Shadowstrike

by T W Iain

  Murdoch smiled. “Just having some fun,” he said to Ryann.

  The infected slowly removed its hands and stood, sniffing at the air and tilting its head to the light coming down from above.

  The light that only looked and felt like sol. Murdoch’s idea of fun was to torture this beast.

  <‍Enya, step to one side. Dia, I want you to take lead on this.‍>

  The door opened, and a second NeoGen entered, presumably Dia.

  The infected snarled, but backed off when Enya took a half-step toward it.

  <‍Dia, you can communicate with this pathetic specimen?‍>

  <‍Of course. It’s not like their conversation is intellectually stimulating, though.‍>

  Murdoch smiled at that. <‍I’m sure it’s not. I’m going to open communication, so I can talk to him. I’d like you to tell me what he says, but don’t let on. It’ll be more unnerving that way.‍>

  <‍Understood.‍>

  Murdoch tapped something on his desk, and spoke louder. “Nod if you can hear me.” On the screen the creature looked up, sneered, then nodded.

  <‍You want me to repeat what he’s calling you?‍>

  <‍Doubt it’s anything I haven’t heard before. You only need to relay anything pertinent. But record everything.‍> Then, to the infected, he said, “No need for name-calling. I take it I’m talking to Nyle Patera?”

  Ryann swallowed. In her mind, she saw Nyle as the man he once was, back on the Proteus. She saw him in the cabin doorway, lash raised, face a mask of fear and anger as the blanket-covered shade rose. She saw again the shade lunge at him, dragging him under the blanket. She heard once more the cries as it sunk its fangs into Nyle’s throat, drinking his blood.

  But not killing him. That beast sealed the wound, letting the infection take root. Turning the pilot into the thing on the screen before her.

  Nyle snarled, lips pulled back as drool fell to the floor.

  <‍He wants to know who he’s talking to.‍>

  Murdoch stroked his chin. <‍Does he now. And did he answer to his name?‍>

  <‍He only demanded to know who you were. Nothing more.‍>

  Murdoch addressed the screen again. “You’re in no position to make demands. I repeat‌—‌am I talking to Nyle Patera? The once-pilot who thought he could rule Haven, even though he’s a worthless piece of crap?”

  Nyle hissed, and he balled his right fist.

  <‍He says he’s better than that. But he’s definitely responding to his name.‍>

  “Forget the posturing. You see my girls?” Nyle turned from one to the other, snarling. Neither NeoGen moved. “They’ve beaten you once, and only pulled their punches because I wanted you alive. You annoy me, and all I have to do is give the instruction to finish you. Ah, I see you hesitate. Maybe you’re not as unintelligent as you appear.”

  <‍He asks what you want.‍>

  “Looks like we’re getting somewhere,” Murdoch muttered, before raising his voice to say, “You’re a long way from home. I’d be interested to hear your story.”

  Nyle twitched, and Dia translated. <‍He says he has no home, not since someone took it from him.‍> There was the hint of a laugh in her voice. <‍Says he wanted to get away for a bit. Wanted to explore.‍>

  Murdoch turned to Ryann, one eyebrow cocked. “You believe that?”

  It took Ryann a moment to realise the question wasn’t rhetorical. “Possibly.” She thought, then added, “Maybe he was after food.”

  Murdoch nodded, then he addressed Nyle. “So you went on a journey. Just you and your friend, or did a few more fall by the wayside? Just curious‌—‌how hungry did you get?”

  Nyle hissed loudly, and swiped with one arm, claws extended.

  <‍You definitely hit a nerve there. Says his loyal friend stood by him, after all his other friends were killed. Says he’ll get his revenge.‍>

  Murdoch barked a laugh. “Friends? I don’t believe you know the meaning of the word. Your colleague out there‌—‌that the way you usually treat friends? Kill them and take their blood?”

  The man had his arms folded now, and even with his back to her Ryann could picture his smug expression.

  <‍He says his friend became his enemy, and he did what he had to. And he’s calling me and my colleagues some pretty rank names. You want me to repeat them?‍>

  <‍That won’t be necessary. I doubt any are particularly original. Anything else?‍>

  <‍He stinks. Analysing the aroma, but I doubt you’d appreciate it.‍>

  “Insults, aggression, and poor hygiene,” he said quietly. “Is it any wonder he has no friends?” He snorted at his own joke, then looked up at the screen. “So your ‘friend’ turned on you. Always a shame when that happens. But at least you had the balls to do something about it. You didn’t stand for any dissension in the ranks. That’s the kind of hard decision a true leader would make.”

  Ryann noted the change of direction in Murdoch’s approach, but she still didn’t approve.

  Nyle relaxed the tension in his arm. His head tilted to one side‌—‌no longer aggressive, but still wary.

  “And the trek from Haven must have presented difficulties too. Maybe I was too hasty earlier. Maybe there is more to you than meets the eye. Tell me, how did you cope with the climb from the basin?”

  It took a moment for Dia to relay Nyle’s words, and Ryann suspected that was because Nyle was hesitant. He was clearly intelligent enough to know that Murdoch was playing him.

  <‍He says he’s tough. Says the climb wasn’t easy, but it was a case of persevering.‍>

  <‍So he reckons he climbed the cliff?‍>

  <‍That’s what he’s making out, yes.‍>

  Murdoch chuckled. “Looks like he’s playing now,” he muttered, before increasing his volume. “A long climb. And your colleague managed it too? I’d imagine you had to work hard to keep him going.”

  <‍He says the mark of a good leader is the ability to encourage those under them. Sounds like something he heard, or maybe he read it somewhere.‍>

  <‍And the mark of a good faker is the ability to quote others with conviction.‍> Then he spoke to Nyle again. “At some point, you must tell me the details. But, unfortunately, I’m pushed for time right now. There are things I need to concentrate on‌—‌I’m sure, as a fellow leader, you can appreciate this. But I’d like to know one more thing.” Murdoch paused, stroking his chin. “Why did you come to this precise spot?”

  <‍He says he has no idea where this is. Says he was tracking warths.‍>

  “Warths.” He let the word hang for a moment. “Cut the crap, Nyle. Tell me why you’re here.”

  Nyle jerked forward, his arms tensing again. He dropped into a more confrontational pose.

  <‍He calling me names again, Dia?‍>

  <‍And making some suggestions about your mother.‍>

  <‍Needs to learn his place. Teach him, would you?‍>

  <‍With pleasure.‍>

  Dia stepped behind Nyle, and in a flash of movement she had him on the floor. The infected slid to the wall, where he turned to the NeoGen, hissing.

  Dia remained where she stood, and shrugged. She looked bored, but Ryann believed she saw the hint of a smile on the NeoGen’s face.

  Nyle rose, using the wall to support himself. He hunched over, facing Dia, his snout thrust forward. She raised one eyebrow.

  <‍Care to tell me what you’re talking about?‍> Murdoch asked.

  <‍Just reminding him to behave.‍>

  Nyle settled back against the wall. He wasn’t happy, but he no longer appeared ready to attack.

  <‍Maybe he has some intelligence after all,‍> Murdoch sussed. Then he spoke, allowing Nyle to hear. “I’d appreciate it if you behaved. I’d also appreciate some honesty. You’re in no position to play games.”

  Nyle turned his head lazily, and he seemed to sniff the air. It was hard to tell‌—‌those orbs on his face swirled, and gave no indication of what he saw‌—�
��but he seemed to be taking in his surroundings, as if for the first time.

  <‍He’s asking who else is here.‍>

  <‍Interesting.‍> “You expecting someone? Who do you think is here, Patera?”

  In the screen, the infected gesticulated.

  <‍Don’t think he’s using their proper name, whoever they are.‍>

  <‍Got that much.‍> “You want to give me a name instead of a string of insults?”

  <‍He’s saying he can smell her.‍>

  “Who?”

  <‍The one who got his old crewmate killed.‍>

  Ryann’s stomach clenched.

  “That’s not a name. Tell me!”

  Nyle roared, then slammed a fist into a wall. But when Dia stepped forward, he stopped. He snarled, but his face twitched as he sussed.

  <‍You want his exact words?‍>

  Murdoch smiled at Ryann as he sussed to Dia. <‍I think that might be appropriate.‍>

  <‍He says the bitch was here, and he wants to meet her.‍>

  <‍Does he now.‍> “Say her name, Patera. Tell me who you want.”

  Nyle must have figured out where the sensor was, because his image glared out of the screen, and Ryann flinched. The infected grinned, showing yellowed fangs. He hissed, and gesticulated.

  Dia repeated the name of the one who gave him so much anguish.

  <‍Ryann Harris.‍>

  Of course, Murdoch knew Nyle Patera’s history, and he understood the creature’s resentment towards Ryann Harris. He also understood that all of the project’s creations‌—‌subjects, infected and NeoGens‌—‌had the ability to read traces. Harris’ would be flashing like a beacon to this creature.

  Murdoch didn’t turn, but he glanced at the corner of the screen, where Harris’ reflection was visible. She appeared unperturbed by the beast calling her out, but she always presented a strong exterior. It was one of the qualities he admired in the woman. But she must have been affected.

  “Just so we’re clear, you refer to Ryann Harris, the tracker who used to be in Cathal Lasko’s crew?”

  The creature on the screen snarled, and Dia’s voice entered Murdoch’s lattice. <‍That’s who he’s referring to. He’s calling her a few other things, too.‍>

  <‍I’m sure he is.‍> He made a mental note to study Dia’s recording later. “Not that it’s any concern of your’s, but Harris is here.” And did she draw her breath in sharply at that? Maybe there was more fear beneath the surface than he suspected. “She’s listening as we speak. I suppose I should be the genial host, and ask if you have some words for her.” As Patera started to hiss and jerk, Murdoch added, “But I believe the lady would prefer those words to have some semblance of courtesy.”

  Patera’s chest rose and fell under those dirty strips of cloth. Murdoch was pleased to see some self-control in the beast.

  <‍He says he should thank her. Says if it wasn’t for Ryann needing rescuing, he would still be a weak human. Maybe he’d even be dead. But she’s still responsible for Oskar.‍>

  Murdoch smiled to himself. The words were not sincere. From his display in the forest, this creature didn’t care for those around him. The mention of his one-time crew member was an excuse, nothing more.

  <‍And he’s saying something about Ryann’s brat. Says he’d like to sink his fangs into Brice’s neck and end that freak’s life for good.‍>

  Murdoch counted to three, stilling his heart.

  “You’ve seen the‌…‌you’ve seen Carras?”

  <‍Says he knows where Brice is. Take it that’s this Carras person.‍>

  <‍It is. Just stick to relaying what he says.‍>

  <‍Of course. He says that Brice is on the other side of the fence.‍>

  In the screen’s reflection, Harris shuffled, and for a moment the mask of her face broke into a smile. Maybe she genuinely cared for the anomaly.

  “He’s passed over the fence, or found some way to circumvent it?”

  Nyle shuffled, then grew animated, arms waving, snout pushing forward and jaws snapping.

  <‍Says he climbed it. Says he saw Brice do it. Only‌…‌there’s a hesitation. I’m not sure if he’s telling the truth.‍>

  <‍I doubt he is. Feel free to comment if you believe him to be lying again.‍> “And you didn’t go after him?” Murdoch wondered what story Nyle would concoct for this, and how much possible truth it would contain.

  Nyle barked, like he was laughing.

  <‍He says there’s no way of him doing that. He’s calling Brice a freak, says the fence doesn’t affect him. Not like it does himself or‌…‍>

  <‍Or?‍>

  <‍He stopped himself saying any more.‍> And in the screen, Nyle stood still, his head shaking and his fists tight.

  “And you’re doing so well! It would be a shame to attempt to hide information from me now.” And now would be an ideal time to use the beast’s hatred of the anomaly. “But you want to find this Carras, yes?” There was a nod in the screen. “Maybe this can be arranged. But I need to know everything first.”

  Harris’ reflection shot him a glare. He could explain that this was simply a play for information, but she’d never buy that. Besides, he honestly didn’t enjoy lying to her.

  “You can tell me, Nyle. I can call you Nyle, can’t I? We can work together on this. You and me, Nyle. I’m in a position to offer recompense for your situation. All you have to do is tell me what you know.”

  The creature hissed, and Dia translated. <‍He’s mentioning Cathal now, and Car. Says they’re around, that they’re helping Brice. Calls them weak, especially Cathal. Something about letting his crew do all the work, and being scared of doing the right thing.‍>

  Harris bristled. Murdoch ignored her, instead running with the thoughts in his head.

  Cathal and Car. The other two infected his girls had spotted. Maybe clearing up all the loose ends would be quicker than he initially anticipated.

  But for now, he concentrated on Nyle.

  “You know, I was going to kill you once this discussion ended. But that would be short-sighted of me. You can be of service to me, Nyle. I have a task in mind that would suit your‌…‌personal vendetta. And if you perform adequately, I might find similar tasks for you in the future.” Not that this creature would have a future. “Does that sound amenable?”

  The pathetic beast was still for a moment, then he nodded.

  “Brice Carras is of great interest to me. I intended to task a couple of my girls with his apprehension, but there are far more tasks I could assign to them. But now, I have someone who has already shown his skills in tracking this individual.

  “I’m sure you can tell where I’m going here. We both want this freak,” and he added emphasis on that word. “So I propose we work together. I will enable you to pass over the fence, and will give you the freedom to hunt this person. However, I want him captured, not killed‌…‌at least, not yet.” And there, Murdoch caught a tilt of Nyle’s head, a hint of further interest. “When you find him, either capture him yourself, or mark his position and allow my girls to arrange his containment. Now, how does that sound?”

  There was a pause.

  <‍He asks what happens if this Brice attacks him.‍>

  The fact that he didn’t ask what his alternatives were spoke volumes. Either this creature was obsessed, or he knew this was his only chance to escape execution.

  “Of course you should defend yourself. But I stress that I want this man alive. Injured is acceptable, but deceased is not. Any more questions?”

  <‍He asks when you want him to start.‍>

  That was quick.

  “No time like the present.” Murdoch pulled up a map on the screen, selected a position with the tap of the finger, then sussed to Dia. <‍Sending you co-ordinates. Escort our new team member there, and let him climb.‍>

  <‍Of course. But‌…‌I don’t trust him.‍>

  Murdoch wouldn’t expect anything less from his girls. But he wa
s intrigued‌—‌they weren’t accustomed to questioning his wishes. <‍Explain.‍>

  <‍I believe he still intends to kill the anomaly.‍>

  <‍Of course he does. It’s what drives him. And that is why you are going to trail him.‍>

  <‍I understand. He finds the anomaly, and I ensure the anomaly reaches you alive.‍> There was a pause. <‍Do you want this creature back too?‍>

  Murdoch suppressed a laugh. <‍His purpose is to track the anomaly. After that, I have no use for him. I’m sure you understand.‍>

  <‍Of course. He will not bother you again.‍>

  Oh, his girls were smart!

  Harris’ reflection showed her concern‌—‌only natural, when she’d been hearing every part of this conversation. Murdoch needed her on-side, though, so he turned.

  “Don’t worry about Carras. He’s a fascinating man, and we can still learn so much from him. I assure you he will be treated well.”

  The woman nodded, but gave no response. It was worrying, how she’d become withdrawn. Especially when things had been going so well.

  A pity. If she could not be convinced to join the project, she was nothing but a loose end. He didn’t believe he’d take any pleasure in her removal.

  Not like Carras. He’d enjoy every moment of that freak’s slow and painful death.

  It was Car’s idea to follow. He said he wanted to know when they killed Nyle, even though he’d only believe it when he saw the body.

  Cathal wondered what happened if those grey things attacked, but Car told him not to worry‌—‌surely they would have done so already if that was their intention.

  They reached the landing pad and the Hermes just as Nyle was being escorted up the ramp. Two of the new creatures entered with him, but one remained outside, and walked away as soon as the hatch closed.

  <‍Don’t bother with that one,‍> Car sussed, even though Cathal couldn’t care less. <‍We wait to see them throw out Nyle’s corpse.‍>

  <‍What if they don’t kill him?‍>

  <‍I’ll do the job myself.‍>

  Cathal had no idea how long they waited, but eventually the hatch re-opened. One of the grey creatures strode down the ramp and surveyed the area. Then it turned and beckoned. Another figure appeared, covered in cloth.