Asterion (30 page)

The battle robots, alerted to the refugees’ plight move in to intervene. The centurions see them and start to focus most of their fire on the robots. The robots perform evasive maneuvers while larger automated tanks crash through the trees. With side-mounted heavy cannons, they roar across the ground tracking the beasts. The four cannons mounted on each side of the gimbal mounted turret lever outward and fire simultaneously. The deafening blast shakes the ground and the shock wave radiates from the tanks. The heavy guns recoil back on the levers, slapping the turret, the spent shells fly from the breaches, a new round takes its place, and they fire again.

The smaller robots streak in a line and form a hundred and eighty degree arc around the refugees and streak back in a line for resupply. A hail of withering rounds chatters from their guns forming a fan pattern, holding the beasts at bay. Several lumbering robots insert themselves between the defending robots and the refugees. Lying flat on top of these robots are shields. They rise and start to unfurl protecting them from the artillery. The refugees can hear the bullets and blasts hit the shields as the robots shake and shutter from the punishment.

Convoys of armored troop transports come up the middle of the robot line and spin around when they reach the refugees. The ramps opens and soldiers call for them to get in them. The refugees hunch low as they make their way to safety. All loaded the transports race from the area down the protective corridor. The line and arc of robots withdraws with them, still providing suppressing fire for the retreat. When they are safe on their way, the robots turn their fury on the beasts. Pressing a full attack, they fly through the ranks of the beasts cutting them down until not one of creatures stands.

Asterion is incensed. Even with his numerical superiority, he is still unable to advance against the provisional forces.

Burnsom is monitoring the situation. “Where is that goo stuff?”

The tactical commander in the war room turns and replies, “Being dropped as we speak.”

Asterion sees the airdrop and sends his troopers to uncrate and start using the new weapon.

Mounting the shells into the artillery pieces they fire into the attacking robots, mired in the goo, and the fibrous strands, it locks them tight. Asterion smiles and turns to motion his troopers to start advancing.

Taylor and Phil reprogram the Hawks on the fly to shoot down the artillery shells and focus on the artillery batteries.

Sanderson calls Martinez, “Colonel, they are defeating our automated systems. Move artillery and troops to Sector 5 to prevent a breach of our lines.”

“Yes sir, we’re moving assets to cover the retrieval of the automated systems. Air assets are providing top cover.”

“Good, stay on top of things.” Sanderson turns off the radio and studies the tactical screens.

Burnsom turns to his tactical commander, “Where is the air support from those bases?”

“Sir, everything that they can field is in the air and en route at this time. Some are beginning to arrive, but many are still on the way.”

Burnsom slumps back in his seat. He is tempted to use bombers, but he knows the wholesale destruction would be politically deadly for him. He’s frustrated at having such power, but he is unable to use it.

Trent pops up on his monitor screen. “Sir, the goo is working. Asterion is advancing again.”

“Great news, I know when the combat gets close there human troopers will be no match for those beasts. Carry on my friend.”

The screen goes blank and Tom, standing behind him, interrupts Burnsom’s happy moment. “Ira, we have other problems.”

Burnsom motions Tom to sit next to him. “What is it now?”

“I just received a letter signed by a couple of the provisional governors, most of the mayors and chiefs of local security. They strongly protest what you are doing and demand that you cease this rogue action immediately.”

“Rogue action. Who do these people think they are? They gave me the power and I am not going to let them take it back. Tom, I need to address the citizens of the nation again before these officials sway public opinion.”

“Do you think that’s a wise thing to do now?”

“I have to go over their heads. Get the people’s approval. Then they will have to go along.”

“Okay, we’ll make it prime time. Shall I work on a speech?”

“Yes, this has to be a good one.”

Tom leaves the room to prepare for tonight. Burnsom sighs and takes some antacid tablets. He has to prepare mentally for this as well as physically prepared. He retires to his bedroom in the Whitehouse. He lies down on the bed to get some rest.

In his office, Trent is smiling. His importance is growing every day and this quick goo stuff is a great win for him. “Quick and easy, I always say.”

He looks over some ideas for his next step in the evolution of the creatures. “The Balkans, wonder what the weather is like there this time of year.”

A soldier dumps a sample of the goo in front of Taylor. A quick smell and he smiles at the soldier. He goes to the kitchen grabs a bottle of cooking oil from the shelf and returns. He pours

some on the goo and it starts to dissolve. The soldier looks at him with a dumbfounded look. Taylor smiles, “Common ordinary vermin trap stuff.”

The soldier turns to leave, “Thank you Sir, I’ll let them know.”

They prepare fire suppression robots with vegetable oil and under armed robot escort followed by recovery robots they start to unstick the robots and move them back for rebuilding and return to battle.

Asterion watches them from a distance. He is angered and knows that it is Taylor who is foiling him at every turn, but he does realize that this does cause problems for the provisional forces. With reduced numbers of automated systems, Asterion is able to make some advances. More aircraft are on station taking out provisional artillery before Hawks and helicopter gunships destroy them. Losses are heavy on the government’s side, as they don’t have the automated systems the provisional forces have and what they have is outdated. However, the number of automateds is dwindling.

CHAPTER 32 - LOSING GROUND

Sanderson calls a conference to discuss the situation. “Ladies and gentlemen we have been able to hold them off for now, but our resources are growing short. Asterion is starting to advance on our positions.”

Taylor’s gets an urgent message on his phone. He answers it to hear a familiar voice on the other end. “Milar, you made it. I’ll get Christine.”

“Wait, wait, this isn’t a social call. My government has authorized me to send a thousand of our automated robots to help the South Central Province. It’s off the record and we are disavowing any knowledge in public. However, we will have observers there to help and I’ll be heading up the team.”

“Great, I’ll tell Sanderson.”

“Okay, I’ll see you guys later.”

Sanderson pauses for questions and Taylor interrupts, “Sir, I just got a commitment from the Israelis to send automated systems for us to use.”

“Great, that is good news. How are they framing the public message?”

“Combat observation for informational purposes.”

“That is our message to anyone who asks.”

Sanderson goes over the battle map, outlines each commander’s positioning and goal, and concludes with, “Dismissed.”

Taylor whispers in Christine’s ear, “Milar make it.”

Christine shouts, “She did.”

Sanderson, surprised, looks at Christine, “Everything okay?”

“Sorry, good news.”

“We need some of that around here. Congratulations.” Sanderson goes back to his map and continues the planning session.

Taylor, Christine and Phil are elated at the news. They are starting to worry as Asterion is advancing too close for comfort. Overhead they hear the sound of heavy transport planes overhead. The race to ground level to see the Galaxy C10’s with the Star of David covered over landing on the field.

The large transports taxi back to the hangers and turn facing away from the buildings. As their engines whine to a stop, the back ramp drops down. Taylor and Christine see a familiar figure walk off first and head their way.

Milar takes off her helmet, “I did not know if you two made it until I got home.”

Christine hugs her, “We thought the same when we heard the gunfire. I think our escort after you did not make it.”

“Too bad, we never know when our time is up.”

Taylor puts his hand on her shoulder and smiles, “Well, we’re glad to see you again and you come bearing gifts.”

“Yes, these are exactly like the joint developed automated systems you have now.”

Christine points to the hanger, “Come meet Phil and we’ll find you a room to stay in and we’ll get to work.”

The four of them start plugging in the Cerebellum modules and sending the robots on their way. Their enthusiasm overcomes the fatigue they’re feeling, as there is new hope for the provisional forces.

Burnsom calls in the ambassador to Israel into his office. “Demi, we have noticed that some of your transports have come over our border with Mexico and entered the South Central Province. What is your government’s intent?”

“Mister Leader, we have many commercial relationships around the world. The South Central Province of your country is just one of them. I know you are experiencing trouble there, but we made these commitments long ago. I’m sure that it is supplies purchased. While we are here my government wanted me to inquire why you are not backing our security measures in the light of new hostiles in the region.”

“Your government needs to understand that it is not popular to support you in the world today. I have enough issues to worry about without condemnation from other nations in the world. Give a little here and there. It may win you some sympathy.”

“If we give much more we’ll have to sprout gills and flippers.”

Burnsom laughs, but stifles it when he realizes the insensitivity of his response. “Well, at this time I can’t. There is just no gain for me by doing so. Maybe if your government was more supportive of my efforts, we could work something out.”

The Ambassador, obviously incensed by the offer put on the table frowns. “I’m sorry that greed has gotten in the way of principle and commitments. Our nation, formed as a result of the oppression we experienced will not oppress other peoples. We will not assist another nation with its oppressive actions against its own citizens.” After that stinging rebuke, the Ambassador leaves the office.”

Burnsom smirks and mutters, “Like their concerns mean anything to me. Good thing I cut off their funds long ago.” He did not see the profit in the relationship despite the longstanding relations and technology sharing the nations engaged in during the past.

Asterion initiates a call to Trent. “I think Taylor is solving all our little puzzles.”

“I agree, but there is a solution. Here are the coordinates where his lab is located. You can catch all of them there.”

Asterion howls at the news and says, “Trent, you and I make a good team.”

“I am in agreement with you. We are better than Burnsom could ever be. I won’t hold you back and if there is something I can give you for your quiver, I’ll make sure you get it whether Burnsom wants you to have it or not.”

“You will be by my side when I take over.” Asterion ends the call and calls a few of his centurions to discuss his thrust into their territory to take the lab. He leads the group as they break through a weak point in the line and head for their location.

Milar sticks her head into the lab and yells, “We got trouble on the way.”

The team heads topside and the few security people there are starting to take positions to fight the hoard coming their way.

Taylor turns to a Corporal, “What’s coming our way?

“The beasts sir, their leader is with them. Not a huge force, but big enough to cause some trouble.”

Christine looks up, “Asterion, he’s coming for us.”

Milar points to the warehouse, “We still have a bunch of robots we can use.”

Taylor turns, “We have not upgraded them with the chips.”

Milar starts for the warehouse, “I’ll get the support team to send them out as they get upfitted.”

She runs toward the building as Taylor, Christine and Phil grab weapons and take shelter behind the berm security raised for their protection.

Phil elevates his weapon and takes a shot.

Taylor looks at Phil, “We probably should preserve our ammo.”

About that time, the grenade lands between two vehicles and takes them out and the beasts riding in them. Phil looks at Taylor’s surprised face and says, “When you’re stuck in the desert in this lab you find a way to take out your aggressions. Target practice is my way.”

“Well, keep it up.”

The whole team starts to fire upon Asterion causing them to seek shelter behind some rocks and other outcroppings. Asterion is hungry for a victory over Taylor and Christine. He salivated at the thought of finally squashing them under his might as they tried to advance on the lab.

Sporadically, robots come out of the warehouse and form a line in front of the humans, targeting any beast that dared to raise its head above the safety of the outcroppings. Joined by others, they start to advance on Asterion’s position, but RPG’s from Asterion’s side take out a few of them.