Asterion (27 page)

The lead programmer interrupts, “We can’t have them make that decision. They don’t know a soldier from a civilian from an enemy combatant.”

“The rapid attack wave is not human. Program them to protect human life and attack the beast’s profile and vital stats. When we encounter human enemies, we can return to the human decision for safety. In the meantime, I’ve given you a spec for identifying the enemy based upon attack posture and RFID, uniform and transponder systems for our soldiers. They will attack positively identified targets and request human confirmation when necessary.”

A programmer stands up and asks, “Will you work closely with us. The spec is not too specific in some areas.”

“I will be around. I am working on several projects with Phil and Christine. I need a few of you to directly assist me with a rescue system for damaged aircraft.”

The lead again stands up and addresses the assembled crowd. “I’ll assign a few programmers that have some experience with aircraft systems. We’ll work out the new attack protocols and test them.” She looks at Taylor and sits down.

“Folks, we don’t have much time. We are already in a state of war with Burnsom’s forces and they will be here within the week.”

The room erupts in cacophonous whispers as they realize the pressure they have on them. The lead again addresses her team. “I know that is a lot to take in, but this timeline is based upon the unavoidable situation we face. Your efforts and our eventual success will be partially attributed to our contributions and will not be forgotten.”

Taylor looks over the team, smiles and dismisses them. “Thank you. I know you can do it and I know freedom will prevail.”

The team leaves the room and the lead presents two programmers to Taylor for his project. Taylor leads the way and the programmers get to see Taylor’s current project.

One of them turns to Taylor and remarks, “This looks like a flying wing model.”

“It has a specific purpose. The gull wing shape and small diameter, long length jet engines allow it to have a low profile. The center section between the gull shaped wings houses a capture device to grab and cradle a disabled engine or attach to the pylon if the engine is gone.”

The other programmer interrupts, “It’s a rescue device.”

“Yes, exactly.”

“There are a lot issues and concerns about how this can even work.”

“That is why I needed some help. Here is the checklist of stuff you need to address to make it work. If you can think of anything else, we’ll work through it. Given the conflict and the movement of refugees, this could save a lot of innocent lives.”

Still looking at the craft the programmers mumbled in agreement and began to familiarize themselves with the various systems. Taylor walks to the other lab where Christine and Phil are working on the armor system.

He walks in and sees the revised suit. Titanium colored and trimmer than the bulky suits of the past he stands there, taking in the improvements.

Christine walks up on his side. “Nice huh, new titanium alloy, pressure hardening soft points, visual and infrared camouflage outer skin is just what you can see from the outside. Advanced weapon tracking and hard points for weaponry along with the artificial muscle systems that make it faster than the old system and faster than normal humans can perform.”

“Are they ready?”

“That’s the issue. They will not be ready for this round.”

“Why not?”

“The reliability with the camouflage systems under battle conditions and the linier accelerator for the RPG launcher for starters and we still have to modify weaponry systems for general use.”

“Oh, that’s a lot, but not insurmountable”

“No, we just need the time.”

“That we don’t have.”

Taylor and Christine go back to work on their projects. Little sleep and lots of stress have made everyone too tired for social exchanges and other pursuits. They long for the time to be together and just relax.

Burnsom travels to the base where Asterion and his centurions are training the legions of beasts. “I’m impressed with the level of coordination you have achieved here. Your transports, body armor, weapons and other supplies are here and ready for you.”

Turning his gaze from his troops to Burnsom Asterion responds. “We’re ready to crush them. They will not be able to withstand our speed and strength. We won’t be at a disadvantage this time.”

“Great, I know this is the fight you want and you’ll get it. I’ll leave you to it. Keep me informed.” Burnsom turns and leaves Asterion standing on the watchtower.

Later that day, Asterion is relaxing in his room when Trent appears at his open door. “What brings you here? You did not travel on your leach with Burnsom?”

“I think Burnsom serves both our needs to a certain degree. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes, but what are you getting at?”

“I think we need to keep an open communication channel between us that does not go through Burnsom. We can help each other better without the filtering.”

“I think you have a point. What are your needs?”

“I need to know what you would like to have access to. You know, stuff Burnsom will not allow you to have.”

“Better weapons?”

“Sure, there are some that would be useful as say, last resort or something like that.”

“Burnsom did put me in a bad spot in the city. It is better to have too many weapons than too little.”

“Exactly, Burnsom still exercises too much restraint with the rebellious factions. I fear his hesitation may bring about our eventual downfall. Burnsom felt this is too advanced for you.”

Trent show Asterion wearable infrared sights and modified night vision that compensates for the better night vision the beasts already have. He then has a few of the centurions bring in shoulder fired missiles capable of downing large aircraft. “Burnsom felt that by denying you this equipment he could hold back you advancement, but I think it would only leave you with more casualties.”

“Burnsom does treat me like his property.”

“You are not property. You are Asterion, the first and only one of your kind. You deserve the respect coming to you. You can do so much for all of us and I want to help you achieve your goals.”

“You have helped me thus far. I will be in touch.”

Trent leaves Asterion and returns back to Washington. Burnsom is waiting for him when he lands.

“Good trip?”

Trent is stunned, but quickly gains his composure again. “Yes sir. I believe in examining their progress first hand. To make sure the weapons we provide work and they can effectively work them. A lab far away is no way to keep tabs on things.”

Burnsom eyes Trent with an air of mistrust, but has nothing to pin on him. “Well, that’s good. Too many people hide in their offices and never know what is going on out in the field. However, you are too important not to let me know so that we can provide protection and avoid trouble spots. In the future, I must have you itinerary.”

“Yes sir, I understand. By the way, they are ready by my observation.”

“Good, they move out soon.”

Burnsom turns and walks away. Trent is staring at him with contempt. He saw him as an ignorant man who meanders through the political soup rather than take direct action against his opponents. Asterion would be the instrument Trent uses to get him out of the way. Now, how to get Asterion out of the way when that is accomplished.

Asterion assembles his centurions together on the eve of battle and begins to go over the battle plan with them. “My commanders, we are born out of the turmoil of man’s pride and stupidity. We will not sit still while this land deteriorates under their leadership. They are weak. We are strong and we will wrest all that we see from them. We fight alongside them now, but in the future we will lead and we will rule. Steady your troops in battle. There is no retreat without reengagement. There is only death, no surrender. Fight until the last drop of life leaves you. Life without conquest is slavery in their fields. Do you want that?”

A collective “no” comes from the assembled. They begin to bellow and pump their fists in the air. Asterion raises his hands to quiet the crowd.

“We will not return here unless we are victorious. Taste the excitement of battle. Salivate at the hunger burning in you now. Dominate the humans with no mercy. They do not deserve it.”

The words whip them into a frenzy and they are ready to follow Asterion anywhere. He smiles, enjoying the adulation of his troopers and he puffs out his chest as he looks over them.

He once again calls for quiet. He pauses, looking over them to heighten the tension he leaves them with this last order. “Stir up your charges for tomorrow, we travel to victory.”

The centurions bellow with excitement and leave Asterion. He smiles in anticipation of real combat instead of a policing action. From the distance, he hears the centurions whip their troops into a wild frenzy. The equipment is loaded on the readied transports. Their weapons and ammo are packed. Conquest is in front of them.

CHAPTER 30 - FINAL PREPARATION

A soldier monitoring a screen turns excitedly around to Sanderson. “Sir, we have movement on the ground.”

Sanderson stands, “Undoubtedly the beasts.”

“Yes sir.”

“Distance, speed and direction.”

“Fifty miles, twenty-five mph and coming out of the east, north-east.”

“What about the other bases?”

“Activity has increased, but nothing is moving out of the bases yet.”

“Quicker than we thought. Patch me through to my commanders.”

“You’re on the air sir.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, Burnsom’s beasts are on the move and we are still moving refugees and material. Now is the time to make sure that everything is moving as fast as it can. They will soon overrun those who are still traveling to safety. Support will be outbound to you, but you may have to hold them off for a short time. Keep things moving and don’t stop for disabled equipment. Consolidate the personnel and refugees and keep moving. That is imperative. We are downloading modified plans to you as we speak. Review them on the move. Good luck and Godspeed.”

The commanders start barking out commands to the masses and reviewing the plans with their senior staff. Vehicles start the journey to meet their adversaries on the field of battle, to challenge differing ideas about the future, tyranny or freedom will be the outcome. Great trails of dust rise above the horizon and contrails streak through the sky. They leave no mystery as to their resolve and determination.

Taylor and Christine attend a church service. It has been a long time since they had the opportunity to go to a church. Civilians and military personnel gather to worship and pray for the efforts of those going into harm’s way. The minister spoke of helping the oppressed, the widows, orphans and the foreigner from the books of Jeremiah and Matthew. Many are in tears and others bore ashen expressions on their faces. They had never faced a trial such as this one.

Taylor and Christine left the service in silence knowing full well the obstacles facing the troops. They had done all they could to help and they would assist during the battle. Taylor worked on perfecting the cerebellum device, the intelligence module for all the automated systems. Rescue systems received rudimentary testing, but there is still much consternation about their ability to work properly under battle conditions.

Christine wrapped her arm around Taylor’s, “Do you think we can do this?”

“We have to if we want to live free.”

“Yes, but what do you really think?”

With a stern expression, he replies, “I think we need God’s help.”

“Fair enough, I agree, but it is still scary.”

“I agree with you there. Not much time to rest with all the other projects and monitoring these systems.”

Phil is sitting on a bench outside the lab watching the procession from the distance. He turns when he hears them approach. “Everything go well?”

Christine sighs, “A somber occasion to say the least, but it helps at this time.”

“A lot to weigh I know.” He looks around and waves both arms at everything. “You work on all this technology and it’s like a toy. Now it has to work right or else. You hope that it does not let some trooper or refugee down when they need it most.”

Taylor shields his eyes with his hand watching the legions fade in the haze of the afternoon. “You feel that you should have had more time to test everything, but you go to war with the army you have.”

Christine looks at Taylor and replies, “Sometimes those are famous last words.”

Phil interjects, “Yea, just like Poland in World War 2.”

Taylor smiles and points in the distance, “I think we have a little bit better equipment than biplanes. We do have a fighting chance.”

Phil stands up, “Well, speaking of a fighting chance, we need to work on the suits. I focused on getting a list of glitches and other problems that need to be worked out before it is battle ready.”

Taylor and Christine look at each other with sullen faces. They see each other every day, but the lack of us time wears on them. A collective, “Yea,” and they descend back into the lab.