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part #3 of The Quantum Wars Series
The humans below them were slowly rising to their feet as Kelly’s airship pulled away. Curtis watched her drones race to catch up once the ship was a safe distance from the group. There was over a dozen of the AI controlled craft accompanying her. As they closed with the airship they became blurs surrounding the craft protecting it from attack. Curtis glanced back at the other occupants in the ship. Owen lay silently with a sheen of sweat across his brow. His struggle with the strain was intensifying as the last of Curtis’ medicines began to wear off. Curtis hoped Kelly could arrest the progress and prevent the man from coming to further harm. He turned his attention to the final occupant in the craft. The leader of the small band of humans he encountered, stared at the prone form of Owen. His weather worn face radiated with fear. Humans had been constantly struggling against ODIN and its corrupt nanids, now a new threat had presented itself to make a difficult struggle even worse. Curtis did not begrudge him his fear but would not allow it to lead to Owen’s death. With a wary eye Curtis turned to Kelly.
“You have been busy,” he said, looking at his longtime friend. She looked the same as the last time they were together. Stephen’s nanids seemed to stop the aging process completely. Curtis wondered if he looked different. It was hard to tell with the varied technologies existing in his body.
“This is just the beginning,” Kelly replied. Her eyes were focused to the north on the column of smoke now rising beyond the city. Curtis was unsure if she meant the drones or the Leviathan. He decided not to test it.
“Thanks for the save back there and thank you for coming,” he said, placing a clawed hand on her shoulder. She turned in her seat looking into his eyes. Dark eyes that held the experience and wisdom of centuries, held his gaze.
“Curtis, you are my friend. I would never abandon you,” she stated. “Besides I worked too damn hard to bring you back to have that monster finish what it started.” As she finished she turned back to the screen in front of her, studying the readouts.
“We are close,” she said quietly scanning the screen. Curtis was confused by her statement and studied the readouts trying to divine the reason for it. A moment later he was shocked by an alarm screaming from the panel. As he watched six dots began to streak toward them. Looking out the front of the ship his enhanced vision picked up the heat signature of six missiles closing on their ship. Fear trickled into him, but when he looked at Kelly he saw nothing but calm confidence. She was expecting it he realized as he watched her. A moment later she confirmed his thoughts.
“Drones, destroy the missiles. Do not harm the humans,” Kelly said. Curtis smiled at his friend, surprised once again as her drone companions shot toward the missiles. The old technology was no match for her drones. Curtis lost the drones as they accelerated even more, the blurs becoming impossible to track. Curtis felt the ship increase speed as well, rising into the air as a precaution. The first drone caught its target before the missile was halfway to the ship. The drone whipped past the missile, a laser slicing at the rear of the weapon. The engine driving the missile sputtered and died as it spun away from the disabled weapon. Cables shot out from the drone securing the armed section of the missile to it. It then accelerated toward the waters west of the city as another drone secured the falling engine. Curtis watched with awe as the attack was diffused in seconds. No other missiles came. He looked at the city below and could see human figures racing to protect the city. He felt regret knowing the panic that would be surging through the remaining humans. Kelly’s hand touched his arm.
“They will be okay,” she said simply, before turning back to the column of smoke getting larger as they approached it.
Curtis felt doubt worm its way through him. He did not share her optimism. With two hostile techs now free on the planet, he could not see many options for humans to survive. There were not enough humans left to stand against the threat. His thoughts darkened as they crossed the small bay of water north of the city. The column of smoke that was rising in front of them continued to dominate more of their view. Soon enough the wreckage came into view. It was the remnants of an airship. Curtis felt his doubts recede as he studied the wreck. Not much was left of the vessel. It had obviously been hit by more than one missile. What little remained of the ship gave no indication of its origin. Curtis leaned forward noticing a trail of supplies that spread behind the ship. His eyes followed the trail as it led northeast away from the wreckage. He saw the cloud of dust in the distance rising lazily into the air.
“What is that?” he asked as he pointed to the gray and brown cloud suspended in the hot air of the climate ravaged city. Kelly turned to look where he pointed.
“Not sure,” she replied, as she turned the ship toward it.
“Drones, investigate,” Kelly commanded as the screens in front of the vessel shifted to the drone’s video feed. The craft sped away from the ship, quickly closing on the cloud. Information began to filter in immediately. A crater lay below the cloud. Curtis felt a warning surge through him. There was no wreckage or evidence of an explosion near the crater. It was obvious something hit the earth going quite fast, but what eluded him.
“What could have done this?” he asked, looking at Kelly as she lowered the ship to the ground just beyond the thick dust hanging in the still air. Kelly did not answer looking at the various feeds coming in on the screen in front of her. Curtis stared at the slowly moving cloud trying to penetrate its thick shroud. As Kelly’s craft touched the ground Curtis received his answer. The infrared feeds from the drones circling above highlighted a form emerging from the cloud. Curtis leaned forward struggling to identify the form moving toward the ship. The wind from the ship’s engines pushed the dust sending rolling waves of the fine material across the dry ground surrounding them. As the final curtain of dust parted revealing the form approaching their vessel, Curtis felt a wave of recognition and shock wash over him, holding him in place. He barely registered Kelly’s voice telling the drones to stand down. Joy and agony tore through him as he watched Simon Fore slowly approach carrying Candace Worth in his arms.
The dust clung to his body as Simon slowly moved toward the craft crouched on the ground in front of him. Pain slowly ebbed through him as he focused on the vehicle. Similar to the airship he and Wren used to search for her father, it brought memories rushing back once more. Simon pulled his mind away from the memories. He needed to be ready in case of attack. He was only slightly wounded and healing quickly but the pain from impact was still a concern if he were attacked. He glanced to the unconscious form in his arms. Candace had not stirred since their impact. The nanids created a cushioned shield that had protected them from the packed ground of the lake bed, but it did not negate all the forces. Simon was concerned that she may be more fragile than she appeared. The sound of drones approaching brought his eyes back to the ship. As he watched, the hatch built in the side opened revealing a darkened interior. He could feel his nanids reacting, thickening his armor and preparing him for battle. Simon stopped waiting for whatever was within to exit. Flashes of his confrontation with Curtis Reynolds came to his mind. Their initial battle and his first integration with ARES flew through his mind. It was too much. Simon felt overwhelmed and turned to flee, when a familiar voice brought him to a halt.
“Simon, is that you?” Simon spun back to the craft. Curtis Reynolds stood in the doorway of the vessel. Simon struggled to understand what had happened to the man he had fought so long ago. He was no longer just the mixture of red and black from ARES and the Leviathan’s nanotechnology. White and silver mingled with the other two as well. He knew the white marked a confrontation with ODIN but puzzled over the silver. While struggling to understand why the silver color bothered him, he continued his inspection of Curtis. The man was covered in what looked like scales, but still held the feral quality given him by the Leviathan’s strain. The dark hair still formed a thick mane that fell down Curtis’ shoulders. A single red blade gleamed in the man’s hand. Simon recognized it as the same blade that he could form if needed. It was then the answer to the silver came into his mind. It was the mark of Wren’s nanids. Anger bloomed within him. He instinctively pulled Candace closer to him preparing to flee once more. He held Curtis’ gaze measuring his intent.
“Curtis what has happened to Wren?” he asked, his voice echoing across dry lake. Simon watched as shock registered in the man’s bestial visage, only to be replaced by sadness. The blade Curtis was holding slowly retracted into his body. Simon knew he could bring it to bear with a thought but recognized it as a gesture of peace. He allowed the tension in his frame to ease slightly. Curtis stepped out of the ship slowly closing the gap between them. When he was mere feet from Simon he stopped, the sadness still plain on his face.
“She is beyond us, Simon,” Curtis said, his anguish thickening his deep voice. Simon felt confusion ripple through him.
“Where is she?” he asked.
Curtis glanced up at the pale sky taking a ragged breath to steady himself.
“She is with ISIS. Somewhere in the Solar System,” the man replied. As Curtis prepared to continue he was interrupted by Kelly Holt pushing past him. Simon was shocked to see the woman. He was just as surprised by her appearance. She had not aged a day since he had last seen her. He knew there was no way she had normal nanids. Candace was proof of the lifespan of the original nanids. Questions spun around him as she approached. He put them all aside holding Kelly’s dark eyes.
“Candace is hurt. Can you help her?” he asked, stepping towards the woman. Kelly glanced at the unconscious form in Simon’s arms as pity softened her features. She looked back to Simon holding his gaze once more.
“I will do everything I can,” she replied, as a soft smile touched her lips. She moved to examine Candace further but was interrupted by her drone escort.
“Kelly, there are incoming vehicles from the human settlement,” it stated. Kelly and Curtis both stiffened. Simon realized that they must have been who had destroyed his ship. He armored skin which had softened with the removal of the immediate threat returned in an instant. His body gleamed as his strength increased preparing him for conflict. A deep growl from Curtis confirmed his reaction. Kelly’s voice rang out as well.
“Drones, defensive formation,” she yelled. Simon could hear the rumble of several vehicles. As the humans entered the dry lake bed to the east of them he could see plumes of dust begin to rise in their wake. Kelly’s drones rose into the sky forming a series of blurs above them preparing to engage the approaching humans. Simon moved to Kelly kneeling before her, gently placing Candace on the dry ground. Without a word he rose moving next to Curtis waiting for the humans to draw closer. As he studied the vehicles he saw what had become of humanity. There were four in total and each showed the wear of age. They were pieced together from other vehicles and scraps. Simon realized he was looking at the demise of humanity. These were the last remaining witnesses to the human presence on the earth. He knew they would be no match for him, even without Curtis and Kelly’s drones. As the patchwork vehicles closed in a voice rang out behind him pulling his attention away from their approach.
“Wait, I can stop them!”
EIGHT
Simon spun seeking the source of the voice which promised to stop the approaching confrontation. He could hear the vehicles rolling to a stop just beyond where he had impacted the arid ground. His eyes settled on an old man hustling down the ramp from the airship. His thin white hair whipped atop a face darkened by sun and exposure over many years. Simon recognized the same symptoms in the man as Candace. His nanids were failing and age was quickly catching up with him.
“How are you going to stop them?” Curtis asked, catching Simon’s attention. A silent glance confirmed the man was not to be trusted. Simon watched as the man approached them. Despite his age and failing nanids his stride was true, and his stocky frame looked ready for battle. As he drew closer he came to a stop and looked directly at Curtis, aged eyes drilling into the man turned beast.
“I will stop them because they follow my orders,” he stated flatly. Simon saw surprise cross Curtis’ features. Kelly and Curtis had not known who they had with them. Simon turned to the old man.
“Why would you help us?” he asked. The man turned his eyes on Simon, the wisdom and sadness of his life on display.
“I wouldn’t help you.” he replied, glancing at Candace where she lay unconscious on the ground at Kelly’s feet. He stepped past them as he continued.
“I am doing it for her.” The man broke into a jog toward the waiting vehicles where the wary contingent of humans were spreading into a defensive formation using the vehicles as cover.
“Alex, Peter, to me!” he shouted as he came to stop in front of the nearest vehicle. Simon watched a tall woman and average man converge on the old man. Simon turned to Curtis as he heard the humans’ voices drop as they conversed.
“Who is that?” he asked.
“I had a confrontation with a group of humans shortly before finding you,” Curtis replied, shaking his head. “He was the leader of the group. His name is Daniel. I did not realize he oversaw the remaining populace of Seattle.” Simon turned back to the humans in the distance. He could tell they were arguing about what to do with their new arrivals. Simon glanced at Curtis.
“If this does not go well…” he started but was interrupted once again.
“He will not fail. Daniel has never failed me.” Candace Worth’s voice brought Simon around. In an instant he was kneeling on the ground next to her. She was sitting up with Kelly’s assistance looking at the humans just beyond them. Her keen eyes held his before she embraced him. Simon brought his arms around her.
“I thought you were gone.” He said quietly.
“Ha!” she laughed gruffly pulling away from him. “I am not that easy to get rid of. Now help me up.” Simon helped her stand and they turned just as Daniel broke away from his two subordinates. He hurried when he saw Candace standing next to Simon, a smile crossing his leathered face. He slowed to a stop in front of them, his smile fading as he looked at Simon. A low growl issued from Curtis as he waited impatiently. Daniel ignored it and turned to Candace.
“Director Worth, it has been so long. We thought you were destroyed by ODIN,” he said, stepping closer. Simon glared at him in warning, but Worth’s hand on his arm stopped him.
“Daniel, I am sorry for my absence, but understand it was necessary. Have you convinced your compatriots to allow us in Seattle?” Worth asked. Simon smiled, relaxing as he saw the beginning of what Worth did best. In a matter of hours, he was sure the woman would be in charge once more. Daniel paused for a moment looking at Candace and then stepped back looking at Simon and others as well.
“Welcome to Seattle!” he said, nodding his head at Worth, his respect and deference to her obvious in the movement. Without another word he turned and signaled the humans. The group sprang into action loading back into the trucks to begin the short trek back to the city. Daniel turned looking at Kelly.
“If you wouldn’t mind could we take your airship back to the settlement?” he asked.
The ancient roadway slowly passed below the airship as it followed the human vehicles. Curtis watched the vehicles as they began crossing the bridge that led into the city. Halfway across there was a makeshift barrier composed of old vehicle and scrap metal. Behind it he could see the missile turrets that had brought down Simon’s airship. He felt a flutter of anxiety as they drew closer to the turrets. Trusting the humans was hard at this point considering their treatment so far. He could only hope that Kelly’s drones were able to protect them if it was a trap. The gate in the wall opened as the vehicles approached and the ship passed over the wall as they entered the protected zone of the city. No attack came. Curtis felt the tingle of relief wash over him. Glancing ahead he could see the ruins of the city spread before him. The airship picked up speed as the vehicles accelerated down the roadway. Abandoned towers dominated the city skyline. In the bright light of the midday sun they looked bleached and brittle. Curtis knew they would be stable but wondered how long before they would finally crumble. As they drew closer he could see where several had succumbed to age and were giant piles of refuse. Pulling his eyes away he glanced to the rear of the vessel and the rest of his companions. Daniel sat next to Candace looking relieved and nervous all at once. Curtis did not know what the current day politics were, but guessed the man was taking a significant risk bringing them into the city. Curtis felt his anger at the humans rise and pushed it away, looking instead at Simon Fore.
Simon sat silently, his face set in stone as he stared at the stasis chamber with Owen inside. Curtis could almost read his thoughts. The Leviathan had returned. The very being Simon sacrificed his life to destroy had returned. Everything Simon fought for had come to naught. Curtis knew there was little he could do to help the man. That is if it was Simon. Curtis thought back to the battle with the Leviathan at its facility in Colorado. The being that had destroyed it at the end was ARES not Simon Fore. He was sure of it. Wren had confirmed it as well. Now after all this time the man returns not as ARES but Simon Fore. It was too much for Curtis to consider. He could only hope it was indeed Simon and not another quantum they had to contend with. He shifted his observation to Candace Worth. The woman in whom he placed all his hope in was at death’s door.
