The Blackstar Gambit

by Jan Domagala

  “So stop moaning and get us the hell outta here before I really start to lose it,” she urged.

  Kurt increased his speed up the ladder and had reached the top in no time at all.

  He hefted the hatch over to free the top of the tunnel and quickly climbed out. By the time he had turned to help Zara out she was standing next to him.

  “Wow, you really move fast when you want to,” he said with eyebrows raised to show his surprise.

  “I was motivated,” she replied looking up at the early morning sky. The sun was just coming up over the horizon sending shards of light across the harsh landscape.

  “What now?” she asked taking a deep breath to calm herself.

  “We hitch a ride,” Kurt said with a smile. “Kurt to Silver Dart; make your approach run now. Vector in on my signal, two to pick up,” he said after connecting to the comm channel via his NI.

  “Now we get off this rock and take the fight to Visjic, wherever he is,” he told her.

  “Oh he’ll be wherever the summit is, I get the feeling that’s been his plan all along,” Zara said.

  Kurt thought about it and the more he thought, the more sense it made.

  “You’re right; he plans to kill all the delegates which would throw the entire Confederation into chaos for a while. That would give him time to act out the next part of his insane scheme of conquering the galaxy,” Kurt said.

  “Agreed, so we have to stop him,” Zara said and Kurt saw the look of anger in her eyes. This man had hurt her and she planned on making him pay, and he planned on being there to watch.

  09.30 s.e.t.

  Visjic was getting restless; it had been over an hour since his last report from Tomas. The man should have reported back with some news of the movements of their target by now.

  If Tomas had begun to have doubts, no scratch that he mused, he knew the man was more afraid of him than anything the Confederation would do to him. He knew he would carry out his orders to the letter.

  Fear was a great motivator and he used it well.

  Nevertheless, he thought it best to check in with him to find out what progress had been made in hunting down the location of the new venue for the summit.

  “Tomas, I need a sit-rep now,” he barked once the connection was made.

  “They are on the move. I’ve had to wait for them to get going but now they are and so far they have no idea we’re following. At the moment they’re heading for, what could be, Washington,” Tomas said.

  “Good, keep me informed when they reach the city, we can make our move once they settle,” Visjic replied.

  “They might be going somewhere else after that,” Tomas argued.

  “I doubt it, they’re heading for the Capitol Building, the seat of government on this planet and where they think they’ll be safest. Their overconfidence will play to our advantage,” countered Visjic confidently.

  “Copy that, I’ll keep you informed,” Tomas agreed then broke the connection.

  Visjic knew the man thought he was deranged and maybe he was. He had waited almost a lifetime to get where he was now, in a position to help out his people and not leave them as all the others had. He would restore them and lead them on to greater things. If that meant a few million lives were squashed along the route then so be it. He would not shed a single tear for any of them.

  All that mattered now was the success of the mission. He would do anything to ensure that.

  9.40 s.e.t.

  Kurt looked up as he heard the Silver Dart burst through the clouds high in the sky.

  He saw the running lights on the wings, nose and tail section as it approached.

  “They’re here,” he informed Zara as she too saw the approaching craft.

  “Isn’t she coming in a bit too fast?” she asked as she took an involuntary step back.

  “A bit yes, I’m sure he has it under control though,” Kurt said as he watched the thrusters fire slowing the shuttle down in the heavy gravity.

  “Did you notice a change when you were brought here?” Kurt asked changing the subject suddenly.

  Zara glanced at him and smiled, “Yes I sure did, what about you?”

  “Me too, it was incredible. I’ve never felt this strong before.”

  “I felt this incredible pain the closer I got to the surface of the planet but then it just eased off. At first I thought it was just like my body healing, you know after an injury, the pain was intense. Then I started to feel this energy that filled me, making me feel like I could knock down a building with my bare hands,” Zara explained and Kurt looked at her eyes and saw the euphoria there, it had been the same for him too.

  “I think it was our body adapting quickly to the heavier gravity. Allowing us to adapt by building more muscle around our limbs, strengthening our bones to a level close to unbreakable,” Kurt added.

  “Will this new strength leave us when we leave the planet d’you think?” Zara asked almost with a pout. Clearly she wanted to keep these newfound abilities.

  “I’ve no idea, but I do know that we’re about to find out. Here they come,” he answered as he saw the Silver Dart come in for a bumpier landing they were used to seeing.

  “Come on, we’ve got to warn the general of what Visjic is planning Kurt said as the hatch was opened for them.

  “Yes, Visjic and I have some unfinished business to attend to,” Zara snarled, her lip curling to show her anger.

  Kurt saw this and decided he would rather not stand in her way when the two of them met once more, and meet they were sure to do.

  10.40 s.e.t.

  Matt released his harness as the shuttle landed at Washington Spaceport.

  He and General Sinclair headed for the exit and as the hatch opened and the stairs lowered to the ground they were met by an honour guard of Recon Delta Marines dressed in Battle Dress Uniforms armed with the latest Remm M25 pulse rifles.

  Colonel De Boer was standing at the side of the stairs as they walked out into the early morning sun.

  “Good morning gentlemen, hope you had a safe journey?” De Boer said as he watched them walk down to the asphalt.

  “Uneventful Colonel, which by recent standards is a bonus as I’m sure you’re well aware,” Sinclair replied.

  The colonel nodded his head in agreement then said, “Everything is as you wanted, sir. The delegates have started to arrive, with more arriving soon.”

  “Good, then you’d better get us there ASAP Colonel,” Sinclair ordered.

  Matt fell in behind the General as he walked with the colonel towards the Juggernaut parked at the edge of the runway. He scanned the surrounding area making sure there were no threats nearby. He knew the colonel and his men had checked out the surrounding area to ensure it was clear, but his instincts told him that every now and then things got past even the closest scrutiny.

  He could not allow that to happen here, not now, there was too much at stake.

  As they walked towards the Juggernaut surrounded by the four Recon Delta Marines he was aware their eyes probed the area for threats.

  Sitting in the armoured interior of the huge battle vehicle Matt saw Sinclair glance across at him. “Relax Matt, we’re safe now,” he told him.

  “I’ll relax when this is all over and Visjic has been put away sir,” Matt corrected him.

  Sinclair nodded his head, “Understood,” he said.

  De Boer glanced at Matt and Matt saw the grim line his mouth made, he wouldn’t be able to relax either, not until this was completed and the summit was done.

  The Juggernaut began moving and Matt felt his tension ease a little. He just hoped that Visjic’s men didn’t have any attack vehicles like they used against Kurt and Zara. Thinking this brought the tension back. He hoped the upgraded security arrangements they had instigated since the last attack from OMEGA which had taken place on the very site they were about to visit, were going to be enough. The building had sustained devastating damage to the exterior but building work to repair it had already
been started. The interior though was where the summit was to be held and that was still intact. A few minor upgrades to the security there was all that was needed.

  He just prayed it would be enough.

  11.40 s.e.t.

  The Capitol Building was a huge edifice that had stood the test of time for over six centuries.

  It had housed the meeting chambers for the House of Representatives for over four centuries and had been the centre of US government and a museum for the American people. Since the formation of the Colonial Confederation from the ashes of EarthGov, which in itself was formed from the Euro/Asian Alliance after the near collapse of the US from its war on terror, it had been merely a reminder of that nation’s once dominance over the world. Now though, since the attack on the Col Sec Headquarters where power of government resided, it was again the seat of power hosting the World Government. America, like the phoenix, had risen from the ashes of its own demise to become a force to be reckoned with once more but this time to assist with and not take over the running of the world.

  This once great monument, due to the recent attack by OMEGA was almost a ruin. The damage to the exterior was evident. No longer did it stand proud, the museum it had become and the symbol of America’s former power and government was but a memory.

  As Visjic looked up at Capitol Hill and the building in question, he had nothing but contempt in his eyes.

  This was where the Confederation would host a security summit, in the seat of power for the entire Confederation and this was where they would fall.

  He had arrived before Tomas and his team and even before the delegates. He had wanted to get a feel for the place and savour the atmosphere before he destroyed it.

  As he looked at it he realised most of the work had been done for him. Gaping holes in the few walls that still remained standing were like battle scars on a veteran soldier.

  Precautions had been put in place for the summit and to discourage any trespassers to come and loot the historic site. A high fence had been erected around the perimeter and pulse cannon batteries were strategically placed to cover approach from any angle.

  It would not be easy to gain entrance but he had confidence that he could do it.

  He saw the ATV arrive carrying Tomas and his team. He waited for it to pull over and stop before he moved to greet them.

  Tomas got out first and walked over to where Visjic was standing.

  “You came here direct?” he asked a little surprised to see him.

  “I knew this was where they would come. As I told you, their arrogance will be their undoing,” he said as he turned back to look at the building in ruins, his attention fully on that once more.

  “What happens now then?” Tomas asked as he glanced back at the ATV and his team.

  “We wait for them to arrive. Once they’re all inside, we make our move,” Visjic told him.

  Tomas looked at the ruin of the Capitol Building and said, “I can’t believe they’d even consider holding anything there, the place is a mess.”

  “You’d think that, wouldn’t you,” Visjic agreed then turned to him and said, “Go get ready, they’ll be here soon.”

  27

  11.55 s.e.t.

  The Juggernaut carrying Matt, General Sinclair, Colonel De Boer and the Recon Delta Marines pulled up at the entrance to the grounds of the Capitol Building.

  The Colonel and the Marines were the first to exit the vehicle, with the Marines forming a perimeter around it keeping watch.

  “Clear,” De Boer announced once he was sure the area was secure. He was standing by the door of the vehicle, his focus on the surroundings. All he could see was a van with a group of workmen standing next to it and a couple of other vehicles parked further away. The workmen were part of the detail working on the renovations to the building which he knew would continue once they were safely inside. This had been deemed a priority to get the building back up to its former glory for the sake of national pride.

  Matt got out next then the general.

  “Lead on Colonel, let’s get to it,” Sinclair told him.

  “Copy that, sir,” De Boer replied.

  Forming an honour guard around the two officers and Matt, the Marines led the way towards the Capitol Building.

  Matt kept his attention focused on their surroundings. He felt they were being watched and when he looked, he saw a group of men standing by a work van. From this distance he couldn’t quite make out any of their faces but there was something about the man in front that stood out. It wasn’t just his stature, he was shorter than the others, but it was his posture, something about him reminded Matt of a predatory animal.

  12.00 s.e.t.

  Visjic watched the small group walk off towards the Capitol Building.

  He had a sudden feeling of uncertainty when the tall man with Sinclair turned and looked straight at him.

  For a few seconds that somehow seemed longer, they locked eyes. Was he assessing him, did he recognise him? Just as his self-doubt was building the moment was gone. The tall man turned and walked off with the others.

  He let out the breath he hadn’t realised he was holding then turned to Tomas, his composure in place once more.

  “Get ready, the second they’re inside, we move,” he said.

  12.05 s.e.t.

  As Matt reached the perimeter of the compound an alarm sounded and the Marines standing guard turned their M25s on him.

  “What the...?” he exclaimed as he saw the pulse rifles being aimed at him.

  “I’m sorry sir but you have an unauthorised tracking device on you,” informed one of the Marines sternly.

  Sinclair pushed through the other Marines who had instantly formed a barricade around him the second the alarm went off.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” he bellowed.

  Just as the Marine was going to say something Sinclair waved him to silence. He looked at a bemused Matt who stood silently, keeping his hands where they could be seen to show he was no threat.

  “I have no idea what they’re on about, sir. You know me, I am as loyal to you and Col Sec as is possible,” he pleaded.

  “Calm down son. It’s obvious what’s happened here. Somehow they’ve planted a tracker on you,” Sinclair said.

  Matt thought for a second then remembered the incident on the shore on Celeron before Kurt arrived. One of the men from the yacht tried to take him aboard and he remembered a hand on his shoulder.

  “Try around here,” he said to the Marine indicating the shoulder in question. “It could be a sub-dermal tracker.”

  When the Marine scanned the area mentioned, he found the microscopic device embedded beneath the epidermis of Matt’s shoulder.

  “Hold still, sir,” the Marine ordered as he aimed a small device at the area indicated. He fired a small charge of energy at the area, in effect a targeted EMP aimed specifically at the tracker.

  “It’s been deactivated sir. You can extract it at a later time,” the Marine informed him.

  “You know what this means, sir,” Matt said dourly.

  “Visjic knows where we are,” Sinclair said.

  12.10 s.e.t.

  Kurt and Zara sat in the Silver Dart looking at the viewscreen as the shuttle exited through the hyperspace window.

  They had arrived from Osiris and were now heading for an Earth orbit.

  Kurt accessed a secure comm channel via his NI and called Sinclair.

  “Sir, you have to be careful, Visjic is going to attack the summit somehow,” he said urgently.

  “We know, we just found out they were tracking Matt. Where are you now?” Sinclair replied calmly.

  “Zara and I are approaching Earth orbit in the Silver Dart, sir,” Kurt told him.

  “You can land at Washington Spaceport and co-ordinate with Colonel De Boer who is handling the security for the summit. Remain on standby in case we need you,” Sinclair advised.

  “Do you think that’s wise, sir? Visjic is not to be trifled with. He has a
n impressive group working for him. He is a viable threat,” Kurt argued.

  “I agree, that’s why I want you where I know you can help should we need backup and not in here with us should we get attacked. I cannot divulge to the other delegates that we know of this threat, it would undermine the whole procedure and accomplish Visjic’s aims for him. We must carry on as if things were normal and allow him to think we are unaware of his actions. In that way we may gain the advantage of surprise over him.”

  “If you insist, sir. What about Jake and the Wildfire Team, have you informed them?”

  “They are unavailable at this time, they’re on a mission of their own of equal importance.”

  “So we’re on our own then?”

  “I’m afraid so, yes. I have the utmost faith in all of you and I’m sure we’ll get through this and see Visjic’s plans fail.”

  “Okay sir, we’ll head for the spaceport and await your orders,” Kurt said finally and closed the connection.

  “That did not sound good,” Zara commented. She had been linked to the call and had heard every word. Her normal carefree expression was gone, replaced by that of worry.

  Kurt simply nodded his head in agreement.

  “Captain, hold this course and position for a few minutes more, I have an idea,” he said.

  Zara looked at him; saw the determination in his cold cobalt blue eyes.

  “What have you got in mind?” she asked.

  As the Silver Dart slowed its approach for re-entry, he laid out his idea.

  28

  12.20 s.e.t.

  “Colonel, we need to get everyone down in the bunker ASAP,” Sinclair said to De Boer.

  The last of the delegates had arrived and Sinclair had insisted on remaining up top to greet them individually.

  “Copy that, sir,” the Colonel replied. Ever the professional, he had not argued with his commander, instead he had adjusted the security requirements for the job. He had anticipated this scenario anyway, so the adjustments were more or less in place already, they just needed implementing.

  Matt had stood by Sinclair’s side through all the ‘meet and greet’ sessions he had to undertake and when the time came for them to move he began to breathe a little easier.