Post Contact: First Days, page 25
There was a long moment of silence before General Troy spoke. ‘Sir, I’m afraid you’re incorrect in your assumption. Our anti-missile defences have held, but we are vulnerable. Our satellites provide a crucial link in the chain. The destruction of satellites has weakened the shield—’
‘Surely, general, you have launched replacements?’ said Enriquez.
‘Yes, sir, we have held in secret reserve the capacity to replace our entire satellite system. We’re launching replacements as quickly as possible. We’ve launched enough replacement satellites to maintain the system’s integrity. But those replacements also stand vulnerable to attack and now to increased risk of damage from space debris. When we lose the replacement satellites, which eventually we will, then we are completely vulnerable.’
‘Tell me again, General Troy, how exactly do you read this situation?’ said the president.
‘Mr President, following replacement launches coming online and integrating with the system, the satellite information necessary to maintain our shield is currently functioning fully. From our perspective, so far, this has been a satellite conflict. Everyone who has the technology is taking down as many potential opponents’ satellites as they can, while they can. We are doing the same. There have been several thousand destroyed. More by us than by any of the other protagonists – the Chinese, Russians, India—’
‘So, you would say, fighting this conflict on its present terms, we’re winning the battle?’ said the president.
‘If we don’t destroy our enemies’ ability to launch anti-satellite strikes against our newly launched replacement satellites, our shield will fail. Perhaps in two hours’ time, perhaps in two days. I can’t say when it will fail; I can say, it will fail. At which point, they can launch a further salvo of ICBMs, and we will have no answer. Game over.’
‘If we launch a strike, it will, without doubt, destroy half of Asia and Europe,’ said the president, leaning forward in his chair.
‘If we don’t, they will eventually get through and destroy America. Strike now, and we can survive; wait, and there will be nothing left of America to survive for,’ said General Troy.
‘Mr President,’ said Enriquez, ‘all our nuclear power stations are in safe mode – I understand our direct allies and many other countries have taken similar steps. I suggest we reach out to the Chinese and Russians one more time. They know, having launched ICBMs at us and failed, all the rules are off the table; we can fire any time we want with full justification, and our ICBMs will hit home. You hold the big stick right now. Please, try once more.
‘Meanwhile, General Troy will continue to monitor our satellite status. If we lose any more and the system’s integrity is threatened in any way, then is the moment to hit them, hard, sweep them off the table before they realise the breach and launch another wave at us.’ Enriquez stared directly at the president. ‘One last diplomatic push? They both know, if we fire our ICBMs they’re finished, completely. Right now, you have the upper hand. If you use it right, we could still save the world.’
Chapter 74. Base Primo
‘Welcome back, sir,’ said Besinski, throwing the general a crisp salute as he disembarked. Besinski masked his surprise when the general was followed off the craft by a group of people he had not expected. The three women he did not know, Swires and Modiac he did.
‘Thank you, captain. These are my wife and daughters; I’ll need to arrange extra accommodation for them. The other two stowed away.’
‘Stowaways, sir! You want me to have them locked up?’
‘As appealing as the suggestion is, captain, I think we’d better sort them out with accommodation too. We’re all in this together now.’
‘Yes, sir. What do you mean all in it together, sir?’
The general looked sharply at Besinski. ‘I’ll be giving a briefing shortly, stand by for an announcement.’
‘Yes, sir,’ said Besinski as the general hurried off in the direction of the main control room.
Following hot on the heels of the general, the passengers passed by, and finally, Kingston emerged. The two captains had become firm friends over the past months, and Besinski took the opportunity to quiz the pilot.
‘Hey, Kingston, what’s the big deal?’
‘My lips are sealed, buddy. Reckon if I spill this, the general will bust me. But you’ll want to be at the general’s briefing for sure,’ said Kingston as he made to follow his passengers.
‘Wait, okay, but let’s get a drink tonight. What do you say?’
‘I’m with you there, man. A big drink.’
‘You’re on. And don’t forget to check that pistol into the armoury before you do anything else,’ called Besinski, watching Kingston’s retreating back.
***
The general left his family in the care of Kingston at the foot of the Goliath’s steps. He hurried up to where Steph and Weeman knelt, peering deep into the display. They both looked up at the sound of the general’s shoes pacing across the tank.
Smiling a greeting, Steph stood. ‘General, you’re back – great. Weeman’s been explaining how he …’ her voice trailed off as she read the grave expression on Dower’s face. ‘What is it?’
‘Bad news, I’m afraid. Very bad. First off, can you get everyone to congregate, here or in the various other concourses. I don’t think people should be alone when they hear. Perhaps organise to get the night shift people up for it too? The briefing will start in ten minutes’ time.’
‘Oh, it must be urgent,’ said Steph. She turned away to issue a series of instructions, getting tools downed and people to gather right across the base. Finishing, she turned back toward the general and stopped and scowled; Swires had taken it on himself to join the party, and the general had not wasted his breath in dismissing him.
On the far side of the Goliath’s top was a little cluster of scientists who had been busy assessing something displayed within. Steph crossed to them and pointed them politely down the steps to join the others in a rapidly swelling crowd.
‘Well, general,’ she said, returning to his side.
In a hushed and matter of fact tone, Dower explained what had been happening on Earth. Weeman remained expressionless, Swires provided frequent nods of affirmation, and Steph went pale.
‘Did any of those missiles reach America?’ she said, taking Weeman’s hand. He squeezed hers gently.
‘None in the strike salvo we saw. The shield held,’ said the grim-voiced general.
‘What about Britain? Did they strike the UK?’ she said.
‘We do have new shield capability over western Europe. What’s happened there, I don’t know. Maybe it’s held up there too. I hope so.’
‘Oh God. My family …’ she said.
‘Hope for the best, Steph. We didn’t see anything. Britain could have got off lightly. But in the end, I’m afraid nowhere’s safe. With the destruction of so many satellites, especially within our military network, even the strongest shield will become compromised. Then there’ll be no stopping the missiles getting through to their targets.’
‘Is there anything we can do?’ said Steph.
‘Pray. Hope the leaders get a handle on things even at this late stage. Be kind to one another here.’ He glanced toward Swires. ‘For better or worse, we have to assume now this is the sum of humanity.’ His hands swept round to include the several hundred people who had now squeezed into the control room; they looked up toward him expectantly.
The general glanced at his watch. ‘Two minutes; anything else before I take this live?’
‘I wonder, general. Would you excuse me? I don’t think I’m needed here, and there is something I’m going to have to hurry along now,’ said Weeman.
‘I’ll manage without you. Is there another problem?’
‘Perhaps, perhaps not. I need to dispatch the second virus craft to Earth. Timing is crucial.’
‘As you think best,’ said the general.
Steph took the general’s hand and guided his finger strokes across his forearm, establishing a live feed to every collar-phone in the base. ‘You’re good now,’ she said.
‘Thank you.’ The general turned to survey the crowd below.
‘What’s the rush, Weeman?’ said Steph, raising her voice slightly above the growing hubbub rising from below.
‘My craft is due to distribute the virus around Earth later tomorrow. In the light of this news, it needs to go today. That’s earlier than planned, but I think I must send it immediately – an early distribution will lessen its effectiveness but needs must. I shall just go and check the virus is loaded safely on board and launch it at once.’
‘Why the sudden hurry?’ she said.
‘If the general’s description is accurate, and I’m sure it is, then my craft delivering the virus might not get through. Thousands of exploded satellites spinning round Earth’s atmosphere will fragment to form a metallic shroud; soon, it may be impenetrable.
‘This second virus must be distributed. The first virus will already be developing in the atmosphere, in isolation it’s quite lethal. Significantly more than a ninety-nine percent death rate. The second virus will reduce the impact of the first virus to little more than a sore stomach.’ Weeman set off for the stairs.
‘Will it get through the atmosphere safely?’
‘I hope so. Our craft are strong.’ Weeman reached the steps and headed down.
‘I’ll follow you in a few minutes, once the general’s spoken,’ said Steph, returning to Dower’s side.
As the general began to speak, Swires gripped her wrist. ‘Did I hear that right?’ said Swires in a hissed whisper.
‘Hear what?’ said Steph.
‘That little gnome is going to release a virus into Earth’s atmosphere. And you’re letting him?’
‘Steph jerked her wrist free. ‘You misheard, misunderstood.’ She stepped up to stand beside the general.
‘I don’t think so,’ said Swires, half to himself. He scanned the crowd and spotted Modiac far off by the door, just where he’d been detailed to stand. Looking down, he saw Weeman progressing at a slightly unsteady pace down the steps. The crowd was entirely fixated on the general’s speech; nobody other than Modiac noticed or paid any attention to Swires’ discreet signing. Having received an acknowledgement from Modiac, Swires made for the steps.
In short order, he was down and pressing through the crowd. He couldn’t see Weeman but knew he was heading for the exit. Nearing the doorway, he spotted Modiac who had retreated into the corridor and was intently watching something beyond Swires’ line of sight.
Pushing through the last of the throng, Swires stepped clear and joined Modiac.
‘Well? Where’s the gnome?’ said Swires.
‘He’s gone that way, boss. Turned into another room about fifty paces on.’
‘Right, that’s where we’re going too.’
High on the Goliath, Steph suddenly realised that Swires was no longer there. Puzzled, she scanned the room, checking to the entrance where she had earlier noticed Modiac, the man’s height and Earth-found civilian gear combining as a stand-out amid the horde of sleeve-cut uniforms and lab coats.
He wasn’t there. Then she saw both men, beyond the doorway, standing some paces further out in the passageway proper. They spoke while looking in the direction of the laboratories then suddenly moved off with purpose. For a moment, Steph found herself looking at the empty space the men had just left.
Then her heart sank, the laboratories, that was where Weeman had just gone. She knew there was a link. Taking a couple of slow steps backward, she discreetly left the general’s side, turned and made for the steps at as brisk a pace as she dared. Hurrying down, she stroked her arm.
‘Captain Besinski? Can you hear me? It’s Steph.’
‘Besinski here, what is it?’
‘Where are you?’ said Steph, now easing herself through the tight-packed crowd.
‘I’m at the back of the control room. Beside the entrance.’
‘Listen carefully. Weeman’s gone to the labs. I think Swires and Modiac have followed him. They may plan him some harm.’
‘Weeman passed a minute or so ago. He was struggling a bit, seemed pretty preoccupied too. Modiac is standing just a few yards from me…’ Besinski looked about. ‘He’s gone!’
‘Please captain, get to the labs, urgently. I’m coming through the crowd; I’ll be there soon too.’
‘On it now,’ said Besinski. While stepping into the corridor, he signalled to a squad of his men who had congregated near him to listen to the general’s speech. They responded at once, following him out.
Besinski looked toward the labs and saw Swires and Modiac turning into an opening. ‘Two civilians, a threat to Weeman. Let’s move. With me, on the double!’
He sprinted along the passageway followed by his men. As a pack, they turned into the labs. Besinski brought them to a halt. There was no sign of Swires or Modiac. Silent hand signals directed two men into the lab to the right, two men to the lab on the left. He signed the three remaining men to follow him through the door at the passageway’s end. As they passed through it, they saw another door ahead of them sliding shut.
In the quiet of his lab, Weeman had quickly satisfied himself the samples were ready and, with a swift stroke of hand over sleeve, initiated their loading. He watched as a bot smoothly rolled across the lab carrying the samples off to the craft. A sudden movement seen in the corner of his eye caught his attention. He turned to see two men standing inside the closing lab door.
‘You! Alien, what have you just done? Stop that bot! Where’s it going?’ said Swires, as he and Modiac crossed the lab toward him.
Weeman was shocked at the intrusion. ‘This is important work – you must not interfere. Please leave now,’ he said.
‘To hell with that. No way are you sending a virus to Earth. Stop it now, or we’ll stop it for you.’
Weeman glanced at the bot; it was nearly at the service hatch. He turned to look again at Swires. ‘I’m sorry, it must not be stopped.’
‘Oh, no?’ said Swires. He pulled a pistol from inside his jacket and aimed at the bot.
‘No, don’t shoot. The virus must be launched.’ Weeman stepped in front of the retreating bot, his hands outstretched to block the shot.
‘Your choice, gnome,’ said Swires. He squeezed the trigger, and the sharp reports of his pistol discharging filled the room. Five shots. Two punched hard into Weeman’s chest. As he dropped, the following shots hit the bot’s power unit, and it came to a halt.
‘My usual crack shooting,’ said Swires. ‘Modiac, make sure that bot is completely disabled; get the samples out of it, then we’ll work out how to destroy this virus the little monster’s made.’ He waved Modiac toward the broken bot while he crossed the room to where Weeman lay.
Stepping over Weeman, he prodded him with the toe of his shoe. ‘Hey, shrimpy, can you hear me?’
Weeman’s hands clenched his chest where two stains were spreading out to cover his front. He struggled to speak. ‘Please, I must launch it—’
‘You’re launching nothing,’ said Swires. ‘Now, I’ve got a round in the chamber; I can make it easy for you if you tell me who else is involved in your game.’
‘It’s no game,’ gasped Weeman to the sound of Modiac dragging the sample cases out of the broken bot.
‘No game for you, that’s certain—’
‘Hey, you! Stand back,’ said Besinski as he hurried into the lab. His men followed and fanned out. Two heading toward Modiac, one joining Besinski in making for Swires.
For just a moment, Swires was caught off guard. Then he brought his weapon to bear, firing three rapid shots. With a cry of pain, the soldier running with Besinski dropped, dying as he fell.
Besinski had almost reached Swires as the pistol came to bear on him. His launching a flying kick in a desperate attempt to pre-empt the shot was only a partial success. As his boot hit Swires full in the chest the round destined for Besinski’s heart was diverted into his shoulder. Ignoring the pain, he followed through with his full body weight, felling Swires, and both men were suddenly grappling on the ground for control of the weapon.
Besinski’s strong hand gripped Swires’ wrist to prevent him aiming a shot, but the wounded shoulder rendered his other hand useless, and Swires was able to rain a flurry of unopposed blows about Besinski’s head.
Recognising it was only a matter of moments before Swires could bring his pistol to bear, Besinski knew there could only be one outcome to the unbalanced struggle. Swires knew it too and leaned down to deliver a triumphant sneer in his victim’s face.
In testament to his honed upper-body strength, Besinski ignored the searing pain in his shoulder to jerk his head from the floor and sink his teeth into Swires’ nose.
Swires screamed, tried to pull back, but Besinski kept his teeth locked. Tighter, tighter. As Swires rained blows about Besinski’s face, it was Swires’ blood that flowed to cover them both. Suddenly, loosing his grip on Swires’ pistol wrist, Besinski’s hand instantly slid up and grabbed the pistol’s stubby little barrel. He jerked and twisted it. Distracted by the pain in his face, Swires lost control of the weapon, and Besinski immediately brought it to bear and fired two shots. Swires fell aside and the victor raised his gaze to establish what was happening in the room.
Modiac stood beside the broken bot, his pistol holding at bay the two marines who had advanced on him. He was a killer and would have shot the two men dead but for the arrival of four more marines at the doorway. Knowing he could never take down all six before the survivors got to him had stayed his hand; a stand-off while he waited for Swires to win through.
Swires had lost, and before Modiac could process the implications, Besinski aimed and fired. Hitting the big man in the chest straight off. He kept firing until the pistol was empty, and Modiac was heading for the deck.
