazmat mask and a small laser NEA blaster, known as the Plasma Destroyer. A good choice, designed for skirmishes in the sewage tunnels of the Antarctic settlements, not too dissimilar to the tunnels of PATH.

  ‘Keep yourself safe, big guy’! Houston bids farewell.

  Pretoria replies, ‘Make safe too’.

  Houston takes command of Method A’s other cargo ships, instructing them to enter a defensive formation with her battleships, with a focus on ‘high manoeuvrability and strong shields’.

  Whilst the shields of the patrolships are not the best, Captain Kun-lee opts to focus on their strength, their nimbleness. He informs, ‘Houston, my ships will fly ahead to draw fire’.

  Keen to stay out of harm’s way, Dr VonHelmann opts to hang back on the SCC-40 piloted by Lt. Colonel Wang. The motley fleet then proceeds with haste to Manhattan to commence the plan and create the diversion. They must move fast if her plan is to work - little to no ships being damaged.

  Boom! Soon reaching Manhattan, Gangs Hater’s cannons immediately fire. Captain Kun-lee instructs the patrolships to only intercept incoming shots, hoping this feint attack strategy will work. Like in Journal Square, the Jerseyans are ill-prepared to counter incursions from the air, each of their shots easily neutralised. Gangs Hater’s ships also counter, these harder to avoid. They too are up-armoured and engage the EaRA and Method A’s cargo ships.